How to choose a multicooker for the home

This household appliance will save a huge amount of time and allow you to prepare healthy dishes at the touch of a button.

Multicooker is a real salvation for those who do not have enough time to cook. Even a schoolchild can cope with the device. In fact, in the multicooker you need to load products according to the recipe, select the necessary mode and start working. All the rest the miracle machine will do for you.

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Why you need a multicooker: advantages

The big plus of a multicooker is not only in the speed and ease of cooking. Thanks to the delayed cooking mode, you can plan your time. For example, in the morning, load the ingredients and choose a certain time when the device should start cooking. That means you’ll have a fresh, hot dinner by the evening. Behind you – just set the table and call the household.

Types of multicookers

Multicookers differ in the type of impact on products. There are several types of household appliances.

Classic multicooker

The standard multicooker has a simple program control, the heating element is located at the bottom. Standard modes: frying, stewing, cooking. In some models there is an opportunity to use the device as an oven or yogurt maker.

Another advantage is that even in the process of cooking, you can add additional ingredients. Multicookers are equipped with a built-in timer. There are also programs for different types of food such as rice, meat, fish, soups and so on.

A standard multicooker allows the user to adjust the temperature and cooking time depending on the recipe and preferences. Classic multicookers have various safety mechanisms such as overheat protection, automatic shut-off and protection against accidentally opening the lid while cooking.

Pressure cooker multicooker

It gets its name for the speed of cooking. Due to the increased pressure, uniform heating and high temperature, products are cooked much faster. Using a pressure cooker in a multicooker allows you to preserve more nutrients in food, as they are not destroyed by prolonged cooking.

Despite all the advantages, the pressure cooker has a small disadvantage – if you have already started the mode, you can’t add ingredients. The pressure cooker is ideal for cooking cold meats, as it quickly softens and breaks down solid ingredients.

Cooking machine

This model is more like a food processor with a large set of functions. It can be used as a blender, meat grinder, mixer. And all thanks to the additional attachments and knives. There is also an induction element in the kit, which heats the bowl for cooking.

One disadvantage is a very high price. But the multicooker can replace several household appliances: bread maker, steamer, yogurt maker. In it you can cut products, whip creams, knead dough, paste, steam food, grind coffee beans and so on.

Multicooker with sous vide function

Sous-vide is a cooking technique in which food is cooked in a vacuum at a low temperature for an extended period of time. Such a multicooker is equipped with a heating element and a thermostat that maintains a constant low temperature in the water so that the food cooks evenly and retains its natural moisture and texture.

The sous vide technique allows food to be cooked perfectly evenly, keeping it juicy and tender. This is especially important when cooking meat and fish. Also thanks to the low temperature the food is not overcooked and does not lose nutrients.

Dishes in such an unusual multicooker are cooked under vacuum in special bags. Products, according to the recipe, are sealed in a bag made of safe food plastic. Then it is placed in a bowl with water and start the gadget in operation.

The food languishes, and during cooking all the vitamins and useful properties of the ingredients are preserved. This method will appeal to those who follow the rules of a healthy lifestyle. Minimal calories, no oil and vitamins in one serving.

Some multicookers have an additional compartment, which allows you to cook two dishes at the same time. Multicookers also differ in terms of bowl volume, power, heating types and controls.

Bowl volume

When buying a device, you should determine how many people you will cook food for. For example, for a family of three people it is better to choose a multicooker with a bowl volume of 5 liters. Bowls with a volume of 1.5-2 liters are suitable for one person.

Some multicookers come with 12-liter bowls. Such volumes are designed for a large family.

Power

Depending on the power, three main types are distinguished:

minimal – up to 500 watts;
medium – from 500 to 1200 W;
maximum – more than 1200 W.

Multicookers with minimum power are characteristic for devices with a small volume of bowls. Average power is inherent in multicookers with bowls of 6 liters, and the most powerful, respectively, large volumes – from 8 liters.

However, the lower the power, the less electricity is used.

Heating type

Heating by means of a heating element

Most of the standard-type multicookers have this system. The heating element is located at the bottom of the case.

