This item does work as intended. I have an issue with the tongs, since they aren't the right type to hold the crucible and pour. The firebrick cracked with the first use, so that could've been better. The insulation in the lid falls off every time I open the lid, but that's not that major an issue...more a simple annoyance.
Buy better gloves, guys...these transfer heat straight through and will burn the bugger out of you.
I'm leaving 4 stars because the item works tremendously well. Replace the tongs with a decent set that can be used to hold the crucible properly to pour (they're not hard to make) and replace the gloves and you'll be good to go.
Kenny 
