Tower One-Touch Ultima pressure cooker review

First impressions and set-up

On opening the box, there is very little packaging inside, just a little plastic which the pressure cooker is wrapped in. The cooker is made of sturdy, shiny stainless-steel and looks very attractive. The lid has a large handle and the locking and unlocking system is operated by simply twisting, so it's very easy to use. In the centre of the handle is a removable timer, which may seem insignificant but is extremely useful with a manual pressure cooker. Timings are imperative and having it on hand like this is a genius idea. There was so little to set up that it took just minutes and after a quick wash of the lid and pot, we were ready to cook.

Usability and functionality – how easy is it to use?

The instruction booklet is easy to follow and includes safety warnings and an excellent section on cleaning the pressure cooker and its different parts. The pressure cooking step-by-step guide is a must-read and well written – first-time users will find this a very reassuring guide.

At 6 litres, the pot was deep. Heating on the hob was fast and even, and the meat and vegetables seared quickly and evenly. Timing is based on weight (on this occasion we used beef) rather than the dish or ingredients. This information is laid out clearly in the instruction booklet.

Cooking was straightforward once everything was seared, the lid on, and the cooker on the heat and up to pressure.

Cooking results

The beef stew was spot on after 20 minutes and only needed a little reduction to the gravy, taking the total cooking time to 30 minutes until it was finished and ready to serve. We were very impressed with the results in such a short time, even with the added reduction.

Safety

The secure locking mechanism in the lid felt safe; there is also a safety window in the lid in case of over pressurisation. The instruction booklet covers handling and safety in detail, and all recommended quantities of both food and liquid are made clear.

Conclusion

The Tower One-Touch is an excellent pressure cooker for those on a budget or starting out in pressure cooking and is at a phenomenal price for the quality. It performed as well as many of the more expensive models and at 6 litres in size, it has a manageable footprint and is a good size for the average family.

Full product specifications:
Stove-top model, suitable for all hobs
Size 6 litres
Cooker body dishwasher-proof only
Includes removable timer and steaming basket
Dimensions 38.6cm x 24.5cm
10-year guarantee

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