I’ve had my 5-quart Rival slow cooker for over ten years and have enjoyed cooking with it. However, it is beginning to show its age. Last month, I set something to cook before I went to work. When I arrived home, I found my meal slightly scorched and a bit watery. I’ve since shelved my slow cooker and use it only for weekend cooking, when I know that I can be there to monitor the food.

The first brand I looked at was Rival, since I’d had good luck with my model up to this point. I was disappointed when I read many reviews from people who’d experienced the same thing with newer models. This made me look at other models.

At Christmas time, I was drooling over the KitchenAid mixer stand, which I never did buy due to limited counter space. Now, I have my sights on their 7-quart slow cooker. It has an oblong shape, which is perfect for slow cooking ribs, pot roasts or whole chickens. Even better, it has a computerized temperature sensor that will force the appliance to shut off. You can also program it to cook on a low or high setting for up to 10 hours.

As my boys grow older, I’ll need a bigger pot to accommodate their appetites. Amazon reviewers said that this slow cooker is huge.

The only downside is the price. Then again, if the KitchenAid slow cooker lasts as long as my Rival, I’ll consider it a great investment. You can get it on Amazon for $130 right now, or hunt for a better bargain elsewhere.