Last year I researched for a new Crockpot. I found that some crockpots elements heat so fast on the high they crack the pot when you put a cold (from refrig)meat in the bottom of it. They recommended to slice a onion or potato and sit that on the bottom then put the meat (or whatever) on that slice. Then there isn't the big tempture difference. When I read that even the high end ones were doing it. I now do this. I did buy a new crockpot. My son wanted it for Xmas and liked it so much Santa got me one too.