LĒVO vs. the Slow Cooker
A slow cooker is hands-off and holds big batches. It just can't hit a precise temperature, and you still activate and strain by hand. Here's the honest side-by-side.
- Exact temperature
- Decarb built in
- Nothing to strain
- Low / High only
- Separate oven step
- Cheesecloth
- 1-year warranty
- Free shipping $199+
- Free app + potency calculator
The quick answer
A slow cooker is a solid, hands-off way to infuse large batches of butter or oil, and many kitchens already have one. The limits are precision and the steps around it. Most only offer Low and High, and USDA puts slow cookers generally between 170°F and 280°F, so you can't dial in an exact infusion temperature. You also activate your herb in the oven first and strain through cheesecloth after. LĒVO activates and infuses in one machine at the time and temperature you set, with your herb of choice sealed in a pod. Need a gallon at once? Use the slow cooker. Want to repeat a batch without the oven step and the cheesecloth? Choose LĒVO.
Choose if
- You want an exact infusion temperature, not just Low or High
- You want activation built in, with no oven step
- You're done straining through cheesecloth
- You want to repeat a batch at the same time and temperature
Choose Slow Cooker if
- You already own one and can tolerate the extra steps involved
Up to 6 cups per run with a 1 oz Jumbo Pod: the LĒVO sized for slow-cooker batches, with Activate built in and nothing to strain.
How LĒVO compares
Tap any row for the details and sources.
| Feature | Slow Cooker | |
|---|---|---|
| LĒVO: yes.Set time + temp | Slow Cooker: no.Low / High only | |
Set the infuse time and temperature on every LĒVO. The II+ and Lux also let you customize the Activate cycle; the C uses a preset Activate cycle. Slow Cooker
Most slow cookers offer only Low and High (some add Warm). USDA says slow cookers generally cook between 170°F and 280°F, so the exact temperature depends on the model and setting. |
||
| LĒVO: yes.Activate cycle | Slow Cooker: no.Separate oven step | |
Every LĒVO has a dedicated Activate (decarb) cycle, so activation happens in the same machine. II+ and Lux run it in 30 minutes; the LĒVO C runs 45 minutes per ½ oz, so a full 1 oz Jumbo Pod takes two runs. Slow Cooker
Activation is a separate step, usually baking the herb in the oven before it goes in. Published guides call for roughly 240–295°F for 20 to 60 minutes. |
||
| LĒVO: yes.Sealed herb pod | Slow Cooker: no.Cheesecloth | |
Your herb of choice stays sealed in a pod, so the infusion comes out ready to use. Slow Cooker
The herb infuses loose in the fat, so you strain it through cheesecloth or a fine strainer and squeeze out the rest. Oil often won't wash out of cheesecloth, so it's usually single-use. |
||
| LĒVO: yes.Walk away | Slow Cooker: yes.Walk away | |
Set the infuse time and temperature, press start and walk away. The machine holds the temperature and stirs while it infuses. Slow Cooker
Once it's on, a slow cooker runs for hours unattended. Herbal guides suggest checking the oil with a probe thermometer. |
||
| 2 to 6 cupsVaries by model | Large batchesDepends on crock size | |
LĒVO C makes up to 6 cups per run with a 1 oz Jumbo Pod. LĒVO II+ and Lux make up to 2 cups. Slow Cooker
Slow cookers come in many sizes, so a large crock can infuse more in one batch than any LĒVO. |
||
| LĒVO: yes.Carbon filter (II+) | Slow Cooker: partly.Lidded | |
LĒVO II+: sealed lid with a coconut-husk carbon filter. Slow Cooker
The lid helps, but aroma still vents into the kitchen over a multi-hour infusion. |
||
| LĒVO: yes.Removable parts | Slow Cooker: partly.Crock + cloth | |
Every LĒVO's removable parts, including the reservoir or glass basin and the herb pod, go in the dishwasher. The base wipes clean. Slow Cooker
The crock and lid wash up (dishwasher safety varies by model), plus oily cheesecloth that's usually thrown away. |
||
Details about the Slow Cooker method come from published herbal-oil guides and USDA appliance guidance (sources below). Your results depend on your recipe, equipment and herb. Last verified Fall 2026.
