When it comes to slow cooking using a slow cooker, you might notice that there are two settings to be used.
It is often very confusing whether to cook on a high or a low setting. However, it all depends on the food recipe you will make.
Some recipes are best cooked in a low setting, while others are fully utilized in a high setting. Using both will give you differences in the final meal output, which is very confusing for many.
In some cases, there are times that we would want to make things quicker. And the best option is to switch from low to high on slow cooker.
But the question still remains, is it all right to switch from low to high? Can it make sudden changes to the food you are going to cook?
This time, we will uncover the truth about switching settings. Let’s learn more about the reality that switching can bring to our daily cooking.
Can I switch from low to high on slow cooker?
Yes! In dire circumstances, you can switch from low to high on the slow cooker.
For example, if you have cooked a recipe that does not allow a longer time period, switching to a high setting will reduce the cooking time.
Aside from that, if you are in a hurry because you have an appointment in a few hours, all you need is to switch from low to high to quicken things up.
Lastly, if you are preparing for a party and set it low, and your guest is coming already, switching to high can help you finish the meal on time.
Guide on how to switch from low to high?
Simply turn the knob on your slow cooker to the “high” setting. It’s that easy!
Keep in mind that food will cook faster on the high setting, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, a dish that takes 8 hours on low may only take 4 hours on high.
As always, use your best judgment when cooking. If you’re not sure whether something is done, err on the side of caution and take it out of the slow cooker sooner rather than later. Better to have slightly under
Is there a need to switch from low to high?
It would be the best option in some cases and in dire situations. Switching from low to high will heat things more and reduce cooking time.
Hence, it will cook the food much faster than using a low setting all the way. However, you need to remember to convert the cooking time because both settings have different times in the first place.
Below is a chart that can help you convert cooking time from low to high.
Low to High Conversions
| Low | High |
| 5 Hours | 1 Hour |
| 6 Hours | 2 Hours |
| 7 Hours | 3 Hours |
| 8 Hours | 4 Hours |
| 9 Hours | 5 Hours |
| 10 Hours | 6 Hours |
| 11 Hours | 7 Hours |
| 12 Hours | 8 Hours |
What happens to food when switching from low to high?
Switching from low to high settings means that there will be an increase in heat to the maximum power rate of the slow cooker.
This will give more heat for the food to be cooked, thus reducing the cooking time needed.
However, by switching to a high setting, there will be a chance that the food you are preparing will taste bland, and often it can burn the food.
The increase in heat will boil down the liquid faster than before. In this case, you need to add more liquid if you desire to switch from a low to a high setting.
Which is better to cook food, low or high setting?
In general, the main objective of a slow cooker is to cook slowly, which means the device is best suited to cook on a low setting.
When cooking on a low setting, this will prepare the food in the best condition, giving a flavorful output. As others may say, “Slowly but surely.” This will give the food the best finish that it can have.
On another note, cooking in a high setting is ideal for some recipes. For example, if you want to roast beef or cook larger cuts of meat.
With that, you need to cook it on a high setting rather than the low setting since it will cook the meat much faster. You don’t want to wait the whole day for it to be cooked, right?
Overall, it depends on the recipe that you are cooking. And it also depends on your preference and your cooking style. As long as you achieve the best finished, either setting will do its job efficiently.
Can I reduce time when cooking on a slow cooker?
Yes, certainly. If you are in a hurry and want to finish early, reducing the time can be done by switching from low settings to high settings. This will enable you to cook the recipe much faster. But remember to convert the cooking time properly so that the food won’t be burnt.
When do I use the high setting when using a slow cooker?
High settings are often used when cooking hard foods such as large cuts of meat, roast, whole chicken, and many more. There are also times the recipes cook best in a high setting. Aside from that, you can use a high setting if you want to cook faster.
Does switching from low to high use a lot of electricity?
Switching from low to high doesn’t necessarily mean that it will use a lot of electricity. It depends on the maximum wattage of your slow cooker.
For example, if you have a 2 quarts capacity slow cooker with 120 watts and use that for 6 hours daily, it will only consume 0.72 kWh.
The electrical output will still be the same whether you are using a low or high setting. Also, it doesn’t even matter even if you are using a mini slow cooker or lightweight slow cooker.
However, you don’t need to worry about that because slow cookers are one of the most promising kitchen equipment that has ever been made because these devices are actually energy-efficient. Hence, it utilizes little electricity even if you use it for longer durations, whether it be a low or a high setting.
Is switching from low to high result in an overcooked or undercooked dish?
Yes! There is a chance that it will lead to an overcooked or undercooked dish.
If you haven’t converted the cooking time properly and haven’t made any necessary changes from switching, it will destroy the food that you are making.
Switching from low to high means higher heat and temperature; thus, it boils the liquid more than cooking it in low settings.
Also, when you decide to switch from low to high, always add more liquid to cover up the moisture that has been lost from it. Monitor the food inside the slow cooker from time to time to check if it has been properly cooked.
Final Word
There you have it! We have uncovered the truth about switching from low to high settings. Remember that it depends upon your preference if you want to switch, but be careful of its adverse effects.
Make sure that you have properly converted the cooking time to prevent an undercooked or overcooked dish.
Also, remember to add liquid when necessary. Switching from low to high will surely help you cook faster if you are in a hurry or the recipe needs switching.
Check everything from the moment you switch and ensure that the food inside has been thoroughly cooked. Either way, your buddy slow cooker won’t let you down and will do its own thing to give you a perfect meal finish.