Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I was interested in a smaller size slow cooker but I wanted the programming features of the larger cookers. The Cuisinart 650 model has a lot of criticisms and plenty of 1 star ratings, but most of the reviews for both the CSC-400 and PSC-400 were positive. Unfortunately, every negative comment of the larger model is true with the PSC-400 I bought: -the low temperature setting is too high -the high setting boils the food -escaping steam causes the lid to rattle constantly -condensation runs down the outside of the pot After researching how a slow cooker is "suppose" to work, I find descriptions such as this: "Slow cookers are designed to emit very little steam, so food braises in its own juices, as well as any cooking liquid." The USDA website says: "The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking and steam created within the tightly-covered container combine to destroy bacteria and make the slow cooker a safe process for cooking foods." The Cuisinart PSC-400 does not slow cook. It boils. It rattles. Lastly, yes, it looks great, but it is a space hog. Update 2/25/12: wow, I originally reviewed this in 2008, and people are still adding comments. One poster, in 2010, said that the problems have been fixed, so people looking now in Feb 2012 should definitely read newer reviews, and not base their purchase on my experience - maybe the problems have been fixed. The funniest comment was the one that said I was not only immature and ignorant, but I should possibly be sued for slander! Hilarious. For others who have suggested that users like me were somehow not properly using the slow cooker, filling it enough, etc. I can only say that I have followed many recipes for this size slow cooker, read all the directions, and so on, and still have the problem of it boiling. Plenty of others (with this, and other brands) have the same problem, so I don't think it is defective, but perhaps I should have exchanged it for another one to make sure. So, for those that own this cooker with a rattling lid (or end up with one that does the same) - I am updating this review to let you know what worked for me to stop the rattling. I started using slow cooker liners, and since the plastic bag folds over and lays on the outside, the lid then fits very snugly down on the crock pot - and, no more rattling. But, as another poster here suggested - you do have to adjust cooking times, use low more than high to reduce boiling, and other ideas like that. I haven't read all the comments here, but I'm sure there are some other good suggestions to try.