In a crock-pot (slow cooker), the lowest temperature setting typically ranges between 170°F to 200°F (77°C to 93°C). This temperature range is well above the minimum safe internal cooking temperature for most meats, including steak.
The minimum safe internal temperature for cooking steak (as recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture - USDA) is 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, 160°F (71°C) for medium, and 170°F (77°C) for well-done. These temperatures are essential to ensure that harmful bacteria like salmonella and E. coli are killed off during the cooking process.
While a crock-pot is great for slow-cooking and tenderizing meats, it may not be the best method for cooking a steak to its ideal doneness. Slow cookers are designed to maintain a constant, low-temperature environment, which may result in overcooking or making the steak too soft and losing the desirable texture.
For cooking a steak to perfection, traditional methods like grilling, pan-searing, or sous-vide are generally preferred. Sous-vide, in particular, allows precise temperature control and can cook the steak to a specific internal temperature without exceeding it. If you're looking for the best results when cooking a steak, consider using one of these methods instead of a crock-pot.