The Charter Issue of, "Cook's Country", magazine reviews Slow Cookers.

Those reviewed are the 4.0 to 7 quart cookers, some round, some oval

RECOMENDED:Fraberware Millenium , West Bend Versatility ,Proctor
Silex #33627

RECOMMENDED.WITH RESERVATIONS: Rival Recipe Smart Pot , Recipe Smart
Pot.

NOT Recommended: Toastmaster # 1320, Hamilton Beach Meat Maker ,
West Bend Crockery Cooker.

Also recommended is the accessory that Cooker plugs into and in turn,
plugs into the AC outlet: When the specific Cooker setting has been
reached it will turn to Very Lowlow; No need to fear and rush home to
find your food overcooked. About $10.00

Oval shaped Slow Cookers allow larger, bulky cuts of meat.

I just bought the Farberware Millenium at Amazon.com for 33.00, free
shipping. This, after hours of online window shopping for the best
price. Street Price is about $39., some sell for $49 and 59 , one
wants almost 16.00 for shipping.

Pot Roast seems to be the big reason for oval shaped slow cookers.