Slow Cooker / Crock Pot Wattage for Generator Sizing
About the Slow Cooker / Crock Pot
A slow cooker or crock pot uses a resistive heating element wrapped around a ceramic cooking vessel. On the low setting, most slow cookers draw about 150 to 200 watts, while the high setting draws 250 to 350 watts. There is no starting surge since there is no motor. Slow cookers are an excellent choice for generator-powered cooking during extended outages because they draw relatively little power and can prepare complete meals unattended over several hours.
Generator Sizing for a Slow Cooker / Crock Pot
Running a slow cooker / crock pot by itself requires a generator with at least 313 W of capacity (1 kW), which includes a 25% safety margin. However, you rarely run a single appliance on a generator. When combined with other appliances, the slow cooker / crock pot contributes 250 W to the continuous running load.
The slow cooker / crock pot is a resistive load, meaning it uses a heating element or simple electronic circuit rather than a motor. Resistive loads draw the same wattage from the moment they turn on until they turn off, with no starting surge. This makes them the easiest type of appliance to run on a generator. When calculating your total generator load, the slow cooker / crock pot adds a flat 250 W to your running total with no impact on peak surge calculations. Resistive loads also produce a power factor of 1.0, meaning they use electricity very efficiently with no wasted reactive power.
To determine the total generator size you need, use our interactive calculator to combine the slow cooker / crock pot with your other appliances. The calculator automatically handles the starting surge calculation and applies the 25% safety margin to give you an accurate recommendation. Alternatively, browse the scenarios below to see common generator setups that include the slow cooker / crock pot.
Tips for Running a Slow Cooker / Crock Pot on a Generator
Running a slow cooker / crock pot on a generator is straightforward since it is a purely resistive load. There are no special starting procedures or surge considerations. Simply ensure your generator's continuous (rated) wattage exceeds 250 W plus the wattage of all other appliances running simultaneously.
Since the slow cooker / crock pot draws a constant 250 W whenever it is operating, you can accurately predict generator fuel consumption. At typical generator fuel efficiencies, running the slow cooker / crock pot continuously adds approximately 0.0 gallons of gasoline per hour to your fuel consumption. If the slow cooker / crock pot operates intermittently (like a thermostat-controlled heater), the actual fuel impact will be lower.
For sensitive electronic components within the slow cooker / crock pot, an inverter generator provides the cleanest power output. However, most resistive appliances work fine on conventional generators as well. If you are running the slow cooker / crock pot along with sensitive electronics like computers, the inverter generator protects all connected devices.
Slow Cooker / Crock Pot Wattage Compared to Similar Appliances
The following table compares the slow cooker / crock pot to other appliances in the kitchen category. Understanding relative power requirements helps you make informed decisions about which appliances to prioritize on your generator and where you might find opportunities to reduce your total load.
| Appliance | Running Watts | Starting Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Slow Cooker / Crock Pot (this appliance) | 250 W | — |
| Refrigerator | 150 W | 600 W |
| Microwave Oven | 1,000 W | 1,500 W |
| Coffee Maker | 800 W | — |
| Toaster | 850 W | — |
| Dishwasher | 1,500 W | 1,800 W |
| Electric Oven / Range | 2,500 W | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many watts does a slow cooker / crock pot use?
A slow cooker / crock pot uses approximately 250 watts of continuous (running) power during normal operation. As a resistive load with no motor, it has no starting surge above its running wattage.
What size generator do I need to run a slow cooker / crock pot?
To run a slow cooker / crock pot by itself, you need a generator rated for at least 313 W (1 kW), which includes a 25% safety margin above the running wattage of 250W. However, most people run additional appliances alongside the slow cooker / crock pot, so your actual generator needs will be higher. Use our calculator to add your other appliances and get a comprehensive recommendation.
Can I run a slow cooker / crock pot on an inverter generator?
Yes, a slow cooker / crock pot runs perfectly well on an inverter generator. As a resistive load with no motor starting surge, it is one of the easiest appliances to power with any generator type. The clean sine wave output of an inverter generator is a bonus for any electronic components.