This is my first time having a all in one cook machine. Actually I was looking for a new rice cooker, but ninja foodi can do pasta, oats, saute, braise and slow cook as well which is very impressive. The pot is kinda rounded square shape. It's quite tall as well which is perfect for using a saute function. The handles of the pot and the top handle on the cover are made of metal, so the pot (without the base) could be used in the oven. I found that I could place a spatula on the handles which is so convenient while cooking. The pot surface is non-stick which is very useful while cooking and cleaning after. I noticed that there was no much steam coming out through the opening on the lid. Overall, I fell in love with the ninja foodi cooker and I am seeing myself using it for slow cook, saute, rice, oats and other grains daily.