In today’s fast-paced world, the kitchen often becomes a whirlwind of activity, leaving many of us wishing for more time without sacrificing delicious, home-cooked meals. This is where the Breville Fast Slow Cooker steps in, transforming the way we approach meal preparation. As a seasoned expert with over 15 years in slow cooking, I’ve seen countless appliances come and go, but the Breville Fast Slow Cooker, particularly its Pro models, consistently stands out as a true game-changer. It’s more than just a kitchen gadget; it’s a culinary partner designed to bring efficiency, flavor, and incredible ease to your daily cooking routine.
Imagine seamlessly transitioning from a lightning-fast pressure-cooked stew to a tender, slow-simmered roast, all within the same pot. The Breville Fast Slow Cooker makes this a reality, offering unparalleled versatility for busy home cooks who refuse to compromise on taste or nutrition. This appliance simplifies complex cooking tasks, empowers you to explore new recipes, and ultimately, helps you reclaim precious time in your day. Let’s dive into what makes this multi-cooker an indispensable addition to any modern kitchen.
What Makes the Breville Fast Slow Cooker Stand Out?
The Breville Fast Slow Cooker isn’t just another kitchen appliance; it’s a testament to thoughtful engineering and user-centric design. Its core appeal lies in its remarkable dual functionality, seamlessly blending the speed of a pressure cooker with the rich flavor development of a slow cooker. This combination allows for an astonishing range of culinary possibilities.
Dual Functionality: Pressure Cooker and Slow Cooker
At its heart, the Breville Fast Slow Cooker is a master of two distinct cooking methods. As a pressure cooker, it drastically cuts down cooking times, turning tough cuts of meat into fork-tender marvels in a fraction of the usual time. Need dinner on the table in under an hour? Pressure cooking with your Breville has you covered. Conversely, its slow cooking function allows for low and slow simmering, perfect for building deep, complex flavors in stews, roasts, and chilis throughout the day. This duality means you can adapt your cooking to your schedule, whether you have hours to spare or just minutes.
Beyond these primary modes, the Breville Fast Slow Cooker also offers several other functions, including steaming, sautéing, searing, and even reducing sauces. The integrated sear/sauté function is a particular highlight, enabling you to brown ingredients directly in the cooking pot before commencing pressure or slow cooking. This eliminates the need for extra pans, saving you cleanup time and ensuring all those delicious fond bits contribute to the final flavor of your dish.
Smart Features and Intuitive Controls
Breville is renowned for its intelligent design, and the Breville Fast Slow Cooker is no exception. It features an intuitive LCD display and user-friendly control knobs that make navigating its numerous settings surprisingly straightforward. This clear interface takes the guesswork out of multi-cooking, allowing you to easily select your desired cooking method, time, temperature, and even pressure level.
One of its most impressive innovations is the inclusion of dual sensors—one at the top and one at the base of the cooking bowl—that precisely monitor and control temperature and pressure. This advanced sensing system contributes to more accurate cooking results and significantly enhances safety. Furthermore, the appliance boasts automatic hands-free steam release, offering options like Auto Quick, Auto Pulse, and Natural Release, which ensures safety by keeping your hands away from releasing steam and simplifies the pressure release process.
Capacity and Design
Typically, the Breville Fast Slow Cooker comes with a generous 6-quart (6-liter) capacity, making it an excellent choice for families, meal prepping, or entertaining guests. The cooking pot itself is often ceramic-lined with a non-stick coating, free from PFOA and PTFE, and designed to be removable for easy cleaning. Some newer or specific models, like the Fast Slow Go, may even offer a stainless steel inner pot, catering to different preferences regarding cooking surface materials.
The unit’s sleek, stainless steel exterior contributes to its modern aesthetic, making it a handsome addition to any kitchen countertop. The hinged lid is another convenient design element, meaning you don’t have to find a place to put a hot, dripping lid down while checking your food. However, it’s worth noting that some users have found the lid mechanism can be a bit tricky to lock properly for pressure cooking, or to fully disassemble for deep cleaning.
Mastering Your Breville Fast Slow Cooker: Tips and Techniques
Getting the most out of your Breville Fast Slow Cooker involves understanding its capabilities and applying a few key techniques. Whether you’re new to multi-cooking or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you achieve outstanding results every time.
Getting Started: Initial Setup
Before its first use, always consult your Breville Fast Slow Cooker manual for specific instructions regarding initial cleaning and assembly. Typically, this involves washing the inner pot, lid, and gasket. Familiarize yourself with the control panel and the various settings. It’s a good idea to perform a simple water test for pressure cooking to ensure everything is functioning correctly and to get comfortable with the pressure release mechanism.
Slow Cooking to Perfection
For rich, deeply flavored dishes, the slow cooker setting is your best friend.
- Layering Flavors: Always start by using the sear/sauté function to brown meats and vegetables directly in the pot. This crucial step develops a foundational layer of flavor that slow cooking further enhances.
- Liquid Levels: When slow cooking, remember that less liquid is generally needed compared to stovetop cooking, as very little evaporates. Follow recipes specifically designed for slow cookers or reduce the liquid in conventional recipes by about one-third.
