Can't go wrong with Japanese domestic products! I had the same one back home, which is still going strong after 5 years, as long as you don't drop the cover lid, which will ruin the thermo effect. I use this one for everything, even to make yogurt.
My hubby concedes that although $150 sounds a lot for a "slow cooker", it is much better and is worth every penny. Dishes that usually takes up to 3 hours to achieve doneness {beef} will take only max 1.5 hours with this cooker: bring the cooker to a boil for 3-5 min, then put it into the thermo for 30 min, then take out & bring to a boil for 3-5 min. Repeat the process until you get the desired doneness. Consider the energy saving.
I use it every day, so much so that many times I considered getting the 2nd one. I definitely will when we have kids :D
I love the pot!! I can just cut veggies, shimmer for five to ten minutes, then put the pot in the outer pot for a certain time and the soup is ready. It’s so easy!! I just wish that there would be handles on the outer pot as well.