A crock-pot is a technique that must be in the kitchen of any housewife. With its help, you can cook a large number of original dishes, as well as diversify the taste of old, previously tested foods. How to choose a slow cooker and what to look for when buying it? About it further.
What is a multicooker
This type of technique is a large pan that is installed inside a special case in which there is an element that produces heating. It can be located both below and on the sides. On some models, you can meet it from above, from below and from the side at the same time, however this applies only to the most expensive and most high-quality units. Which slow cooker to choose? In reviews of this technique it is often said that a device with a heating element located below and on the sides will become an entirely acceptable option - these represent the most acceptable price-quality ratio.
As for the type of control, multicookers are both sensory, electronic and mechanical.
So, how to choose a multicooker and what to pay attention to?
Why a crock-pot is needed in the kitchen
Any housewife should have a slow cooker. This is due to the fact that such a device has a lot of advantages.
First of all, a crock-pot is a rather compact technique that fits perfectly in any, even the smallest, kitchen. If you have at least the simplest device, in which it will be possible to perform standard functions, it is not necessary to buy an oven, microwave, and also separate dishes, for example, for preparing pilaf. Due to the fact that the compact device has several cooking modes, its bowl can replace some other types of equipment. In addition, many dishes cooked in the usual way do not have the same taste as those that were made according to the same recipe, but in a slow cooker.
This small appliance can always be placed anywhere in the kitchen where there is a power outlet.
The positive quality of the device, many users consider the absence of unpleasant odors during cooking. Some chefs in their comments note the convenience of the delayed start function. According to them, thanks to her, from the very evening you can fill all the ingredients for making porridge, set the desired start time for cooking and enjoy a fresh and hot healthy dish in the morning. All lovers of sleeping longer can take this item for themselves, studying the information on how to choose a slow cooker.
Type of control
First of all, you should familiarize yourself with how exactly the device is controlled. In total, three types of multicookers are distinguished: with mechanical control, with a touch panel, as well as with an electronic sensor. It should be noted that each of them has certain advantages and disadvantages.
So, devices with mechanical control do not look very beautiful when compared with those on which, for example, a touch panel is installed. Such buttons tend to break, and their functionality is not too advanced.
If we talk about multicookers with the possibility of electronic control of the system, then they look more original, the toolbar has a lot more functions. The control of such a multicooker is carried out due to small buttons, as well as LED indicators. All input data is displayed on a small liquid crystal display, which has a backlight. Despite the beauty of the device, such a panel has the property of often breaking down, which makes it not particularly practical - as they say in the reviews left by users as such.
As for the last option - multicookers with touch controls - they represent the most stylish designs. There are completely no buttons on the device’s body - they are replaced by a large panel on which you can select all functions with a touch of a finger. Such devices, as a rule, have the most advanced functionality. However, reviews of such devices often say that the touch panel may stop responding to touch after some time.
Bowl cover
How to choose a good slow cooker? To do this, you should definitely pay attention to what internal coating has a pan installed inside the case. The lifetime of the device will depend on this indicator.
So, if the proposed model has a non-stick coating, then, according to reviews of regular users of those, you need to be prepared for the fact that this technique will last no more than three to four years. Yes, thanks to this coating, food will not burn in the cooking process. However, you also need to understand that when heated to 260 degrees or more, the food in the bowl will begin to absorb coating particles that are very harmful to the body. In addition, during the operation of the device, sharp and metal objects for mixing cannot be used - the coating will be scratched and will become unusable faster than usual. In addition, acidic foods are not very well prepared in such dishes.
If we talk about crock-pots with a ceramic coating of the bowl, then they do not differ in longer durability - they also last for no more than 3-4 years under regular use. However, this material is safer for the human body - it is able to withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees, without emitting harmful substances. In the care of ceramics is quite simple, which pleases many users of devices in such a material inside.
So which one to choose a slow cooker? In ratings and user reviews, as a rule, the largest number of leading positions and positive comments are occupied by devices with an internal coating of marble spraying. According to the culinary experts, it is very durable and also incredibly easy to use.
Power
What to choose a slow cooker? The reviews and recommendations left by regular users of devices of this type often say that you need to pay attention to the power of the equipment. And this is true, because the more powerful the device, the faster it heats up, and less time is spent on cooking.
If you evaluate the possible power range of kitchen appliances of this type, then it varies from 450 to 1500 kW. Experts do not recommend pursuing the highest power indicator in this matter, especially if the use of the multicooker is planned at home. According to many consultants, high power is far from an indicator of proper quality. Giving recommendations on how to choose a multicooker, many advise customers to turn their attention to appliances whose power ranges from 650 to 870 kW - they are the most optimal.
Additional functions
Which slow cooker is better? How to choose the most practical device? An important point in determining the purchase is a list of functions that the device can perform. Practice shows that the more manufacturers offer them, the better. In this matter, of course, attention should be paid to which functions are personally important for the customer of the store, and which are not.
