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Pros

  • Excellent quality for the price, multi-functional

Cons

  • Some non-recyclable packaging

Sage The Fast Slow Pro is a multi-cooker that emphasises pressure and slow cooking with several other handy functions, but it's not clogged up with extra gadgetry. Added functions include steaming, a convenient searing function, sauté for onions or smaller pieces of food and reduction for finishing stews, soups and casseroles, whether pressure or slow cooked.

For pressure cooking, the Sage has seven pressure levels to choose from and the added safety of three types of steam release; all hands-free and they only need the press of a button. The cooker is tall but has a small footprint relative to other multi-cookers and is similar in size to a large pressure cooker.

First impressions and set-up

It's hard not to be impressed by the sleek good looks of this multi-cooker, with its imposing brushed steel exterior and large LED screen accessing 11 pre-set and various manual programs.

Every aspect of the machine feels solidly made, from the handles and ceramic-coated steel inner pot to the secure removable lid, making cleaning the Sage super easy.

Setting up is a doddle as it comes assembled and ready to go straight from the box. Reading the instruction booklet is a must and then you're ready to go.

Usability and functionality – how easy is it to use?

It couldn't be easier to start cooking with the Fast Slow Pro. First, turn the cooker on and use the sauté or searing functions, depending on what you're making. Select the pressure, choose from the range of programs or custom cook your recipes, then add the ingredients and liquid, close and turn the large knob in the centre of the lid, check the pressure valve is in the correct position and away you go. The cooker will do the rest, including the level of pressure, time and best form of steam release.

The excellent instruction booklet is well written and easy to follow. Also included is a recipe book with over 40 recipes.

Cooking results

Excellent. The stew was still bubbling after we opened the lid, which is only possible when the pressure has fully released, with tender meat and the vegetables cooked precisely. We used the reduction programme to finish the stew, which kicks in very fast, and the stew bubbled away vigorously with the extra touch of reduction taking just five minutes.

Safety

Sage has covered most bases with safety in The Fast Slow Pro. Steam is hands-free variable steam. There is a pressure safety valve on the lid in case of excessive pressurisation and extensive notes on safely using the cooker in the instruction booklet.

Sustainability

The packaging is not eco-friendly, relying on polystyrene for protection rather than recyclables. The cooker cannot be taken to regular household waste but a designated local authority for disposal.

Conclusion

This is the model for you if you want a pressure cooker that's robustly built with intuitive controls and an emphasis on safety. It comes with slow cooking, searing, sautéing and a reduction function and can be manual or pre-programmed. You can't go far wrong with Sage The Fast Slow Pro. With a 6-litre inner cooking pot, it's ideal for a family but also great for a smaller household, mainly where space is at a premium, as it encompasses many machines in one.

Full product specifications:
Electric 900 – 1100W
Size 6 litres
Dimensions 35cm x 32cm high incl. handles
Incudes steam basket and trivet
7 pressure levels
Variable, hands-free steam release
2-year limited guarantee

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