Probably no different, really. In this case, it just worked out better (and I didn't stop to consider alternate methods) because I could make it in the morning (when I had time) as opposed to evening (when I ... still had time, but a bit less of it).

(Also, the kitchen smelled like kielbasa and kraut all day, which the kids and I liked. My wife less so)

How is it different in seven hours than it would be after 20 minutes in a saucepan on the stovetop?

I'm not being an asshole here (any more than usual), I just always made sausages and kraut by throwin' 'em on the stove and simmering for 20-30 min.

Dude! Ready! Mail me a big bowl, stat.

I love that stuff

Ingredients:

2 pounds kielbasa, chopped into pieces
1 pound sauerkraut
1 can beer that you aren't going to drink anyway (I recommend something that a houseguest left, like "Brooklyn Lager")

Dump everything into a crock pot. Cook on low for seven hours. Then eat it. Great on a cold, miserable night.