In most traditional slow cookers, when you set the cooking time to 8 hours instead of 4 hours, it usually uses the same temperature to cook the food. The main difference is the duration of time the slow cooker will be on and maintaining that consistent temperature.
The temperature settings on a slow cooker typically include "Low" and "High." When set to "Low," the slow cooker will heat the food to approximately 190-200°F (88-93°C). When set to "High," the slow cooker will heat the food to around 300-325°F (149-163°C). It's important to note that slow cookers are designed to cook at low temperatures for extended periods, which is why they are ideal for slow-cooking dishes.
So, whether you set the slow cooker to 8 hours or 4 hours, it will generally use the same temperature setting. The difference is in the cooking time, which allows you to adjust the cooking process based on your schedule and the recipe's requirements.
If you have a programmable slow cooker or one with additional features, there might be variations in temperature settings or auto-adjustments based on the cooking time you set. Always refer to your specific slow cooker's manual for detailed instructions and settings.