As you know, all appliances have a certain list of standard cooking modes: Steaming, Pilaf, Porridge with Milk, Baking, Frying, Cooking, Stewing and Quick Cooking. Some housewives in their comments admit that such a set of functions is quite sufficient for everyday households. However, the stores offer devices that have additional modes, for example: "Keeping the finished dish hot", "Heating", "Soaking", "Smoking", "Yogurt", "Deep fryer", "Sterilization", "Multipovar", "Voice guide "," Multitask ", as well as some others, including the installation of various signals. Of course, these modes are very useful, their presence does not spoil the functionality of the device.
Bowl volume
In reviews of the choice of multicookers, it is often recommended to pay attention to the volume of the internal pan installed in the device. As a rule, most families prefer to buy home appliances with a volume of 4 to 6 liters - this is enough to prepare, for example, soup for the whole large family. In the event that the number of people in the family is small (2-3 people), then you can safely buy a device with a cup volume of not more than three liters, since there is no point in overpaying a significant amount for an unnecessary volume.
Some manufacturers are manufacturing crock-pots with a bowl, the volume of which is 10 or more liters. However, such devices in Russian stores can be found very rarely, since they are practically not in demand.
Design nuances
How to choose a multicooker? While in the store, it is imperative to consider the device from a constructive point of view. First of all, you need to evaluate the convenience of technology for yourself. In addition, it is worth paying attention to whether her legs or stand are rubberized - the presence of such a trifle will significantly protect the cook during cooking. It is also advisable to evaluate the length of the cable - it should not be short. Devices with removable cords will also be very practical - they can be easily moved around the kitchen from one place to another.
When buying equipment, you need to pay attention to the material of which the outer casing is made. As practice shows in user reviews, the metal case is the most practical.
Some slow cookers (mainly expensive models) have a small stand for placing forks, spoons for mixing food, and other accessories on it. This solution is very practical, especially in a small kitchen. In addition, on such devices there is a moisture collector that collects the released condensate - thus, the food will be reliably protected from drops that are always released during its heat treatment.
In some models of devices, it is possible to automatically turn it off if soup or porridge escapes - this function is very useful.
What you need to check during the purchase process
If everything is clear with how to choose a multicooker, and even, moreover, the device is selected, it is advisable to check its serviceability, as they say, without leaving the cash register - right in the store. What should I look for?
First of all, you need to evaluate the performance of the display - the backlight on it must work, and if the screen is touch-sensitive, it must quickly and clearly respond to all touches. In addition, it is advisable to make sure that all the functions registered on the monitor are presented in Russian. You also need to pay attention to the multicooker case - there should not be any cracks or gaps on it - this indicates a low quality of the goods.
When the buyer is fully convinced that the purchased device is fully functional, he must definitely check all the warranty cards and documents for the device - they must be in perfect order, with all the necessary stamps present. In the absence of such, it will be difficult to prove the fact of the purchase of goods in a particular store and, as a result, to exercise the right to warranty service in the event of a breakdown will be practically impossible. It is also advisable to ask store consultants if it is possible to purchase a separate bowl for this multicooker model. In the case of a negative answer, you should think about making such a purchase.
Which multi-cooker manufacturers should be preferred
Not sure how to choose a slow cooker? The manufacturers rating, which is compiled on the basis of product quality and user feedback, suggests a number of companies whose devices are the most practical to use.
So, many users address the largest number of positive comments in the direction of companies such as Philips, Panasonic, Mulinex and Redmond. Marta and Scarlett brands are also often found in multicooker ratings.
How to choose a device that really belongs to the desired brand? It is necessary to thoroughly study the documents attached to the equipment - the name of the brand and model in them must clearly correspond to those that are registered on the device case. In addition, you should carefully consider the brand name - it should not contain any typos.
How to choose a slow cooker: 10 best models
Based on the feedback left by users, a rating of multicookers is compiled every year, which deserve special attention of customers who want to acquire such practical appliances in their kitchen. All people who do not know how to choose a good multicooker can safely rely on this list and choose the most suitable model presented in it.
Here is a list of the best devices compiled for 2017:
- "Redmond RMC-P350."
- "Vitex VS-590".
- "Maxwell MW-3810".
- Bork U-400.
- Cuckoo SMS-HJXT0804F.
- 'Vitex VS-526 ".
- Hitachi RZ-DMR18Y.
- Atlanta ATN-1591.
- "Sinbo SCO-5037".
- "Dobrynya DO-1007".
- "Redmond RMC-M4500."
As it is easy to notice, in this rating there are also multicookers created by Russian manufacturers. Such devices are indeed of good quality and easy to use. In addition, as many users note in their reviews, to the multicookers of Dobrynya and Atlant firms you can quite easily find replaceable parts, for example, bowls, which is a very good indicator.