I purchased this crock pot in January 2014 and it still works like new. I love to make homemade soups and stews all year long. I've even made refried beans. For a long time I had this one along with the old crock pot that did not have a separate insert. Eventually the old crockpot heating element died. Those old designs were not easy to clean at all. I have found that having the removable insert makes it easy to clean because you can soak it for a day and then scrub it with a brush. Also, I can remove the insert, cover it and keep it in the fridge to later reheat. It is a heavy insert so keep that in mind when you are removing it and it is full. I've had minimal experience with the locking lid since I don't bring it to potluck dinners, just eat at home. There is a vent on the glass cover for steam to escape. I've had no problems at all with denting or melted handles. Not sure why some people had that happen to their model. I have the 6 qt and it fits my needs but sometimes I wish I had the 8 qt. I never go to bed with the crock pot on and never leave the house if it is on either. I know after all this time it won't catch fire but I don't like the risk. If I have to run out for an errand, I will turn it off and then turn it back on again when I return home. I wish there was a feature to automatically shut off like my rice cooker. After all these years, this dependable crock pot is my mainstay and I would buy again.