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Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Health
- Tom's Guide
I'm trying to cut out ultra-processed food — here's the 3 kitchen appliances that actually help
If you've been on the internet for the past year, you've probably heard of 'Ultra Processed People' by Chris van Tulleken ($9-$18 on Amazon). Now I'm not going to claim I'm a dietician or a scientist (because I'm not — I'm just a humble journalist), so you can do your own research about the concept of ultra-processed food. This is just my personal experience, not a peer-reviewed study. However, this book did get me thinking: should I really be eating so much stuff with ingredients I can't pronounce? I decided, no, not really, and embarked on a mission to shift my eating habits. Thanks to my job as a reviews writer, I get my hands on a lot of kitchen tech. I've tested loads of the best Instant Pots, best air fryers, best stand mixers, and more. I've been able to narrow down the selection of appliances to just three of the best. I genuinely use these three appliances to cook 99.9% of my meals, and here's why you should too. I have the Instant Pot Pro (2025), but if you're in the U.S., I'd recommend the Instant Pot Pro Plus. These machines work pretty much identically. What makes the Instant Pot so good is its capacity. It boasts a massive 5-quart capacity, allowing me to prepare up to 10 servings of various healthy meals easily. I've made chili, bolognese sauce, veggie-loaded curries, and meal-prepped about 15 servings of rice in this beast. The Instant Pot Pro Plus not only has smart connectivity (so you can turn it on/off when you're not even at home), but a massive 5-quart capacity so you can prepare a week's worth of meals in one go. When I prep the week's meals ahead of time, I'm not tempted to go to the grocery store and buy a ready meal or order takeout. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The best part of the Instant Pot is that it's a press-play-and-leave-it-alone sort of machine. All I have to do is fill it up with my ingredients, set the time, and I can do something else for that time. I don't have to sweat over the stove stirring sauce. The Instant Pot means I've always got meals in the freezer, so I know I've got a healthy dinner even after a busy, stressful day. 10/10 would recommend. I'm human, which means I crave food like fries and burgers on the regular. While there's nothing wrong with eating the food your body wants, I'm trying to stay away from fast food. This means that if I want fries, I have to do it myself. Thanks to my air fryer, though, this is never easier. I have the Philips 2000 Series Air Fryer (complete with a window, so I can always check on my food), but my parents have the Ninja Foodi DualZone and can't stop telling me about how good it is, so I'd recommend that one too. I have this air fryer, and I use it almost every day. It's big enough to roast a whole chicken (in just 52 minutes) and helps me make crispy, crunchy fries with very little oil. I also can't help but watch my food cook through the window. Because air fryers are mini, quicker ovens, I can make fries from scratch in about 20 minutes in my 2000 Series. I also make homemade cakes in my air fryer, and it means I don't have to turn the whole oven on for a single-serve dessert. I love this one because of the window. Yes, I know it's lame, but I love watching my food cook. I'm boring — I know. The consensus online is that bread is one of the most highly processed foods available. As a result, I wanted to start making my own. About five months ago, after getting my hands on a sourdough starter, I embarked on my sourdough journey. Sourdough is fermented, so it's generally better for the gut, and it also tastes delicious. I'm not going to share a picture of my sourdough because I am utterly pathetic at scoring my dough, but I'll tell you about how my KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer has helped me cut out shop-bought bread. While pricey, the KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer isn't a one-trick pony. It comes with a dough hook, flat beater, and whisk, so you can make everything from bread to meringue with just the starter attachments. Using the dough hook attachment, I mix my flour, water, starter, and salt. Then, during the bulk fermentation stage (when the dough rises and becomes bubbly), I use the dough hook on speed 1 to mix the dough every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours. I proof the dough in the KitchenAid bowl, too, so I don't need to transfer to another bowl and do more washing up. After the bulk fermentation, I transfer it to my Dutch oven for the final proof and shaping. While I know I could mix the dough by hand, the stand mixer helps me develop the gluten and saves my arm muscles while it kneads. I adore my stand mixer, and can't believe I lived so long without one!
