Slowcookers, the good and the bad?

[Sandgroper]

Hi

I am contemplating getting one and wondered if anyone had any advice on which brands are good, which ones to avoid?

A friend has a "Crockpot" and raves about it!

Thanks

If I were going to get a new one, I'd pay the extra to get the timer function so it switches to 'keep warm' after a certain time.

Hi Fiolondon and AngelDog

Thanks for your responses and tips. I shall do a bit more research but you have convinced me that it is a good idea.... Now I just have to find some bench space for it!

Oh, and the other thing I'd add is that it works best if you're big meat eaters. There are veggie recipes for the slow cooker but it works best for meat IMO. We don't eat that much meat and our DS can't eat tomatoes, which seem to be the staple of most veggie stew type things, so I don't use my cooker as often as I might. It's very useful for making stock overnight though.