I got my slow cooker at Target for around $20. I'm pretty sure it's this model. It's not the fanciest thing in the world and doesn't have many settings, but I've got no complaints. It works very, very well. I like that the inside pot is removable so it's easy to wash.

The only thing is, it doesn't have a timer. We don't really need one but if that's a feature you care about, then you might want to try a fancier model.

Whiplash - I agree - you do not have to spend a lot, and that a time might be a good idea!!!

I read somewhere to do your slow cooking overnight. That would work for me, as I am not comfortable with leaving it on while I am away.

I think I paid 20 bucks for mine too. I don't use mine often enough to need a real extravagant one. The only thing I recommend is make sure you get a good sized one.

yeah, when I checked out lnt's web site, most models were not that expensive. I always thought I'd have to pay more. There sale should be coming up soon, so if I can get a really good one for cheap, why not. Timer sounds good, but I don't need too many features- I'll just get flustered-lol! Thanks ladies

On America's Test Kitchen they reviewed a TON of crockpots and they said the best was All-Clad. I have a Rival and it burns on one side when I make a lot of things. So, I dunno... I think it depends on what you plan on using it for and how often.

I have the one pictured in your main post - my MILNIL randomly gave it to me one day, brand new, out of nowhere - and it has been terrific. I like that I just push a temperature, set the time, and that's it. If it was much more complicated, my brain would get all confuzzled.

I prefer the shape of the one you posted to the tall circular ones, even though they take up more space. It's easier to layer your veggies and stuff. I sort of wish I had one with a timer that automatically switched to the warming setting when it was done, but I like complicated and ridiculous. The one I have now just has high, low, warm, and I've only screwed up once with it. It was totally my fault- leave that lid on!

You might want to think about how many people you cook for. I got a 5-quart, which is a little big for me, considering I only cook for two.

I got the same as Whip and like it. I wasn't concerned about the fancy stuff (timers etc) I just turn it on and leave. It's great.

I have the one pictured above. I got it as a wedding present. I love it!!!!! Just push a few buttons and whala (sp?) your done. I don't have a clue how much it was. I was looking a few weeks ago one for my mom as a birthday gift. She said she wanted one just like mine. I could not find it. I got one of the same brand and the digital stuff is a little different and it is white but basically the same. She loves it!!!

We have this one from Target (at least I think it is the same, ours is white): http://www.target.com/Rival-5-5-qt-Oval-Smart-Crock/dp/B000E653HA/sr=1-8...

We use it constantly and love it. It is great b/c it goes down to warm once it is done cooking, so your food doesn't burn if you leave it in all day while you are at work.

Oooh, thanks so much ladies!! I had no idea what to look for but a timer seems helpful as well as the 'warm' function. I'll be cooking for four or more so a bigger one will work (storage is another issue right now). I am pleasantly surprised they aren't as expensive as I thought at first. I picked that picture above randomly, but it seems to be popular. Thanks so much

I have two. One smaller one and one larger like the one posted above except both don't have timers. They are your basic brand crock pots and I have had them quite a bit. I like having two different sizes. Because sometimes you don't have to make a lot of something and sometimes you do.

Thanks Audrey! I wish I had room for two different sizes (they seem cheap enough now that I have a better idea). Unfortunately, I need more cabinet storage- I've got a huge toaster oven and foreman roaster-thingy still in boxes for a few years because my cabinet space is limited. I am ready to keep something like this on the counter if I use it enough. Life is too busy now and I need something I can set and leave on its own.

In that case I would really go with the smaller one because of your storage issue. Plus the large ones are so big you barely have enough to warrant its use. I have also found the smaller ones cook better because it is packed in more. Whereas the larger ones you may not fill it and sometimes the meat gets a little tougher than it is supposed to.

I have a large one and cook for 2.. put if I made a chili or something, I freeze half of it. But a large one is great for being able to put roasts in, etc.

You might like the round ones instead of the oval shape if you need storage. You can still probably fit a 4 quart or so. I think mine is a 6 quart oval. Huge.

http://www.crock-pot.com/traditional.aspx

Great suggestions for storage. Thanks

I agree with kiwi...i actually have 2 in 2 different sizes, for different size meals!

I also have 2 in 2 different sizes. The smaller one doesn't have a timer, but it's great for cooking chicken or smaller dishes when I know I'll be around at the end of the cook time. I have one similar to the picture in the main post, but you can't set specific cook times & temperatures. It's either 4 or 6 hours on high or 8 or 10 hours on low, then it switches to warm. My parents have the actual model in the picture, but it came with 2 inserts. One is full size. The other is divided in half so you can cook two things (at the same temperature) at the same time. I think I'd buy that one if I was buying one now.

allright here are my tried and True slow cooker favorites. eaten MANY a time at my house.

Italian Beef for sandwiches.

3 pounds beef chuck roast
3 (1 ounce) packages dry Italian salad dressing mix
1 cup water
1 (16 ounce) jar pepperoncini peppers
8 hamburger buns, split
DIRECTIONS
Place the roast into a slow cooker, and season with Italian dressing mix. Pour in the water. Cover, and cook on High for 6 to 7 hours. During the last hour, shred the meat with two forks - if it does not shred easily, cook longer. Add the peppers, and as much of the juice as you like for additional flavor. Serve on buns.

Chicken and dumplings (especially during cold weather)

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons butter
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
1 onion, finely diced
2 (10 ounce) packages refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces
Add to Recipe Box
DIRECTIONS
Place the chicken, butter, soup, and onion in a slow cooker, and fill with enough water to cover.
Cover, and cook for 5 to 6 hours on High. About 30 minutes before serving, place the torn biscuit dough in the slow cooker. Cook until the dough is no longer raw in the center.

SLow cooker French Dip (I get asked for this the most.)

4 pounds rump roast
1 (10.5 ounce) can beef broth
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed French onion soup
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
6 French rolls
2 tablespoons butter

DIRECTIONS
Trim excess fat from the rump roast, and place in a slow cooker. Add the beef broth, onion soup and beer. Cook on Low setting for 7 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Split French rolls, and spread with butter. Bake 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Slice the meat on the diagonal, and place on the rolls. Serve the sauce for dipping.