If I was buying a new one, I'd look for one that could be set to turn itself OFF at a certain time or after X number of hours. Mine doesn't. I did get a contraption at the hardware store that I can plug the slow-cooker into, but it's kind of a hack solution. Sometimes I'm out longer than I meant to be, and not every dish is happy cooking forever and ever and ever.

Mine (a programmable Hamilton Beach, I believe) has an automatic "warm" function that kicks in once the cooking time is up. I would guess this is fairly standard today, but it's a wonderful feature, the food stays warm until I'm ready to eat!

A removable crock is now pretty standard, but it's essential in my opinion. You can remove the crock, cool the food, cover it and put the crock in the fridge, then re-heat it the next day. And you can put the crock in the dishwasher.

Did anyone have the really old style of crock pot that you could remove the crock and use the base as a deep fryer?? My grandmother then my mom had it growing up and I was so sad when it broke and I found out they haven't done that in eons.

A stovetop safe insert. I have one and it is amazing, the only drawbacks are the model I have that was reasonably priced is a little small, 6.5, and isn't programmable.

I'd think about the types of things you'd make and when they would need to be started (if you'll be home or not). If you won't be home when you'd like it to start, I'd consider getting one that just has the on-low-high dials and using one of the light timer things to set when you actually want the crock-pot to turn on.

I think having a built-in temperature probe is essential. It takes the guesswork out of things that it's easier to over/under cook. For example, a roast chicken isn't necessarily something you want to leave in there on low for hours after it's done cooking, you don't need it to fall apart at the slightest touch. The models with a built-in temperature probe will let you set the temperature the meat is finished at, then when it hits that temp it will switch to Warm automatically. Obviously it's not so helpful for soups, stews, etc, but you can always fall back on the timer mode.

I have a Smart Pot like the one in the photo above and I find it's perfectly adequate. It was an automatic warm cycle that kicks in when it has completed cooking and holds a decent (but not huge) volume.

It's helpful to know what you're going to use it for. I use mine for some roasts and for making pulled pork when I have to feed a lot of people. Sometimes, I'd love to have 2 slow-cookers of different size, but I can't justify the space that another (albeit smaller one) would take up.

I wish mine was bigger. Not sure on the size, but when you look at it you think "Looks about perfect for a chicken!". So, in the chicken goes. But then I don't have any room for the vegetables that I want to cook along side. With a family of four I'd buy the biggest one you can get.

I love my Crock-Pot Touchscreen! My favorite part is that you can control the time and temperature independently. That way I can cook something on low for only 4 hours, or even something on high for 10! I use a slow cooker so much more now that I have total control.