How to choose a multicooker for the whole family

When choosing a multicooker, you should first of all pay attention to the functionality of the device.

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We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the ratings – the best multicooker according to user reviews, the rating of the best Redmond multicooker and the best Panasonic multicooker according to the experts.

How to choose a multicooker: characteristics worth paying attention to

When choosing a multicooker, it is worth considering the following parameters:

1. Type of multicooker;

2. Bowl volume;

3. Bowl coating;

4. Device power;

5. Control method;

6. Preset operating modes;

7. Additional functionality.

8. The manufacturer of the device is also important.

Types of multicooker

All multicooker on the market can be very conditionally divided into two types – universal and specialized. The former are suitable for the preparation of almost all dishes requiring prolonged heat treatment (boiling, stewing, baking), while the latter allow you to cook some types of products almost perfectly.

Universal multicooker

Designed for boiling, stewing, baking and similar long-term heat treatment of almost all types of products. Most often, such devices are found in the budget and lower price ranges (up to 5 thousand rubles).

These multi-cookers are suitable for undemanding householders. However, it is worth remembering that such devices will not be able to prepare yoghurt or other temperature-sensitive dishes.

Advantages

• Low price;

• Suitable for preparing a wide variety of dishes.

disadvantages

• Cooking is imperfect;

• Have little functionality;

• In the process of preparing complex dishes (for example, pilaf), you will need to process some products separately;

Which multicooker to choose

The choice of a multicooker is self-evident. If there are no special requirements for the taste of ready-made dishes, then you can purchase a universal model. Usually, manufacturers do not indicate specialization for such multicooker.

If the quality of the dishes is especially important (for example, when they are prepared for a child), then it is worth purchasing a specialized model. Usually manufacturers indicate the purpose directly in the device description.

Selection options

When choosing a multicooker, it is worth considering the following parameters that determine the functionality and performance of the device:

1. Bowl volume;

2. Bowl coating;

3. Power;

4. Control method;

5. Operating modes.

The additional functionality of the multicooker is also quite important, since the convenience of use depends on it.

Bowl volume

The volume of the bowl directly depends on the amount of food that can be cooked in one cycle in a multicooker. But it also determines the depth and quality of heating. In budget multicooker, designed for more than 4 liters and having a power of 1.5 kW, dishes with a heterogeneous texture are heated unevenly. This will cause food to burn in the immediate vicinity of the heating element.

As a result, in budget multicooker, the entire volume of the bowl can be used only for making soups.

And the optimal volume for the bowl is 2-4 liters. Such containers can be easily removed from the multicooker for washing, and the risk of burning or uneven heating of food in them is minimized.

Multicooker with a bowl volume of less than 2 liters should be purchased only if one person will use them. Cooking dinner for the whole family in such a device will not work.

Bowl cover

There are three types of bowls used in multicooker:

1. Steel without additional coating;

2. Steel with non-stick Teflon coating;

3. Steel with non-stick ceramic coating.

Steel bowls without additional coating

Steel bowls without a non-stick coating are extremely rare and mainly in ultra-budget models of multicooker.

Advantages

• Efficient heat transfer, which can reduce the power of the device;

• Performance parameters do not change when scratches appear in the bowl;

• Low device price;

disadvantages

• Food burns to them;

• They do not have antibacterial properties;

• Difficult to care for;

• When cooking, add oil;

Nevertheless, uncoated bowls are practically not produced, and in the vast majority of multicooker models, containers with a Teflon or ceramic coating are installed.

Teflon coated steel

The most common non-stick teflon-coated bowls. They are used even in budget models of multicooker. Teflon-lined bowls work well for multi-cookers.

Advantages

• Excellent non-stick effect;

• Many foods can be cooked without oil at all.

• Low price;

disadvantages

• For the preparation of some products, you still have to use oil;

• It is not recommended to wash such a bowl in a dishwasher.

• Instability to temperature extremes;

• Teflon is unstable to mechanical stress and is easily scratched even with plastic cutlery – you will have to use special silicone skimmers and spatulas;

Steel with ceramic coating

Multicooker, which is equipped with steel bowls with a ceramic coating, is not met very often, and at the same time they are more expensive than other models. But they are perfect for healthy food lovers.

Advantages

• The vast majority of meals can be cooked without the use of oil;

• The antibacterial properties of the coating keep food fresh longer (although, of course, it is strictly not recommended to store them in a bowl for a long time);

• High mechanical resistance of the coating (even to scratches from metal cutlery);

• Preservation of the rich taste of products;

disadvantages

• The porous structure of the material leads to the fact that coloring products leave marks on the inner walls of the bowl;

• Non-stick properties disappear over time;

• The coating is sensitive to temperature changes;

However, their excellent antibacterial properties, oil-free cooking and flavor retention make them an excellent choice for healthy food lovers.

