Let’s be honest, the world of pressure cookers can feel a bit like the wild west. You’ve got the old-school stovetop whistlers that sound like a train is coming through your kitchen, and then you have a sea of electric multi-cookers all promising the world. So, when a premium model like the Breville Fast Slow Pro enters the scene, it’s natural to ask: is it really worth the hype? After putting this machine through its paces, this detailed Breville Fast Slow Pro Review is here to give you the straight scoop, cutting through the marketing noise to see if this is the culinary co-pilot your kitchen has been missing.
For me, the journey into pressure cooking started with a hand-me-down stovetop model that I was, frankly, a little scared of. But the promise of fall-off-the-bone ribs in under an hour was too tempting to ignore. Electric pressure cookers changed the game, making the process safer and more automated. The Breville Fast Slow Pro aims to perfect it. It’s not just a pressure cooker; it’s a multi-cooker that also excels at slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, and more. But its real magic lies in the details.
What Makes the Breville Fast Slow Pro So Different?
At first glance, it’s a sleek, stainless steel appliance that looks great on any countertop. But the real innovation is under the hood. Unlike many of its competitors, this machine is built on a foundation of precision and user control, making it feel less like a simple appliance and more like a professional kitchen tool.
The Brains of the Operation: Dual Sensors
Most electric pressure cookers have a single sensor at the bottom to monitor temperature and, by extension, pressure. The Breville Fast Slow Pro has two: one at the bottom and one in the lid. Why does this matter? It’s like having two sets of eyes on your food. This dual-sensor system provides far more accurate temperature and pressure readings, which means the cooker can make real-time adjustments. The result is more consistent cooking, preventing the dreaded “burn” notice and ensuring your food is cooked perfectly every time.
Hands-Free Steam Release: Safety and Convenience Perfected
One of the most intimidating parts of pressure cooking for newcomers is the steam release. That jet of hot steam can be startling! Breville tackled this head-on with a fully automated, hands-free steam release system. You can choose from three settings:
- Natural Release: The pressure subsides on its own. Best for meats and broths to keep them tender.
- Pulse Release: The cooker releases steam in short bursts, which is great for preventing foamy foods (like beans or grains) from spewing out of the valve.
- Quick Release: The pressure is released as fast as possible to stop the cooking process immediately, ideal for delicate vegetables.
You select the option on the LCD screen before you start cooking, and the machine handles the rest. No more turning a wobbly valve with tongs. This feature alone is a massive win for safety and peace of mind.
As kitchen appliance expert Dr. Aris Thorne often says, “The best safety feature is one you don’t have to think about. By automating the pressure release, Breville has removed a major point of user error and anxiety, making advanced cooking accessible to everyone.”
An Intuitive LCD and User-Friendly Controls
The large, blue-backlit LCD screen is a joy to use. Instead of cryptic codes or a confusing array of buttons, you have three simple dials. You turn one to select your cooking function (pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, etc.), another to adjust temperature or pressure level (from 1.5 to 12 PSI), and a third to set the time. It’s incredibly intuitive and gives you a level of control that most other multi-cookers lack.
Our In-Depth Breville Fast Slow Pro Review in Action
To truly test it, I put the Fast Slow Pro through a series of culinary challenges, from a quick weeknight meal to a weekend project.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The build quality is immediately apparent. It feels substantial and well-made, with a heavy-duty stainless steel cooking pot and a lid that locks into place with a satisfying click. The included stainless steel steamer basket and rack are also of high quality, a nice touch compared to the plastic accessories you often get with other brands.
The Cooking Gauntlet
- Pressure Cooked Beef Stew: I started with a classic. The sauté function browned the beef beautifully, creating a deep flavor base right in the pot. After adding the other ingredients and locking the lid, I set it to high pressure for 35 minutes. The result? Incredibly tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. The automated natural release kept the meat from becoming tough.
- Slow Cooked Pulled Pork: Next up, I tested its slow cooking prowess. I set a pork shoulder on low for 8 hours. The dual sensors really shine here, maintaining a consistent, gentle heat that you often don’t get with single-sensor cookers. The pork was moist, succulent, and shredded with a fork.
- Perfectly Steamed Vegetables: Using the quick-release function was key here. I steamed broccoli florets for just 2 minutes at low pressure. The quick release stopped the cooking instantly, leaving them bright green and perfectly crisp-tender, not mushy.
Across every test, the machine performed flawlessly. The precision it offers makes you feel more like a chef and less like someone just pushing a button.
