any good recommendations? low odor + reliability if possible
I would skip the crock pot and instead use a water heater/circulator to heat your product quite a bit more precisely.
This web site explains how pretty well.
Oh and FYI: although I fully intend to try it, I haven't yet so I have no personal experience with this (or really any) method.
Heh and one more thing: Yes the initial investment is quite a bit more expensive than a crock pot - but you end up with a sous vide cooker, which will instantly and dramatically increase your ability in the kitchen while simultaneously making cooking ridiculously simple. And FWIW, I do have a ton of experience here. I adore my
Classic Nomiku and can hardly wait for my
WiFi Nomiku to arrive!!
Edit: Oh and I almost forgot: NO odor and completely reliable.