Slow cookers rock! Especially this one with it's digital timer. I've gone through a few of these babies, and this one holds it's own.

a new aged high tech slow cooker...this isn't your mother slow cooker (via surlatable.com)

I have a foodie friend who actually asked his girlfriend to get this for him as a Christmas present. And he proceeded to make some awesome short ribs in it. The meat just fell off the bone and was so tender. So yeah, I'm recommending this for any new chef.