Tom's Guide
16-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
I tested the latest Instant Pot Pro — this Wi-Fi-enabled multi cooker is perfect for lazy home chefs like me
If I could choose just one kitchen appliance to keep for the rest of my life, it'd be my Instant Pot. So when I found out that Instant was releasing a brand new and improved model of my beloved multi-cooker, I couldn't wait to test it. The Instant Pot Pro is the successor to the soon-to-be-discontinued (in the U.K., not the U.S.) Instant Pot Pro Plus. While both these models have Wi-Fi connectivity, 10 cooking modes, and a huge 5.7 litre capacity, the Pro sets itself apart with a faster pre-heating time and a WhisperQuiet steam release. Is that enough to make it the best Instant Pot in 2025? Well, you'll have to keep reading to find out the answer. I'll go through everything in this Instant Pot Pro review. Price £249 Weight 6.8 kilograms Dimensions 35.5 x 35.5 x 32.5 centimetres Colors Blue-black Material BPA-free plastic, stainless steel Capacity 5.7 litres Smart home Yes Dishwasher safe Yes - lid and inner pot Warranty 1 year The Instant Pot Pro is £249 from Amazon U.K.. It will not be released in the U.S., so if you're a U.S. reader looking for the newest smart Instant Pot, that would be the fantastic Instant Pot Pro Plus (the model I personally use). Instant Pot has a huge range of multi-cookers: the Pro Plus (mentioned above) will be discontinued in the U.K., so the Pro (this model) and the Plus (the cheaper model) will replace it. If you only need a super basic Instant Pot and don't care about Wi-Fi connectivity, the £99 Instant Pot Multi-Cooker is a great option: it does everything the pricier models do but without the bells and whistles. I think £249 is quite expensive for an Instant Pot, but it could be worth it. The Pro has a huge 10 cooking settings (the same as the previous model Pro Plus, but 3 more than the entry-level Instant Pot Duo), which I'll get into fully below. While some people don't care about smart home connectivity, I actually do use my Instant Connect app — I can cook dinner from bed, or even while still at the office. The new Instant Pot Pro has a few design changes from the previous iteration, the Instant Pot Pro Plus. Whereas the Pro Plus is black with a wide touchscreen, the Pro is a blueish design with a narrower screen. I don't think the smaller touchscreen impacts usability at all; the screen is still easy to navigate. I will mention that I think the screen could be brighter, but, again, this doesn't negatively impact usability in the slightest. One of the major changes from the Pro Plus to the Pro is the absence of written modes. Instead of 'Pressure cook', the Pro has graphic icons instead. While most of these icons are quite self-explanatory (saute, for example, is represented by a spatula, and pressure cook is represented by shooting steam), I can imagine that some users might have a bit of trouble memorizing the graphics. Another major change is the inclusion of a 'WhisperQuiet' steam release cover. This cover sits on the steam release nozzle on the Pro's lid and basically quietens steam release. It's removable for easy cleaning, as is the condensation catch chamber. I must say: do not forget to clean these two. Like its predecessor the Pro Plus, the Pro also has Wi-Fi connectivity. This is all done through the Instant Connect app, which is a smart home app I actually really like. Other smart home products often have me rolling my eyes at their superfluous apps, but Instant Connect is chock full of recipes, tips, and more. A word of warning: you'll need to connect the Instant Pot Pro to the app option 'Instant Pot Pro Max (Wi-Fi)', not the product's actual name 'Instant Pot Pro'. You'll also need to ensure you have the newest version of the app, as this is a new product. As you can see, you can find recipes on the Instant Connect app and save them on your phone. The recipes then walk you through step-by-step and send relevant cooking presets to your Instant Pot. While I don't find myself gravitating towards these (more of an 'I don't follow recipes because I'm too stubborn' issue than anything Instant Pot has done), it's a good option for those who do