10 tips for choosing a multicooker

Popular vote - which manufacturer of multicookers is the best
Vote!

Redmond

Moulinex

Vitesse

Polaris

Vitek

Panasonic

Philips

Tefal

Steba

ENDEVER

Total voted: 13

Vote results

The first thing you need to decide is the company that produces multicookers. Much depends on the reliability of the manufacturer and its price category. Therefore, you need to choose a company to which you entrust your power after buying the device.

We recommend paying attention to the following manufacturers:

• Redmond is one of the most famous companies on the Russian market.It is engaged in the production of multicookers of both a budget class and models for professionals. Redmond appliances always have all the necessary functions, and they look just gorgeous.
• Moulinex is a French brand of truly high-quality and convenient home and kitchen appliances. There are many innovations such as a spherical bowl (imitation of cooking in an oven) or a fairly large number of induction models.
• Panasonic is a Japanese company that creates multicookers for every taste and budget. Those who wish will be able to find almost everything that is needed in the kitchen - many models, high quality, ease of use. More expensive models can boast of manufacturability.
• Vitesse produces good multicookers in the budget segment - up to 5-7 thousand rubles. In return, the user can get a fairly functional device without innovations like induction heating or touch control, but it cooks food quickly and tasty.
• Polaris is pleased with the fact that it is attentive to the national taste preferences of users. In addition to the standard modes, some of the company's multicookers are equipped with such as "Holodets", "Dumplings", "Jam" and so on.

Naturally, this list of the most optimal manufacturers does not end there. You can also find premium models straight from Europe, as well as cheap, low-quality multicookers from local manufacturers.

A conventional multicooker is a saucepan with its own heating element and cooking programs.It differs only in increased convenience - due to clearly calibrated programs, you do not need to constantly stand at the stove and make sure that nothing burns and does not run away. Additional features make the multicooker more convenient. But they are not suitable for everyone, although they add value to the unit. These functions are pressure cooker and steamer.

A pressure cooker allows you to reduce the cooking time by about 1.5-2 times. Due to the tightness inside the multicooker body, increased pressure is pumped, and the cooking time is reduced. But due to the tightness, you can not open the lid during operation to mix food or add other ingredients. If the speed of cooking is not important to you, then you can not spend money on this function. But remember that then meat in a regular slow cooker (especially beef and lamb) can be cooked for 2 or 3 hours, judging by customer reviews. It is due to the speed of cooking that we recommend purchasing models with a pressure cooker function in order to save energy and time.

A steamer is added to many mid-range models. This function allows you to cook wholesome steamed food. By cooking in this way, more nutrients and elements are retained in the food. And the dishes are moderately juicy and not at all greasy. A double boiler is especially good for diet cutlets without oil. However, a double boiler is needed by those who are especially zealous about their health - so if you are not one of them, then you can not overpay for the function.

You can purchase models with different combinations of these functions - for example, a pressure cooker with a double boiler, a double boiler in a slow cooker, and so on. The cost will be appropriate.

A lot depends on the size of the bowl. The larger it is, the more people can be fed in one cooking. But, accordingly, the price is higher. Convenient advice: if you plan to cook more than once, then consider the volume of the multicooker based on 1.5-2 liters per person. This volume will allow to feed each family member at least twice. And thanks to this formula, you will be able to derive the optimal volume of the bowl for you.

Remember that many manufacturers do not indicate the useful volume of the bowl, but “to the brim”. You can’t fill the multicooker in this way, so take at least 0.5-0.6 liters from what is indicated in the price tags and advertising texts in advance, depending on the reviews. Then you will get exactly the useful volume of the bowl. Most often, it is recommended to purchase 5-liter bowls for a standard family of 4 people. And if you are a bachelor or a married couple without children, then 2.5-4 liters will be enough to prepare a delicious dish.

As for the coating of the selected bowl. There are three types in total:

• Teflon. The cheapest and most harmful of all - it releases toxins that spoil the taste of food. Scratches quickly even with soft tools. But it is very easy to clean, which is a plus.
• Ceramic. Neutral, does not emit harmful substances, due to which it is in the greatest demand. Unfortunately, it is very fragile and scratched by metal appliances. It is necessary to use silicone, wooden or plastic spatulas and scoops.
• Five-layer with marble coating. It is rare, expensive, but the most wear-resistant and does not emit harmful substances.

