Does altitude affect cooking time in a slow cooker?

[Kay Henderson]

I have just bought my first slow cooker, a Rival Crockpot. Here is my question -- Does altitude affect cooking time in a slow cooker? If so, how much? Any helpful hints?

Thanks!

Kay

[Hammster]

Hi Kay.
In Mabel Hoffman's Crockery Cookery cookbook (The absolute best crockpot cookbook, IMO) here is what she says.
"At high altitudes (over 4000 ft), allow more time than given in the recipe. Whether you are using a slow cooker, stove or oven, food takes longer to cook at high altitudes.
At high altitudes, beans take about double the time given in the recipes. To reduce cooking time for beans, cover with water, bring to a boil in a pan on the stove, and simmer for 2 minutes. Let cool 1 hour. Or soak overnight. Return beans to slow cooker and proceed with the recipe.
Baking also requires longer cooking times at high altitudes."

I'm basically at sea level, so I don't have any direct experience with high altitude and my crockpot, but I'd take her word. If it were me, I'd try any new crockpot recipe on a day when I can be home all day and be able to check the doneness during the day to see when everything is just right. As you probably know, vegetables and dry beans take the longest to cook in a crockpot so those should be your gauge as to how long to cook. Then jot down the time right on the page with the recipe so you will know next time.

I hope this long message helps. :)

[Kay Henderson]

Hammster--
Thank you for the reply and the reference to the Mabel Hoffman cookbook.

I'll get back after a few trials with my experience here at 6200 feet.

Kay

[CLustik]

Hi Kay;
Just a quick response. I live at a little over 6,300 feet here in Wyoming. I do not change my cooking time very much. In the oven, I usually add 5 degrees to my cooking heat but I think that is just my oven! I add about 5 10 minutes time for the elevation, but I always check it at the time they stated because it is different for different foods.

I cook every day and have used my slow cooker alot since I've been here.

In the slow cooker I do not think about adding time at all. But that being said, I usually put something in that I can put on when I go to work and will be ready when I get home, so I don't do much 4-5 hour stuff.

Good luck, I'm sure you won't have many problems.
Christine

[Missi]

Hi Kay!!!

As a cook cooking at the exact same altitude as you ;) :D ,
I can say I have never had to add any additional time for crockpot recipes.

I'm shocked by the above comment about beans. I always follow the directions for cooking times for dried beans on the package, and they are always done. No way does it take double the time.
:confused: