Our 1970's era slow cooker finally gave out. After shopping around and reading product reviews, this KA slow cooker worked its way to the top of the list.  We've been using it for a short while now and wonder why we didn't get something like this much sooner.  Has great controls for selecting Low, Medium, High settings and setting the time for cooking.  Compared to our old Low/Hi Short/Long settings - this is a dream to use and control.  KA also seems to have mastered the art of an insulated handle on the lid.  Over all it has worked great for us, doesn't seem to have any hot-spots so cooking is even throughout the crock.