[orestis]

I’m curious - here in Southern Europe we have been using pressure cookers for ages. They’re meant to be used on the stovetop (usually electric). The newer models (like in the last 20 years) are also quiet (no revolving noise maker). They also double as a plain deep pan.

Isn’t that common in North America? Why do you have to buy an extra appliance?

[cricalix]

A slow cooker is not a pressure cooker. Slow cookers don't have pressure seals, unless you buy one of the hybrid ones (InstantPot being one example brand) that do both functions.

With a slow cooker, you don't leave the hob on for 8 hours; they have a low wattage (relatively speaking) heating coil that won't even get a pot of water up to boiling point (generally).