The five-layer is considered the best. But a slow cooker with such a bowl is not affordable for every buyer.Therefore, we recommend purchasing bowls with ceramic coating, as the safest and most practical of all.

Power is one of the key parameters of a multicooker. It is she who determines how productive, comfortable and functional the model will be. Now on the market you can find multicookers with a spread from 170 W to 2.5 kW. Naturally, both of these extremes are not the best choice.

Let us immediately point out one important fact. Do not take multicookers with low power. It may seem that due to this you will save electricity. But in fact, the costs will only increase: the lower the power, the slower the device will cook, and the more time it will take. Therefore, immediately discard the minimum power (400-500 W).

The maximum power is now limited to 2500 watts. Of course, due to it you can cook dishes very quickly. But the maximum will consume more energy, and not every network will be able to pull it out. Therefore, it is better to stop at the optimal average option.

What is the best power? Depends on the volume of the bowl in the selected multicooker. In the most popular version with a bowl of 4-5 liters, the ideal power will be 700-900 watts. If the volume is less, 600-700 watts will be enough. For bowls with a volume of more than 5-6 liters, it is recommended to take a slow cooker with a power of at least 1 kW.

There are two types of heating elements in multicookers - heating elements and induction. The former are based on tubular electric heaters, they are cheap and easy to operate. They heat the bowl, being built into the bottom, and sometimes in the walls or lid.The latter emit an induction field that affects the alloy of the bowl, due to which it heats up itself.

Induction multicookers are much more expensive than heating elements. But they use less electricity, are safer and more convenient. In addition, by heating the bowl itself, the products in it are subjected to heat treatment more evenly. Ordinary models are found at every step, so it's easier to find and buy them.

Now let's talk about the location of the heating elements in conventional multicookers. Generally, there are three types of heating:

• Bottom. The heating element is built only in the bottom of the multicooker, which is why the bowl heats up for a long time and unevenly. The advantage is cheapness.
• Bottom and sides. The heating elements are also built into the walls of the device. The bowl heats up more quickly and evenly, increasing the speed and quality of cooking.
• From all sides. Among other things, the element is also inserted into the lid of the multicooker. Best suited for baking - due to the top heating on the cake, a tasty and golden crust is obtained.

The last two are briefly referred to by marketers as 3D heating. Due to it, the products warm up more evenly, so nothing burns on either side and does not remain raw. Naturally, 3D heating is noticeably more expensive than a regular bottom one. But the slow cooker with it is much more convenient, and also ideal for baking.

Most multicooker cases are made of two materials - metal and plastic. Occasionally there are stainless steel models. The case, of course, is not of key importance in the main function of the device - cooking - but it also needs to be chosen wisely.

In the context of multicookers, there are few differences in materials. Both that, and another allow the device to work correctly. Both materials are strong enough and easy to clean so that the appliance does not suffer in harsh kitchen conditions. In addition, metal and plastic often act in tandem - many manufacturers make combined cases, due to which they reduce the cost of production a little.

Plastic multicookers are usually much cheaper than metal ones. They weigh less, so they are easy to move from place to place, as buyers write in reviews. Plastic is easier to clean from streaks and splashes of food, it does not leave noticeable streaks. In addition, an obvious plus is that the plastic case does not heat up as much as the metal one. Therefore, it is better to buy plastic multicookers in a house where there are small children - they will not burn themselves. But there are also certain disadvantages. Plastic does not look as noble as metal. It scratches easily, and scratches on it can no longer be polished. In addition, in the process of prolonged use, such a case is overwritten and burns out, which makes it even more unpresentable.

The metal case, in turn, looks better and retains its original appearance longer. Naturally, if you take good care of him. Metal is much stronger than plastic and can survive a lot. But, unfortunately, such devices are somewhat heavier than plastic ones and are more expensive. In addition, it is not encouraging that the metal case is very hot during operation - it is easy to get burned on it. So if small children have access to the multicooker, they may suffer.

Automatic programs are exactly what many buyers love multicookers so much for.They allow you to simply put products in the bowl, press a couple of buttons and go about your business. Then the miracle unit will do everything on its own. But do you really need dozens of different programs?

As a rule, the most used modes in modern appliances are “Soup”, “Porridge” (sometimes called “Buckwheat” or “Rice”), “Milk porridge”, “Pilaf”, “Frying”, “Stew”, “Steam” and "Baking". Most of the other features are used less frequently. But they significantly add the cost of the multicooker.

