What do you have room to store?

elba, I really prefer the crockpot for dried beans, and tomorrow I'm going to try a crockpot mac and cheese, but truly, I use the small Nesco far more than I use the crockpot. I do use the crockpots to keep things warm more, as the ceramic crocks seem to keep and even heat while the metal insert of the Nesco gives me a crunchy "crust" for things like baked beans or au gratin potatoes and the crockpot works nicely for a big batch of mulled cider or chai tea for the family dinner.

So, I use both. That's probably not a help, is it?

Annie

Anglophilia, don't have room for anything else in the kitchen. The large Nesco and second crockpot are in the garage. If I got a small Nesco and used it a lot, it could replace the crockpot in the kitchen, and that would have to be demoted to the garage lol. Thanks Annie - I'm the only one who eats beans, so I just make a bag at a time in a Lodge cast iron pot and freeze them; lasts me a while. I use the Lodge for mac & cheese too - would be interested to hear how yours comes out in the crock pot! Good to know the difference between the Nesco & crock pot for keeping things warm. Thanks, maybe I'll ask for a small Nesco for Christmas...

You probably already know my answer, there's nothing I prefer in a slow cooker, whether Crock-Pot® brand or otherwise. I threw both my Crock-Pots out. Never gave the temp I wanted and in decades of use I can honestly say I have never said or thought gee I wish I had a Crock-Pot® again. Not once. All I do on the Nesco is adjust the dial. No cuss, just adjust. I've said my piece on slow cookers before so won't repeat that except, to say to each their own. My dad, for instance, absolutely refused to get or let me get him an automatic washer. Nope, no way, no how. Only a wringer washer for him. ("Dem automatic washers walk across the floor you know! That's what they say! Wouldn't take one if dey gave it to me!") :)

annie1992 has a point, maybe, but I really didn't see that happen when I had slow cookers. I will say, and thought at the time that in theory, the crock should not burn edges as much, right? But I experienced the same burn in unattended cooking in a side by side situation, unless I had it only on low which kept the food unedibly cool. Both units apply heat, and too much heat will burn. The slow cooker applies heat continuously though while the electric roaster cycles on and off. I would think that if anything the opposite would be true but I don't use my roaster for beans (no pun intended) so I'll yield to Annie's greater knowledge on them. And I don't have a slow cooker to test my theory and wouldn't have one anyway so I guess it'll go on as one of life's great mysteries for me!

I would say this, Try it and see if you like it. My guess is you will like it far better for at least most applications if not all. There's been quite a few people who were skeptical but found out what a versatile appliance a roaster is once they had one.

I have the 6qt Nesco Cooker but ever since I found the Ninja 3 in 1 Cooker.. the Nesco hasn't been used. With the Ninja, I can sauté any thing that requires that, then add the rest of my ingredients and either leave it on stovetop cooking or switch it to slow cook. Even has a buffet setting. Love it and use it at least once a week.

Thanks for the additional feedback cynic and lmoffett - think I just might try to return that second crock pot. Hmm - haven't tuned into any posts on the 3 in 1 cooker before. Just googled it, and the Cuisinart has by far the most reviews, and good ones. Will search for other threads on here that discuss the 3 in 1 - wonder what an advantage would be for a Nesco instead, besides price, as the Nesco is significantly less expensive?

The advantage to me with the 3 in 1 is that you can sauté your meat, carrots, celery, etc..and add the rest of your soup or stew ingredients using just the pan in the Cooker that comes out for easy cleaning. I also use mine for cooking chickens, pork roasts etc. I like it so well that I bought a second one. It heats on the bottom when using it on the stovetop program or switch it to slow cook for the slow cooker feature.

Thanks a lot lmoffett. I'll have to think about it - could probably get rid of my electric skillet (which I almost never use) if I had a 3 in 1, but both the electric skillet and 3 in 1 have a Teflon non stick coating, which supposedly isn't "healthy." The Nesco has a porcelain coated cookwell. Hmmm...