It may surprise you to learn that the Crock-Pot® slow cooker, used in so many kitchens around the world, debuted over four decades ago as a simple bean cooker. At this time, the Crock-Pot® brand defined a new way for homemakers to serve an affordable, tender, delicious meal to their families using inexpensive cuts of meat and offered assistance to busy moms caring for their family with a convenient cooking method that helped minimize time in the kitchen. Crock-Pot® slow cookers are a part of many fond family memories as a recollection of favorite dishes and cooking aromas from generations past.