WHAT IS IT?
The Instant Pot is a cylindrical electric pressure pot with a tight-fitting lid. It's a less intimidating type of pressure cooker that plugs into the wall and comes with a host of other functions: it's also slow cooker, rice maker, steamer, sauté pan, food warmer and yoghurt maker.
It has a digital control panel, and once you have the hang of it, is easy and to use.
IS IT SAFE TO USE?
We all have a story of an exploding pressure cooker and compared to the stove-top version, using the Instant Pot is a cinch.
You set a timer so it's automatic — and the pot locks while it's under pressure so it won't open until you release all the pressure from the valve.
Take care when releasing the pressure and ensure there's good ventilation in the kitchen to allow the steam to escape.
WHAT'S FOR DINNER?
Due to the popularity of the Instant Pot, one click of the internet and a whole world of
recipes pop up. You can make everything from stews to cakes.
THUMBS UP
The claim of super-fast cooking and a promise of a meal on the table in under 30 minutes are very appealing. Once it's set, it requires no attention and turns off automatically and, best of all, it's one easy pot to wash up.
I couldn't believe I really could put together a creamy risotto in under 10 minutes - and a Thai chicken peanut dish in 15.
It softened beef ribs into fall-off-the-bone deliciousness in 12 minutes - this would normally take hours on the stove, so a great energy saver.