This is the one I've waited 5 years for, it was worth the wait..

I have been on the lookout for a crock pot/slow cooker for over 5 years now. I did without, rather than settling for an inferior model. I love the convenience of putting a meal together, turning my pot on and coming home to a cooked dinner awaiting me.

I disposed of my last crock pot, because it heated up my new counter top. The feet were merely curvatures of the metal on the base of the machine and it had transferred heat to my counter top. I was afraid of the heat damage or fire that could result. I had it in the back of my mind, to be on the lookout for one worthy of my home and family.

BE MINE

When I discovered this Kitchenaid, with the oval design and rubber feet, I knew this had to be mine. I love the oval design, so I can throw a whole oven stuffer chicken in there, as well as ribs, pot roast, corned beef, meatballs and anything else I wanted. I was not restricted by the shape of it. When my children saw this crock pot, they squeaked, and recalled the dishes I used to make, and the tenderness of the meats. They knew what their future would behold.

FEATURES

I chose the stainless steel exterior, although there are choices of black and red. This enormous crock pot holds up to 7 quarts of food. The exterior measurement is 19 inches wide (handle to handle) by 12 inches deep by 10 inches in height (to the top of the handle).

On the black interior of the pottery piece, there are markers denoting the 1 through 7 quart capacity at each level. This piece has a step at the top, with a rollover lip, if you are mighty enough to lift this full, for pouring out your gravy. I suggest a ladle.

The lid is clear glass, bordered with a black silicone trim to seal its contents. The lid and its seal are dishwasher safe. The seal locks in nutrients and moisture. In the center of the lid is a large black handle, which has warmed, but is not hot and is easily manageable. If the lid is removed, or in the event of a power outage, there is reserved power that will allow this cooker to resume cooking temperature.

This unit runs on 400 watts of electricity, self stores the cord and grounded three prong plug, and has a rear bumper to prevent heating the counter top behind the unit. The exterior does get hot, but that is why they've added the rear bumper and extended the side handles. Nothing should be placed next to this appliance while in use. The large rubber feet prevent heat being distributed directly to the counter top (a problem with my previous cooker).

Once the slow cooker is turned on, the timer starts counting down from 10 hours immediately. Beneath this timer are + and - buttons, to add or subtract cooking time by 10 minute increments.

SETTINGS

This crock pot/slow cooker has 5 settings: Buffet, Simmer, Low, High and Auto. If set on Auto, this crock pot will cook at 212 degrees for 2 hours, then automatically reduce to 203 degrees for up to 8 hours, then reduce to 165 degrees for 4 hours on "Keep Warm".

The Buffet setting is for when you need to keep foods warm at 165 degrees, for up to six hours. The Buffet setting is not intended for a cooking cycle. I have not used the simmer, high and low settings. The adjustable Auto is fine for me.

There are two LED lights on the front panel, which indicate "cooking" cycle or "keep warm" cycle are in use.

If an Err begins to flash, followed by a 1, this is a Food Temperature alert or the control knob is not in the off position. Simply turn the cooker off, then to the desired setting. If Err begins to flash and is followed by a 2 or 3, discontinue use and contact Kitchenaid.

MY BENEFICIARIES

My house goblins have enjoyed pot roast, stewed chicken, beef stew and my famous beer cheese soup. I am currently making my family's favorite meatloaf, as I'm writing this, I'm smelling the aroma on the opposite side of the house, even with a miserable head cold.

I'm employed full time and love the ease of throwing my fresh foods into a pot, and coming home to a fully cooked meal. I have tested this pot while at home, to be sure it was safe for when I am not. I'm thoroughly satisfied with this cooker. It is almost like having my own private chef, but I take the credit and my family gets a balanced meal with optimal nutrition.

OTHER INFORMATION

This crock pot/slow cooker comes with an instruction booklet in English, French and Spanish. It also includes recipes and troubleshooting.

Kitchenaid offers a Hassle-Free Replacement Warranty, guaranteeing within the first year, door to door replacement of the appliance, arrange return of broken appliance and guarantee the same replacement for the new appliance for another entire year.

For Customer Service call 1-800-541-6390 or go to Kitchenaid.com.

UPDATE

A mystery has occurred in my home. I discovered one day, there was a chip on the side of the crock piece. I called Kitchenaid and notified them of this. They are sending to me a replacement piece, free of charge. I was told to expect it in 5 to 7 days. I'm delighted and very impressed with their customer service.

Thank you for reading my review.