A slow cooker typically uses about 200 watts (roughly 150-300 W), with HIGH drawing more than LOW. Over an 8-hour cook that is about 1-2 kWh.
- Running watts
- 200 WTypical; 150–300 W across models
- Starting watts
- NoneNo motor surge
- Per day
- 1.6 kWh8 h of use
- Current
- 1.7 AAt 120 V while running
Figures checked against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer data on . Your model's label is the final word.
Watts by model and setting
Most slow cooker models draw between 150 and 300 W while running; a typical one draws about 200 W. Per day it is used: 200 W x 8 hours on LOW (most basic models have no thermostat cycling) = 1.6 kWh. Averaged over a year with occasional use it is far less (NV Energy estimates ~144 kWh/yr).
- Size: 3-4 quart models draw less than 6-8 quart
- LOW vs HIGH setting; keep-warm draws less
- Programmable models switch to warm automatically when done
Running a slow cooker on a generator or power station
- Generator: at least 200 running watts. A generator rated 1,000 W or more covers it with room to spare.
- Power station: continuous output of at least 200 W. Pure sine wave output is the safe choice for motors and electronics.
| Power station capacity | Estimated runtime |
|---|---|
| 500 Wh | 2.1 h |
| 1,000 Wh | 4.2 h |
| 2,000 Wh | 8.5 h |
| 3,000 Wh | 12.8 h |
Based on 200 W average draw and 85% usable capacity.
- Low wattage and no surge make it easy for almost any power station or generator to run
- Long cook times add up: an 8-hour cook uses roughly 1.2-2 kWh of battery
- A good choice for generator owners who want a hot meal while running the generator for other loads anyway
- Run a gas generator outdoors only, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents; carbon monoxide from generators kills. Connect appliances with heavy-duty extension cords or a professionally installed transfer switch, never by backfeeding.
Add it to the generator calculator
Questions people ask
Can a power station run a slow cooker all day?
A 200 W slow cooker on LOW for 8 hours needs roughly 1.6 kWh, so you need a power station of about 2 kWh or more, or solar recharging.
Does a slow cooker use less power than an oven?
Yes. It draws about 200 W versus 2,000-3,500 W for an oven element, though it runs much longer.