West Bend

Browning creates flavor. It is a simple statement, but one with deep-toned implications. The effect is what is called the Maillard reaction and it is what occurs when amino acids and sugars get together with a heat source. The resulting party creates new flavor compounds, and that all equals delicious. Achieving this deliciousness is as easy as getting out a sauté pan. Or in this case, the multicooker.

The West Bend 82011 Pressure Cooker may be appropriately named, but pressure cooking is only one of its capabilities. The versatile countertop appliance is really a multicooker that combines five appliances in one. In addition to the pressure cooker setting, the machine can also be operated as a slow cooker, a rice cooker, and a steamer. And when the browning function is employed, possibilities increase; it can be used to build flavor or just simply sauté some vegetables.

The encloseable device uses a simple push-button interface to supply cooking options. An integrated timer makes quick work of setup and allows for worry-free operation. Along those lines, the appliance does include "7 built-in fail-safe safety features" to help ensure that food cooking under pressure stays under pressure (at least until dinner time). And considering all that this multitasker can do, the cook is sure to stay cool under pressure, too -- or whichever cooking mode happens to be on.