1. Crock pots are designed for safe slow cooking, and allow you to prepare hot meals that would ordinarily require hours in the kitchen. They're ideal for busy families who like to meet for dinner but don't have time to cook in the evenings.
2. Roaster ovens are very similar to crock pots, except they typically allow you to regulate the temperature more than a conventional crock pot does. Roaster ovens are meant to be a countertop alternative to your typical oven.
3. The food you prepare in a crock pot or roaster oven isn't just limited to soups and stews. Roaster ovens can even be used to prepare the Thanksgiving turkey.
4. Make sure to choose a crock pot or roaster oven that's large enough to suit your needs. Medium-sized units can feed families of up to three people.
5. When cooking in a crock pot or roaster oven, remember that you can add ingredients throughout the day to compensate for various cooking times. Meats typically go in first, while vegetables and rice are added towards the end because they require less cooking time.
