Katie E said:
The reason everyone else calls theirs slow cookers is that Rival has the exclusive use of the word Crock-Pot since they invented them in the early '70s.
My brother was given the Rival BBQ Pit a couple of years ago. He said they've only used it, maybe, once and that it was cumbersome to store. And to qualify this answer, let me say that a lot of cookin' goes on in his house. He said it is really no more than a crock-pot on steroids and just about everything that can be done in the BBQ device can be done in an extra-large crock-pot.
We have a nice toaster oven that can take very large casseroles. If you're interested, here's a link to it: ttp://www.gehousewares.com/action/browseproduct?content_id=26. We really like it because it's easy to maintain and clean and cooks almost like a regular stand-alone oven.
We also have a countertop roaster oven, much like a Nesco roaster, which we also like.
Good luck in your quest.
Yes, Rival DID use that name first, and they have exclusive rights to the word Crockpot - and they can file class action lawsuits against any other co. that uses the name.
And yes, they WERE the very first co. that invented the Crock Pot slow cooker, so-called simply because the stoneware vessel that's in it somewhat resembles a crock, something that's normally used to store cooking utensils when not in use.
In the eary '70s, as well as the mid to late '70s and even in the early '80s, these units practically flew off the store shelves, as everyone and their brother were rushing to the stores to buy one!!
The appliance DID at one time, spark up some controversy because consumers had wondered whether the thing was able to reach and maintain the ideal temp
for cooking the food and preventing the start and growth of bacteria at 160 degrees or so. But it was tested and proven to be completely safe for slow cooking.
The "Cock Pot on steroids", as you call it, haha!!, is for those who don't have the luxury, joy or backyard of using a regular BBQ grill or pit. And yes, in small amounts, regular crock pots can be used for what can be cooked in the BBQ Pit.
You're also right about storing the appliance! It's too large to keep in the kitchen when not in use, so I have to keep it in the back room until the next time that I want to use it.