Slow Cookers- questions about hygiene and taste

[barefootcook]

My sister has put me off getting a slow cooker as she thinks everything ends up tasting the same. Is this true? And if so, what can be done to avoid it? Also, I am concerned about the hygiene involved in using slow cookers. Does bacteria have a chance to grow in the early stages of cooking? Any solutions to these problems would be great. Thanks.

[ClaimedByMe]

My favourite joint is brisket, it is cheap, tasty and can only really be slow cooked, I add mushrooms and onions and add the brisket on top, turn on low for hours and by the time it's ready there is enough liquid to make a gravy with the mushrooms and onions i use bisto to thicken in the slowcooker when the meat is resting