Hey OP, I have this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EZI26DW/ref=psdcmw_289940_t2_B00EZI26GO
I got it as a wedding gift about 3 years ago. It's the same as the one you posted with the exception of the spoon holding handle and spoon on top. I like that added little feature. I've used every setting of this piece of culinary glory and I highly recommend it. Feel free to ask me questions about it.
To address some of your concerns:
The 6qt size is fine for two and gives you two benefits. Leftovers and feeding guests. For example, make a stew that fills it to the brim. Fridge the leftovers and you have lunch and/or dinner for the next day. Make full pot meals to feed your friends.
The manual indicates that the spoon, lid and crock are all dishwasher safe and gives you info on settings for the dishwasher.
If you use the timer, it auto sets to warm so when you're ready to eat it isn't too hot but it isn't too cool.
Also, since my wife works and I'm a student/stay at home dad of two, we make freezer meals. Bag the ingredients ahead of time for several meals, freeze. Put them in the fridge to start thawing the night before and that morning, dump the contents into the crock. That will also let you take advantage of sales better.
Here's a better Amazon link
You really cannot do any better than the Hamilton beach set n forget slow cooker. But a good slow cooker should be programable and heat through evenly and this one does the job really well. And it is around 40 bucks. You might be able to spend a little more for a better one but this one has served me well for 3 years.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EZI26DW/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1400688281&sr=1-2
I got this one recently after getting frustrated with my older and smaller one. There's tons of ones for under $50 just get a big one because a lot of the recipes call for larger servings and the best part of slow cookers is that you have meals for later in the week
The Hamilton beach set n forget is programmable. It has the most reviews on amazon for slow cookers and seems to get a good reception here. I've just bought it, but I haven't tried it yet. http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EZI26DW/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1399424395&sr=8-2&pi=SX200_QL40
If you have a bed bath and beyond near you, you can use the 20% coupon that they always have. Unfortunately, my bbb didn't have it in stock and I had to pay full price on amazon.
This is what I just bought. Did some research online and it's cheap and reliable. So far I love it! easy to use, the probe is helpful with roasts.
I have this and I think it's awesome. It's great when I poorly plan something and can use the thermometer to make sure my food cooks to 180 because I never cook and high. It's awesome when I can set it to a timer and go and it will auto switch to warm.
I own this one personally: http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-33967A-Programmable-6-Quart/dp/B00EZI26DW
It's really easy to use, and it's programmable so it's convenient to set it cook while I'm at work, but I also freeze the leftovers so the large size isn't an issue.
I also really like that the inner pot thing is removable because it makes cleaning it out much easier. I think most slow cookers do that these days, so that shouldn't be a hard to find feature.
/u/JumboChip already did a great job detailing out what to consider when buying one, so I figured I would just give a recommendation of a model that I like.
Which effectively makes it 45. If I put 5 more I’ll get this
I recently bought this one for my first slow cooker. I'm loving it and have had 0 issues. It's actually cooking away right now so I can have a late dinner and a lot of leftovers.