I hadn't thought about it being a fire hazard.
Will definitely let it run on automatic while I'm home next time. It does seem to work well on Low, and when it's set on Low for a specific time period, it switches to Warm for up to 4 hours after the time it is set on Low is completed. That may just be the best way to use it rather than dealing with the automatic setting shifting from High to Low to Warm. All that switching may just not be necessary. It is a very nice and large, 7 qt., crock pot, so hate to take it back if it will do the job as is.
We did have a smaller Rival just plain old crock pot, but I loaned it to Melissa and don't know where it is. She was living in our RV at the time, so it may still be in the RV which is in storage. It's not too far from here, but just haven't gotten around to running over there and checking. This new one is much larger and oval, so roasts and whole chickens will fit in it much better.
Thanks for your thoughts on this!!