Elite Gourmet EWMST-325R Maxi-Matic Trip

I bought this on a whim to use on Thanksgiving as I was tired of complaints that second helping food was cold!! I am sooo happy I did. It came quickly and very well packed with no damage at all. I like the red color. Ceramic “pots” are large enough to hold a lot and easy to clean. When I first got it I washed the pots and put 2 cups of water into each pot to see if it worked. As each pot is individually controlled, I was able to use my auto temp thermometer in each pot to see how warm the water got. On High it was about 135 degrees. There was an unpleasant smell of what I read from other reviews was “burning oil” so I kept turning all pots on and off several times (with water in them) to dissipate the smell. I was afraid it would not go away but it has. I used it for Thanksgiving and again for this Christmas and now there is no smell. This holiday (serving 8) I made mashed potatoes, gravy and fresh green beans ahead of my families arrival, pre heated the pots with water then emptied the water and added the food. I put each pot on “warm” with lids on. After about an hour or more from putting food into pots with lids on, we sat down to dinner and the food was exactly as it was when I first put it into the pots and at perfect serving temperature. I was thrilled! My Family was very happy. Food stayed perfect for second and third helpings. Mashed potatoes stayed perfect!! Lids and lid holders are very convenient and work great. Spoon slots are also very useful but you do need longer handled spoons. What made my day was that I was able to wash preparing pots and pans and put them away before family arrived keeping my kitchen uncluttered and my after dinner clean up a breeze!! Even though the ceramic pots and lids can go in dishwasher, washing by hand was quick and easy. I look forward to using it again for many occasions!! I am getting one for my daughter-in-law as she liked it. Even my cleaning person saw it and is ordering one!! The only cons would be the “burning” smell that it produced in the beginning but went away with use so I suggest using it with water before a gathering until smell goes away. I would also like an on/off light under each pot dial not just the one light that signifies the unit is plugged in as there are no lights showing if individual pots are on or off. The dial is the only way to know that you have set it to an on/off position. The red metal wrap does get warm to the touch but does not cause a problem. The feet on the unit bottom keeps air circulate underneath so as not to cause overheating of counter too. Have not tried it as a slow cooker yet! All in all this is a great purchase.