A slow cooker is a countertop electrical home appliance that is used to cook stews and other dishes containing water at relatively low temperatures, with correspondingly long cooking times (several hours). Many recipes simply call for the ingredients to be put in the cooker with little preparation. The slow cooker can then safely be left to run unattended, making it a convenient cooking method.The modern slow cooker was developed by Rival Industries with the trademarked name Crock Pot. This name is sometimes used informally to refer to any slow cooker. Rival purchased and refined the design of a bean-pot called the Beanery from Naxon Co. of Chicago.Slow cookers contrast with pressure cookers, which are hermetically sealed and cook quickly at temperatures well above 100°C (212°F) using steam at high pressure and temperature. Unlike a pressure cooker, a slow cooker cannot explode even without a safety valve as the contents are at atmospheric pressure. Ovens broil at 320°C (600°F), and bake at 150 - 260°C (300 - 500°F). Water-based foods in saucepans are often cooked at the boiling point of water. A lower temperature can be used, but is difficult to maintain accurately.