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Our Picks for the Best Pressure Cooker in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DUMOS 12-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker 6 QT Stainless Steel Multi Cooker Electric for Pressure, Rice, Steamer, Yogurt Maker, Slow Cook,Meat Stew, Cake, Porridge, Multigrain, Sliver |
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| 2 | HealSmart 12-in-1 Multi Electric Pressure Cooker, Non-Stick 6QT Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker for Yogurt Maker, Slow Cooker, Cake, Multigrain, Dishwasher Safe |
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| 3 | Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart |
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| 4 | Presto 01362 6-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker |
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| 5 | Our Place Dream Cooker | 6-quart Multicooker | 4 Versatile Modes | Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Sear & Saute, Keep Warm | Hands-Free Steam Release | Tailored Control Panel | Steam |
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| 6 | Safety Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker, 7.4 Qt with Release Valve & Multiple Protective Devices, Cooking Pressure Canner for Steam, Canning, Stewing on All Stovetops |
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| 7 | Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart |
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| 8 | Visit the CUCKOO Store |
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| 9 | COSORI Pressure Cooker 6QT, Stainless Steel, 9-in-1 Multi Cooker, 12 Safety Features, Ceramic Inner Pot, Rice, Slow Cook, Sous Vide, Saute, 1100W |
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| 10 | CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker with WiFi and Built-in Scale - Easy-to-Use 10-in-1 Multicooker with 500+ Guided Recipes - Rice Cooker, Slow Cooker, Instant Meals for Foodies - 6 Quart - Family Size |
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Is the Breville Fast Slow Pro Right for Your Kitchen?
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all appliance. It’s a premium product with a price tag to match, so it’s best suited for a specific type of user.
This cooker is perfect for you if:
- You are a passionate home cook who values precision and control.
- You are nervous about traditional pressure cookers and want the safest possible experience.
- You plan to use both the pressure cooking and slow cooking functions regularly.
- You appreciate high-quality design and build materials.
You might want to consider other options if:
- You are on a tight budget.
- You only need a basic pressure cooker for simple meals.
- You want extra features like air frying or yogurt making, which are found in other multi-cookers.
How to Use Your Pressure Cooker Safely: A Quick Checklist
While the Breville Fast Slow Pro has amazing safety features, it’s crucial to follow basic safety protocols with any pressure cooker. Here’s a quick checklist before you start:
- Check the Gasket: Ensure the silicone sealing ring is clean, properly seated, and free of cracks.
- Don’t Overfill: Never fill the pot more than two-thirds full for most foods, and only half-full for foods that expand or foam (like beans, rice, and lentils).
- Add Enough Liquid: You always need at least 1 cup of liquid to create the steam needed to build pressure.
- Lock the Lid: Make sure the lid is securely locked in place before starting. You’ll usually hear a chime or see an indicator.
- Keep Clear of the Valve: Even with an automated release, always keep your hands and face away from the steam release valve during operation.
Breville Fast Slow Pro vs. The Instant Pot
The elephant in the room for any multi-cooker is the Instant Pot. So how do they stack up?
| Feature | Breville Fast Slow Pro | Instant Pot Duo Crisp (Comparable Model) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Strength | Precision Cooking & Safety | Versatility & Large Community |
| Pressure Control | Fully adjustable PSI (1.5-12) | High & Low presets only |
| Steam Release | 3 automated, hands-free options | Manual quick release valve |
| Sensors | Dual sensors (top and bottom) | Single sensor (bottom) |
| Build Quality | Premium stainless steel | Good, but less hefty |
| Extra Functions | Lacks air fry, yogurt | Includes air frying, sous vide |
| Price | Premium | More affordable |
The choice comes down to what you value more: the jack-of-all-trades versatility of the Instant Pot or the master-of-its-craft precision of the Breville.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Breville Fast Slow Pro
1. Is the Breville Fast Slow Pro easy to clean?
Yes, it’s quite easy. The 6-quart ceramic-coated cooking pot is non-stick and dishwasher safe. The lid can also be disassembled slightly to clean the gasket and other parts thoroughly.
2. Can you can foods in the Breville Fast Slow Pro?
No. According to Breville and USDA guidelines, the Fast Slow Pro is not designed for pressure canning. Its pressure levels and monitoring system are not calibrated for the precise requirements needed to safely can low-acid foods.
3. What is the maximum pressure (PSI) of the Fast Slow Pro?
The Breville Fast Slow Pro can reach a maximum pressure of 12 PSI, which is in line with the standard for most electric pressure cookers. The key difference is its ability to be set at various levels below that for more delicate cooking.
4. Does the slow cooker function work as well as a dedicated slow cooker?
Absolutely. Thanks to its dual sensors that regulate temperature from both the top and bottom, many users (including myself) find its slow cooking performance to be more consistent and reliable than many standalone slow cookers.
5. How is this model different from the Breville Fast Slow Go?
The Fast Slow Go is a newer, more compact model that adds a few extra functions like Sous Vide. However, the original Fast Slow Pro is often considered superior in its core pressure and slow cooking functions due to its more robust build and the dual-sensor system, which the Go model does not have.
The Final Verdict: Our Breville Fast Slow Pro Review Conclusion
After extensive testing and use, it’s clear that the Breville Fast Slow Pro is more than just another multi-cooker. It’s a thoughtfully engineered piece of kitchen equipment that puts control, precision, and safety at the forefront. While it comes at a premium price, the performance justifies the cost for the serious home cook. The hands-free steam release and dual-sensor system are not just gimmicks; they are tangible improvements that lead to better, more consistent results and a safer cooking experience.
If you’re ready to elevate your cooking and invest in a machine that performs its core functions with unparalleled excellence, this Breville Fast Slow Pro review confidently gives it a resounding recommendation. It’s a reliable, powerful, and beautifully designed appliance that will earn its place on your counter for years to come.