Multi Function Electric pressure cooker

[Suz D]

Does anyone have one of these? If so, what brand? Do you like it? Love it? Hate it? Why?

I'm looking at the:
Living Well one by Montel Williams (Ebay $59)
The Nesco one (Walmart $74)
The Fagor one ($75 Amazon)

I've been working on really planning meals to save $$. Here are the things I'm looking for...
1. Browning before slow cooking (I hate when I cook in the slow cooker and the meat looks either pasty or grey)
2. Slow cooking (I have a large oval shaped slow cooker. When I make casserole type meals, I tend to have way too many leftovers. This is because in order to layer the ingredients deep enough to cook slow but not burn, I have to make a ton. If I made a smaller qty, it's layered too shallow and burns or gets terribly dry).
3. Pressure cooking (throw that frozen meat in the pot and 30 minutes later you have a meal? Really? Truly? Sign me up! )
4. Rice cooker (I just got one and want to return it because if the multi cooker really cooks rice, why have another appliance taking up prime real estate in the kitchen?)

I'm hoping for lots of input. Thanks!

 

[Juliee8]

I got the 6 qt Cuisenart digital pressure cooker about a month ago and absolutely love it!!! I use it a couple times a week. I have cooked frozen chicken breasts, roasts and pork loins. Everything has came out so wonderful that my kids are eating everything now!!! It was a little more, I paid $89 for it on amazon but when I researched them it had the best reviews for the 6 qt.

 

[Suz D]

Juliee8, I'll add that to my list. Thanks! Your post is exactly the type I hoped for. Can't wait to hear from others because I'm really excited about the possibilities with this appliance.

 

[RMAMom]

I have one and have enjoyed using it the few times I've used it but I have to say I have no idea what I'm doing with it. I bought the one on HSN, the video is on the website and you can see all the many dishes you can make. The problem I have is that it doesn't come with the recipes for what they're cooking! I use it a couple of times a year but am not comfortable enough to use it on my own, I have to have a recipe. I am looking forward to reading what others are doing, because I would love to use it more often.

 

[Suz D]

juliee8, do you make rice in yours or use it as a slow cooker? I didn't see on the description where it says that you can use it for those two things.

 

[RMAMom]

Bump

 

[Suz D]

Bump

Thanks for bumping. I was hoping for more input.

 

[Disneys#1fan]

I have a Cooks Esentials pressure cooker from QVC. I have had it for over 10 years. I don't use it as often as I would like but I do love it! A roast with potatoes and carrots is done from frozen in about 1 hour. I bought the first cookbook from Bob Warden on QVC called Slow Food Fast. We love the mac and cheese recipe. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare. There is a new cookbook out now but I haven't gotten that one yet. My pressure cooker does brown and steam but does not have the slow cook option. I think the new ones do though... Hope this helps!

 

[dclfun]

I have a Cooks Esentials pressure cooker from QVC. I have had it for over 10 years. I don't use it as often as I would like but I do love it! A roast with potatoes and carrots is done from frozen in about 1 hour. I bought the first cookbook from Bob Warden on QVC called Slow Food Fast. We love the mac and cheese recipe. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare. There is a new cookbook out now but I haven't gotten that one yet. My pressure cooker does brown and steam but does not have the slow cook option. I think the new ones do though... Hope this helps!

I also bought the Cooks Essentials pressure cooker from QVC this past fall when it was a TSV. I bought the new Bob Warden cookbook too which is fantastic! I couldn't seem to find many recipes online at the popular sites, like allrecipes.com. We haven't used it as much as I'd like but have made roasts and cooked frozen chicken. Everything comes out very tender, flavorful, and the kitchen smells delicious too. I really need to get out the cookbook and try some of the recipes but I have no doubt that my family will like them.