• Crock-Pots have many options and features to choose from.pork in a slow cooker image by pr2is from Fotolia.com
  
  If you enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal from time to time but don't have the time to labor over a hot stove, you may like the convenience of slow cooking. Slow cooking food in a Crock-Pot allows you to enjoy all the benefits of a home-cooked meal without investing a lot of time. This method of cooking is also good for rendering tough cuts of meat more tender or for keeping dips and chilis warm for an extended period of time. Before you go out and buy any old Crock-Pot, learn more about your options to choose one that's right for you.
  
  

Manual Crock-Pots

• Manual Crock-Pots are very popular. They have usually have three standard heat settings---high, low and warm. Manual slow cookers come in a variety sizes from 1 1/2 quart capacity and up. They are usually either round or oval in shape. Most manual Crock-Pots have a ceramic, removable, dishwasher-safe insert that holds the food. Other features may include a locking lid for easy travel or a spoon rest.
  
  

Digital Crock-Pots

• Digital Crock-Pots are more advanced in the features and settings they offer. Many are programmable, letting you can control the time they start and stop cooking automatically. For instance, you can start cooking something in your digital Crock-Pots, and program it to change to a warm setting when the food is cooked. Digital Crock-Pots have more precise temperature settings than manual Crock-Pots because they have the option to select actual temperatures rather than ranges.
  
  Like manual Crock-Pots, digital Crock-Pots are either round or oval in shape and come with a removable, ceramic insert that is dishwasher-safe.
  
  

Thermal Crock-Pots

• Thermal Crock-Pots do not have an electric cord or any heat settings. You simply heat them on your oven or stove top and put a lid on them to create a vacuum seal. Then you can leave the Crock-Pot, or thermal cooker, alone as the food cooks. This is possible because the Crock-Pots is well-insulated and holds the heat as long as the lid remains undisturbed. These Crock-Pots are favored by some cooks because they are more energy-efficient. Plus, you can also use them to keep food cold. Although the insert in a thermal crockpot is usually made of stainless steel, they are usually removable for easy transport and cleaning.
  
  

Travel Crock-Pots

• Travel Crock-Pots serve one main purpose: They are great for camping and other outdoor activities. These Crock-Pots use an A/C power adapter that will plug into a car outlet, or some use propane. Common features include a locking lid for easy, mess-free transport and a removable insert for easy cleaning.