I got my slow cooker ages ago out of Argos. Like alfiebrady says, they're all much of a muchness. Mine hasn't got a timer, just Hi & Low heat and as you can leave most casseroles, soups, curries etc to cook on the low heat all day or overnight (4-6 hours on high) I don't see that you need a timer. The crockpot comes out and you can just use it as a serving dish on the table (obviously protecting the table against the heat), thus cutting out on washing up! I wouldn't be without mine. If you want to cook a whole chicken though, you can also buy oblong crock pots.