Q: Does this work on 220V with a converter, or is it 110V only?

This model is designed for 110V–120V North American electrical systems. Using a step-down transformer rated at 500W or higher will work for 220V regions, but we recommend purchasing a native 220V model if you are outside North America. The heating element is calibrated for 60Hz; 50Hz regions may experience slightly longer heat-up times.

Q: Can the ceramic pot go directly from refrigerator to heating?

No — like all ceramic cookware, the pot should come to room temperature before heating to prevent thermal shock cracking. Remove from refrigerator 30–45 minutes before use. This is standard practice for any ceramic slow cooker, not a design limitation specific to this model.

Q: Is this safe to leave unattended all day?

Yes. The Hearth Keeper is designed for unattended operation. The wraparound heating element prevents the hot-spot scorching that can create fire risks in base-only cookers. The Auto mode automatically shifts to Warm after the cooking cycle completes, preventing overcooking. As with any cooking appliance, place it on a heat-resistant surface away from flammable materials.

Q: What is the Auto mode and how does it differ from Low?

Low maintains a steady ~75°C indefinitely. Auto starts at High (~98°C) to bring contents to a food-safe temperature quickly, then automatically drops to Low for the remainder of the cycle, and finally switches to Warm (~65°C) to hold. Auto is ideal for "set it and forget it" weekday cooking — you get the food-safety benefits of a fast heat-up with the tenderness of a long slow finish.

Q: Can I make rice or steam vegetables in this?

Yes. Use the included stainless steel steaming rack. Add water to the ceramic pot below rack level, place rice in a heatproof bowl or vegetables directly on the rack, and cook on High. Steaming typically takes 20–40 minutes depending on the food. The glass lid lets you monitor progress without releasing steam.