Slow cooker or bread machine: which appliance is better to choose?

In the modern world there are many devices to facilitate the process of preparing various dishes. Recently, such electrical appliances as a slow cooker and a bread machine are gaining great popularity. What are these devices for, and which one to choose from, can be found in this article.

Characteristics and functionality of multicookers

A slow cooker is a small-sized item of household kitchen equipment for cooking. Thanks to functions this appliance can replace the oven, pot and pan.

The multicooker body is designed to rapidly gain the necessary temperature and facilitate the rapid preparation of dishes. The cooking tank, depending on the model, can have a capacity of 2 to 6 liters. The coating material also depends on the manufacturer, mainly ceramic or teflon.

Each device is equipped with a special control panel, which displays all the programs for cooking in various modes, as well as the duration of cooking in some newer models - temperature.

On the lid of the device there is a special valve through which excess steam is released. The heating element itself is located under the cooking container. In modernized models, such heaters can also be placed on the lid and around bowls, which contributes to a more uniform heating of food and, as a result, an accelerated cooking process.

In addition, each multicooker has a special container in which condensate collects during the operation of the device.

Technical parameters depending on the manufacturer, as well as different models may have significant differences, but work principles This device is almost identical in all devices:

1. "Frying" - It is used for cooking dishes of meat, fish or vegetables. With this program, a high temperature is turned on to warm the oil.
2. "Groats" - The mode is well suited for cooking various milk porridges or cooking cereals. Subject to the recipe, the cereal is crumbly and not boiled.
3. “Steaming” - when installing a special container, you can cook various dishes without adding oil. This program is used for cooking pasta. After boiling water, you can pour them into a container and cook in the usual way, as on a stove.
4. "Soup" - It is used both for cooking various first courses, and for compotes or fruit drinks.
5. "Extinguishing" - This program is great for preparing a variety of meat or vegetable dishes with minimal use of oil.
6. "Bakery products" - replaces the oven. You can cook baked meat dishes, casseroles. Use for baking flour products and pies.

In more expensive devices, the additional modes are “Heating”, “Dough”, “Yogurt”, “Deep fat”, “Drinks”, “Multi-cook».

Characteristics and functionality of the bread maker

A bread machine is a relatively small electric device that is used to make bread products, almost completely automating the baking process. Only the components of future bread should be loaded into the device, select the appropriate program and wait for the completion of the cooking mode.

The casing is designed for quick heating, even distribution of heat inside the device and prevention of strong heating from the outside.

Depending on the model, between 500 g and 1.5 kg of baked goods can be cooked in this appliance. The container may be coated with Teflon, aluminum or stainless steel. The shape of the standard devices is rectangular, however, some models are equipped with a round, oval or square container for baking.

The panel, depending on the manufacturer, can be either mechanical or touch. It displays baking modes and times. The cover on most of these appliances is removable, which makes cleaning the device easier after use. It is advisable to choose a transparent lid for baking control.

Each appliance is equipped with a timer that allows you to delay cooking for 12 hours.

The baking functions are quite diverse, but each such device has a common set of programs:

• “Basic” - standard basic mode, the average duration of the program is 3-4 hours;
• “Accelerated” - the baking time is about 120 minutes, but such a program worsens the appearance and taste of the products;
• “Kneading the dough” - the device independently kneads the dough without human intervention;
• "Bakery products";
• “Choice of crust color” - from light to dark brown.

Additionally, the device may have functions for baking various bread products (oat, Borodino, buckwheat bread), cooking yogurt, jam and jam.

In more modern models there are the functions "Protection from children", "Heating", as well as memorization of the program in case of emergency shutdown for a period of 5 to 50 minutes.

Popular models

Consider the most popular models of the above devices for price, quality and functionality.

Slow cookers

Vitesse VS-590. One of the most popular models at a fairly low price (an average of 2,500 rubles). This device contains all the basic modes, including delaying the start and warming up the finished dish. Metal case with plastic inserts. The model is available in three colors. Cooking container with non-stick coating and a volume of 5 liters. Has a lot of positive reviews.

The disadvantages of this device include weak power, as well as the fact that the maximum delay time for launching programs is only 9 hours.

Polaris PMC 0517AD. This model is popular for its versatility and low price (about 4,000 rubles). This device has 16 cooking modes and the “multi-cook” function, uniform heating of food, delayed start for 24 hours, as well as heating of the finished dish for the above time. The container is covered with ceramics, equipped with convenient handles that remain cold during cooking. The volume of 5 liters.

