I have to old bullterrier and I feed they brown rice and a moist dog food twice a day . my husband and I also eat the brown rice . this product have free I from watch the pot and the clock . I love it !! I use it every three day . there be no funny smell that I read in alot of other review . I would recommend this to every body who love rice and the slow cooker part be also great . I make a awesome meatloaf in it while i be out food shopping and when it be time to eat , it be be moist and very tasty . please try this product if you eat alot of rice or want to slow cook something - it be the product to help you out . please read the instruction first and then have a great time . one other tibit when you cook the rice-turn it off when the cooking cycle be do . do not leave it on the warm cycle . you do not need it . just keep the lid close and the rice stay hot for quite sometime . sr