Crock-Pot cooks up a new batch for 2010

Crock-Pot is at it again; the iconic kitchen appliance is getting a makeover. Available in March, Crock-Pot will be launching the Designer Series with three new slow-cooker designs, each available at three different price levels. All three configurations will be available in the sleek new styles they are calling Squond, Rectangular, and Oblong.

Kicking off the launch will be the affordable Manual Plus line which feature a physical knob-shaped control with high, low, and warm settings. A digital timer counts up the cook time in one-minute increments. They are priced with MSRP of $49.99 each.

Next up in the Designer Series are the Programmable Stainless Steel models. Priced at $59.99 each, the midlevel priced slow cookers highlight ease of use with four preset cooking times of 8 or 10 hours at the low setting, or 4 or 6 hours on the high setting. When the cooking program is complete, the slow cooker automatically shifts to a keep warm mode.

Rounding out the new line are the Programmable Polished slow cookers (pictured up top). Each of these models are handsomely polished and will be $69.99 each. Featuring the ability to program up to a 20-hour cook time, the top of the line models incorporate a digital timer that counts down the cooking time. As with the Stainless Steel models, the slow cooker shifts to Keep Warm when the desired cooking time has elapsed.

All of the new Crock-Pots include dishwasher-safe, 6-quart-capacity stoneware, and tight-fitting gasket lids. Look for them at select retailers in March.