THE APP REVIEW: Appetites

The Lempert Report tests Appetites, an app that provides step-by-step recipe instructions.

What it says it does: According to Appetites, their app is the first step-by-step video cooking app. Every step of a recipe is broken down into bite size videos to make learning a new recipe easy. The app currently features 54 video recipes with “more on the way.” There are 30 recipes to download and 24 for purchase.

What it actually does: Appetites is a wonderful app for the visual learner, or someone who is new to cooking or wants to try new ingredients or recipes in the kitchen. It provides clear, logical instructions for recipes that may have previously appeared tricky. From drinks to soups to breakfast foods, Appetites adds a new twist, like the maple bacon pancakes and sweet potato chicken and white bean soup. Recipe images are as mouthwatering as the recipes themselves, and users can choose to follow recipes by specific chef or choose recipes by what they are craving. Appetites recently added vegan recipes, which are great not only for vegans but for those looking to add more veggies into their diets.

How useful is the information for target audience: The information is extremely useful for users. Not only are great recipes easily spelled out – both in text and step-by-step video, but ingredients are identified visually, so the user knows exactly what they should be looking for. But with just over 50 recipes it is unlikely that users will find more than just a half a dozen recipes they'd be interested in. Until they build their database into the hundreds (or thousands!) its unlikely that this app will become a regularly used tool.

Ease of use: Appetites is very user friendly, and the interface is modern and inviting. The recipe instructions, either via quick straightforward, step-by-step videos, or just reading through the actual steps will have you cooking new foods and trying new recipes with chef tips in no time.

Who would best benefit from the app: Anyone who is interested in cooking – learning new recipes, using new ingredients- trying new cuisines - would benefit from this well designed app.

Cost: A handful of recipes are free to download to your device, but others are 99 cents each.

Rating: 4 of 5