Sources (5)
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, Slow cookers and food safety: slow cookers generally cook between 170°F and 280°F
- Clemson Cooperative Extension (HGIC), Slow cooker food safety: 170°F to 280°F range, citing USDA
- Mountain Rose Herbs, Making herbal oils: heat method in a crock-pot or double boiler; straining through cheesecloth, which oil often won't wash out of
- Homestead and Chill, Herb-infused oil: quick heat method in a double boiler or slow cooker, 30 minutes to 12 hours, probe thermometer recommended
- Wine Enthusiast, Infused olive oil: separate oven activation step, roughly 240–295°F for 20–60 minutes
Less work, every batch
The same batch, start to finish, each way.
With
3 steps, one machine- Load your herb of choice into the pod and run Activate
- Add oil or butter, press Infuse and walk away
- Dispense or pour it out, ready to use. Nothing to strain
With Slow Cooker
4 steps- Bake your herb in the oven to activate it
Extra step, outside the pot - Add butter or oil and the herb to the crock and set it to Low
- Let it run for hours, checking the temperature with a probe thermometer
- Strain through cheesecloth and squeeze out the rest
Extra step, outside the pot
Slow-cooker steps follow published herbal-oil guides and USDA appliance guidance (sources under the comparison table).
Verified reviews
Owners who did their research
J G. · Verified LĒVO C buyer
Easy no thoughts infusion
Great device to set and forget for making infused oils for foods
Kimberly W. · Verified LĒVO C buyer
It’s awesome!
Love my Levo cause it just works! Excited to try more infusion combinations.
Vickie W. · Verified LĒVO II+ buyer
Levo ll
I love the levo ll machine. Low to no odor, very easy to use. Start up ready!
Sierra M. · Verified LĒVO II+ buyer
Great and amazing product
Was a little skeptic at first due to the price, but definitely worth every penny. Doing your research before hand comes in handy.
Anthony C. · Verified LĒVO Lux buyer
First timer
We absolutely love love love the Levo Lux. This machine is foolproof. So much can be made.
Stephanie W. · Verified LĒVO Lux buyer
Great deal
I waited a few months and did a ton of research. I don't regret buying at all. Worth the price tag
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LĒVO vs. Slow Cooker: questions, answered
Can you make infused oil in a slow cooker?
Yes. Herbal guides use the slow cooker as a hands-off heat method: herb and oil go in on Low for several hours, then you strain through cheesecloth. The catch is precision. Most slow cookers only offer Low and High, and USDA puts slow cookers generally between 170°F and 280°F, so you can't set an exact temperature.
What temperature is a slow cooker on Low?
It varies by model. USDA says slow cookers generally cook between 170°F and 280°F across their settings, and Low sits at the cooler end. If temperature matters for your recipe, check it with a probe thermometer. Every LĒVO lets you set the infusion temperature directly.
Is a slow cooker or LĒVO better for infused butter?
A slow cooker is better if you need very large batches or already own one and infuse occasionally. LĒVO is better if you want a set infusion temperature, activation built in and nothing to strain. For slow-cooker-sized batches, the LĒVO C makes up to 6 cups per run.
Do you need to activate your herb before using a slow cooker?
If your recipe calls for activation (decarboxylation), yes. A slow cooker has no activation cycle, so it's done separately, usually in the oven. Every LĒVO has a built-in Activate cycle.
Do you have to strain slow cooker infusions?
Yes. The herb infuses loose in the oil or butter, so you strain it through cheesecloth or a fine strainer. LĒVO keeps your herb sealed in a pod, so the infusion comes out ready to use.
Which makes bigger batches, a slow cooker or LĒVO?
A large crock can infuse more in one batch than any LĒVO. LĒVO II+ and Lux make up to 2 cups per run, and the LĒVO C makes up to 6 cups.
What warranty comes with LĒVO?
Every machine carries a 1-year limited manufacturer's warranty, and extended coverage can be added at checkout or within 90 days of purchase.
How do I know how strong a batch will be?
The free LĒVO app includes a potency calculator that estimates strength from your herb amount, its percentage, and how much oil or butter you're infusing.
How we compared
We compared each method on the same batch: infused butter or oil, start to finish. LĒVO details come from our own product specifications. Details about the other method come from published herbal-oil guides and, for slow cookers, USDA guidance; each one is listed under the comparison table. Rows where the other method comes out ahead stay in.
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