Multi cookers make it possible to cook several dishes at the same time, and can provide such functionality as slicing, steam processing and even kneading dough. They are ideal tools for quick cooking. Due to the wide range of predefined user modes, these machines require minimal supervision, or do without it at all, which makes them ideal multifunctional kitchen equipment for both beginners and professional chefs.
Most kitchens have different tools and fixtures that perform highly specialized tasks, but an egg machine will only cook eggs, a yogurt maker only yogurt and a juicer only juice. It is here that the genius and beauty of the multicooker is manifested. This kitchen appliance is designed to perform various culinary tasks, and is often able to perform them simultaneously.
This review presents the most high-performance, efficient and durable models available on the market today, as well as useful tips on how to choose the multicooker.
Benefits of Owning
Slow cookers are extremely useful both for crowded parties, and for quickly preparing meals for one person. The following are the key benefits of using these versatile kitchen processors:
- The timer virtually eliminates food spoilage during cooking.
- Slow cookers do not require oil, making food more healthy.
- Food stores more minerals and vitamins, which are easily destroyed by traditional cooking methods.
- Special dishes cook 5 times faster than traditional dishes.
- Multifunctional kitchen processors save space. If you choose the multicooker correctly, then it will replace several single-purpose blocks.
- These devices prepare fresh and healthy dishes.
- Ideal for busy people who need to simultaneously perform several tasks, as well as those who live in small apartments with limited space for storing dishes and cooking.
What to choose a crock-pot for home? Expert advice recommends taking into account the following characteristics:
- The power required for efficient operation, heating and cooking.
- Volume. To choose the multicooker correctly, you need to make sure that its capacity is sufficient to cook 2-3 dishes at a time.
- Strength of materials. The materials used in the construction should provide greater resistance to physical damage.
- The presence of cooking modes (programs) and additional functions that satisfy the preferences of the user.
- Pressure. Changing this parameter affects the cooking time.
Slow Cooker Basics
The power of the device determines the capabilities and, most importantly, the speed of cooking. Typically, 450–1600-watt models are available. The higher the power consumption, the more productive the machine.
To select a multicooker according to the power parameter, it is necessary to find out the estimated frequency of its use. For example, those who use this kitchen appliance daily need at least 900 watts of power, and those who rarely cook need 500 watts or less.
Tank size
The amount of food that can be cooked at a time depends on the volume of the multicooker. This indicator usually varies from 2 to 6 liters.
Before choosing a multicooker for the home, you need to decide on the volume of the prepared food. For average needs, a 4.5-liter capacity is enough.
Multifunctionality
Since devices of this type perform more than one function, it is recommended to choose a multicooker model with a large number of operating modes or programs. Each of them is designed for a specific cooking method, from steaming and baking to such specific tasks as cutting, kneading and whipping.
Most devices support at least 3 modes of operation, while more complex devices support 12 or more. This amount directly corresponds to the number of cooking options available.
How to choose a multicooker: useful tips
If necessary, you can find a model that supports the following functionality:
- Timer. Provides functions such as setting the cooking time or delayed start. The latter allows you to set the time when the device starts working and turns off.
- Steam removal. Some multicookers are equipped with steam valves designed to gently release steam during and after cooking, providing greater safety when working with the device.
- The mode of heating and reheating already cooked dishes.
Typically, additional features are:
- Support for various modes, including steaming, boiling, frying, stewing, chopping, etc.
- Accessories needed for weighing, kneading, whipping, steaming, grinding, etc.
- Different cooking speeds for different cooking methods.
Operating modes
In addition to price, design and other important features, another important consideration is the number of culinary functions offered by the multicooker. How to choose a model for this criterion? Below are the most popular cooking methods that are implemented in most multicookers.
Slow cooking
For users who are not sure which multicooker to choose for their home, expert advice recommends that you have a slow cooker mode. This function allows you to cook at the touch of a button and does not require constant monitoring. For example, to cook meat, just place it in a slow cooker with the right amount of liquid and seasoning and set a timer. In the same way, you can cook vegetables and other products that require two or more hours of heat treatment.
