Breville Fast Slow Cooker
Made by Breville · tested on the Simmer & Set bench
The Breville Fast Slow Cooker earns its higher price tag by combining true searing, fast pressure-style cooking, and traditional slow cooking in a single well-built appliance.
Hands-on overview
The Breville Fast Slow Cooker brings genuine versatility to the countertop by combining the low, steady heat of traditional slow cooking with the rapid, pressurized cooking speed that busy households crave. Rather than forcing a choice between convenience and flavor development, this appliance lets you switch between eight functions, including slow cook, fast (pressure) cook, rice, risotto, sear, steam, and warm, all from one thoughtfully designed unit. The searing function is particularly useful, allowing you to brown meats directly in the cooking pot before switching to a long, slow braise or a quick pressure-cooked stew, eliminating the need for a separate pan and extra cleanup.
At the heart of the design is the LCD control panel, which displays cooking mode, temperature, and remaining time, giving you a clear sense of progress without guesswork. The included recipe book helps you translate traditional slow cooker recipes into pressure-cooking times, a feature that makes the learning curve far less intimidating for anyone transitioning from a standard slow cooker. The five-quart, dishwasher-safe searing pot is roomy enough for a whole chicken, a hearty batch of chili, or a pot roast with vegetables, while the tempered glass lid allows you to monitor slow-cooked meals without releasing heat. Safety features like a locking lid and pressure-release valve give confidence to those newer to pressure cooking, while long-time slow cooker fans will appreciate that the low-and-slow function remains just as reliable as ever.
What ultimately sets the Breville Fast Slow Cooker apart within the slow cookers and multicookers category is its adaptability to real-life cooking rhythms. On leisurely weekends, you can let a pot of short ribs simmer for eight hours, developing deep, layered flavor the traditional way. On a rushed weeknight, that same pot can deliver tender, fall-apart results in under an hour through pressure cooking. This flexibility, paired with sturdy stainless steel construction and an intuitive interface, makes it a genuinely practical investment for anyone who wants the comfort of slow-cooked meals without always having the time to wait for them.
Specifications
Figures tagged measured come from our bench; those tagged maker are the manufacturer’s published specification, printed as given.
Pros and cons
What works
- Sears meat in the same pot before slow cooking
- Fast cook function reduces cooking time significantly
- Large digital display is easy to read and program
- Sturdy hard-anodized pot distributes heat evenly
- Keeps food warm automatically after cooking cycle ends
What grates
- Bulky footprint takes up significant counter space
- Pot is heavy when full, harder to lift and pour
- Pricier than basic slow cooker models
- Steam release on fast cook mode can be loud
Key features
- LCD countdown display with A Bit More button
- Fast and slow cooking functions in one appliance
- Searing/browning function directly in the cooking pot
- 6-quart hard-anodized cooking bowl
- Programmable timer up to 24 hours
- Removable, dishwasher-safe non-stick pot
- Cool-touch housing and handles
Gallery
Verdict
The Breville Fast Slow Cooker earns its higher price tag by combining true searing, fast pressure-style cooking, and traditional slow cooking in a single well-built appliance. It's an excellent choice for home cooks who want versatility and don't mind the larger size and premium cost.