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Sad days, guys. My Foodi broke up with me.
There were no warning signs. I thought everything was fine. Then, the other day, I was getting ready to steam some veggies. I turned Foodi on and that's when I knew.
Okay the dang thing just suddenly wigged on me. It would turn on, but I couldn't select any cook options. The machine would go into Warm mode if I touched any of the settings. I did the usual fix-it tricks - turning it off for a few minutes; checking the seals; giving the whole thing a little shake... Nothing worked.
So. Just like that, after over 5 years together, it seems to be over.
I couldn't understand at first why I felt so devastated. I mean, it is just an appliance. I got a lot of use out of it. I cooked almost 95% of my meals in the Foodi from Day 1. Nothing lasts like the things our parents bought back in the day. So why did I actually feel like crying?
Then I got it. My best friend, Barb - who is no longer here - is the reason I ever heard of the Foodi. When I got mine, she was still alive and calling me every day. We were still able to encourage each other and laugh together, cry and console each other if needed. I could still call her up and tell her about some silly thing I did.
Is that weird, or too emotional?
Anyway.
So, the Foodi is done. I still can't bring myself to trash it. I'm going to store it in my brother's garage until I can bear to dump it.
In the meantime, I had to find a replacement. Ninja's new machines are way out of range of my budget. (BTW, I don't even like the new machines.) My Foodi style isn't being made anymore for whatever reason. Even if I could afford to, I don't want one and I sure as heck won't buy another Instant Pot product.
I've been so used to steaming and air frying everything - without having to turn on my stove/oven and create more heat in the apartment. I knew I would need to replace the Ninja, and still be able to afford groceries...
None of the other multi-cookers in my price range had air fryers. Even the ones out of my range didn't have the best customer ratings. I looked for two days and got offended when, in the meantime, I had to use my stovetop to steam some broccoli!
Finally, I did the best I could with what funds I had. I decided on a Cosori 2-in-1 deal. It was like hitting the jackpot, actually. There was a deal for the Multicooker and their Air Fryer as a bundle - and the whole thing was under $200. Even better, with my Prime Visa, I get to pay in 6-month 0% interest payments.
I'm still going to be really tight on money for a few months, but I count myself blessed. If I had not come across the bundle deal - which was highlighted in red - I probably would not have noticed the brand. As it turns out, both items seem to be highly rated (and not just by Amazon reviews...).
The Air Fryer arrived before the Multicooker, so I didn't unpack it yet. I did pull out the documentation to look over and, if nothing else, they put together a nice package. The instructions are well written, and a very detailed usage and recipe book is included. They seem to be customer-service oriented because I've seen at least two notices in the paperwork to contact them asap for help with anything.
Now that I have the air fryer, I feel a lot better about packing up the Foodi. Barb would be happy for me. She would probably be sending me recipes to try out. For sure she would be on the phone while I set up the thing, helping me decipher the instructions.
The only thing about the new machines - other than that there are two of them - is that I am replacing my Foodi 12-in-1 with 18 functions with the new machines. Might be a little more than I need...
Well. Maybe I will do the one thing I never did with the Foodi and attempt to make yogurt.
I guess it's a good thing that I had already started decluttering! My SIL and I are planning a joint garage sale. I am going to need the room for both the new appliances... How I miss having a large kitchen.
Anyway, yeah, I just needed to share my sadness over the Foodi. When I get the new items set up and running, I will have to come back and post my thoughts.
Peace
--Free
