I got this as a Christmas gift a few years ago, and have used it very many times. I had forgotten the stoneware was dishwasher-safe, and have been cleaning it by hand. Sometimes that is necessary anyways because food will burn onto the sides of the stoneware and I have to scrub with BonAmi to get it off. It is a handsome Crock Pot and works well, just as you would want. The lid has proven to be quite durable. There is no handy way to rest a stirring or serving spoon on it, which is one thing I would like to be able to do. It is a good size; it works well for a dinner for 2-3 with leftovers, or for bringing a dish to a company potluck.