Pasta Express Magic Chef Pasta Cooker

I first saw this advertised some while ago on T.V., and, having thought that it seemed a good idea, promptly forgot about it again. However, I kept coming across it in various catalogues and, the more I thought about it, the more I thought it would be a good idea for me. I can only assume that this is a form of brain-washing! Nevertheless, I set out to get myself one and I am very pleased that I did.

I bought it from Amazon – two good reasons, it was cheaper there and I had a good stock of vouchers at the time. When it arrived I was impressed with the quality, having been a little concerned that it might not be as substantial as I had hoped. Inside the box there were two containers – which seem to have various names such as “Pasta Pronto” and “Pasta Express” – both quite adequate descriptive names. There was also a ‘bonus’ cheese grater and a neoprene holder to save getting your hands burnt when in use.

The actual “Pasta Pronto” is a tubular container with a two-piece lid which comes apart having an enclosed strainer. There are two sizes enclosed: one twelve inches (30cm) high and the other eight inches (20cm) the diameter of both being four inches (10cm).

The idea is very simple – you put your pasta or vegetables into the container, cover with boiling water, clip the lids into place and wait for about ten minutes. The lid can initially seem very tight and awkward as it obviously needs to be water tight. You can, of course, vary the cooking time depending on what you are using it for at the time, and how soft or firm you want it. There is a very useful recipe book enclosed which will give times for all sorts of things.

When the cooking time is reached, you open the two part lid – this has a twist lock clearly marked ‘open’ one way and ‘closed’ the other. Having wrapped the container in the neoprene holder (to save your hands getting burnt) you can then strain off the water – leaving you with perfectly cooked pasta – or vegetables. Well, it has been perfectly cooked to MY taste anyway.

This item would be ideal for someone with little room for more substantial cooking appliances as you can make an excellent pasta meal with little more than this and a kettle – ideal for students. It is also very easy to clean being simple to wash and is also dish-washer safe.

The current price on Amazon is £11.99 although in other places is usually at least £5 more.

I hope this has been useful to you – and I thank you for reading.