The 4 qt slow cooker is just the right size for a small family or a single willing to have some yummy left overs. I picked this one up to replace a slow cooker I had had for some 15 years. The heat settings are just right and the ceramic crock does not get to hot to the touch when you go to remove it. Don't grab the bottom though. I have now had this item for a month and have used it 4 times and is holding up well. No problems with the plastic knob on the front or anything else. If I could change one thing it would be the plastic "skirt" that goes around the bottom and then up the sides. I would rather see some stronger material there instead of some flimsy plastic. Granted I am not one to move the slow cooker while it is working so this isn't an issue for me.

I just bought this supposedly "4 qt" slow cooker today.  I will be taking it back tomorrow.  When I pulled it out of the box it loked small to me, so I got a measuring cup and began pouring water into the pot.  Four quarts?  It barely holds three quarts.  The box clearly says "4 quart capacity."  Maybe the cooker without the crockery liner will hold 4 quarts, but who would use this product that way?