text: First one's "crock" was warped badly out of shape. The glass lid didn't fit correctly at all, with at least a 3/8" gap on most of one side. The second one is marginally better -- but this crock is misshapen as well, and the lid is too long to sit squarely and securely on the oddly short pot (short in the long dimension - the lid teeters back and forth). I know the lid doesn't have to seal , exactly -- but it does need to keep the heat and steam in to be effective and efficient. At the very least it should help contain the contents when moving the unit. Either of the ones I received would allow a good amount of chili to slosh out the sides as if there were no lid at all. I've gone from thrilled with the prompt and helpful customer service to feeling like the vendor is wasting my time. Boo.