How to choose a slow cooker: what to look for and how to choose a good one

Among the many modern kitchen gadgets, the multicooker confidently takes a leading position. This multifunctional device allows you to not only prepare healthy and tasty dishes, but also perform several tasks at the same time. A large number of models of this gadget from different manufacturers are presented on the home appliance market, differing in a set of functions, appearance, price. The question of potential buyers is logical: how to choose a multicooker. In this publication we will try to give a detailed answer to it.

How to choose a slow cooker

A crock-pot is a multifunctional device with program control, combining the capabilities of an electric stove and a double boiler and designed for cooking in automatic mode. The name of the appliance speaks for itself: multi - a lot, cooking - cooking. In the multicooker you can cook many dishes, because the most diverse modes of “cooking”, “frying”, “baking”, “milk porridge”, “yogurt”, “stewing”, “steam” and others are built into it.

There are several types of crock-pots:

1. The usual, or classical, for the operation of which the microprocessor and the built-in heating element are responsible (from below, above, on the sides - in depending on the model, but more often - under the bowl), maintaining temperature and constant pressure, as well as monitoring evaporation liquids.
2. A multicooker-pressure cooker, in which in addition to the heating elements there is a valve that creates high pressure inside the unit. Thanks to this, cooking takes much less time.
3. Induction. The induction coil built into the housing, creating an electromagnetic field around the bowl (made of ferromagnetic steel), heats it to the desired temperature. In this case, the dish warms up evenly, the cooking speed increases by 30%, ensuring minimal energy consumption.

These varieties of multicookers also differ in the type of control: mechanical or electronic.

Criterias of choice

In order not to get confused in a wide variety of models or functions and choose the best multicooker, experts recommend to pay attention to the following parameters: functionality, volume and cover of the bowl, power, equipment. Let us consider in more detail each of these parameters.

Functionality

The most popular mid-range models are equipped with a standard set of programs. Typically, the amount varies from 8 to 12. They are enough to cook a wide variety of dishes: stewed, fried, pastries and steamed.
Some models have up to 30 built-in programs, but this affects the price of the multicooker. However, many of them are not used by consumers. Therefore, when choosing, focus on the presence of those cooking modes that you really need.
Experts and experienced housewives who actively use a multifunctional kitchen gadget are advised to choose models with the functions of delayed start, timer and heating. It is also worth paying attention to the functions of "multipovar", "master chef", etc., which significantly expand multicooking capabilities, allowing the user to change the settings of existing programs and create new ones modes.
In the market of household appliances, models equipped with voice accompaniment are presented (voiced step-by-step cooking process) and remote control (mobile control possible) devices). These additions affect the cost of the kitchen unit.

Bowl Volume

Manufacturers produce models with bowls of different volumes: from 2 to 10 liters. The most popular are multicookers with 5-liter pots.
When choosing a gadget, be guided by how many people and how much you will cook.
The bowl size that suits you should be selected based on a calculation of 1-1.5 liters per adult:

• for a family of no more than 2 people - 3 liters is enough;
• no more than 4 people - 4-5 liters;
• for a large family - from 6 liters or more.

Important! Consider when buying that the working volume of the bowl is about a liter less than the total.

Bowl coating and handle availability

An important characteristic when choosing a multicooker is the coating of the bowl. Common to all models without exception is that it is non-stick. The difference in its type is Teflon or ceramic. Both coatings have both pros and cons in operation, no significant difference between them was found.
It is widely believed among consumers that ceramics are safer for health. However, this fact is not confirmed by scientific research. The more expensive models have a stainless or nanoceramic coating with marble spraying, which is characterized by high wear resistance and safety.
Important! Each potential buyer, choosing a slow cooker, can trust his preferences. The main thing is not to forget that a multifunctional gadget requires careful operation and the use of special accessories.
Equally important is the presence of heat-resistant handles on the bowl, which allow you to easily get it. Their absence will require the use of special forceps or tacks.

Cover, gaskets

When choosing a slow cooker, pay particular attention to the lid:

• it must ensure tightness: the rubber gasket is flat, without damage, fits snugly to the body, there are no gaps;
• it is desirable that its inner part be removable: this will make it easy to wash the grease and dirt accumulated on it;
• lid fastening to the housing should be made of high-quality plastic;
• closing method - lock or using the key: the first is more preferable and more reliable.

Another important condition - the lid should recline 90 or more degrees.

Power

It is well known that the higher the power, the faster the heating. This parameter in multicookers varies from 450 to 1600 watts. Power directly depends on the volume of the bowl: the larger the capacity, the higher the power. Optimum kitchen gadgets up to 1000 watts. This parameter is optimal for cooking speed and energy consumption. As a rule, multicooker-pressure cookers have high power.
The choice is yours: if you want to increase the cooking speed, give preference to high-power appliances.

Equipment

A slow cooker consists of the following elements:

• sealed thermos case;
• bowl;
• heating elements;
• pressure control valve;
• tank for condensation.

There are also additional accessories in the kit: grill, stand, spoon, tongs, frying pan, etc. depending on the functionality and manufacturer.

Selection Tips, Important Trivia

Having decided to purchase a useful kitchen gadget, pay attention to the design nuances:

• rubberized legs will become a protection against falling and will not scratch the countertop;
• the display on the front panel should have a backlight, all its functions are described in Russian;
• the metal case will last longer than the plastic;
• buttons (with mechanical control) are easily pressed;
• the presence of a moisture collector collecting condensate;
• the length of the network cable allowed to reach the outlet, it is preferable - a removable cord;
• the longer the warranty period of the device, the higher the quality of the goods: a guarantee of less than a year is a good reason to refuse to buy;
• it is desirable to have an auto power off function;
• make sure that the bowl is sold separately and can be easily replaced in case of spoilage.

Important! If you are going to actively use the multicooker, then give preference to models with electronic controls, 3D-heating and advanced functionality.
According to the above parameters, you can make the right choice. When buying a useful, smart multifunctional device, do not forget that it will serve you for many years, so do not chase cheapness, but do not overpay in vain. Try to find the best value for money.