Rishuu

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

I think so. I've always thought crockpot was a brand and slow-cooker was the device.

2. What can I make in it?

What can't you make in them? Whole chickens, roasts, soups, sauces, oatmeal, deserts, yogurt, the list is almost unending.

3. Why is it better than just shoving stuff in the oven

It won't heat up your entire house in the summer. If you put your ingredients in first thing you can set it and leave it and it's like magic. Dinner is ready and waiting. For a long and low meal like a pulled pork the crock pot uses a lot less energy then an oven turned on for hours. I don't worry about littles pulling it opened and getting burned. It's out of harms way on the counter.

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 have never gotten ill from a meat dish cooked in the crock pot. I am 99% positive that it keeps the food out of the 'danger zone'.

5. What else do I need to know?

I can't think of anything else.

They seriously rock. Go get one.