I bought the Vitaclay 8 months ago after extensive research. I so wanted to love this rice cooker but it just wasn't in the cards! I wanted a rice cooker that wasn't coated in Teflon and I loved the idea of the clay pot so there was no hesitation about spending $100 on a rice cooker. I used it about 50 times but had to discontinue using it because mold is growing in the clay and I can't get rid of it. I've tried everything and now the mold is growing inside the machine. I take care of my kitchen appliances and take great care in thoroughly cleaning and drying them when I'm finished using them so I doubt the mold is a result of misuse or improper care. I had to remove it from my kitchen because it stinks of mildew.I also wasn't terribly impressed with the quality of the rice it produces. It's pretty inconsistent - sometimes it's mushy and sometimes it's hard. My $10 Rival does a better job.