The disadvantages of this device include the inconvenience in choosing a cooking program, the temperature display is not in all modes, as well as frequent breakdowns of the button on the lid of the device.

Redmond RMK-M271. This model belongs to the middle price category (about 5,500 rubles). Features include the rise of the heating element for cooking in a pan (included). Ceramic container for cooking, volume 5 liters. The device has 42 programs for cooking, as well as changing the temperature before the mode starts and during cooking, delaying the start and the heating function.

The disadvantages of this model include the non-removable lid, which greatly complicates the cleaning of the device, as well as the slow heating of the pan.

BORK U800. Belongs to devices of a class "premium". Features include recipes included in the program of the device, convenient control, voice dubbing of all actions of the device and many programs for cooking. This model has a capacity of 5 liters, a multi-layer non-stick coating. It is equipped with handles, it can be washed in a dishwasher. You can delay the launch of the program for 13 hours, and the function of heating the finished food - for 36 hours.

The disadvantages include the rather high cost of the device (an average of 34,000 rubles) and too loud voice dubbing of the actions of the device.

Bread makers

Gorenje BM900WII. One of the most popular models with a fairly low cost (about 4,500 rubles). With this device you can cook various types of bread, muffins and preserves. It has a convenient menu, 15 baking modes, a rectangular container for baking, as well as a transparent lid for monitoring the cooking process. In such a device, there is also a delay in starting and storing the program for 10 minutes. The disadvantages of this model include the small power of the device.

Rolsen RBM-1160. Also applies to popular models with a budget cost (an average of 4,500 rubles). The advantage of this device is functionality (12 modes). Using such a device, you can adjust the baking weight, the color of the crust, postpone the start of work for 13 hours, use the heating of the finished product, enable the device to be locked from children. It copes well with various types of bread, jam and muffins. The disadvantages include the smell of plastic during the first few uses.

Philips HD9016. This model belongs to the middle price category (about 7,000 rubles) and is popular for its large number of programs and good quality pastries and yoghurts. It has an accelerated baking time mode. In this device, you can also choose the size of the bread product and the color of the crust. During kneading the dough, the device signals the possibility of adding additional ingredients. This model is small in size and has a relatively low noise level. The disadvantages include the rapid wear of the baking container.

BORK X800. Such a device can be attributed to the most popular bread machines among the category of people keen on baking various bread products. It belongs to premium-class devices and has a rather high cost (about 19,000 rubles). This device has 14 different modes, as well as the ability to independently install programs for baking. The highest quality of bread products, high power and two baking dishes (loaf and round). The disadvantages include the rapid heating of the case, the absence of the Russian language in the menu.

Advantages and disadvantages

Slow cooker. The positive factors include the versatility of this device, since in a relatively small device you can cook various dishes without much difficulty and in a short time. Covered containers provide for minimal oil use and prevent food burning. Another advantage is the function of delaying the launch of the program, since the start of cooking is possible without the direct participation of a person.

The disadvantages include the price of such devices, as well as the fragility of the coating of the container for cooking, which quickly wears out and is very easily damaged during operation.

Bread machine. The advantages include always fresh, tasty and varied bread, products for which are selected independently, which eliminates the ingress of undesirable chemical additives. You can use such a device for the preparation of various sweet flour products, jam or yogurt. If such a device is available, it can be used to knead the dough for various needs, for example, dumplings and pizza.

The disadvantages include high cost, high electricity consumption and dimensions, so in a small kitchen this appliance will take up a lot of space and cause inconvenience.

Which device to choose?

The above devices greatly simplify the cooking process, however, each of them is designed to perform certain functions, therefore, you should choose one of these devices based on your personal needs.

If the priority is a variety of pastries, then you need to go to the store to buy a bread machine, since such a device, in comparison with a multicooker, better copes with the preparation of bread products. In the case where it is intended to use the device for cooking various dishes, it should choose a slow cooker.

Bread machine or slow cooker (video)?

This video provides a brief overview of the main features and characteristics of modern multicookers and bread machines.

If you need to make a choice between these devices, you should clearly indicate the purpose for which such a device will be used, since a multicooker It is intended for cooking various dishes, including simple baking, while the main function of a bread machine is to make bread products.