i haven't used a halogen oven cooker before , but saw this one advertised from Habitat , such a good price , complete with added items for use, you mostly have to pay extra for those . my oven arrived in three days . very pleased with the quick delivery.Have cooked quite a few things in it and am delighted with it , The cook book is just a starter book with just a little information ,would have liked more .. Am using my oven as i would my normal oven for timing etc . i would say using it is just common sense , thats how i look at it ,, am becoming so used to it would not like to be with out it , love the way you can see food cooking , plus the bright light ,lightens up my kitchen love that too The only negative is steaming i wasn't successful for me ... but then i never used my normal oven for steaming so why should the halogen oven ..so just revert to my usual steamer if i ever want to steam anything....i would thoroughly recommend this product to any one