How Many Watts Does a Crock Pot Use?
ZacharyWilliamA focused, data-backed guide to slow-cooker wattage—what typical ranges look like, how to read your unit’s rating, and how watts translate to runtime and energy use.
The Short Answer (Typical Wattage)
Most slow cookers draw roughly ~75–210 W while actively cooking on Low/High, with Warm using less. Some larger 7–8 qt models can be rated higher (up to ~300–370 W), but typical family units (4–7 qt) sit squarely in the ~100–210 W band.
Rule of thumb: Larger capacity = potentially higher rated watts; High cycles closer to the top of the range; Warm is lowest.
Watts by Setting (Low / High / Warm)
- Low: ~45–150 W (typical)
- High: ~150–210 W (typical)
- Warm: usually below the Low range
These are brand-stated typicals for manual slow cookers. Individual SKUs can differ—always confirm on the rating label.
Watts by Size (1.5–8 qt)
| Capacity (quarts) | Likely Low (W) | Likely High (W) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5–2 qt | ~70–120 | ~120–170 | Compact units for dips/small meals; rating label sometimes shows ~100 W. |
| 3–4.5 qt | ~120–170 | ~170–210 | Popular “family of 4” size; many models sit in the 150–210 W envelope. |
| 5–6 qt | ~150–200 | ~200–210 | Common everyday size for stews/roasts; most recipes fit here. |
| 7–8 qt | ~180–250 | ~250–370 | Some 7 qt “≤300 W”；specific 8 qt models can be ~370 W (see table below). |
How to Find Your Exact Watts
1) Rating label
Flip the base and look for Watts (W) or Volts/Amps. If it lists amps only, use Watts = Volts × Amps (U.S. mains ≈ 120 V).
2) Official product page/manual
Search your model number + “wattage” on the brand site; many pages answer “How many watts?” in the Q&A section.
3) Measure in practice
Use a plug-in watt meter to log real-world watts over the cook (accounts for cycling and lid opening).
From Watts to kWh & Cost
Electricity used: kWh = (Watts × Hours) ÷ 1000. Example: 180 W average × 6 h = 1.08 kWh. Multiply by your local rate for cost.
Crock-Pot® Model Wattage (Supplement)
Verified from official product pages/manual Q&A. Use as reference; always confirm your exact SKU’s rating label.
| Model | Capacity | Settings | Brand-stated Wattage | Source Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual 7-Quart (SCV700 series / variants) | 7 qt | Low / High / Warm | “No more than 300 W” | Brand Q&A on 7-qt page |
| Manual 8-Quart (CPSCVM80-R3) | 8 qt | Low / High / Warm | 370 W | Brand Q&A lists 120VAC 60Hz 370W |
| Design Series 4.5-Quart (Manual) | 4.5 qt | Low / High / Warm | 210 W | Brand Q&A states “wattage is 210 W” |
| Manual 6-Quart Cook & Carry (family) | 6 qt | Low / High / Warm | Typical: Low ~45–150 W; High ~150–210 W | Brand “typical” guidance |
Portable Power: Light Recommendation
Because most slow cookers average ~100–210 W, a mid-size portable power station can run them for hours. If you cook off-grid or want outage backup:
UDPOWER C600 — 596 Wh · 600 W (1200 W surge)
Comfortably runs typical 4–6 qt slow cookers. Approximate runtime at 180 W average: ~3.0 h (596 Wh ÷ 180 W; real-world varies with cycling).
UDPOWER S1200 — ~1191 Wh · 1200 W (1800 W surge)
For larger 7–8 qt units or long cooks. At 180 W average: ~6.6 h (1191 Wh ÷ 180 W; varies). Pure-sine AC and fast recharge; UPS switchover <10 ms.
Size your battery by your cooker’s rated watts and desired runtime, with ~10–20% headroom.
FAQ
Does High use more watts than Low?
Yes. High cycles the element nearer the top of the typical band (~150–210 W), reaching simmer faster. Warm is the lowest draw.
Why do some big models show up to ~300–370 W?
Larger stoneware (7–8 qt) and wider elements need more power to maintain safe temperatures across a bigger food mass.
Is a pressure multicooker the same as a slow cooker?
No. Multicookers (often ~1000–1300 W) include a slow-cook mode but their overall rating is much higher than a dedicated slow cooker.
Last updated: October 29, 2025
