If your mom cooked everything in a crock-pot and as a result the idea of slow cooked food gives you nightmares, you’re excused from this post. Go make something on your George Foreman grill.

For the rest of you, Trent from the Simple Dollar is bringing back the crock-pot, and has written a guide to the slow-cooker. He even has a favorite model:

KitchenAid KSC700SS 7 Quart This is the best slow cooker I’ve ever used, but you’re going to pay for it. It has all of the features of the above slow cookers, except that the exterior barely gets warm (let alone hot) and there are a bunch of extra settings. Time and time again, I’ve found the “buffet” setting to be wonderful when you’ve finished cooking the meal but want it to sit out for a while and keep warm while people serve themselves over time (such as at a large party). This is the slow cooker I recommend the most, though it is pricey.

Let’s face it. The crock-pot isn’t so bad. It’s all about which recipes you choose. Do any of you have any favorite slow-cooker recipes to share? —MEGHANN MARCO

The Art of The Slow Cooker [Simple Dollar]

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