How to choose a multicooker? Which multicookers are the best?

You decided to purchase a slow cooker and faced an unexpected problem - the lineup is so wide that your eyes run wide and you don’t know where to start. Modern models have many different functions and modes, which with their diversity can be confusing. Where to start, and what to pay attention to first of all, we will tell you now.

What you should pay attention to when choosing a multicooker

The main characteristics that should be paid attention in the first place:

1. Power responsible for the speed of cooking and the amount of energy consumed. You do not need to take a model with a low power, hoping that, in this way, you will save energy consumption, because in such a In this case, the time taken to cook, and as a result, energy may be required more than in models with a larger power. Slow cookers with a capacity of 600 to 800 watts are considered optimal.
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2. One of the decisive points when choosing a multicooker is bowl volume. If you are going to cook only for yourself, then you do not need to take models with a volume of five liters, the food in them will take longer to prepare, and the energy spent is disproportionate. And, on the contrary, if you always cook for the whole family, and even for the guests, then a small bowl will not suit you. For a family of 3-4 people, the optimal volume is from 3 to 4 liters.
3. Bowl cover affects its lifespan. The inner surface can be coated with Teflon or ceramic. Teflon coating requires special care, you can not use iron spatulas and spoons, which can violate the integrity of the coating, it is recommended to use rubber kitchen appliances. Ceramics are more resistant to scratches, but it is not protected from chips, if you drop a bowl with a ceramic coating, then it can crack.
4. Bowl material no less important than coating. There are two main materials that are used to make bowls: stainless steel and aluminum alloy.
   • The first is found in cheaper models, it has low thermal conductivity, that is, it heats up slowly and unevenly. If the coating is broken in such a bowl, then it is impossible to cook in it, since the stainless steel does not react well with acids.
   • Aluminum is used to make bowls of more expensive models, it quickly heats up, which reduces cooking time, warming up evenly, it affects quality well cooking dishes. Aluminum is not taken in pure form, but as part of alloys. More about choosing more often, we'll talk here.
5. Cooking Modes. This indicator and the cost of the multicooker are directly dependent, the more functions, the more expensive the price. It should be clearly decided how many programs you need, do not overpay for a slow cooker that can fry and cook yoghurts if you do not like dairy products and do not eat greasy food.

Almost every multicooker has the following cooking modes: stewing, cooking, baking, steaming and buckwheat mode, which is suitable for all cereals. All programs work on the same principle, only the temperature and duration of cooking change. Therefore, the same mode can be used to prepare different dishes.

Each is guided by their ideas about the ideal slow cooker, when choosing it. If for some the presence of handles is very important, for others their absence does not matter. The body material and its design is also individual for everyone. But you should pay special attention to the above characteristics, because the quality of the entire multicooker depends on them.

Watch the video on how to choose a multicooker:

What features do modern multicookers have

Additional features can greatly facilitate the cooking process and make it more diverse and healthy. Here are some of them.

• Start Delay Timer A very useful feature that allows you to program the start of cooking at a convenient time for you. You can put all the necessary ingredients before bedtime, and in the morning you will have a ready breakfast waiting for you. Program the start of cooking for the evening and after work enjoy a warm, fresh dinner without much hassle.
• Automatic heating The finished meal will keep your food warm if you linger. This function works well together with a timer, you can go for a walk and not follow the time, and upon returning you will not have to reheat the food again.
• Pressure cooker function will reduce the cooking time by two or three times, compared with the usual cooking mode. Time is reduced due to steam pressure, there is a valve on the cover that blocks the outlet of the evaporated water. This mode allows you to cook aspic in just an hour and a half.
• "Multipovar" - This is a manual control mode that allows you to independently set the desired temperature and cooking time. With sufficient experience, using this mode, you can cook almost any dish.
• "Master Chef" allows you to make up to ten changes during cooking. You can change the temperature, time and modes, right in the process of cooking. This will create your own unique mode, which can be stored in the multicooker memory and used again and again.
• Frying or deep fryer mode allows you to use a slow cooker, like a pan. This mode works with the lid open, which allows you to ensure that food is not burnt.

Popular models

Slow cooker Redmond RMC-M4502

It is worth noting that the Redmond brand has one of the widest list of assortments on the multicooker market. The brand has established itself well and has many fans.

Model RMC-M4502 has a capacity of 860 watts to ensure fast operation of the multicooker with a bowl volume of 5 liters. And 3D-heating allows you to evenly distribute heat throughout the bowl, creating a good alternative to the oven. The functions of delayed start and auto-heating will automate the operation of the multicooker.

Sixteen automatic programs, among which there is a baking, frying and cooking porridge mode, and the Multipovar function will allow you to cook almost any dish. The average market price for such a model is 5490 rubles.

The disadvantages include the teflon coating of the bowl and the lack of a container for collecting condensate. Also, some believe that at 20 degrees, with manual adjustment of the temperature is too large.

Slow cooker Polaris PMC 0517 AD

This model has a good value for money. For a relatively small amount of 3999 rubles, you get a reliable crock-pot with 16 automatic programs and a bowl with a ceramic coating of five liters. Power model 860 watts.

PMC 0517 AD has all the necessary functions: auto-heating, delay timer, manual mode "Multi-cook". With this slow cooker you can cook cereals, fry, bake, and also make yoghurts and pizzas.

Among the shortcomings can be noted inconvenient control, the choice of cooking mode occurs in a circle, and the movement It goes only one way, if you skip the necessary mode, then you will need to start flipping again.

Slow cooker Panasonic SrTMH 10ATW

This is a very compact model for little money, which has all the necessary functions. Its weight is only 2.4 kg, the volume of the bowl is 2.5 liters, suitable for a small family of 2-3 people. Such a slow cooker will not hit the wallet, its cost is only 1700 rubles.

Due to its small size, this model has a low power of 490 watts, that is, it does not consume a lot of electricity.

You can delay the start of cooking for 13 hours, and the automatic heating mode to keep your dish warm for 12 hours. This multicooker has six main cooking modes: pilaf, milk porridge, pastries, stewing, steaming and buckwheat.

Every year more and more people buy multicookers, soon this household appliance will become as familiar as a stove, refrigerator or microwave. There is no doubt to buy it for you or not, the crock-pot will become your indispensable assistant in the kitchen, and you will not be able to understand how you used to live without this wonderful device.