I've made pulled pork, stew, and a pot roast since I bought this. Cooking times were 6 hours, 8 hours, and 9 hours respectively. Many reviews often complain that their new slow cooker cooks too fast. What I have cooked so far have matched the original recipe times to a T meaning this crock pot works properly and at the right temperature.
For 30 bucks, you forfeit temp guage and a clock but if you want to pay more for that, go ahead. High/Low/Warm is enough.