In order not to overpay for extra modes of operation, think about what exactly you cook most often. And look after a slow cooker with these modes in the first place. For example, if you don't make homemade yogurt, why would you need this feature? You also need a manual mode in case you want to cook something that is not included in the standard programs of the device. As a rule, it is called "Multi-cook". With it, you can independently set the program by choosing the time and temperature.

By the way, everything changes if you have small children. In this case, it is worth buying a slow cooker with the functions "Milk porridge", "Sterilization", "Baby food" and, if you want to make the right treats for babies, "Yogurt". This will provide the child with healthy and tasty dishes.

We advise, first of all, to focus on your kitchen “activity”. If you like yogurt, take a slow cooker with the Yogurt program. Often make jam - buy a model with the appropriate function. And if you know how to set everything up on your own, and you don’t need automatic programs, then a model with a minimum of options, but with the Multicook program, will suffice.

Properly assembled multicooker housing can significantly facilitate its operation. It is important that the model is made with the expectation of maximum user convenience. Because even little things can seriously annoy during the cooking process.

First of all, it is necessary that the device can remove cover completely. This will make it easier to clean up food debris. If the cover is not removed, it will be very difficult to wash it completely. By the way, it will be good if the lid opens not with a button (which tend to break often), but with a lock type. That is, by turning the lid.

It is desirable that the model has rubberized feet. Otherwise, it will crawl on the table during cooking, especially at the stage of adding ingredients or mixing them. In addition, it can be accidentally pulled off or brushed off the table.

pay attention to cable length. If it is short, and there is no outlet nearby, then it is better to pay attention to another model. Otherwise, you will have to buy an extension cord. However, if you plan to put the multicooker next to the outlet, then this parameter can be neglected.

Very good if the multicooker has moisture trap. It allows condensate from the lid to drain into a special reservoir. And then the drops of water that have accumulated on it will not fall back into the bowl (which is especially unpleasant when you are baking or some kind of “hard” dish).

It will be ideal if there are pens. With their help, it is much more convenient to raise the bowl, especially if the dish has just been cooked and is even hotter.

A set of additional options can further simplify daily cooking. As a rule, it varies depending on the price of the model.Most of the useful features will make the multicooker even more convenient.

1. If your multicooker has a "Keep Warm" function, then immediately after cooking, the device will maintain a certain temperature so that the contents of the bowl do not cool down. This is very convenient, as it will always have warm food. But not every dish is suitable for long heating. Therefore, it is desirable that this option can be disabled in advance.
2. The Delay Start function is ideal for those who are too lazy to cook something in the morning. With its help, you can set the multicooker so that it will turn on at the specified time and prepare the contents of the bowl in the program selected in advance. Therefore, you can wake up and already have a hot, fresh dish for breakfast.
3. For a house with small children, you definitely need a multicooker with protection against turning on in an “empty” form. Otherwise, there is a chance that inquisitive kids will accidentally turn it on without food, and then the device may burn out.
4. Some "advanced" multicookers allow you to control them using your smartphone. This feature is convenient because you can turn on the model remotely. For example, if you put food into the device before going to work, but did not have time to cook, you can remotely activate the multicooker - and then you will receive a delicious dinner by the time you arrive.
5. There are also many different "side" features. For example, the Sous-Vide technology allows you to cook pre-packaged food in the most gentle way. Due to this, they turn out juicy and useful. The voice guide will be extremely useful for people who have poor eyesight. And so on.

The package does not affect the operation of the multicooker itself.But it can make it easier to handle it at first. In addition, it's just nice if the manufacturer took care of the buyer and put additional tools in the kit.

The package must include a spatula and a small plastic scoop, as well as at least a small measuring cup. As a rule, in a complete recipe book (if any), all the proportions of the ingredients are designed specifically for her - it will be easier to get used to the model.

Some companies add pot holders, silicone spatulas, extra bowls, and so on. This is not required, but very convenient. By the way, there may also be a recipe book in the kit. It is useful in that all proportions and cooking times are calculated for a specific multicooker model, which is why recipes from the Internet are not encouraging. The latter often have to be additionally adjusted to the device, as the dishes are undercooked or burnt.

Ideally, the bowl should have handles. Perhaps even removable. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers provide them. So you can purchase them separately - removable handles are sold for most popular multicooker models. All additional spoons and spatulas can be inserted into a special mount on the body - thanks to this, it is more convenient to store them and there is a place to attach them while cooking.