- Don’t Peek: Resist the temptation to lift the lid frequently. Each time you do, heat escapes, and the cooking time needs to be extended, disrupting the slow cooking process.
The Art of Pressure Cooking
Pressure cooking with the Breville Fast Slow Cooker is about speed and efficiency, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Proper Sealing: Ensure the lid is correctly aligned and locked into place. A proper seal is essential for the cooker to reach and maintain pressure.
- Liquid Requirements: Always add enough liquid (at least 1 cup for most recipes) to generate steam and build pressure. This liquid transforms into superheated steam that cooks food rapidly.
- Natural vs. Quick Release: Understand when to use natural pressure release (allowing pressure to dissipate on its own) versus quick pressure release (manually releasing steam). Natural release is ideal for foamy foods, large cuts of meat, or dishes that benefit from residual cooking. Quick release is perfect for delicate foods like vegetables that can overcook quickly. The automatic release feature on the Breville Fast Slow Cooker makes this process safer and more convenient.
Safety First: Understanding Pressure Release
Safety is paramount when using any pressure cooker. The Breville Fast Slow Cooker is designed with multiple safety features, including a triple safety system on its lid and automated steam release options. Always ensure you understand how to safely release pressure and never force open the lid before all pressure has been released. The clear LCD display provides real-time feedback on pressure levels, temperature, and countdown timers, keeping you informed about the cooking process inside.
Delicious Recipes for Your Breville Fast Slow Cooker
The versatility of the Breville Fast Slow Cooker opens up a world of culinary possibilities. From quick weeknight meals to elaborate Sunday roasts, this appliance handles it all with grace.
Weeknight Wonders: Quick Pressure Cooker Meals
Pressure cooking is a lifesaver for busy evenings. Imagine making tender chicken and rice, hearty beef stew, or perfectly cooked beans in a fraction of the time.
- Pressure Cooker Risotto: A creamy, perfectly al dente risotto can be on your table in under 10 minutes of active cooking time.
- Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs: Transform tough ribs into tender, flavorful masterpieces in less than an hour, a process that would typically take several hours in a conventional oven.
- Quick Soups and Stews: Hearty lentil soup or a rich beef bourguignon can be prepared in 30-40 minutes under pressure, delivering deep flavors usually associated with long simmering.
Comfort Food Classics: Slow Cooker Delights
When you have more time and crave classic comfort, the slow cooker function shines.
- Pulled Pork: A shoulder of pork can slow cook all day, resulting in incredibly tender, shreddable meat perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or salads.
- Hearty Chili: Let chili simmer for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen into a rich, robust meal.
- Pot Roast: A classic pot roast becomes meltingly tender, absorbing all the aromatic vegetables and broth over hours of gentle cooking.
Exploring Diverse Cuisines
Don’t limit yourself to traditional dishes. The Breville Fast Slow Cooker is excellent for international cuisine.
- Indian Curries: Achieve tender meat and vegetables with complex spice profiles in pressure cooking mode.
- Mexican Carnitas: Brown the pork using the sear function, then slow cook to perfection for authentic, crispy carnitas.
- Asian Stocks and Broths: Create incredibly flavorful, restaurant-quality stocks in minutes using the pressure cook function, forming the base for pho or ramen. [cite: 2 (search result 3), 3 (search result 3)]
Choosing the Right Breville Fast Slow Cooker for Your Kitchen
While the term “Breville Fast Slow Cooker” often refers to a range of models, the “Pro” version (e.g., BPR700BSS) is frequently highlighted in reviews for its advanced features. Understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Different Models
Breville has released several iterations, each with subtle improvements. The Breville Fast Slow Pro is often considered the flagship model, offering extensive control over pressure settings (up to 8 levels), advanced sensor technology, and more preset cooking programs compared to earlier models. Earlier versions, while still effective, might have fewer customizable options or a simpler interface. The “Fast Slow Go” model, for example, is noted by some users for its stainless steel inner pot and automatic keep-warm function. [cite: 4 (search result 4)]
Key Features to Consider
When selecting your Breville Fast Slow Cooker, consider these factors:
- Inner Pot Material: Do you prefer ceramic-coated non-stick for easy cleanup or stainless steel for durability and peace of mind regarding coating longevity?
- Programmable Settings: Look for models with a variety of preset functions and the ability to customize time, temperature, and pressure for maximum flexibility.
- Safety Features: Ensure the model includes robust safety mechanisms, such as automatic pressure release and a secure lid locking system.
- Display and Controls: A clear LCD display and intuitive physical controls (knobs, buttons) significantly enhance the user experience.
- Budget: Breville multi-cookers tend to be at the higher end of the price spectrum, but many users find the quality and features justify the investment. [cite: 2, 4 (search result 4)]
Maintenance and Care for Longevity
Proper care ensures your Breville Fast Slow Cooker remains a reliable kitchen companion for years to come.
