The terms "slow cooker" and "Crock-Pot" are often used interchangeably, but they are not precisely the same thing.
A slow cooker is a kitchen appliance designed to cook food at a low and consistent temperature over an extended period. It typically consists of a metal or ceramic pot, surrounded by a heating element, and a removable lid. Slow cookers are excellent for braising, simmering, and preparing stews, soups, and other slow-cooked dishes. They offer convenience and the ability to prepare meals with minimal effort, as you can add ingredients to the pot, set the cooking time and temperature, and let it cook slowly over several hours.
On the other hand, "Crock-Pot" is a brand name for a line of slow cookers that was introduced by Rival Manufacturing Company in the 1970s. The brand became so popular that "Crock-Pot" is now commonly used as a generic term to refer to any slow cooker, regardless of the brand. This phenomenon is similar to how some people refer to all tissues as "Kleenex," which is also a brand name.
In summary, all Crock-Pots are slow cookers, but not all slow cookers are Crock-Pots. Any slow cooker you find in the market, regardless of the brand, operates on the same basic principle of cooking food slowly at a low and consistent temperature.