The new electric pressure cookers and air fryers are currently dominating the consumer small appliance market. Why? Consumers see them as a way to streamline the cooking process. Manufacturers promote them as appliances that make cooking easier, faster, smarter and healthier. As a result of many residents are currently purchasing one and/or two of these appliances or getting one as a gift, the Pendleton County Extension Office offered several small appliance programs in multiple counties, reaching close to 200 individuals, and getting a 60% return rate on a six-eight week follow up evaluation sent electronically. 

The survey revealed:

75 % of those attending that did not own a multi cooker or air fryer and 80 % did purchase at least one appliance after the program 

65% of those attending began using their small appliance after attending the class and on average those reporting said they used their small appliance two times a week. 

61% reported that they are eating more meals at home because of their small appliance, with an average of $30 being saved weekly.

A few comments from the class include:

“Used it once in three years, retired it because it failed. After attending the presentation presented by the Pendleton County Extension FCS agent I am now using it regularly. She put it in simple words and let us do it ourselves at training. I made a slab of baby back ribs on the 4^th of July, one of the hottest days of year, no mess, and no heat added in my house and my husband loved it. Thank you for the confidence to restart using it.”

“Loved the class and hope you have more. So helpful. It was much easier to use after the class knowing not to be fearful of the pressure cooker. Loved the recipes and ideas.”

Two individuals made a decision not to purchase one of the appliances after watching the demonstration and using the appliances.  They avoided an unnecessary purchase for their situation.