Oven vs Slow Cooker: Cooking Time Comparison
Side-by-side cooking times for 16 foods. See which method is faster for each food.
By the CookTimeGuide Editorial TeamKitchen-tested Jan 2026
Foods Compared
16
Oven Faster
14
Slow Cooker Faster
2
| Food | Oven Temp ? | Oven Time | Slow Cooker Temp ? | Slow Cooker Time | ← Oven fasterSlow Cooker faster → |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Back Ribs | 275°F | 180-240 min | low | 420-480 min | ← 240 min slower |
| Beef Brisket | 275°F | 480-720 min | low | 480-600 min | 60 min faster → |
| Beef Shanks | 325°F | 150-210 min | low | 420-540 min | ← 300 min slower |
| Beef Short Ribs | 300°F | 180-240 min | low | 480-600 min | ← 330 min slower |
| Bottom Round Roast | 300°F | 120-180 min | low | 480-600 min | ← 390 min slower |
| Country Style Ribs | 300°F | 120-180 min | low | 420-480 min | ← 300 min slower |
| Ham (Spiral Cut) | 325°F | 90-150 min | low | 360-480 min | ← 300 min slower |
| Lamb Shanks | 325°F | 150-210 min | low | 420-540 min | ← 300 min slower |
| Lamb Shoulder Roast | 300°F | 210-300 min | low | 480-600 min | ← 285 min slower |
| Pork Loin Roast | 350°F | 60-90 min | low | 360-480 min | ← 345 min slower |
| Pork Shoulder (Pork Butt) | 250°F | 480-720 min | low | 480-600 min | 60 min faster → |
| Pot Roast (Chuck Roast) | 325°F | 150-210 min | low | 480-600 min | ← 360 min slower |
| Pulled Pork | 275°F | 420-600 min | low | 480-600 min | ← 30 min slower |
| Turkey Breast | 325°F | 120-180 min | low | 360-480 min | ← 270 min slower |
| Turkey Legs | 325°F | 120-150 min | low | 360-480 min | ← 285 min slower |
| Whole Chicken | 425°F | 50-75 min | low | 360-480 min | ← 357 min slower |
Times shown are for the default recommended temperature for each method. Actual times may vary based on cut thickness, starting temperature, and equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oven faster than Slow Cooker?
Oven is faster for 14 out of 16 foods in this comparison. Slow Cooker is faster for 2 foods.
Should I use Oven or Slow Cooker?
Both methods produce great results. Oven and Slow Cooker each excel with different foods. Use the comparison table above to see which method is faster and at what temperature for your specific food.
How many foods can be cooked with both Oven and Slow Cooker?
16 foods on CookTimeGuide have cooking times for both Oven and Slow Cooker. See the full comparison table above.