follow recipes. Using the app, I was able to switch my Instant Pot on while out of the house, which is a great feature that benefits me monumentally on office days. As mentioned above, Instant claims that the Pro's pre-heating time is decreased from previous models. When pre-heating from cold, the Pro (2025) took 7 minutes and 9 seconds whereas the Pro Plus (2024) took 10 minutes and 1 second. Steam release took 10 seconds for the Pro and 50 seconds for the Pro Plus, which meant my whole meal was ready much faster when using the Pro. One of the main changes from the Instant Pot Pro Plus is the WhisperQuiet steam release. I used DecibelX to monitor sound levels. My Instant Pot Pro Plus peaked at 82dB during steam release, but the Pro peaked at 74dB. As Instant Pots are known primarily for their pressure cooking capabilities, I thought I'd discuss this first. To be honest, 99% of the time, I'm using the 'Pressure cook' function anyway. What I love about pressure cooking is that you can go from ingredients to a hot, fully-cooked meal in 10 minutes — give or take. For this review, I cooked a Thai red curry with tofu, potatoes, carrots, curry paste, coconut milk, and stock. One of the most important hacks I've learnt while using my Instant Pot Pro Plus is that if you're going from sauté to pressure cook, do not stir. Sauté the ingredients as normal, then deglaze with stock or water to ensure the entire bottom of the pot is clean. Then add your liquids first and your solids next. Do not stir — let the liquid line the bottom of the pot. This is to prevent the dreaded 'Burn' notice. I followed this rule when making my curry, as I first sauteed the onions and curry paste, deglazed with coconut water, then added everything else (liquids first). I put the Instant Pot Pro on for 10 minutes and went to do something else. As the pot was already hot from sautéing, it skipped the laborious 'Pre-heating' stage that irks me when I use my Pro Plus. I'm glad that Instant Pot seems to have rectified this annoyance. After 10 minutes, the Pro started steam releasing. I'd set it on 'Quick' (as the flavor differences between 'Quick' and 'Natural' steam release are, in my opinion, minimal) it took only around ten minutes. Next, I cooked chickpeas. Usually dried beans take around 8 hours to cook on the stove, but I've cooked chickpeas from dried to fluffy in under an hour using an Instant Pot before. I put 3 cups of chickpeas in the inner pot with a 1:3 ratio of water, then set it to pressure cook for 45 minutes. Preheating took 16 minutes and steam release on 'Natural' took 27 minutes. However, on 'pressure cook', the Pro doesn't beep when it moves onto cooking, unlike the Instant Pot Pro Plus. It does, however, beep on other modes, like 'Sous vide'. After 45 minutes I had deliciously fluffy chickpeas, cooked to perfection. I probably could get away with cooking them for around 35 minutes and still get a similar result. I stand by my opinion that Instant Pots cook chickpeas better than any other method. To test the 'Rice' mode, I followed Instant's basmati rice recipe on its website. As directed, I measured 250g of basmati rice and 250ml water. Then I put the Pro on for 6 minutes on 'Rice' (high pressure), let it vent naturally for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release. The rice was fluffy, but a little underdone. I would recommend a little extra water than listed in Instant's recipe. It was also quite annoying to wash up the inner pot as the rice was very stuck to the bottom. For the 'Slow cook' test, I cooked another Thai red curry for direct comparison with pressure cook. I put it on for 6 hours with all the same ingredients; at hour 2, the top inch or so was still cold. However, after 6 hours the curry was hot all the way through. Taste-wise, I didn't notice enough of a difference from the pressure-cooked version to warrant slow-cooking. I think Instant Pot's line really excels with pressure cooking, and while the slow cooker still works, I wouldn't recommend it for saving time (obviously). I use my Instant Pot for pressure cooking 99% of the time. To put the 'Sous vide' setting to the test, I made some custards. I followed Instant's custard recipe (but made plain