I don't even bother with a crock-pot anymore. Just about anything you can do with a crock-pot you can do better with a Dutch oven. Bread to stews to boiling bones, I use them for tons of things. But I recommend getting one that is enameled so you don't have to worry about acidic items which not only break down your pot's seasoning, but the bare steel can give some foods a metallic taste. Also easier to maintain.