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Soup can stay warm in a slow cooker as long as it is held at 140°F (60°C) or hotter. FoodSafety.gov does not set a fixed maximum number of hours for soup continuously kept at that temperature. Check the soup itself with a food thermometer; a cooker’s “warm” setting alone does not confirm that every portion is hot enough.
What temperature should soup stay at?
Keep cooked soup at 140°F (60°C) or above until it is served. FoodSafety.gov lists a slow cooker as a way to keep food hot and recommends using a food thermometer to check temperature: 4 Steps to Food Safety.
FoodSafety.gov says a slow cooker must remain plugged in to maintain a safe hot temperature. Once the soup is fully cooked, the low or warm setting can maintain that temperature, but verify the soup rather than relying on the setting alone. Stir before checking so you can assess the soup more evenly.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhen does the two-hour limit apply?
The two-hour limit is for perishable food that is not being kept safely hot or cold; it is not a maximum holding time for soup continuously maintained at 140°F (60°C) or above. Refrigerate soup within two hours after cooking or after it leaves safe-temperature holding. If it is exposed to temperatures above 90°F (32°C), refrigerate it within one hour. The unsafe temperature range is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). FoodSafety.gov explains these limits in Prevent Illness from C. perfringens.
#1 Best Overall
- Generous Capacity: 7-quart slow cooker that comfortably serves 9+ people or fits a 7-pound roast
- Cooking Flexibility: High or low slow cooking settings, with convenient warm function for ideal serving temperature
- Convenient: Set it and forget it feature enables you to cook while at work or performing daily tasks
- Minimal Clean-Up: One-pot cooking reduces dishes; lid and removable stoneware are dishwasher safe
- Versatile: Removable stoneware insert can be used in the microwave or an oven up to 400°F
How to cool and refrigerate leftover soup
Do not leave a large pot of soup out to cool slowly. Divide soup into smaller portions and place it in shallow containers so it cools more quickly, then refrigerate it within the applicable time limit. FoodSafety.gov specifically recommends dividing large amounts of soup or stew when cooling leftovers.
How to reheat soup safely
Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C); reheat soups to boiling. Do not use a slow cooker to reheat refrigerated soup: it can take too long to pass through the 40°F to 140°F (4°C to 60°C) danger zone. Use a stovetop or microwave to reheat, then transfer the soup to a preheated slow cooker for hot holding if needed. See FoodSafety.gov’s 10 Smart Tips to Keep Your Restaurant Leftovers Safe.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- REPLACES 12 COOKING TOOLS & APPLIANCES: This cooker replaces the need for a slow cooker, food warmer, nonstick pot, sauté pan, cast iron skillet, saucier, saucepan, stock pot, Dutch oven, roasting pan, bread maker, and utensil
- 6 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Slow Cook, Sear/Sauté, Keep Warm, Sous Vide, Braise, and Proof
- SEAR & SAUTÉ DIRECTLY IN THE POT: Using the bottom heating elements, you are able to sear proteins and sauté vegetables right in the cooking pot—no need to transfer to the stovetop
- OVEN SAFE TO 500°F: Removable cooking pot is oven safe up to 500°F, so you can finish your meal in the oven for a crispy top
- PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING: 8.5-quart cooking capacity allows you to make chili for up to 20 people, 9 lbs of spaghetti and meatballs, or enough pulled pork for 30 sliders
Rank #4
- 7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 13 one-touch options, from hearty soups to decadent cakes
- Safe & Easy Steam Release: The Easy-Release steam switch ensures fast, safe, and simple steam release every time
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods
- Pro-Grade Cooking Pot: Crafted from stainless steel (18/8) with a tri-ply bottom—perfect for searing and sautéing like a pro
Rank #3
- Cooking Capacity: Prepares food for over 10 people, making it a holiday dinner hosting essential.
- Digital Timer: Counts down cooking time up to 20 hours for easy monitoring.
- Auto Warm: Automatically keeps food warm after cooking for optimal serving temperature.
- Easy Cleanup: Features a removable, dishwasher-safe lid and stoneware pot for convenient cleaning.
- Memory Function: Resets to previous settings in case of a power outage.
Rank #2
- Serves 10+ people
- 8-quart capacity
- HIGH/LOW cook settings
- Convenient WARM setting
- Removable oval stoneware
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