I have never had a problem with mine, and i don't think they should go dry and burn because if the lid is on properly the condensation falls off the lid and adds liquid to the meal. 

You will notice it will fill up with liquid.  I put mine on high for 8 hours or so and low for 4 hours or there abouts.  The bench top does get hot but i have had no scorch marks on it and it seems to handle the heat......if you were worried you could get a safety heat proof mat of sorts and stand it on that.  Mine has never over flowed or boiled dry.  The idea is to add very little liquid or none at all and the jucies from he cooking food build up. 

Ring the manufacturer but they would probably give you the same anwser as on the instruction booklet.

Hi, thanks everyone, just ate our chicken stew - was very nice! Thanks!

I think it the potential of spill over that has companies stating to never leave it unattended.  Most of the new ones have a safety switch so will turn off completely if they get too hot.

I heard recently of a woman who used to take hers to work with her so that she could keep an eye on it.  Her boss was really understanding and made sure no one touched it.

we've not had any issues withours either...go ahead a slow cooker is great!!!!!! It makes dinner soo much easier.

I jsut make sure there are no papers or anything like that under the slow cooker. I make sure it is sitting just ont he counter and clear everythign away form it.

It will be fine...enjoy your dinner!!!!!

i've wanted to buy a slow cooker but like you i would be paranoid leaving it on when i am not home... i don't leave anything on when i go out (just in case) a few of my friends however do it all the time.  If i do buy one i'd probably only use if i knew i was going to be home all day

Thanks alot Im gonna use mine today now pmsl.

It's not so concerning with leaving the cooker and not being in the house.  My family does it all the time.  What you have to becareful with is the liquid level getting to low and thus burning the food.  I did that one day and it was really sad. 

I love mine, use it all the time. Coming up on winter now it will be used most days, and I am usually gone from 7.30 until 2. Just leave it on low heat.

My slow cooker is my best friend.  I leave it on low from 8am till 4pm 4 days a week.  I havent had any problems with it & havent heard of anyone having any  problems.   I just love it, they do the best curries & roast chicken is devine.  Rach

I couldnt live without my slow cooker it's brilliant and yes many times Ive left it on low while Ive gone out. Theres nothing like coming home to a freshly cooked dinner its lovely. Also many of my friends leave theirs on too.

I use mine all the time, but if I go out I also leave it on low....  But then Im usually not gone for a long time, so yes I would be a bit iffy like yourself x

We cook a lot of roasts in ours and caseroles.   We have  a power point timer on ours and we set it to come on at 11am or there abouts if we are both going to be leaving the house early.  We also put it on low.

You can get a timer from bunnings.  Also make sure there is enough liquid in the pot.  We love our slow cooker and have never burnt anything.   I think you will be quite safe with it.

if i am going out i put it on low.

my food has never caught or burnt in this. we have had our 6 years and use it a lot in winter.  i even cook silversidde in it too.