Tefal Cook4me Smart CY912840 Touch multi pressure cooker review

There is some set-up required for this cooker. Before even thinking about cooking, it needs to be connected to wi-fi. Then you have to download the app, select your language, wipe the cooker with a damp cloth, assemble the steamer basket and read the instructions. We found taking the setting-up process slowly and step-by-step was the best way.

When everything is sorted, it's time to start cooking.

• Available from Amazon (£399), Currys (£399)

Usability and functionality – how easy is it to use?

Everything started to fall into place when we connected and switched on the recipe menu. The menu gives access to over 400, mainly pressure cooking, recipes. You choose your recipe and then the smarts take over by adjusting quantities, times and temperatures. There are step-by-step instructions to guide you and you can, if you wish, go solo with the custom menu. This is where we initially began but we found it confusing – although we felt it would become easier with continued use. Custom is not a place for those new to pressure cooking to start. Instead, we moved on to using the ingredients menu and followed the instructions for beef with great success.

Annoyingly, if we wanted to go back a step on the menu, it took us to cancel and we had to start again and go forwards. Though we looked, we didn't find any way around this.

Despite a slow start, we started to get the hang of the appliance quickly and our stew was pressure cooking in no time. There are three pressure levels: low, high and express, plus a timer delay, if needed. Other functions available include steam, browning – which we used to sear the beef and vegetables in the pot – stewing, keeping food warm and reheating.

Cooking results

Our stew was excellent and needed minimal reduction on opening. As first-timers to this system, we felt there was a lot to take on to produce the food but after using it a few times and getting a feel for how it works, it's not as complicated as we first thought.

Safety

Safety is laid out fully in the instruction booklet. The pressure gauge is discreetly placed behind a flat vented disc and, unless adequately depressurised, the lid will not open. The Cook4Me also has a safety valve.

Sustainability

There is little mention in the instruction booklet of disposal or spare parts, and only the cardboard outer of the packaging is recyclable.

Conclusion

The Cook4me can appear daunting but it's not as complicated as it first seems. If technology is not your thing or you're not wi-fi enabled, then this isn't for you as you won't be able to realise its full potential. However, if you're tech-savvy, go for it. This is a brilliant cooker and it's excellent for busy households that need to get healthy, exciting and delicious food quickly onto the table.

• Available from Amazon (£399), Currys (£399)

Full product specifications:
Electric 1345 -1600W
Size 6 litres
Dimensions 36cm x 36cm x 32cm high incl. handles
Incudes steam basket and stand
15-year guarantee

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