I have a large oval one with the ceramic insert that you lift out to clean. I've had it for about 10 years. It even has a crack that goes completely across the bowl, but has never leaked or failed me. It's also a low profile for storing in the frig. I'm pretty sure it's a Westbend.
I have one like that and it's only issue I have is that it's uneven heating by heating just from the bottom rather than the sides. I got a used Crock Pot at the Good Will that I love but my dream is this one. It's three sizes and heats all around and not just on the bottom. There's a newer one in stainless and black that I think I'll treat myself to on my birthday. My boss from the Ren Faire has this one and she loves it.I don't have this particular one but I have this style, with the pot that sets on the base. I like it a lot because of that. It's low enough to easily go in the fridge, too. The one I posted the link to is even DW safe.
I just recommend staying away from the RIVAL brand, which has a notorious history of running way too hot. I love my Hamilton Beach that I got to replace my Rival that replaced my 30 year old crockpot that I accidentally dropped.
I would really like to get the HB 3-in-1 unit, which has rave reviews, but that won't happen unless I "accidentally" drop my present one.
I love my crockpot. It is a ceramic oval (good for roasts and hams, etc) that is removable from the base. Have the insert be removable is important for washing afterwards. The size you get depends on how big of meals you will be making. Mine is a 6 qt. and it seems to be more than adequate. Attached is a picture of the one that I have which is made by Rival.
The coils are clean, but I'm not sure about the fuse. I'll have to pull it out and take a look at it. I always wipe it down real well once I'm done with it. I also wonder if my kitchen outlet has anything to do with it. I had both a blender and a spice grinder stop working after using that same outlet. The house is old and the wiring has been giving us some problems.