[SeeAPenny]

Yes to the above, and also my 2 cents: probably the handiest feature about crockpot cooking is the convenience factor. For example, if one anticipates a busy day ahead (work, activities, etc), s/he can throw all necessary ingredients for a soup or stew into the crockpot in the a.m., let it simmer slowly all day -- and come home to a ready-made, delicious hot meal for dinner. Or even breakfast -- say for example, a hearty grain cereal of some kind that's cooked through the night while one sleeps. While crockpots can be very energy efficient, I think the money savings mainly come in because they can help one avoid expensive convenience food, or even the temptation to eat out, on those days when a person anticipates s/he will feel too busy or tired to 'cook'. Crockpot cookery does take a certain amount of advanced planning however, because of the 6 - 12 hour cooking time depending on what's being made (plus, beans may still need to be soaked, vegetables peeled/chopped, etc...). There are a number of good crockpot cookbooks and online recipes out there to help one get started.....

I have two second-hand, thriftstore crockpots that serve me very well, sometimes even at the same time! (during canning season for example (applesauce). Or, with a main dish in one, a side dish in another...) I do believe crockpots have a place in any frugal kitchen....