I have a cheap rice maker and decide to upgrade when my daughter move out and want mine . this be one of the greatest addition to my kitchen . as well as make the greatest rice , expecially for sushi , it also make wonderful hot cereal that you can wake up to when you set the timer the night before . throw in some dry fruit and spice and it be a wonderful smell to wake up to as well as good for you . the old rice maker use to get crunchy stuff on the bottom and the brown rice be sometimes chewier than it should have be but never this one . it also steam stuff to perfection in a couple minute . I have not use it as a slow cooker yet but I have no doubt it will be great . I love it , it be worth every cent and Amazon be spectacular at get it to I . I order it right before Christmas not expect it till after the holiday and it get here in 2 day , just in time to make Christmas sushi .