By the time I finish work, collect three children from their various schools, sports, and lessons, and make it home, everyone is far too hungry to wait for me to prepare anything nutritious. I had been spending far too much money on takeout every week (and my 13 year old son had just tried to eat a frozen burrito before I could even get it into the microwave) when Sunset magazine ran an article on the "new" slow cookers. I did some research and decided this one was the best for the money -- and I have NOT been disappointed. It's totally changed the way we approach dinner in my household -- for the better! I only wish it were bigger.