Being a foodie, I am a big fan of slow-cooked recipes. But there are some particular meals that don’t taste delicate when you cook them in slow pots.
This is where slow cooking in traditional ovens came in. By doing so, you can have the best of both Worlds i.e. taste and low energy bills.
There are several perks of slow cooking in the oven. Relatively, it is faster and easier. You don’t need to wait five to eight hours to enjoy your food.
In a nutshell, 90 minutes in a freestanding gas cooker is equivalent to 4 hours in slow pots. Ovens can reach up to 230 °C (450 °F), while slow cookers can only reach up to 148°C (300°F).
Can You Use Your Oven As A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can use your oven as a substitute for a slow cooker. This method is years old and backed by several professional chefs.
All you need to do is manage the oven in contrast to the slow cooker temperature and time.
How Does Slow Cooking In Oven Actually Works?
Slow cooking in the oven has many benefits. It traps moisture and doesn’t affect the nutritional value of your food.
The high temperature for a calculated period bakes the outer layer of food i.e. veggies and meat, while keeping them tender from the inside.
In the regular slow cooker, the temperature rises very slowly. Usually, for four hours, it cooks your food at low heat. Then, raise the temperature to 148°C for one hour only.
While slow cooking in the oven takes less time, up to 2 hours maximum, as it can cook at high temperatures.
Usually, the heat settings vary from dish to dish. The other perk of the oven is you can bake in more quantity compared to the limited space of a slow pot.
How To Slow Cook In The Oven?
Slow cooking in a regular oven is an art which requires a certain technique. Even though slow cooker energy consumption is relatively low.
But, professional chefs prefer to use a regular electric or dutch oven. So, here’s how to use a regular oven for cooking delicious slow-cooked meals.
- Start by preheating your oven to 160 °C.
- Always cover the pot or dish with tin foil before you put it in the oven.
- Set the temperature according to the recipe.
- If you’re baking or grilling meat, then don’t open the door often.
- Once the set time is up, wait for 15 minutes before you open the oven.
- Always check fish and veggies after every thirty minutes.
- While checking, ensure that minimum heat escapes through the open door.
It is best to stick to the recipe. To prevent overcooking or food burning, use as minimum oil as possible.
Slow Cooking In Oven Temperature
The general rule of thumb is to divide the time of the slow cooker by 4 for the best outcome. For example, eight hours in slow cookers is equivalent to 2 hours in a regular oven.
| Time In Oven | Time In Slow Cooker | Oven Temperature |
| 10 Minutes | 1 Hour | 230°C (446°F) |
| 30 Minutes | 3 Hours | 190°C (374°F) |
| 40 Minutes | 3.5 – 5 Hours | 190°C (374°F) |
| 1 Hour | 5.5 Hours | 160°C (320°F) |
| 1.5 Hour | 7 – 8 Hours | 150°C (302°F) |
| 2 – 3 Hours | 10 Hours | 120°C (248°F) |
| 6 Hours | 15 – 16 Hours | 90°C (194°F) |
Keep in mind that quantity matters the most. For example, if you’re baking a big-sized turkey, you may need to run your oven at high settings for a prolonged period.
2 Hours In Oven How Long In Slow Cooker?
Two hours in the oven is equal to putting your dish into a slow cooker for around seven hours. Commonly, you need that much time for stew and comfort soups.
Slow Cooker To Oven Temperature Conversion
Many people claim that you need to divide the slow cooker time in half. But, based on our experiment, I can safely suggest that it is not accurate at all.
The general rule of thumb is to divide the slow pot cooking time by 4. Keep the universal temperature at 325°F (162°C). As most of the dishes require this heat setting.
Slow Cooking In Oven FAQs
What is the best temperature for slow cooking?
Heat settings around 180 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit are considered ideal for slow cooking. Generally, it varies depending on the texture and dish type.
How to slow cook a roast in the oven, so it falls apart?
For delicious meat, give it a rest for at least five hours before you put it into the oven.
-Place your meat into a heavy bottom pot.
-Then, sear it on the stove for ten minutes.
-Preheat your oven to 160 °C (320°F).
-Put the pot in the oven after covering it with foil.
-Bake it at medium heat for 2 hours.
Use a thermostat to check if your meat is well done or not. Always check the tenderness near the bone.
What can I use if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can use the stovetop of an eye level grill cooker. Furthermore, you can also use any type of oven depending on the maximum temperature and dish size.
Can you slow cook in a microwave?
No, you can’t slow cook in a microwave. Microwave ovens are only suitable for reheating your food.
Keeping the cost of running an electric oven in mind. It would be very expensive. As you have to spend 36p per hour.
Wrapping It Up!
Being a slow cooked meal lover, for me it is an art rather than cooking. You need to adjust the heat and time very precisely.
Even Though you can use the stovetop as the replacement of a traditional oven. But, it is best to avoid a ceramic induction hob. As it transfers heat directly to food.
Dutch style may come in handy but always use a heavy bottom pot for it. We suggest you place your food in a pot covered with foil. As then, you don’t have to deal with cleaning a dirty oven.