Cleaning Your Appliance
Cleaning is generally straightforward. The inner cooking pot is typically removable and often dishwasher safe, though hand washing is recommended by Breville to prolong the life of the ceramic coating. [cite: 2, 4 (search result 4)] The lid can also be removed for cleaning; some models have a hinged lid that can be unmounted, though complete disassembly for thorough cleaning of the gasket and steam valve may occasionally require a screwdriver. Regularly clean the silicone gasket and pressure release valve to prevent food buildup and ensure proper sealing and steam function. The condensation collector should also be emptied and cleaned after each use.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Lid Not Sealing: If the lid isn’t sealing properly for pressure cooking, check that the silicone gasket is correctly installed and free from food debris. Ensure the lid is aligned and twisted firmly into the locked position. Sometimes, the gasket itself might need replacement over time.
- Food Burning (Slow Cooker): This can happen if there’s not enough liquid, or if the heat setting is too high for the recipe. Always ensure adequate liquid and consider a “low” setting for longer cooking times.
- Error Codes: Consult your user manual for specific error codes. These usually indicate a safety mechanism has been triggered or a specific issue needs addressing.
Breville Fast Slow Cooker vs. Traditional Cooking Methods
The Breville Fast Slow Cooker offers distinct advantages over traditional cooking methods, blending speed and flavor without compromise.
Speed vs. Flavor Development
Traditional stovetop or oven cooking can be time-consuming, especially for dishes requiring long simmering to tenderize ingredients and develop flavor. Pressure cooking with the Breville drastically reduces these times, making dishes like pot roasts or stews feasible on a weeknight. Conversely, its slow cooking function excels at building profound flavors that only time can achieve, often surpassing what’s possible with a quick stovetop simmer.
Convenience and Energy Efficiency
Having one appliance that can sear, sauté, slow cook, and pressure cook minimizes clutter and simplifies cleanup. This multi-functionality is a hallmark of the Breville Fast Slow Cooker. While energy consumption varies, multi-cookers are generally more energy-efficient than using multiple appliances (like a stovetop and oven) for the same meal, especially for long cooking durations. Its ability to cook effectively at higher temperatures under pressure also means less time the appliance is drawing power.
“The Breville Fast Slow Cooker is truly revolutionary,” says Dr. Anya Sharma, a culinary technologist with a background in food science. “Its precise temperature and pressure control, combined with the convenience of one-pot cooking, empowers home chefs to create restaurant-quality meals with surprising ease and efficiency.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the Breville Fast Slow Cooker
Here are some common questions about this versatile kitchen essential:
Q1: Is the Breville Fast Slow Cooker worth the investment?
A1: While the Breville Fast Slow Cooker typically comes with a higher price tag than some competitors, many users find its robust build quality, advanced features, intuitive controls, and superior cooking performance make it well worth the investment for a truly versatile multi-cooker. [cite: 2, 4 (search result 4)]
Q2: Can I use Instant Pot recipes in my Breville Fast Slow Cooker?
A2: Yes, generally you can adapt Instant Pot recipes for your Breville Fast Slow Cooker. Both are electric pressure cookers. However, you may need to adjust cooking times slightly due to differences in pressure levels or heating elements. Always use the manual settings and monitor your food.
Q3: What is the capacity of the Breville Fast Slow Cooker?
A3: Most Breville Fast Slow Cooker models, especially the popular Pro version, feature a 6-quart (6-liter) capacity. This size is ideal for preparing meals for families of 4-6 people, as well as for batch cooking and meal prepping.
Q4: Is the inner pot dishwasher safe?
A4: The inner cooking pot of the Breville Fast Slow Cooker is typically removable and designed to be dishwasher safe. However, Breville often recommends hand washing to help preserve the non-stick ceramic coating and prolong its lifespan. [cite: 2, 4 (search result 4)]
Q5: Does the Breville Fast Slow Cooker have an automatic pressure release?
A5: Yes, the Breville Fast Slow Cooker, particularly the Pro models, features advanced automatic steam release functions, including Auto Quick, Auto Pulse, and Natural Release. This hands-free operation enhances safety and convenience by managing pressure release without manual intervention.
Q6: Can I sear or sauté food directly in the Breville Fast Slow Cooker?
A6: Absolutely! One of the standout features of the Breville Fast Slow Cooker is its dedicated sear/sauté function. This allows you to brown meats and vegetables directly in the cooking pot, building a deeper flavor base for your dishes before slow or pressure cooking, and reducing the need for extra pans.
Conclusion
The Breville Fast Slow Cooker is an exceptional kitchen appliance that truly embodies the spirit of modern cooking: efficient, flavorful, and remarkably versatile. It bridges the gap between traditional slow-cooked depth and the urgent demands of contemporary life, offering a seamless experience whether you’re tenderizing a roast for hours or whipping up a quick, nutritious meal in minutes.
As an expert in slow cooking, I wholeheartedly advocate for embracing multi-cookers like the Breville. They simplify meal preparation, encourage healthier eating habits by making home cooking more accessible, and unlock a world of culinary creativity. Investing in a Breville Fast Slow Cooker means investing in convenience, quality, and the joy of serving delicious, wholesome food to your family, all while mastering the art of cooking, fast or slow. Give it a try, and discover how this incredible appliance can transform your kitchen and your life.