Im a big fan of my http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005JB049C/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?qid=1387140514&sr=8-11&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70 . Got it at target for$30. I love how easy it is to clean and travel with. Plus the travel latch is part of the crock pot, not something I can misplace.

• If you think you may do some big meals or whole chickens

• This one just under $25 if you think you may just be doing smaller meals for yourself.

• This one if you're looking to save even more and plan on smaller meals

You're going to have a hard time finding a programmable one for under $40. The least I think I saw was $36.