I think it's the brand rather than the shape. My oval one works just fine.
My only complaint is that you can't deliberately set it to "keep warm".

"Eddy Jean" wrote in message
...

I just purchased an oblong Crock Pot and am very disappointed with it.
It has a clear lid but jumps around while simmering and spurts liquids
all around the outside of it. I wish I would have paid closer attention
to what I purchased but didn't really see anything better on the shelf.
EJ