Per Smithosonian: In 1971 the Rival Company introduced the Crock-Pot, an electric cooker containing a removable glass or ceramic crock. By maintaining low temperatures, the Crock-pot cooked food slowly and could be left safely unattended for hours. The appliance quickly gained popularity in the 1970s, as more and more women were working outside the home. Before leaving for work, busy home cooks could start a meal in the crockpot, knowing they would return home to fully cooked food.
Photo by Grasons.