[mamaKristin]

1. This is the same as a slow-cooker, yes? yes

2. What can I make in it? what CAN'T you make in it? I make main courses, side dishes, desserts, drinks, appetizers. I roast whole chickens, make roasts, overnight oatmeal or casseroles, soups. I've made broth in there overnight too.

3. Why is it better than just shoving stuff in the oven because you don't have to watch it, I can cook while I'm at work or super busy at home. I can make a dish to bring to a pot luck and keep it warm. I can use it to cook while we're sleeping.

4. How safe is it to cook meat etc on low for a long time? I assume the crockpot is hot enough to keep it out of the 'danger zone'? I'm guessing yes, because it's never been an issue for us. I own 3, yes 3, crockpots, and have used all three at once before, but generally, 2 at a time.

5. What else do I need to know? You can make anything in a crock pot, but not everything is better in one. I like making a whole chicken in there, but don't really care for how most chicken pieces come out (kind of mushy). It's great for cheaper cuts of meat that would be tougher if cooker faster. It's more flexible with timing than the regular over, because you can let it go a bit longer without burning.