How to choose a multicooker correctly

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

A wonderful pan can easily replace a double boiler, oven, yogurt maker and free up time for rest and other activities.

1. Decide on the type of multicooker

There are three main types of these devices. They differ from each other in the conditions and speed of cooking.

• Classic multicooker is a common stove-top cooking process at atmospheric pressure. It takes about the same amount of time.
• Multicooker-pressure cooker - devices with a sealed lid, cooking in which takes place under excess pressure. Due to this, the temperature rises, and the cooking time is almost halved.
• Slow cookers are the opposite of the previous device, where food, on the contrary, languishes at low temperatures for several hours. As a result, the beneficial properties of the products are preserved, and the dishes turn out to be especially tender.

Choose a multicooker-pressure cooker only if you want to minimize the cooking time. The slow cooker is suitable for those for whom the benefits of food are more important. For everyone else, it is better to opt for an ordinary multicooker.

2. Select body material

Multicooker is made of plastic or stainless steel. However, the material does not affect the taste of food and the capabilities of the device. The differences are only in design and weight - a metal multicooker looks prettier, but it is harder to move it around the kitchen.

In addition, stainless steel is more expensive, so you can save money and buy a device with a plastic case. The main thing is not to take the cheapest models: the multicooker should not smell unpleasant, as well as creak when you press and open the lid.

3. Specify the type of heating

Heating elements and induction coils are used as a heating element in multicooker. The first option is more common due to its simplicity and availability. As a rule, the heating element is installed in the bottom of the device in the center of the bowl. For more even baking, in some models, heating elements are also mounted in the lid and walls.

Induction multicooker works on the same principle as stoves: only the bowl heats up in them. Due to this, cooking is faster, and less energy is consumed. The only drawback of such devices is the higher price.

4. Estimate the power

As you might guess, more powerful slow cookers allow you to cook faster. However, this largely depends on the volume of the bowl. Heaters for 400-500 W are installed in small devices, in medium ones - up to 900 W, and in the most voluminous ones - from 1 kW and above.

If the two multicooker under consideration have the same bowl sizes, then it is preferable to opt for the model that is more powerful.

5. Choose the volume

Multicooker is available on the market with a bowl capacity of 2 to 10 liters or even more. When choosing, proceed solely from your needs. A 5 liter multicooker is considered optimal, but in general the volume depends on the size of the family:

• 1-2 people - 2-2.5 liters;
• 3-4 people - 3-5 liters;
• more than 5 people - from 6 liters and more.

Do not forget that manufacturers often indicate the full capacity of the bowl, while the working volume will always be less by about 1 liter.

6. Select the bowl material

The key element of the multicooker can be aluminum or stainless steel. The latter are thinner, take longer to heat up and not so evenly. Therefore, it is better to choose bowls made of aluminum alloy.

Pay attention to the presence of handles. For the sake of the compactness of the case, many manufacturers make bowls without these parts and attach special tongs to the multicooker. It is still a pleasure to get a hot dish with a ready-made dish with them, so if possible, choose a model with handles.

7. Specify the type of coverage

On the inside, the bowls have a special non-stick layer, thanks to which food does not stick to the walls and bottom of the dishes. This coating is available in Teflon and ceramic. The first is quite effective, but very easily damaged even with a complete plastic spatula. Therefore, it is better to use silicone.

More expensive ceramic-coated bowls are more durable and less scratch-resistant, but they are less prone to bumps, chips and high temperatures. In addition, they are not dishwasher safe.

There are also multicooker with eco-bowls that have no coating at all. Such dishes are completely harmless and are not afraid of scratches, but the food in it burns more strongly, and the walls and bottom are more difficult to wash.

8. Inspect the cover

The lid directly affects the usability of the multicooker. It should have a strong hinge, be easy to open with one hand, and lift at least 90 degrees.

The seal should be soft around the contour and fit well to the body. If the inside of the lid with the steam valve is not removable, it will be very difficult to clean it from grease and dirt. Therefore, it is better to choose a collapsible design.

9. Evaluate the control panel

Ideally, the multicooker control panel should be located on top or slightly tilted. If the buttons are on the side, you will have to constantly squat or bend over to switch the program or see the time on the timer.

Avoid models with a dull display and confusing menus. The screen should be well readable and display as much information as possible. It is better to refuse touch buttons - ordinary ones do not jam, and they are easy to press even with dirty hands.

10. Check modes and functions

Each multicooker has a different number of modes. Usually 7-10, although there are models for 20 and even 50 programs. Chasing the quantity is not worth it, since the main options like pilaf, porridge, stewing and steaming are everywhere. The bake, deep fat, jam and yogurt modes are all good, but only if you use them.

In addition to automatic programs, there is also the “Multipovar” mode, in which you can independently set the cooking time and temperature. This feature is useful for experimentation and those who want to cook according to their own recipes. The manual mode is not available in all multicooker, so check its availability before purchasing.

Of the additional functions, a start delay is useful, which allows you to lay food in the morning and get a ready-made dinner upon returning home. Turning off automatic heating is useful for compotes and other cold dishes.

The most advanced models have remote control from a smartphone, which allows you to start cooking from work or turn off the multicooker without getting up from the couch. The need for the function is questionable, since the products still need to be manually loaded, and the delayed start is easy to set using a timer.