Crockpots are usually huge things. I can fit an entire chicken in my big one. But the pot I use almost every day? My Rival Crock-ette, which isn't made any more; I've had it almost since the day I left home 25-plus years ago.

This is a well-regarded replacement for the Crock-ette. We use our mini-crockpot as a porridge pot, cooking porridge overnight in it almost every day. We've also used it at buffets for things like wienies in barbecue sauce or hot dips of one kind or another. So while a teeny crockpot is useful if you're cooking for just one or two, it also offers a host of uses for families as well. It's one of the few electric kitchen appliances I wouldn't like to do without.

Lynn Siprelle, Editor