Adapting recipes from smaller crock-pots/slow cookers to big

[WestieKsss]

Hi, I have a Nesco 6-qt. slow cooker/roaster? and I am wondering how I should adapt recipes that are for smaller slow cookers, i.e. 1-1/2 - 4-qt
Thanks!
Jeanne[/img]

[duonyte]

Slow cookers work most efficiently when they are 1/2 to 3/4 full. So if a recipe is designed for a smaller crockpot, you may need to increase ingredients by some amount to make sure that it is at least 1/.2 full.

[WestieKsss]

Thanks so much! I really don't need to buy a lot of different slow cookers so this helps. I didn't know about the efficiency level but it does make lots of sense.

Happy New Year!
Jeanne

[Red Apple Guy]

Duonyte's right on target as usual. Sometimes, I'll assume ingredient are about 2 lbs/quart (like water) and estimate what size food items are needed to fill up my crock-pot. A 2 lb roast would be about a quart which is fine in a 1.5 quart cooker, but is shy about 2 quarts for a 6 quart cooker (half full is 3 quarts). So, a 6-quart cooker can take a 6 lb roast or a 2 to 3 lb roast and a number of potatoes, carrots, etc.