Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This is a much better product than a Rival crock pot. For one thing, it will do so much more ("Versatility" is a good name for it). You can, for example, brown your pot roast in it on your stove before setting the pot on its heating base to slow cook. Hence, fewer pans to clean up. I consider the variety of settings a plus. More choices means more control. Also, the "keep warm" settings come in really handy. I haven't used the heating base as a griddle but it's nice to know I have that option. The only thing I don't like about it is the chord length- it's a bit on the short side. Other than that I love it! Everything comes out tasty. It's easy and convenient to use. It's easy and convenient to clean. It's even light weight! Oh, well, in all fairness I guess I should mention some things the Rival is equiped to do that the West Bend is not: 1) the Rival pot can break if you drop it or subject it to sudden significant temperature change. 2) The Rival handles on the heating base can crack and eventually crumble into small pieces. (Mine did.) 3) Since it weighs so much, the Rival can probably get you into pretty good shape if you lift it enough times. (I use hand weights myself.) I mention these things just in case someone is looking to pay money for this sort of thing. (Well, you never know!) However, in my opinion these are not desireable features in a slow cooker so it's just as well the West Bend doesn't have them. : ) I hope this information helps you make a good decision!