Power

The higher the power of the multicooker, the faster it heats up to the required temperature. But this also increases energy consumption. However, when choosing a multicooker, you should pay attention to models whose power corresponds to the volume of the bowl.

1. Up to 3 liters – 500-800 W;

2. From 3 to 5 L – 800-2000 W;

3. From 5 liters – more than 2000 watts.

If the power of the multicooker is higher than required (for example, 3-liter models with 2000 W can be found on the market) – it's okay. But if it is lower, it will heat up too slowly, and the lower layers of food will simply begin to burn.

Control method

Modern multicooker uses two types of control panels – touch-sensitive and push-button. They have no particular advantages or disadvantages, it is worth choosing based on your own preferences.

At the same time, control keypads are a little more practical, since they provide a clear tactile response – and it is clear which program is installed or which mode is running. And you can touch them with dirty or wet hands without the risk of accidentally switching the operating parameters (in contrast to sensor modules, which can react even to an accidental touch).

Operating modes

The higher the number of modes and automatic programs that the multicooker supports, the more dishes you can cook with it.

Nevertheless, with an extremely high number of automatic programs (more than 40-50), the differences between them are absolutely minimal. Consequently, a lot of modes are simply not needed and are rather a marketing technique.

Additional functions

Among the most important and practically useful additional functions of multicooker are:

1. 3D heating;

2. Warming up mode;

3. Browning mode;

4. Delay start timer;

5. Pressure cooker function;

6. Soaking mode;

7. Temperature maintenance mode;

8. Function 'Multi-cook';

9. Yogurt preparation mode;

10. Rising heating element.

3D heating is a very useful feature. Most multicooker uses a single heating element located at the bottom of the bowl. There are several such elements in devices with this function. They are also located in the area of ​​the side walls of the bowl, which ensures rapid all-round heating. Therefore, the food does not burn and is cooked evenly.

The heating mode provides a quick short-term temperature rise in the bowl. Therefore, food tastes better, but does not overheat. A useful function for those people who usually cook food for several days at once.

The browning mode also quickly raises the temperature in the bowl, but to a higher temperature than when heating. In a multicooker with this function, you can fry a variety of foods.

The Delay Start Timer is a really useful feature. With it, you can put food in the multicooker in the evening – and by morning they will be ready! But remember that this is only suitable for certain dishes.

The function of a pressure cooker is a mode in which the multicooker is hermetically closed and heats up sharply. Therefore, the pressure rises inside. As a result, food is cooked much faster. A useful function for lovers of boiled dishes.

The soaking mode is usually part of the bean gruel program. In it, water containing peas or beans is heated to the optimum temperature, which reduces the hardness of these vegetables. This allows you to do without pre-soaking cereals.

Keep warm mode starts after cooking. It keeps food hot. A useful feature, especially when combined with a delayed start.

The 'Multipovar' function (also called manual mode) greatly expands the capabilities of the device. In it, you can independently change the temperature, cooking time, current operating mode and other parameters. With the Multicooker function, you can use the multicooker as a bread maker, yogurt maker, pressure cooker and other kitchen appliances.

However, in the Multi-Cook function, you will need to devote too much time to the device – in fact, all the cooking processes are done manually.

The yoghurt preparation mode is a useful function for lovers of homemade fermented milk drinks. As the name implies, the multicooker sets the optimum temperature and pressure for making yogurt.

The rising heating element is a function that turns the multicooker into a full-fledged electric stove. You can put a pot or pan on it.

How much do multicooker cost

The cost of multicooker directly depends on the power and functionality of the device. The price starts from 1.5-2 thousand rubles for budget models.

But the vast majority of multicooker models are in the price range of 4-10 thousand rubles.

The best multicooker manufacturers – which company to choose

Among the manufacturers of multicooker, the following companies can be distinguished:

1. Supra, Polaris – produce high-quality medium and budget class multicooker;

2. Moulinex, Panasonic – produce high-quality multicooker of the middle and high price class;

3. Redmond is a very high quality, but often expensive multicooker.

4. Scarlett and Vitesse can also be distinguished among the budget class. And the best premium multicooker is produced by Cuckoo, but their price is from 35 thousand rubles

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In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose the right microwave oven for your home and the secrets of choosing a mini oven for your kitchen.

Video on choosing a multicooker

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.