Pressure cooker
This type of cookware has always been popular for the amenities it offers, especially among busy people and large families. In the pressure cooker mode, dishes are cooked faster than with traditional methods. In this case, there is no need to have a separate pan. The low pressure setting should be used for light vegetable dishes, and high - for dense foods such as meat.
Rice cooking
Many models include this feature as automatic. Before choosing a multicooker for the home, you need to make sure that it supports this mode of operation, so that the purchased device can best meet the needs of the user. Rice cooker saves time and energy, as it allows you to cook rice at the same time as cooking another 1-2 dishes.
Double boiler
Steaming is advisable for almost any dish, and some prefer this method because of its obvious health benefits. Unlike traditional boiling and frying, steaming saves more nutrients, and also does not require oil. In this mode, along with cooking rice or other products, you can prepare healthy dishes for the whole family. That is why, before choosing a multicooker, user tips recommend making sure that this mode of operation exists.
Passing
Many owners find this mode very convenient. It allows you to brown meat before baking or stewing it. This function saves time and energy, as it eliminates the need for additional pots and heat sources when cooking.
Below is a list of the best modern models, which will facilitate the answer to the question of which multicooker company to choose.
Instant Pot IP-DUO60
This model is one of the best selling. Therefore, for those who do not know which multicooker to choose, customer reviews strongly recommend purchasing it. The owners call her the perfect assistant in the kitchen, because no matter what needs to be cooked, she will always come to the rescue. A multicooker with a power of 1000 W supports 7 operating modes, as well as 14 built-in smart programs that make it easy to select the desired setting for cooking recipes.
What may be needed in the kitchen? Rice cooker, slow cooker, pressure cooker, deep fryer, double boiler, yogurt maker, dishwasher safe, food warmer, energy saving? All this and not only is available in the universal Instant-Pot IP-DUO60 multicooker. The 3rd generation model is equipped with advanced technology that provides the best features that are only possible with a kitchen assistant. The device provides the preparation of meat, vegetables, risotto, chicken and many other recipes.
- Performance. According to user reviews, they had no complaints about the operation of the multicooker in any of the modes of its operation. The device perfectly copes with all the cooking settings. According to the owners, they no longer have the question of which model of the multicooker to choose - Instant Pot is much better than what they have dealt with before.
- Durability. Nobody likes to buy something in order to change it soon under warranty. This multicooker is durable. The 3rd generation model was first released in 2014, and since then no one has complained about its quality.
- Ease of use. The crock-pot does not require special training to work with it or additional settings. A simple instruction manual allows you to easily figure out everything.
The advantages of the model are stainless steel tanks, resistant to pollution, the ability to use a wide range of food products, versatility, high efficiency, which saves up to 70% of energy, ease of cleaning, provided by the stainless steel surface.
The disadvantages of multicookers include a limited range of high blood pressure, which makes it difficult to adapt most recipes.
In general, the Instant Pot IP-DUO60 model was praised by users for its versatility, durability and ease of preparation.
Redmond M4502E Multi-Cooker
This is a fairly large 5-liter multicooker that supports steaming, frying, cooking pasta, pies and stewing meat, which boasts a capacity of 860 watts. Redmond M4502E is equipped with an LCD display and digital controls to select one of 34 modes. This number includes 16 automatic programs and 18 options for manual control. The model allows you to fry, cook pasta, rice, soups, stew vegetables, oatmeal, vegetable and meat dishes, bake in pots, fry french fries, cook mulled wine, yoghurts, soufflé, fondue and desserts, make additional settings for dough, bread and cheese .
You should choose a slow cooker such as Redmond if only because it provides 3-dimensional heating (bottom, side and top), allows you to set the temperature from 40 to 160 degrees, has a cooking timer with automatic heating function for 24 hours. It comes with a book with 100 recipes, a spoon, a spatula, a holder, a measuring cup, a container for steaming and deep-frying and tongs.
Elite Platinum EPC-808
This multicooker with a stainless steel bowl supports 13 operating modes that will allow you to cook with maximum efficiency. The model is suitable for novice users, because it does not require special training. The beauty of the design is that stainless steel tanks can be purchased separately.
One of the device’s most remarkable features is a setting that provides steam during cooking to preserve essential nutrients and aroma. A slow cooker saves time and produces delicious food, which most slow cookers cannot guarantee.
