I've done a lot of reading on the Smart Pots and the reviews that I was hearing weren't positive. I'd checked e-opinions.com and amazon.com for the item and also done a search for reviews through google.com; located a few of them that way. I do recall however coming across a section on about.com with a review stating that it has been tested and was quite good at what it can do.
However, in my personal experience, if you get that many responses regarding something and they're negative usually it's something to avoid or send back if possible.
I recall reading in a few different places there are different factors in the mix as well. For example, it depends upon how you cook with them, how they come out of the mold (sometimes there can be a flaw that isn't noticed - it happens with machines; they're not human) and sometimes it can be an issue with how it is made electronically (not well made in that respect with quality parts)
I've been reading on this issue for the past oh, four or five days maybe? I'm planning on purchasing one for us for a swarm of reasons, one being it will just make my life 10x's easier all the way around. I'm doing a little bit of searching for a better price on the one that I want but seems as though it keeps going back to this one place here in town which is no biggie.
Anyway. All I can really suggest regarding cookware or whatever the case is do your homework and check on reviews before making a purchase - it pays off in the long run - cash, headache, and sleep loss wise.
Sue