Versatile and Attractive, but Watch the Stoneware/UPDATED

I bought the Versaware Pro Slow Cooker this spring. It's an impressively attractive slow-cooker and the removable heat-storing crock is a plus when serving on a buffet line. Its programmable feature is a helpful tool for busy people.

The crock cleans up quite nicely, especially after it's seasoned from cooking some rich meat dishes. The base wipes up easily with a soapy kitchen brush, if needed, followed by a damp cloth.

The size is perfect for cooking a good batch of anything for a buffet or for a couple of family meals. The oval shape is sensible and accessible and will accommodate two large chickens plus vegetables.

I tried the refrigerator-to-stove feature with no problems. That's handy. Being able to brown in a crock on the stove top is also a great feature that makes this item more one-dish functional for cooking soups and stews from their own stock.

I find the heat settings a little higher than I was accustomed to with a 20-plus year old teflon-on aluminum removable-based item that had 5 heat levels. I'd like to see an ultra-low heat setting just above "warm" for long days.

The crock seems a bit easy to chip, especially the lid. I've only a tiny, tiny nick on the edge from normal handling, but it was disappointing. Something that is going to be used by a family needs to be less delicate.

What drove me to review this item is when I hauled it out this morning to begin a steak and barley soup, I noticed white fuzz near the lip of the bowl when I removed the lid. Closer inspection revealed it and other spots in the crock were mold! Another look at the lid revealed dark mold growing around the unfinished sealing rim of the lid. Not good! This could have been a health hazard had I not noticed it. A light bleach solution made me feel secure enough to cook in it, so five hours 'til soup!

UPDATE: The mold problem seems to have resolved with great care to never ever store it with the lid completely on. Storing it with the cord flipped up inside so the lid is a bit ajar has resulted in no more mold growth.

The stoneware had sat on my counter for two days before I put it in a non-airtight cupboard after cleaning it in the dishwasher. However, even if it had been put away dampish, it should not develop mold, especially in dry Colorado.

I went to the Rival website to email them about the problem, but they offer an 800-number only. I'll give that a try and see how they do. In the meantime, I want current and future users to be aware of the problem so they can watch out for it.