I couldn't wait to open the box upon delivery; it was as beautiful as I had hoped for. As soon as I prepped it according to manual recommendations, I put it to use. Having just moved into a new home a week prior, my supply of fresh ingredients was very limited--not to worry, as a veteran home cook I knew how to turn out a winner with anything. I browned a thick piece of chuck steak in the opened insert, then added 1 diced onion, a handful of small garlic cloves, a large sliced tomato, EVOO, 3 peeled whole red potatoes, a cup of red wine, and s&p + my favorite herbs (dill, cumin, coriander, bay leaf). I set it on the stew setting and in quicker than I could unpack another box, lunch was ready. I was so impressed with the caliber of quality, efficiency and time, taste and texture, I would give this addition to my kitchen assets a "10" if I could. I highly recommend this instrument as a worthwhile investment.