Others say...

"Real Issues!"
I have been using this model now for six months and here is what I found. Knowing the ceramic bowl is large even temperature heating is very important. I try to get the bowl centered as much as possible especially side to side where there is most play. Get the items close to room temperature and place things like onions or carrots under large pieces of meat to keep from having a cold spot in the middle of the bowl. When starting I use the Banquet setting to Low after time to allow things to come up to temp gradually. The only big problem is it runs too hot! I too use Banquet to slow cook or simmer as anything above that will boil out the moisture in less than six hours. WHY KA?

"Cracked Crock"
Hairline crack along bottom of ceramic pot after only a dozen uses. Should have checked reviews before purchase like I usually do. After reviewing other comments on this product stating kitchen aid replacements also cracked, will just take the loss and try another brand.

"Take a pass on this one!"
Based on the recommendations from Cook's Illustrated/America's Test Kitchen, I compared The KitchenAid and All-Clad slow cookers. I decided on the KitchenAid in onyx because I liked the look. Because of warnings from some of the reviewers re:cracking ceramic inserts, first time use was water only on high for 2 hours...testing...testing...all was OK. Next, a bed of onions, an herb and garlic rubbed pork roast and a sour cherry glaze. After 2 hours the house smelled great,then I heard a loud crack. I pulled the insert out and checked the bottom...hairline crack. I decided to take a chance and finished cooking the roast.(Delish!) Cleaned up the crock and the crack was visible on the inside too. So this one got sent back to Amazon(and they make it SO easy to do that!)I didn't want the same experience of one reviewer who went through 3 ceramic inserts...obviously there's a quality control problem...shame on Kitchenaid for not recalling these...they're a safety hazard! So, I just ordered the All-Clad and am crossing my fingers. Next test will be Mexican Pork Roast with Tomatillo Sauce. I'll let you know...

"Great Cooker"
I love this slow cooker. It is so easy to use and does a super job. I like choice of settings and the automatic off feature. I also use the buffet setting to keep the food at a safe temperature until everyone in the family has eaten. I also like the way the cord has a place on the bottom so that it isn't in the way when I try to store it. I would absolutely buy it again.

"KitchenAid crockpot Awesome"
A little pricey compared to some, but well worth it! Have used often for various menues, ie: soups, pulled pork, pot roast, stews. FYI The best= Hoppin' John recipe: 1 large ham hock and 1 tablespoon olive oil to braise on all sides,1 cup onion chopped, 1 cup celery chopped, 1 cup green pepper chopped, 2 tablespoon chopped garlic, 1 pound black-eyed peas (or field peas)boil then simmer for an hour drain and rinse, 1 quart chicken stock, Bay leaf, 1 teaspoon dry thyme leaves, Salt, black pepper, and cayenne, 3 cups white rice. Put all but rice in crock pot and cook on high for four hours, add rice and cook one more hour. Just before you add rice you can remove ham hock and separate meat from bone and return meat with the rice. Awesome tasting dish!
I've given the KitchenAid a good workout in past year with no problems.