3D heating

In addition to the bottom heating element, additional heating elements are located on the walls of the appliance. This gives more even and faster heating.

Induction heating

Instead of a heating element, an induction coil is built in, which cooks food by creating an electromagnetic field and waves. It is considered the safest but also the most expensive option.

Type of lid

Lids can be hinged or removable. Hinged ones are secured with locks or pins, while removable ones come off like the lids on saucepans. Regardless of the type, the lid should fit snugly over the bowl and not let steam escape.

Controls

You can use the multicooker thanks to two ways of control:

mechanical – in this case, the household appliance is equipped with levers;
electronic, which can be touch and push-button.

Types of coating of the multicooker bowl

The material of the body of the household appliance is usually aluminum and steel. The inner non-stick part of the multivark is covered with a protective layer of different materials.

Classic non-stick coating

Teflon coating is one of the most common non-stick coatings. It is durable and food residues are easy to remove. However, when using a Teflon coating, care should be taken not to damage it, as high temperatures or the use of metal tools can cause the coating to peel off.

Ceramic non-stick coating

It has good non-stick properties, is environmentally friendly and safe, and makes it easy to remove food residue after cooking. Ceramic is more resistant to scratches and abrasion, but requires careful handling. Such bowls cannot be washed in the dishwasher.

Aluminum coating

Provides even heat distribution and good heat conductivity. Durable, wear-resistant, but requires delicate care to avoid damage.

There are stainless steel bowls without non-stick coating. They will last a long time, but it is quite difficult to wash the stuck food, as the food burns.

Multicooker modes

Standard multicookers have about a dozen basic cooking modes. These are:

boiling – used for cooking soups and goulashes;
stewing – porridge, roast, vegetable stew;
frying – meat dishes, vegetables;
porridge – for cereals;
pilaf;
baking – casseroles, cookies, muffins and other pastry dough;
heating – replaces the microwave functions;
steaming – cooking food without oil.

More optimized models have additional functions such as:

yogurt making;

sterilization;
deep fryer;
bread maker;
pasta;
smoking;
fondue;
popcorn;
baby food.

In expensive multicookers, the number of modes can reach 40.

Additional features

Most multicookers have a number of very useful functions.

Keeping warm. It is useful in that even a dish cooked a couple of hours ago will be warm when served to the table.
Delayed cooking. It is convenient that, having put the products in the bowl, you can choose a certain time to start cooking.
Child protection. Multicookers with child protection will protect your favorite children from burns. When this function is turned on, the lid and the display with settings are blocked.
Control via Wi-Fi. You can control the multicooker while away from home – you will need to install the necessary application on your smartphone.

How to choose a multicooker: 8 tips

In order not to make a mistake in choosing a useful and practical device, you should take into account a few recommendations.

Determine for what purposes you need a multicooker. If you do not plan to bake bread, cook yogurt and smoke fish, it is unlikely that you need an expensive multifunctional model. Choose a simpler multicooker with a basic set of cooking modes.
Pay attention to the material of the body. Plastic is considered the most fragile, and devices made of metal are stronger and more durable.
The bowl should have thick walls, this ensures even heating of food.
Choose the right power. For a family of three people, a unit with 800 watts is enough.
The lid should be firmly held on locks or pins and not fly out when opening.
The length of the cord should reach the socket in the kitchen.
It is best to choose a household appliance with a removable bowl. Two bowls in the set will not be superfluous – for example, if one bowl gets very dirty and will take more time to clean.
Check that the multicooker is equipped with a moisture collector – a container for collecting condensation.

A multicooker, also known as a multicooker or multicooker, is an electric device that combines several cooking functions in one appliance. Cooking in it saves a lot of time, and the products at the same time retain all the vitamins.

Food can be cooked without oil, which makes food healthy and low-calorie. The standard device has several cooking modes – boiling, stewing, frying, baking, steamer, as well as additional functions such as a built-in timer, delayed start, programs for different types of food.

Multicookers are equipped with the necessary safety mechanisms – lid locking system, child protection, overheating protection, automatic shut-off and others. This helps to prevent emergencies and ensure the safety of cooking.