The 10 Most Important Gadgets

Slow cookers initially looked like a '70s fad, but they've become a staple for savvy home chefs. They help seal in moisture for delectable soups, stews, and braises, and also offer a great way to cook less expensive, tougher cuts of meat. For family-size meals, we love Cuisinart's large 6.5-quart digital cooker, which brings the device into the new millennium with a programmable 24-hour timer; high, low, and stay-warm settings; and a dishwasher-safe bowl.
(Cuisinart.com, $100)