I noticed that this model has two vents in the lid, and I'm concerned that this may be counterproductive to the cooking process, causing liquids to evaporate too quickly and possibly dry meat out. Has anyone had this experience? I noticed that this model has two vents in the lid, and I'm concerned that this may be counterproductive to the cooking process, causing liquids to evaporate too quickly and possibly dry meat... » Read More I noticed that this model has two vents in the lid, and I'm concerned that this may be counterproductive to the cooking process, causing liquids to evaporate too quickly and possibly dry meat out. Has anyone had this experience? « Show Less
612327
I believe those are rivets to hold the handle onto the glass top. They don't allow the moisture to escape. I am not at home where I can check for sure but I'm 99% sure that's the case. I've never had a problem with it drying out the meat or losing moisture.
821894
I have not had that problem. Cooked some chicken breasts all day and they were just fine. It is a great little slow cooker. I would recommend it.
821895
I just bought this product and while reading the user's manual I came across the answer. They are vent holes but the voltage on the cooker has been adjusted to deal with any loss of heat while cooking.
2273778
Actually the hole is not there to let steam escape, but rather to let air in. You've probably had the lid of a pan (or slow cooker) get "stuck" after you heat the food, then let the pan cool with the lid on. The lid gets stuck because a partial vacuum forms in the pan as it cools. When there's a hole in the lid, a partial vacuum can't form because the hole let's a small amount of air in. Because the air pressure is the same on each side of the lid, it won't get stuck.
242388
My Mom always boiled her vacuum seal bags, 100s over the years. (She used Seal-a-Meal before Foodsaver and went through four different models over the years). I am of the "I Want It Now" generation, so I always use the microwave using lower power settings or defrost mode. I never could tell the difference between boiling or zapping to reheat. The only problem she ever had with boiling was that, every once in a while, a bag would open slightly on the sealed end. This really wasn't much of a problem because the largest openings were about 1/4 inch, not allowing much leakage. Enjoy your sealer - I have two freezers almost filled with vacuum-sealed, cooked and uncooked food. My Mom always boiled her vacuum seal bags, 100s over the years. (She used Seal-a-Meal before Foodsaver and went through four different models over the years). I am of the "I Want It Now" generation, so I always use the microwave using lower power settings or defrost mode. I never could tell the difference between boiling or zapping to reheat. The only problem she ever had with boiling was that, every once in a while, a bag would open slightly on the sealed end. This really wasn't much of a problem because the largest openings were about 1/4 inch, not allowing much leakage. Enjoy... » Read More My Mom always boiled her vacuum seal bags, 100s over the years. (She used Seal-a-Meal before Foodsaver and went through four different models over the years). I am of the "I Want It Now" generation, so I always use the microwave using lower power settings or defrost mode. I never could tell the difference between boiling or zapping to reheat. The only problem she ever had with boiling was that, every once in a while, a bag would open slightly on the sealed end. This really wasn't much of a problem because the largest openings were about 1/4 inch, not allowing much leakage. Enjoy your sealer - I have two freezers almost filled with vacuum-sealed, cooked and uncooked food. « Show Less
1401051
Ok, I'm really bewildered here. Y'all are saying the newer models have a flap to prevent this. But mine is only about a month old, and it doesn't have this flap. It would be great if it did - one of my cats can get food all day/night, and it's not helping with the portion control idea. She's just eating all the time. I'm trying to think of a makeshift way of adding my own, but why is it that some of you have one actually included on yours?
2058880
I would disagree on all the pro smoke comments... What you see pouring out from the sides is mostly steam which might have trace amounts of oil/grease in it. But it's not burnt so it's not smoke. A hood can trap some of the oil residue, but there is so little, it not really worth it unless you need the hood for a light source to see your food. If you do get real smoke from this thing, you must be grilling plastic. I use olive oil on it and I don't have any issues. And we all know that has a low smoke point. You will encounter one problem with heavy/daily use. The steam pouring from the sides will bubble and peal the red coating on the edges of the lid. However it's shouldn't effect operation or safety. I would disagree on all the pro smoke comments... What you see pouring out from the sides is mostly steam which might have trace amounts of oil/grease in it. But it's not burnt so it's not smoke. A hood can trap some of the oil residue, but there is so little, it not really worth it unless you need the hood for a light source to see your food. If you do get real smoke from this thing, you must be grilling plastic. I use olive oil on it and I don't have any issues. And we all know that has a low smoke point. You will encounter one problem with heavy/daily use. The steam pouring from the... » Read More I would disagree on all the pro smoke comments... What you see pouring out from the sides is mostly steam which might have trace amounts of oil/grease in it. But it's not burnt so it's not smoke. A hood can trap some of the oil residue, but there is so little, it not really worth it unless you need the hood for a light source to see your food. If you do get real smoke from this thing, you must be grilling plastic. I use olive oil on it and I don't have any issues. And we all know that has a low smoke point. You will encounter one problem with heavy/daily use. The steam pouring from the sides will bubble and peal the red coating on the edges of the lid. However it's shouldn't effect operation or safety. « Show Less
131926
Grill has some diagonally opposite depressions that can possibly carry some liquid. I haven't used water yet. This is very useful design that I use for cooking lean Korean food like galbi. The only downside is that it spatters a bit and I wish there was a well designed glass lid for this. Smoke hasn't been an issue so far.
