I don't know what I expected but it's different. I haven't yet tried to heat it up. You hear it up by placing it in hot water. It it stays hot for up to 4 hrs.
so I like that the base is made so that it is easy to grip. I like that you can remove the bell from the base very easily. When you roll it, there is a good amount of pressure.
I'm not sure if it's worth almost $20 though maybe $10.