ones instead of coffee). Pre-heating the water to 83°C (as specified) took ages — over half an hour. I will also note that only 4 of my ramekins fit into the trivet and the inner pot, despite the recipe making 6 servings. Instant recommended checking on the custards after 30 minutes, and they were done at 57 minutes. While a bit of a hassle to set up, I really appreciate the inclusion of a sous vide function and I think this mode levels up the Pro. Instead of just being a pressure cooker or slow cooker, the Pro can also transform into a different cooker for specialty recipes. I've made yogurt in an Instant Pot before and let me tell you, it's a labor of love. Wait — I don't even think I love it, just tolerate it. However, that's not the Instant Pot's fault. The Instant Pot actually tries to take the pain out of yogurt making. By nature, it's a frustrating and tedious process. Even so, the 'Yogurt' setting on the Pro really does try. After scalding all equipment, I poured 3 litres of milk into the inner pot and started the 30 minute heating process, all automated by the Instant Pot. After the 30 minutes, the milk is supposed to be 83°C. I checked with my food thermometer, and it was 82.9°C. Then, the Instant Pot goes through a 30 minute cooling process, after which you put in the yogurt culture and let it ferment for a minimum of 8 hours. I set the fermentation time for 10 hours. After 10 hours, I had a lot of delicious, thick, perfectly tangy yogurt. For what it's worth, the Instant Pot really does make it easier than preparing yogurt in a pot. While it's not hugely easier than, say, a yogurt maker, this is a multi-purpose product that doesn't just do that one thing. I will say that washing the pot afterwards is very annoying — the scorched milk (gross) on the bottom of the pot is very tricky to get off, and this remains my biggest annoyance with Instant Pots. 'Sauté' mode is one of the most underrated functions on the Instant Pot. If I'm making soup, stew, sauce, or anything in the Instant Pot, I don't have to use another pan to fry onions. I can just make the entire dish in one pot. My favorite aspect of the Pro's 'Sauté' setting is that you can now choose the temperature. It ranges from 95°C to 195°C, which is more than enough variation. This wasn't an option on previous models I personally tested. I sautéd onions and curry paste for my Thai red curry, deglazed (very important) with the water from a tin of coconut milk, and then layered everything else in the pot for the slow cook and pressure cook. Sautéing works a treat, and I especially love that it's temperature controlled now. As with all Instant Pots I've tested, the Pro is quite large. I keep mine out of the kitchen between uses as there's not enough space on my counters. The Pro is a massive 35 centimetres tall and 32 centimetres wide, so unless you've got a massive kitchen (unlike me), I would recommend (like me) keeping it in storage between uses. Cleaning the inner pot of Instant Pots is always a nightmare — scorched food sticks to the bottom like hair on polystyrene — but you'll be pleased to know that the inner pot is completely dishwasher safe. Even the lid is dishwasher safe, so all you have to do is clean the outer cooker and make sure the condensation catcher and steam release cover are clean. Instant offers a standard 1-year warranty with all of its products. On top of the warranty, after-purchase care includes loads of downloadable recipe e-books on Instant's website. I think the Instant Pot Pro is a fantastic upgrade from the Pro Plus. Is it worth trashing your existing Pro Plus to purchase the newer model? No, obviously not. But if you don't have an Instant Pot and are looking to get the best model, the Pro is the only option. However, if you want a completely basic, beginner Instant Pot, I'd recommend the £99 Multi-Cooker (called Rio in the U.S.). This multi-cooker does basically everything the Pro does without the smart home connection. If you're in the U.S., the Pro isn't available and won't be available, however the Instant Pot Pro Plus is basically the same product, so I'll point you in that direction. For U.K. customers, though, the Pro is the best Instant Pot money can buy right now.