1511700
I have the same issue. It's coming out of the hole and when I turned it off after a while and ran cold water over the pot, the orange safety thing plopped into my food and most of the liquid was gone. I put the thing back in but I wasn't sure how far it's supposed to be in. I pushed almost all the way (it's housed in a rubber thing under the lid) and partway and either way the steam just comes out of that hole. The instructions don't mention anything about steam coming out of that hole. I've never used a PC before so this is very confusing.
1698669
I haven't had any issues with juices spilling over. I have had issue with it smoking, however ... to the point where my smoke detectors go off. I'm fairly certain it's because of the oil I use to keep it from rusting after washing it but not sure how to avoid that. All in all, it's fine but with it being double-sided probably not the best choice for indoor cooking IMO. I wish I would have thought about that before purchasing but c'est la vie.
134168
I'm sorry. That's never happened with ours. I wonder if the temperature you cook with has something to do with it. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Good luck in finding the answer.
1594133
I would think pressure build up would be the issue and perhaps they are just covering themselves. This is however, the first one I have had that had the locking lid so and got for taking to pot luck dinners. I can see no reason I would need to use the locking mechanism while at home, it cooks in the time expected regardless. TIP: if you have never used crock pot liners, get some. They make clean up a snap!!
1319958
Hi, good question because I wondered that myself. The water helps keep the smoke to a minimum. I tried cooking some steaks with no water and the smoke was too much. The water is not intended to steam the food but there is some moisture but doesn't seem to effect it negatively. I had a Foreman grill before this one and I prefer this one. The moisture from the food can drain off somewhat because there are holes in the grill which helps get a deeper grill line. Once you flip the food it doesn't get quite as dark but it works good. I wish they made these more powerful but this is the best grill I have had so far for indoor grilling. Hi, good question because I wondered that myself. The water helps keep the smoke to a minimum. I tried cooking some steaks with no water and the smoke was too much. The water is not intended to steam the food but there is some moisture but doesn't seem to effect it negatively. I had a Foreman grill before this one and I prefer this one. The moisture from the food can drain off somewhat because there are holes in the grill which helps get a deeper grill line. Once you flip the food it doesn't get quite as dark but it works good. I wish they made these more powerful but this is the best grill... » Read More Hi, good question because I wondered that myself. The water helps keep the smoke to a minimum. I tried cooking some steaks with no water and the smoke was too much. The water is not intended to steam the food but there is some moisture but doesn't seem to effect it negatively. I had a Foreman grill before this one and I prefer this one. The moisture from the food can drain off somewhat because there are holes in the grill which helps get a deeper grill line. Once you flip the food it doesn't get quite as dark but it works good. I wish they made these more powerful but this is the best grill I have had so far for indoor grilling. « Show Less
1180580
YES! I bought this and a horrible smell was emitting from the unit, then steam or smoke or something from the base of the unit. i took the ceramic pot out to check if i accidentally left a piece of plastic and there was nothing. the steam/smoke was coming from the vents/grates underneath the base of the unit. was very strong gassy type smell. horrible. thought it was a fluke and bought a second one as exchange. same issue. ugh! wanted to like it because it looks nice, but the nasty smell is too much to handle and it seeped into the food since the lid is not air tight :(
232178
I haven't noticed any excess water. I suppose if the grill isn't somewhat sheltered and driving thunderstorm could allow some water into the vents. Otherwise, it works fine for me. I'm quite satisified.
1032951
I had the same issue. I found it to be dangerous with hot boiling water spilling down the pot and onto the table. I exchanged it for another that did the dame thing which I also sent back for a refund. I found it to be a overpriced piece of junk that was poorly designed. The product should be recalled!
1564390
It's nice because you can brown/saute things before you start slow cooking them and not dirty another dish. I haven't noticed any excessive sticking, either. There is a "vapor seal" formed from the steam and maybe that has something to do with it. I love mine!
715915
The same thing happened to me when I first used it. I just reduced the amount of pasta in the cooker and it comes out fine. I do 2 servings at a time.
693447
The same type of holes are around the lid of my fast slow cooker as well, so I am guessing this is normal, and I have not had any problems with this appliance.