I had an original old ceramic crock pot for years (the kind that can’t be submerged in water) and it was a pain to clean, but I never had any issues with it. I have a new crockpot with a removable pot and it is very disappointing. I have to bring to plug it in and let it heat while I bring the food I am preparing to a boil before I put it into the pot! Otherwise it takes an hour or more longer before the food is cooked.