An answer to your question it comes down to preference. Reason being you have 2 types, programmable & manual. I personally like manual, it's something less I have to think about in the sense if the digital breaks. Go to crockpotking.com, it has a great video, on helping you to make your decision, the page is called Best Crock Pots. Also the bottom, of the home page, has great books to get you started, what the best thing about the site it shows you how to make time for yourself, with this kind of cooking. Also there's temperature page, on what setting to use when cooking. Start off with a Rival their good, and I've had mine for years. And see if it's something your going to like, but if you want to create more time for yourself that's the way to Go.

Good luck!!!
Ben the Crock Pot king