Cooks too hot

Same problem. Food is way overcooked and boiling even on lowest setting. Same problem. Food is way overcooked and boiling even on lowest setting.

Ditto. Can't slow cook anything in this baby. Ditto. Can't slow cook anything in this baby.

Unable to "slow cook" anything. If not careful it burns everything. Trying to find answer on the Internet Unable to "slow cook" anything. If not careful it burns everything. Trying to find answer on the Internet

I also have the rival smart pot model number 38601 and have used mine only three times overcooking everything and the third time almost burning my house down. Everything had burned to the bottom and all of the liquid was gone. A friend happened to be there and told me that it is getting too hot. Since this is my first time owning a crock pot I did not know . I also have the rival smart pot model number 38601 and have used mine only three times overcooking everything and the third time almost burning my house down. Everything had burned to the bottom and all of the liquid was gone. A friend happened to be there and told me that it is getting too hot. Since this is my first time owning a crock pot I did not know .

I am also seeing the same problem after one use. I checked the current draw (using an ammeter) and found that the unit is drawing the same current (2.3 amps) on all settings. This would equate to cooking at high power. It appears that the electronics are poorly designed since the unit fails to high power instead of low. I'm going to call customer service after the holidays. I am also seeing the same problem after one use. I checked the current draw (using an ammeter) and found that the unit is drawing the same current (2.3 amps) on all settings. This would equate to cooking at high power. It appears that the electronics are poorly designed since the unit fails to high power instead of low. I'm going to call customer service after the holidays.

Too HOT is right. Boils like a teapot on all settings.
Too HOT is right. Boils like a teapot on all settings.

I have the same problem. It boils on the "low" setting.  I've tried cooking oatmeal in it overnight, and the bottom burns to a crisp!  I've had mine for about a year and didn't realize this was abnormal until friends told me. I have the same problem. It boils on the "low" setting.  I've tried cooking oatmeal in it overnight, and the bottom burns to a crisp!  I've had mine for about a year and didn't realize this was abnormal until friends told me.

Same problem. It is burning everything I cook, even at the lowest setting. I hate it, and it was a xmas gift and I can't return it. It is the SAME setting on every temp, HOT.



LMH Same problem. It is burning everything I cook, even at the lowest setting. I hate it, and it was a xmas gift and I can't return it. It is the SAME setting on every temp, HOT.

LMH

I have also had the same problem with the regular 5 1/2 quart crock, so finally "splurged" and bought the Smart Pot, thinking it would resolve the heat issue, and lo and behold, it is the same. Should I look at another brand or are ALL crock pots this way? I love using mine but am afraid to leave it and go off to work, which is the primary reason I purchased it. I don't want to burn the house down.




I have also had the same problem with the regular 5 1/2 quart crock, so finally "splurged" and bought the Smart Pot, thinking it would resolve the heat issue, and lo and behold, it is the same. Should I look at another brand or are ALL crock pots this way? I love using mine but am afraid to leave it and go off to work, which is the primary reason I purchased it. I don't want to burn the house down.

Rival Smart-Pot cooks too hot on all settings. Last Sunday had guests who ate a very dry roast! Rival Smart-Pot cooks too hot on all settings. Last Sunday had guests who ate a very dry roast!

After ruining a roast that was cooked to a crisp, we considered throwing out this crock pot out. Instead I put it in the closet to research if a recall had been issued. While there does not seem to be one, I believe there should be if there are this many units displaying the same issue. After ruining a roast that was cooked to a crisp, we considered throwing out this crock pot out. Instead I put it in the closet to research if a recall had been issued. While there does not seem to be one, I believe there should be if there are this many units displaying the same issue.