Features of the model are true multifunctionality. EPC MaxiMatic supports 13 operating modes that allow you to reheat food, cook brown, peeled and wild rice, cereals, potatoes, desserts, fish, vegetables, etc. The slow cooker provides frying and a constant heating function. The model automatically activates after power is restored, resuming the interrupted program without user intervention. The device allows you to cook under pressure according to an individual program in the range from 0 to 99 minutes.
The advantages of the multicooker are multifunctionality (13 modes provide enough variety), ease and speed of cooking (after adding all the ingredients, you can do other things, waiting for notification of the completion of the program) and a beautiful design. Elite Platinum EPC MaxiMatic is not just a practical and useful machine in the kitchen. The manufacturer provided the model with a beautiful and aesthetic design in three different colors (blue, black and red).
The disadvantages of the device are the lack of a slow cooking mode, as well as steam leakage from the lid, although the latter defect is not found in every instance of the multicooker.
The way you use the model determines how much it fits the owner. Some can not do without a slow-cooker mode, while others do not use it at all. If this gap in functionality does not bother, then the Elite Platinum EPC MaxiMatic multicooker will become indispensable.
Cuisinart msc-600
Every good cook who understands the process of preparing delicious food will appreciate this multicooker. Cuisinart MSC-600 is suitable for users who are looking for a convenient and easy way to cook.
The model offers all the necessary options for preliminary, main and post-processing of products, allowing you to achieve the creation of the most delicious dishes. However, user reviews do not recommend choosing a Cuisinart MSC-600 multicooker for beginners who are first trying slow cooking or experimenting with other modes. But for those who are already used to using such devices, this advanced technology will become your best assistant in the kitchen.
The roasting, browning and sautéing the crock-pot does very fast. Its aluminum easily and evenly distributes heat, ensuring the perfect execution of culinary processes.
The Cuisinart MSC-600 features an elegant design. The device is equipped with 2 backlit displays that inform about cooking time and temperature. The user has access to 3 functional screens of the slow-cooking, steaming and steaming modes.
This is an easy-to-use multicooker that allows you to figure out your capabilities without having to resort to operating instructions. The glass lid with a handle is easy to lift if you need to check the cooking progress. 6-liter capacity is removable and does not burn, which greatly facilitates the process of washing the bowl after using it.
The advantages of the model are the availability of all necessary operating modes, including frying, sautéing, steaming and slow cooking in one container. A large LCD display makes installation and monitoring of time and temperature easy. The user’s dissatisfaction is caused by the lack of a delayed start timer - it is impossible to pre-configure the cooking time and postpone it for later, although most devices of this type allow this.
In general, the model is multifunctional, easy to use and maintain. Choosing a slow cooker will help the fact that, despite its versatility, you only have to wash one bowl and lid.
Polaris PMC 0507D Kitchen
When deciding which Polaris multicooker to choose, you should pay attention to this popular inexpensive 5-liter model with 11 automatic programs. It combines the capabilities of a double boiler and a yogurt maker, maintains the temperature of the dish during the day and has a heating function. Slow cookers can stew, bake, fry, cook soups, milk porridge, buckwheat, rice, dumplings, sausages, as well as the possibility of a user mode of operation. There is a timer and a delay timer start. The model is equipped with a spoon, spatula, measuring cup, a double container and a recipe book. The power of the heating element is 700 watts. The bowl has a non-stick coating. In the event of a power failure, the program remains for 20 minutes. Available in beige and white.
Gourmia GMC650SS
For those who want their slow cooker to be able to do everything necessary in the kitchen, this model will be ideal. The model supports 11 culinary functions, including rice cooking, sautéing, sous vide, slow cooking and much more with the possibility of user settings.
Gourmia GMC650SS is available in different colors. This is not just a kitchen appliance, it is a design element that perfectly fits the color scheme of the interior. , , , .
The advantages of the multicooker include the presence of many operating modes, including baking, cooking rice, frying, cooking yogurt, porridge, slow cooking, heating, sautéing and steaming, a variety of color options and user settings. Its main disadvantage is the lack of water circulation, which does not provide, for example, sufficient sous vide quality.
However, for those who do not want to cook the old way, the Gourmia GMC650 is the perfect solution.