If you are reading this post, it’s because you want to find out how many watts your crockpot/cooker uses, right?
In this article, we explore how to calculate crockpot aka slow cooker energy use in nominal wattage, and amps while cooking. N.B.: I provide some extra information along with tips on how to operate it efficiently and safely.
So, by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to calculate the watts and amps your slow cooker uses when cooking.
Let’s pause for a moment. Because I wonder if you are aware of what a slow cooker or crockpot is.
What is a slow cooker?
In case you do not know this, read this short explanation: a slow cooker is a countertop electrical cooking appliance. It is composed of a ceramic pot sitting inside a metal structure and with an external wire that connects to a power socket.
I would like you to know this.
As we continue, while slow cookers of all sizes are becoming popular, particularly in the winter months, many people associate the cooker with the American dinner table. With that out of the way, read below.
There are a variety of manufacturers, sizes, and watts available, so you can buy a slow cooker or Crockpot that’s right for your family’s needs.
Before buying it, check the wattage to see if it meets or exceeds the minimum number of watts your outlet can handle.
You also want to check your slow cooker has the correct plug.
The U.S. has a similar plug but they run on 60 Hertz.
The UK plug has a three-prong plug, which was designed to prevent electric shock.
The plug has a short ground wire that should be connected to the metal frame of the appliance and the outlet.
How many watts does a slow cooker use?
This would be typically printed on the bottom of your countertop cooking appliance, or find a manual included in the original box.
The wattage (Watts) is the amount of power your slow cooker uses during cooking time. We talk and measure it in Watts.
If your slow cooker doesn’t have the wattage printed on it, or the instructions aren’t easy to understand, you can either go back to the manufacturer’s website. Or see the calculator below to determine the wattage for the model you bought.
Calculating the wattage with this formula
Nonetheless, if you can’t see it on the appliance or you find the booklet you can do it yourself with this helpful formula:
The power (P) is measured in watts (W) and is equal to the voltage in volts (V) times the current I in amps, which is : P = V X I (voltage times Intensity).
Feel free to use “The National Fire Protection Association” (NFPA) website, as they offer a wattage calculator to help determine the wattage for a variety of appliances, including slow cookers.
Or a bit of calculation on your own.
How much does it cost to run a slow cooker for 8 hrs?
You work in the office and you set the Crockpot to start at 12:30 pm and cook for 8 hours.
Note that the running price per kWh in the U.S. varies per area. For example, the electricity is much higher in Boston than it is in Seattle.
Now if your Crockpot uses 100 watts. See formula below
Energy 100 W(kWh) x Electricity Rate ($/kWh)
You are based in Seattle and you run your device for 8 hrs and your local company charges $0.12p in electricity per Kilowatt-hour you’ll pay:
0.8kWh X $0.12/kWh = $0.096
Not only does a slow cooker have little energy thanks to your device that uses lower wattage. Besides that, it also saves you money and produces less heat in your kitchen — making it safe and ideal during the hot summer months.
See average prices for the United States regions and metropolitan areas
Whether you’re making a large batch of soup or your daily dinner, a countertop electric cooking appliance is simply a cheaper way to make delicious meals with minimal effort.
How many amps does a crockpot /slow cooker use?
There are easy steps to calculate the amount of power your slow cooker uses. First, check your manual or look for a label on the bottom of the appliance*.
That is the easiest way.
*Most manufacturers also label this information on the bottom of the device.
To calculate the amps, use this formula:
The current (I) in amps (A) is equal to the power (P) in watts (W) divided by the voltage in volts (Volt): I = P/V.
This is especially important to know if you’re using an extension cable.
The amps of your slow cooker must be inferior or equal to the amps of your outlet.
Why? Because if you plug in a slow cooker that requires more amps than your outlet can handle, you trigger the circuit breaker.
Factors to consider when calculating the Kitchen watts, amperage
Factors to consider when calculating the Watts, and Amperage
Let’s imagine that you are refreshing your kitchen. The electricity people will ask you how many devices you have.
But if they do not ask you, please inform them of the x number of countertop appliances you have. So they can calculate the amperage necessary for your daily use and the ones that are too demanding in watts.
The main reasons for this are:
1) the wattage displayed on your appliance might exceed the rating of your circuit.
If this is the case, you should plug the crockpot/ slow cooker into a circuit that hasn’t too many appliances connected to it.
2) when calculating the amperage for your outlet, you should probably plug in a circuit tester (volts) and read the current running through the circuit. If the voltage is higher than the circuit, you should call an electrician out.
Calculating the socket/outlet voltage
To calculate the voltage of your outlet, use the following formula: Volts = Amps / Rating.
To calculate the voltage of your outlet, plug a circuit tester into the outlet, and read the current running through the circuit. It should show 240 volts.
Safety tips for using a slow cooker/countertop cooking appliance
Whether you’re making dinner or a large batch of soup, a slow cooker is a great option to make delicious meals with minimal effort.
However, it is important to make sure that your crock pots operate safely and use the right amount of power for the job.
Keep the following safety tips in mind when using a crock pot:
- Plug the pot into a grounded outlet. Never use an extension cord to plug on this appliance.
- Use a slow cooker that has the correct amperage rating.
- Never submerge your appliance base in water. You can clean the ceramic food holder, though.
- Never plug more than one appliance into the same outlet. Doing so can overload the outlet and cause a fire.
Conclusion
I hope you are convinced that a slow cooker is one of the most economical electrical cookware appliances money can buy.
If you are buying one, double-check that the wattage is inferior to the amperage of your kitchen outlet.
I cannot emphasize enough that you should follow the safety instructions when using a countertop electric.
When the time comes, do never clean it, and never submerge the electric base of the slow cooker in water.
Slow cookers are some of the most energy-efficient countertop appliances I have encountered. They are designed to offer many ways to make delicious meals with minimal effort.
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FAQ’s
There are plenty of slow cookers in the market. There are several alternatives to using a countertop electric cooking appliance aka slow cooker.
For example: Cooking with a microwave requires less power than a slow cooker.
However, microwaves are more limited in terms of cooking options, plus you have to load them multiple times.
Another alternative to using a slow cooker is using an electric stove. You can also use an electric oven to prep food. Unlike a microwave, an oven can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including baking.