I have used crock pots for about 30 years. I wore them with use.
I have two old Rivals that work well on the slow setting and won't burn food.
This Smart Pot works OK with lots of water, but don't use it to roast as it drys out anything you put in it - as with most comments I am looking at from other users. I had a full pot of hot broth and a 3 lb chicken hit the floor when a handle broke. I called Rival and they sent me a new Smart Pot. Thats all they have in that size...and it burns everything unless you fill it with liquid and it has the same poor handle design.
I believe this is a design flaw and not a bad thermostat because I have yet to hear of anyone with this unit where it cooks correctly.
Rival is a good company but they are trying to sell cheap products to folks who would pay more for good quality. I'm looking for a serviceable cooker, not a $20.00 piece of junk.

I have used crock pots for about 30 years. I wore them with use.
I have two old Rivals that work well on the slow setting and won't burn food.
This Smart Pot works OK with lots of water, but don't use it to roast as it drys out anything you put in it - as with most comments I am looking at from other users. I had a full pot of hot broth and a 3 lb chicken hit the floor when a handle broke. I called Rival and they sent me a new Smart Pot. Thats all they have in that size...and it burns everything unless you fill it with liquid and it has the same poor handle design.
I believe this is a design flaw and not a bad thermostat because I have yet to hear of anyone with this unit where it cooks correctly.
Rival is a good company but they are trying to sell cheap products to folks who would pay more for good quality. I'm looking for a serviceable cooker, not a $20.00 piece of junk.

I'm now working more and the crockpot would help but it is only a waste of money and time using it - the last 2 meals that I have tried cooking in it burned and dried up to the point the food had to be thrown out! I work way too hard to waste this kind of money - but, I need some kind of way to help out with meals at home - any suggestions??? Something should be done with the thermostat or something should be added to control the temperature that could sense food burning - I don't know, but I know I need help with it. They also are not that cheap to purchase - why doesn't Rival look into this and maybe replace the ones not working properly. I am following the directions to the letter on the receipes.

Thanks. I'm now working more and the crockpot would help but it is only a waste of money and time using it - the last 2 meals that I have tried cooking in it burned and dried up to the point the food had to be thrown out! I work way too hard to waste this kind of money - but, I need some kind of way to help out with meals at home - any suggestions??? Something should be done with the thermostat or something should be added to control the temperature that could sense food burning - I don't know, but I know I need help with it. They also are not that cheap to purchase - why doesn't Rival look into this and maybe replace the ones not working properly. I am following the directions to the letter on the receipes.
Thanks.

Everything boils on "keep warm"! I was excited to use this but the dozen or so times I have used it, it completely ruins the food. I am using it as I type, thus the reason for the internet search to see if there is some setting I could adjust? Everything boils on "keep warm"! I was excited to use this but the dozen or so times I have used it, it completely ruins the food. I am using it as I type, thus the reason for the internet search to see if there is some setting I could adjust?

Mine cooks way too hot too...kind of defeats the purpose of a slow cooker if I can only use it when I'm home. Have ruined quite a few meals before giving up. I am very unhappy with this model, and should probably just buy a new one, different brand. Mine cooks way too hot too...kind of defeats the purpose of a slow cooker if I can only use it when I'm home. Have ruined quite a few meals before giving up. I am very unhappy with this model, and should probably just buy a new one, different brand.

I have used this brand new crock pot about 6 times, within 15 minutes the liquid is boiling. It burnt black the sausage on the bottom while making sauce and has ruined 5 pieces of roast. I am going to call consumer help from the Rival website - if they do not replace it, I will attempt to return it to Costco. Also... several of my friends bought this unit (sleek style stainless w/ black) and they said the same thing! The only thing we can use it for is hot cider. We also won't leave the house while it is cooking since it has completely burned the food after 3-4 hours. I have used this brand new crock pot about 6 times, within 15 minutes the liquid is boiling. It burnt black the sausage on the bottom while making sauce and has ruined 5 pieces of roast. I am going to call consumer help from the Rival website - if they do not replace it, I will attempt to return it to Costco. Also... several of my friends bought this unit (sleek style stainless w/ black) and they said the same thing! The only thing we can use it for is hot cider. We also won't leave the house while it is cooking since it has completely burned the food after 3-4 hours.

