Customer Rating:  
Summary: Nice concept but fails on execution
Comment: When I first saw this slow cooker, I was stoked about the possibilities of programming it to cook all day while I was at work and coming home to the unmistakable aroma of a delicious crock-pot meal. I couldn't wait to get it. I got the kind that has two interchangeable inserts: one is divided into two sections.
Upon using it for the first time I found that high is entirely too hot and even on warm, this thing continues to practically boil liquid. It bubbled up so bad the juices of my roast went all over the unit and my countertop. And, no it wasn't too full - it's hard to get a 6.5 quart slow cooker too full when cooking for 2!
As far as the normal features, I do like most everything else about this unit. It is stylish, the programming feature works as expected, and everything seems fairly sturdy and well made.
I do not like the "knob" handle on the lid. It gets way too hot and is too small for the large lid size. It looks like they fixed this with the newer models by making more of a handle instead.
Now that we have used it a few more times it seems like the high heat problem is lessening but it definitely still stays a little too hot. I do not trust leaving it at home all day (the food inside would probably be ruined), and I absolutely would not leave it on high while away from the house due to fire hazard.
While I won't be using it as originally intended, it has served its purpose well for when we are able to be home to watch it and add liquid as needed.
I think I'll be trying the Hamilton Beach Set 'n Forget next.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Overcooks on low
Comment: I purchased this model with great expectations only to be disappointed. It boils and burns food on the low setting as well on high! There is no point in using the programmable timer. The outside becomes too hot to touch, a possible fire hazard. Called Rival to see if it is a recall item like other models they have. The answer is NO. Have to return it to store of purchase.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great Slow Cooker!
Comment: I've only had this one for a few weeks, but I use it so much. For some reason, the price had been cut so low, that I bought this when I have two more in the pantry.
This one, unlike my other two rivals, is much bigger, oval (you can cook roasts in it), and is programmable. The programming is very easy and the cooker cooks beautifully.
I don't have an easy time cleaning it though, but that's the same of all my crock pots. I end up with a stubborn residue that I have to scrub off, sometimes soak first.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A Dream Come True!
Comment: Before I received a crock-pot I didn't know how to cook anything but ramen noodles, Mac and cheese, and tuna casserole, but the slow cooker made me an instant gourmet chef. I received a cheap slow cooker for a wedding gift 5 years ago and I used the heck out of it. Both of the handles were broken and there was a small crack in the pot insert. So I decided it was time for a new slow cooker and I was definitely going to do my homework. I was very nervous about purchasing this item because it had no other reviews and I am BIG on reading reviews. Plus, there was almost no information anywhere on the Internet about it. However, I decided to chance it because I could not pass up on the duet stoneware insert, the automatic timer, or the price. I have used it almost non-stop since I received it and the duet insert is a dream!
PROS-
PRICE- I feel you get a lot for your money. Duet insert, smart pot digital timer with auto shift warm setting, rinse clean coating, 6.5 quarts of cooking space
DUET INSERT- The duet insert makes it possible to cook to dishes that compliment each other at the same time. I have made pork chops with an apple cranberry sauce, chicken and scalloped potatoes, chicken and rice, brisket and beans. When both items have all day to cook everything comes out tender, juicy, and flavorful. This pot comes with some really great recipes for the duet insert.
TIMER- The smart pot timer makes it easy to set the amount of time you want your food to cook and leave it all day. After the time runs out it switches to keep warm.
REALLY SLOW COOKS- I had many problems with my old crock-pot with the temperature settings. Warm = really low, low = high, and high = burnt overdone food. I pleased to see that this cooker really had a low setting. It took about 8 hours to cook potatoes.
EASY CLEAN-UP- The stoneware cleaned up quick and easy. The stoneware has a Rinse-clean lifetime stick resistant coating. I didn't realize what a big deal this was until clean up time. After having a cheap pot that I would have to soak overnight to clean, I was really pleased that a little dish soap and some very minor scrubbing left the stoneware clean as a whistle. It is dishwasher safe, but I have a very small dishwasher and I don't like to put large items in there. The outside cleaned up pretty easy as well. Just a cloth with a little soapy water and it was a good as new.
CONS-
PLASTIC ACCENTS- I hate that this has plastic handles and other plastic accents. I get very nervous about picking up the whole crock-pot when full because of the plastic handles. (That is what broke on my last cheap crock pot) The handles have NOT broke or shown any signs that they are not strong enough to handle the weight of the pot, but I still don't like plastic!
ONLY A ONE YEAR WARRANTY- The other pot I was looking at had a 3-year warranty, but it was also 3 times more expensive.
Overall, I love this pot and would definitely buy it again or give it as a gift to the new bride who doesn't know how to cook anything but ramen noodles, Mac and cheese, and tuna casserole. Her new family will not be disappointed.
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