jacie

the liners that you put into the crock pot work really really well, we always use them for potlucks, so nobody is left with a dirty mess to take home!!! Just empty, store what is left?LOL,,,throw away that bag, and yippee,,all cleaned up....

Latrinka

Mine is an oval with removable crock pot, the original crock pot brand. Love it. It just has high, low, and keep warm settings, works great.

madamekelly

I have bought several over the years, and every time I buy something other than a Rival, I have regretted it. Tried, true, tested, and done with the others! A word of caution...Do not get the one that comes with a 'free carrying strap', and expect to use the strap. The strap is way too flimsy to carry the weight of hot food, and you risk serious burns! {HUGS}

trisha

I love my Hamilton Beach too. The lid snaps closed and the serving spoon locks into the top. Great for transporting.

plainpat

Had a chance to look at slow cookers yest.They seem way heavier than they used to be.
Like the rubber seal on HB & will prob go with a 6qt.There's just 2 of us, but I like making soup,then freezing some for another day.

About cast iron.Few yrs ago, DD got me a small covered cast irot pot.Food in oven cooks great ,but it's so heavy I seldom use it. Can't imagine what a large cast iron pot would weigh full of food.

angieh1964

i have the one with the probe, warm low high heat and the lid locks down i love the locking lid things seem to cook alot better we actually got this one due to the fact my hubby takes it to work for their friday lunches no more spilled messes we love it now if i would just use it more. lol

misseva

i have a rival with snap down lid - walmart - my dd has one too - the only thing is - we have to cook on LOW because if you put it on HIGH and go to bed or leave - it will burn up!!! i like the keep warm feature too. i always use the slocooker liner bags cause i hate to scrub up.

cimarron

OK...guess I have to plead ignorance on the slow-cooker liners. Never ever heard of these until this topic and discussion. Does anyone know if cooking food in plastic is safe, for sure? Petroleum products combined with food just leave me wondering about safety. Has anyone read anything verifying no plastic "leaks" into the food...at cooking temps sustained all day or all night? I sounds like it would be a -wonderful- tool, IF it's 100% safe. Lost family members to cancer, etc. so am maybe am being too cautious. ANYWAY, has anyone read any studies on this topic?

misseva

i haven't read anything - but they seem to be made of the same stuff turkey cooking bags are made of and they've been around a long time. in fact they're in the same section of the store if you're looking for them. not really sure if they're plastic or something else. i'll have to look when i get home.

cimarron

OK...my last concern about crock-pots. Really hope folks know about the safety recall on Rival's models 3040, 3735, 5025, 5070, and 5445. Rival will replace the base, but customers need to keep the crock and lids. It is worth passing along.