"Well... chicken in the pot at 7AM and vigorouly boiling on low setting at 8AM."

Gnu, there may have been something wrong with your pot, but let me say that slow cookers are supposed to come to a boil, then get cooler, then come to a boil again.

I have two Rival Crock Pots, one small and one big. They have served me well for many years, and I expect them to keep going for many more.