Mine has a ceramic removable pot also, first I noticed scratch marks on the sides, then the other day I added my oils and lye water, started stiring and noticed little black floaties, the more I stirred the more there were. I had to throw out the whole batch and now am not going to be able to use that crock pot again.
I just don't want to be replacing crock pots every 25 batches or so. My oven and I don't see eye to eye so I guess I'm going to buy a soap dedicated double boiler.
I'm wonder is the lye to caustic for the finish of the removable crock?
Oh, and I need to mention, I use only a plastic spoon for stirring to trace and stirring while it's cooking.