Hello
Just bought the Ainsley Harriot one and have used it loads already. Chilli, casserole, cider pork mmmm lovely!! I left the chilli for about 12 hours (maybe more) I think you can leave them for ages as the moisture doesn't dry out which is why they ae so good. The outside gets warm but the lid can picked off by hand. It's a big one though but why not fill it and freeze left overs so you can take them out in the mornings and just reheat when you get home if you can't be bothered or haven't got time to fill the slow cooker. FOr recipes look up crockpot recipes on google. They are frequently American but the ones i have tried are excellent. I had one yeas ago and loved it. Can't believe it took me so long to replace!!