Hi all

Am seriously thinking about getting a slow cooker and actually using it. I have a had a quick read in the slow cooker general chatter but cant seem to find any answers to my questions so thought i may start a new thread. So here is what id love to know-

* Can or do you leave your slow cooker on during the day while you go to work or out? I am a little worried as we have a feathered family member who lives inside and i wouldnt want anything to happen to him just coz i wanted dinner ready when i got home.

* What is a good brand slow cooker? I dont mind paying more if it is better... ie cooks better, more durable, easier to clean etc

* A question DH had which i think is rather odd but here goes- Does the meat taste "stewed" ? I dont really understand it but um he likes tender meats such as the beef in monogolian beef from the chinese restaurant but doesnt like when i cook say stroganoff and the water comes out then it cooks in it coz he says its "stewed" (maybe he should just eat chinese every night heheheh)

* Does it make, making dinner easier? I know there is still the preparation but then at least there is no stirring etc..

Thanks in advance, am looking forward to reading replies and talking and explaining to DH why we really need one