Yes, so relieved to see others with the same problem. Am hoping to exchange it for something more reliable! Had my previous Rival crockpot for 30 years without a complaint! This cooks WAY too hot. Ruining the meals. Yes, so relieved to see others with the same problem. Am hoping to exchange it for something more reliable! Had my previous Rival crockpot for 30 years without a complaint! This cooks WAY too hot. Ruining the meals.

My Rival Crock-pot also cooks to hot! No matter what I cook on low for 8 hours, it alway turns out-over cooked and the meat is always dried-out. The Rival just cooks way to hot! My Rival Crock-pot also cooks to hot! No matter what I cook on low for 8 hours, it alway turns out-over cooked and the meat is always dried-out. The Rival just cooks way to hot!

Everything burns. I cooked pulled pork on low for about 6 hours and it seemed to be ok. I stirred it, went out for an hour and when I came home it was boiling and burnt on all sides. I have had the pot for 4 years and have tried just about every kind of meal and every single one has been over done. I decided to throw the pot away. I can do all that burning on the stove. Everything burns. I cooked pulled pork on low for about 6 hours and it seemed to be ok. I stirred it, went out for an hour and when I came home it was boiling and burnt on all sides. I have had the pot for 4 years and have tried just about every kind of meal and every single one has been over done. I decided to throw the pot away. I can do all that burning on the stove.

just recently bought this product. i noticed that even with the lid down, there's still space between the lid and the pot. This is probably the reason why meat easily gets burned ...moist is not retained due to the space. i'm returning my crockpot and will be more conscious next time in choosing my next one. just recently bought this product. i noticed that even with the lid down, there's still space between the lid and the pot. This is probably the reason why meat easily gets burned ...moist is not retained due to the space. i'm returning my crockpot and will be more conscious next time in choosing my next one.

i miss my old crockpot! this one cooks too fast, burns food. not why i purchase crockpots. can't depend on it. certainly cannot turn it on and leave for the day!!!!! was told by rival lady that i should cook everything on WARM setting...have tried that and food either is not cooked or still over cooks! anyone know of a good crockpot i can go out and buy???? i want to turn it on, leave and come back in a reasonable amt of time to a cooked meal. i miss my old crockpot! this one cooks too fast, burns food. not why i purchase crockpots. can't depend on it. certainly cannot turn it on and leave for the day!!!!! was told by rival lady that i should cook everything on WARM setting...have tried that and food either is not cooked or still over cooks! anyone know of a good crockpot i can go out and buy???? i want to turn it on, leave and come back in a reasonable amt of time to a cooked meal.

I have used the 6-quart Rival Smart twice and both times the meat is way overdone. Even though I was instructed to cook on low for 6-8 hours, the meat was way overcooked after 3 hours and 45 minutes. They should recall this item for sure.
I have used the 6-quart Rival Smart twice and both times the meat is way overdone. Even though I was instructed to cook on low for 6-8 hours, the meat was way overcooked after 3 hours and 45 minutes. They should recall this item for sure.

anything you cook sticks and burns at the LOW setting
anything you cook sticks and burns at the LOW setting

Bought same at Costco in December 2008. Boils and ruins food at low setting. This problem is obviously a quality problem with both Rival and Costco.

Buyer beware.

BK in Apple Valley, CA Bought same at Costco in December 2008. Boils and ruins food at low setting. This problem is obviously a quality problem with both Rival and Costco.
Buyer beware.
BK in Apple Valley, CA

I certainly wouldn't leave it on unattended. I left one for an hour and a half and the legs melted and it burned right into the wooden table it was on. It melted right into the wood. This is a clear safety risk since most people leave a crock pot unattended. I certainly wouldn't leave it on unattended. I left one for an hour and a half and the legs melted and it burned right into the wooden table it was on. It melted right into the wood. This is a clear safety risk since most people leave a crock pot unattended.