I have the 6 quart programmable Crock Pot, it works as well as any I have had.
If you aren't going to use the programmable features you can get something way cheaper (like a basic Crockpot) for about 30 bucks at a comparable size. The cheaper options don't have an auto shut off function and will keep cooking until they're turned off BUT if you're only planning to be gone for less than 10 hours when you use it it'll be fine.
Actually just checking Amazon, Crockpot has a programmable one (https://www.amazon.com/Crock-Pot-6-Quart-Programmable-Stainless-SCCPVL610-S/dp/B004P2NG0K/ref=sr_1_4_acs_ac_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1543427473&sr=1-4-acs&keywords=crockpot) for less than 40 bucks and the basic one is around 30 (https://www.amazon.com/Crock-Pot-SCV800-B-8-Quart-Manual-Cooker/dp/B0196B3P1E/ref=sr_1_6?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1543427473&sr=1-6&keywords=crockpot)
It's a little out of your range, but I really love this one (which I personally own).
I have the Crockpot version that KrisRobb mentions. No complaints - it's been excellent for 18 months now. I dropped the ceramic bowl in my sink while washing it and it broke, so I got a replacement for $25.
Random shutoff on these type of cookers is due to cheap circuitry. I bet they've been improving things. I remember reading issues related to earlier dates-of-manufacture and serial numbers when looking into mine.
One way things fail is just plain heat overloading some component or connection and causing it to fail. Obviously in a cooking unit this is pretty possible :) The other one is heated circuit boards/fixturing expanding at different rates. If they are glued or screwed tightly together, they will warp between these connections and possibly break or short the circuit somewhere. Once it has been heat-cycled a few times, I'd be pretty confident your unit is in the clear. It has "seen" everything that it will experience, and the tolerances dealt with it fine.
This is the one I have and I love it. It's 6 qt, but I use it for much smaller portions all the time. It's programmable to only run for a certain amount of time before switching to warm. And the lid can lock down if you need to take it anywhere. My only complaint is that the low setting seems to run kinda hot. But that could be because I usually don't fill it up to 1/2 like is reccomended.
I just bought this one. Works perfectly. The timer is a cool feature as well. Auto switches to Warm once the timer is done. Made some pulled pork yesterday and it was my best yet.
few lbs of beef chuck + salt, 4 hours on high in crackpot = good idea?
I have this one and have yet to have any problems with it.
It has a:
Digital timer (30 minute increments)
Warm, Low, and High temperature settings
Locking lid for easy transporting
Large 6-quart removable ceramic inside
Very nice product!
Are you cooking for yourself or multiple people?
4 quarts is about the minimum size needed to cook a meal for a family of four. 6 quarts is the most common you'll find in the larger units, and with that you can cook a few days' worth of food for a single person. Also, most slow-cooker recipes are setup for the larger units.
1.5, 2, 3 and 3.5 quart units are also available, but tend not to have the added features, like a timer, automatic temperature switching or removable dish.
EDIT- Crock Pot's Smart-Pot 4 quart digital is a good option.
If you need the extra capacity, go ahead and get a 6 quart version.
If you want something smaller, this 3.5 quart Cuisinart is the only thing I could find under 4 quarts with digital controls.
Oh I understand
You think this is a good idea? Beef chuck + only salt, 4 hours, on high in crackpot (in past trimmed chicken thighs mixed with random watery vegetables were turning out okay on high for 4 hours)
I don't really know how that crackpot compares to your ceramic cooker or how chuck would taste with just salt on it