I bought this slow cooker a couple of years ago. I decided on a cheap one because I've bought so many gadgets over the years that I've been mad about for a few days, a few weeks maybe even a few months then they've ended up in a cupboard never to be used again! From the first time I used this (my first experience of a slow cooker) I was hooked and used it at least once a week - during the winter it was poss even 3 times a week! It is a fairly basic model but in my opinion has all you need. I have now upgraded to a larger model for 2 reasons - 1) I used it so much I wanted a larger model so I could freeze another family meal and 2) the crock pot developed a small crack. I wouldn't put that as a negative really to be honest - I paid £10 2 years ago and this must have been used hundreds of times!