Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

When I bought my IP a couple of months ago, I purchased the Randolph book ("the blue book") and was glad I did, because the IP recipe book is practically useless (no index, and lack of explanation for so many things: for example, when and how to use the specific buttons, such as "Rice"). However, I found that the blue book also had limitations--no yogurt instructions, for example, and the index is inadequate. For example, I couldn't find "eggs, hard-boiled," I had to guess that I'd find the instructions under "egg salad." When I did the "Look Inside" the Zimmerman book, I was impressed by her nerdy obsessiveness. I hoped for even more pages of FAQ's and troubleshooting suggestions ("Why did my IP start spouting steam instead of cooking my hard-boiled eggs? Can someone help me master the use of the steam thingie?" However, the Zimmerman book provides more helpful information and tips than the user manual, IP recipe book, and blue book combined. The Zimmerman book excels in its thoroughness. The index is complete but not perfect (one has to stumble upon her three descriptive pages on yogurt-making: it's impossible to get there via the index). She provides complete explanations for some common questions--for example, when using the "Rice" button is appropriate. She provides a full description of how to make yogurt, with several suggested flavorings. Everything that I want to know is in here: instructions for several types of dried beans, many grains, and most meats. She not only explains the "Rice" setting and explains when she uses it, but also provides recipes for mixed rice types, about which I had been wondering. If I ate meat, the first thing I would want to make is short ribs, and only the Zimmerman book provides instructions to do so. I probably won't use her flavorings, but her recipes will give me a starting point to play on my own, which is exactly what I want. Every recipe comes with a head note explaining why she likes it and what IP tweaks, if any, are used in the dish. For example, in order to prevent scorching while making polenta/grits, she recommends use of a bowl within the pot. She recommends buying a second sealing ring in case yours fails at the worst possible moment. She provides common-sense advice on how to apply the IP's scary warnings such as "don't cook oatmeal!" by explaining how to cook oatmeal safely. I don't regret buying the blue book--it helped me through the first few weeks--but the Zimmerman book would have been a much better choice and will be my go-to reference as I continue to play with the IP going forward.