Personal & unbiased reviews based on practical, day to day use.
The Sage Fast Slow Pro™ and the Fast Slow GO™
The Sage Fast Slow Pro™ and the Fast Slow GO™ are both excellent machines that I have personally used to test and perfect numerous recipes.
My journey into pressure cooking began with the Fast Slow Pro and eventually led me to upgrade to the Fast Slow GO. One notable advantage of the GO is its stainless steel bowl with a useable volume of 4L, addressing the common issue of non-stick pans losing their effectiveness over time. Stainless steel can be easily rejuvenated by soaking or running a high-pressure program with dishwashing soap, restoring it to a like-new condition. Despite the loss of the flashy LCD display, the GO offers just as much control over the settings, if not more, with its improved hygienic push buttons. The ability to customize each cooking preset is particularly useful, as different foods may require specific settings for optimal results. Experimentation is key, especially when dealing with ingredients like legumes, where determining the ideal pressure release method is crucial for success.
One drawback I’ve identified is that the meat searing/sealing function may not always reach a sufficiently high temperature, which can lead to meat stewing instead of sealing properly. In such cases, using an air fryer or cooker hob for meat sealing may be more effective.
Additionally, the pan’s heating process may seem slow, especially when starting from a cold machine. However, for most dishes, beginning with tasks like softening onions or reducing liquid can provide the cooker with a head start, allowing it to efficiently increase internal pressure.
Cleaning the machine is a straightforward process, as the removable lid and washable silicone sealing ring make maintenance simple. Any lingering odors often associated with pressure cookers can be eliminated by allowing the machine to thoroughly dry with the lid open. The stainless steel bowl can be easily cleaned using bicarbonate and lemon/vinegar without causing any damage.
Tefal EY506840 Easy Fry Vision Air Fryer & Grill
The Tefal EY506840 Easy Fry Vision Air Fryer & Grill has become my go-to kitchen appliance, especially considering the escalating energy costs and my desire to minimise oven usage. Waiting 15 minutes for the oven to heat up has become a thing of the past, thanks to the instant heat provided by this air fryer. Additionally, I felt compelled to embrace the trend of using an air fryer, considering its widespread popularity.
One of the standout features of this model is the transparent window that allows me to monitor the cooking process without compromising the heat by opening the pan drawer. However, I’ve learned that occasional shaking is necessary to ensure even browning of the contents.
With a maximum temperature of 200°C and a default runtime of 30 minutes when no preset is selected, this appliance offers convenience. While the presets are handy, I often rely on my experience with traditional oven cooking to estimate the temperature and time adjustments, typically reducing the cooking duration by about 50%. For temperature-sensitive foods, I’ve discovered that starting at a lower temperature and gradually increasing it results in better crispness.
The sturdy construction and efficient non-stick, removable grill make this machine a reliable addition to my kitchen. I often use greaseproof paper for easy cleanup, although some foods benefit from direct contact with the grill to ensure even cooking. For instance, I’ve devised a multi-stage process for preparing battered fish and chips to perfection.
This air fryer excels at cooking pre-packaged meals or creating healthier versions of “fried” foods. In just 20 minutes, I cooked a delectable Pork Tenderloin that was beautifully caramelised on the outside and tender on the inside, significantly reducing the overall cooking time compared to using a conventional oven.
While it’s too early to gauge its energy-saving benefits, this appliance has undeniably saved me valuable time in food preparation.