The duration required for potatoes to reach optimal tenderness within a slow cooker is contingent upon several factors. These include the size and type of the potatoes, the power setting of the appliance (low or high), and the desired degree of softness. Smaller potatoes or those cut into smaller pieces will generally cook faster than larger, whole potatoes.
Utilizing a slow cooker for potato preparation offers the advantage of hands-off cooking, allowing for the potatoes to cook unattended over a period of hours. This method often results in a creamy, uniformly cooked texture. The extended cooking time also permits the infusion of flavors from other ingredients added to the slow cooker, such as herbs, spices, or broth.