The crockpot kept me alive when I was single. Once I was married with children and the wife and I both working odd shifts, it was priceless.I have all 3.. i only know how to heat dino nuggies in the air fryer. the instant pot terrifies me because .. boom. and crockpot means starting it and leaving it when not home.. and no.. i dont like fire hazards like that.
Some folks get lazy when using a crockpot, but they can produce some great meals if you plan ahead and cook stuff that benefit from low and slow.
One of the first meals I cook after getting the first deer of the season is shanks. Tough, worthless pieces that turn to butter in the crockpot. The bones and marrow create a dish that is unbelievably rich.