Modern-day countertop electric slow cookers (aka crock pots) were designed to mimic traditional cast iron dutch ovens cooking with very low heat.
So, why use a slow cooker if a dutch oven will work? In our case, we were away from home in the hours before dinner—simmering on the stove wasn’t an option and leaving an old oven unattended for 7+ hours didn’t seem responsible. This meant a slow cooker was the easiest, safest, and most economical way to solve our dinner prep issue. And if energy usage is a concern, then an electric slow cooker wins every time.
But if you will be home to monitor the cooking process, you can use a dutch oven versus a slow cooker.
Safety: For any appliance, always refer to the user manual regarding proper usage.
How to Slow Cook Without a Slow Cooker
Slow Cooking in Oven
To mimic a slow cooker, you can use a dutch oven or covered casserole dish in a very low oven preheated to 200° Fahrenheit (United States) or 95° Celsius. Some new wall ovens and ranges include a preset “slow cook” function, then automatically switch to “keep warm” when the cooking time is over.
Note, older ovens often can’t hold a consistent low temperature, resulting in fluctuating temperatures that can alter (i.e. shorten) the cooking time. Overall, most ovens will cook more quickly than slow cookers, so you’ll want to experiment with your oven.
If you are making a “slow cooker recipe” in your oven, you’ll want to add a bit more liquid to your pot. And you’ll adjust the liquid for the type of cooking vessel you are using, for example a heavy cast-iron dutch oven will retain more moisture than a casserole dish.
Slow Cooking on Stovetop
You can also slow cook in a dutch oven or heavy saucepan on a stove over very low heat, for a slow simmer. Note, this is a hands-on process and requires monitoring—stir the pot occasionally and add liquid as needed.
Stove top cooking is generally for stews, soups, chilis, or braises. These dishes can also be prepped on the stove, then placed in a low oven (see above) for more hands-off cooking.
IMPORTANT: Do not put a crockpot on the stovetop.
Other Small Appliances
Many modern countertop appliances include a “slow cook” mode. These small appliances—when in slow cook mode—typically need less monitoring than regular ovens or stoves.
Note, when comparing these options to slow cookers, you’ll find some differences in (1) the types of food that can be prepared (large cuts of meat won’t fit in smaller appliances) and (2) ease-of-use (slow cookers tend to be more accessible).
Other Methods of Slow Cooking
Sous vide, thermal cooking, and barbecuing are additional methods of slow cooking.
No matter which method of slow cooking you use, an instant-read thermometer ensures your dishes reach recommended temperatures.
