This slow cooker is very versatile. I sautee my onions and peppers and what have you on my gas stove top, and then move the unit to the base and add the rest of my ingredients. I have had the cooker about six months and am very happy with it overall. My only complaint is that the plastic handle on the glass lid is starting to loosen. Also, the lid is rimmed with metal, which has bent just a bit, and now I have to push down just right to get the lid to seal perfectly. Overall, though, a good value for the price.