Andrew James 1500 Watt Multi Cooker With Glass Lid -2 YEAR WARRANTY - Large 42cm Diameter - Non- Stick Surface - Cool Touch Handles

Received item fairly quickly after ordering. On opening package, found the lid handle missing. This meant ringing the manufacturer for a replacement. Received a few days later, fitted. ok. Not the best start.

Have used the item a few times, so can now comment on performance, etc. Firstly, this is a large size, and will hold/cook a large amount of food. Easily large enough for a party, or large family meal. Fairly well made for the money. Time will tell how long the non-stick coating lasts. Steelwork is fairly thin - at least it makes it light to lift. The major problem with this multi-cooker (skillet) is the temperature control. This is not just a problem with this make, I have seen reviews of other makes with the same problem. The control unit (thermostat) is built into the electric plug that attaches the unit to the mains. It has a dial on it, and a thermostat rod than pokes into the pan base/heating cavity. You can set the temperature between 1 and 5. It will heat up to the set temperature, then switch off, a few minutes later, when cooled down, it will switch back on. So there is quite a temperature swing (hysteresis) - impossible to simmer anything, as one minute it's bubbling, the next no heat. If you don't continue to stir the contents, it's very easy to burn the food in contact with the base, even on a low setting.

Note also that you cannot wash this like a normal pan. You cannot put it in water. You have to wipe it down.

Probably as good a skillet as you can get at this price. £30 is ok. I wouldn't want to pay the supposed full price of nearly £70.

I'll try cooking a few more different things over the coming weeks. I'll let you know if I find anything else you should know - good or bad.

When I saw the size (large) of the product I thought I'd made a mistake but not so. It has turned out to be my best friend in my cookerless kitchen and has been perfect for all routine frying jobs a.nd has successfully dealt with fish, paella and risotto. It is fast to heat up and once you are used to it easy to cool down when cooking is complete. Cleaning is extremely easy. Heat seems concentrated towards the edges with a cooler spot in the centre but I've found this can work to advantage if you are cooking breakfast for two or three others. Great value.

Item arrived dented in the middle of the pan, because lid was squeezed onto pan. Pan is rather tinny and flimsy. Gets very hot around outside but quite cool in centre. Be prepared for burnt bits.