Buzz Feed
27-01-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
These Popular Slow Cookers Couldn't Be Easier To Use
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. They're here to simplify your life. No matter how big or small your kitchen is, cabinet and storage space are always serious business. Be mindful, be demure, and choose a slow cooker that's just right for you. Whether you're a gourmet cook or the life of the party with delicious eats in tow, there's an Amazon best-sellerd out there that'll fit you to a tee. These slow cookers come in a variety of sizes, styles, and functions, making it easy to find one that aligns with your lifestyle and kitchen needs. 1. One of the highest-rated, no-frills options Amazon Score: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 13,033 ratings The Crock-Pot 3-quart round manual slow cooker strikes a balance between size and function. Not too big, not too small, it's ideal for meal prepping and cooking a variety of dishes, from meats to stews. With high, low, and warm settings, you'll save time while adding flavor. Get it from Amazon for $29.99. 2. A multitasking 8-quart cooker from a trusted brand Amazon Score: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 10,464 ratings Multi-task with the Instant Pot Pro 's 28 cooking programs and 10 functions, including slow cooking, pressure cooking, and sous vide. The LCD display, progress bar, and quiet steam release set it apart from the rest. With an 8-quart stainless steel inner pot and silicone handles, it's a must-have for any kitchen. 3. Amazon Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 4,011 ratings The GreenLife Healthy Cook Duo slow cooker brings both style and function to your kitchen. Its 6-quart nonstick ceramic pot can sear and sauté. With five cooking functions and a delay-start option, this slow cooker makes it easy to create tasty meals. Plus, it's free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, making it a great choice for cautious cooks. Get it from Amazon for $45.65+ (available in seven colors). Amazon Score: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 35,429 ratings The Elite Gourmet 1.5-quart mini slow cooker is one of the smallest on the list, making it perfect for solo cooks. It features low, high, and keep-warm temperature settings, making it a great choice for dips, appetizers, and sauces at watch parties. Its stainless steel finish, removable stoneware pot, and glass lid add charm and make for easy cleaning. Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 5. Amazon The Hamilton Beach 6-quart programmable slow cooker makes cooking for a crowd a snap. It features three auto cooking modes — program, probe, and manual — plus high, low, and warm settings. The temperature probe ensures precisely cooked meats, while the ability to keep food warm makes it perfect for busy days. Ideal for large family meals and everyday cooking Amazon Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 2,313 ratings The Black+Decker digital slow cooker with chalkboard exterior combines functionality with creativity. It features a chalkboard surface for custom messages and recipes. With three heat settings, this 7-quart slow cooker is great for hearty meals and serving. Large handles with a locking lid make it portable and its dishwasher-safe stoneware ensures a hassle-free cleanup. Get it from Amazon for $67.99. 7. Amazon Score: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 7,762 ratings The Crock-Pot 2.5-quart casserole slow cooker is compact yet highly capable. It features high, low, and warm settings, and the spill-proof cook and carry locking lid makes it fab for transport. The removable casserole-shaped stoneware is dishwasher-friendly, ensuring quick cleanup. Excellent for small dinners, potlucks, or gatherings. 8. Amazon Score: 4.8 out of 5 stars and 1,833 ratings The Presto Nomad traveling slow cooker is built for life on the go. With a rugged, spill-proof design, a swing-up handle, and cool touch exterior, it's the perfect companion for tailgates and outdoor events. Prepare wings, chili, and other fun side dishes with ease. It includes a utensil holder for efficient travel. It's a perfect choice for anyone who loves retro, trendy vibes. 9. Amazon Score: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 3,615 ratings In true Ninja fashion, the brand's Foodi PossibleCooker Pro 8-in-1 is a game-changer. Advanced heating technology ensures that the machine cooks from all sides for fast, even results. This uniquely designed cooking pot lifts easily from the heated base, so you can slow cook in the pot, finish dishes in the oven and even transfer them to the table for serving. This 8-quart all-in-one cooker will meet a ton of your culinary needs. Get it in 6.5 - or 8.5 -quart sizes. Get it from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in three colors). 10. A generously-sized cooker for when you're feeding tons of people Amazon
