Crockpot comeback: with the new slow cookers, all you really have to do for dinner is lift the lid and serve - Lowfat & Easy

Shape, Feb, 2003 by Robin Vitetta-Miller

* Rival, $10-$65 The $10 1-quart slow cooker is great for hot dips. The 6-quart $65 crock will, once the cooking time elapses, automatically switch to a "warm" setting (rivco.com, www.crock-pot.com, 800-986-9753).

* West Bend, $30-$70 (3.5- to 6-quart models in round and oblong shapes) The top-of-the-line cooker has a heating base that doubles as a grill/griddle (west bend.com, 262-334-6949).

* Farberware, $50 This 6-quart model features a removable stoneware pot and contemporary chrome exterior finish (farberware.com, 800-233-9054).

Slow-Cook Tips

* To cook a whole turkey breast, season the breast (or breast cutlets) and put it in the slow cooker with vegetables (e.g., mushrooms, corn, carrots) and enough liquid (chicken broth or water) to prevent turkey from sticking to the pot. Cover and cook 8-10 hours.

* To stew a 4-pound whole chicken, place it on a bed of chopped onion and celery in the slow cooker. Season the chicken, add 1 cup broth or water, cover and cook for 8-10 hours.

* Rice and other whole grains must be cooked separately; they absorb too much liquid during long cooking and break down into mush.

* You can cook any type of dried beans in the slow cooker. Simply pre-boil dried beans for 10 minutes, drain and proceed with the recipe.

Robin Vitetta-Miller, M.S., is a food writer based in Yardley, Pa.