Almost every housewife now has such a useful kitchen appliance as a multicooker, and if she doesn’t, then she certainly wants to buy it. With the help of this device, they prepare safe, healthy food that does not contain oil, because the products in the multicooker are steamed and stewed. To make the purchase successful, we offer you some tips on how to choose this appliance, as well as a rating of the best multicookers for the whole family.
Content
Such a device as a multicooker allows you not only to cook healthy and tasty food, but has many other advantages:
Despite the abundance of useful qualities, multicookers are not without their drawbacks:
To begin with, it is worth noting that ordinary multicookers and multicookers-pressure cookers are on sale. In a conventional device, the dish is cooked at normal pressure and therefore this process is quite long. A device with a pressure cooker function uses increased pressure, which allows you to reduce the duration of cooking several times. At the same time, not every dish can use high pressure cooking. Then an ordinary multicooker will come to the rescue, preserving vitamins in food and not heating the walls of the device.
This is a very important criterion that affects the speed of cooking the dish and its quality. Modern devices of this kind have a power in the range of 450-1500 watts. This criterion depends on the number of built-in modes and the volume of the bowl. If possible, an assistant with more power should be preferred.
If the bowl has a volume of up to 3 liters, then a power of 800 W is sufficient, with a bowl volume of up to 5 liters, a power of 1000 W is sufficient, and if the volume exceeds 6 liters, a device with a power of 1500 W should be preferred.
This criterion is considered one of the main ones. After all, it makes no sense to buy a device with a large bowl for a family of up to 3 people. On sale multicookers come in volumes from 2 to 10 liters. To make a choice according to this criterion, you just need to take into account the number of people who will use the multicooker.
For calculation, it is assumed that 1.5-2 liters is enough for one person.
Then for a small family of 2 people, you need to select a device with a volume of up to 3 liters.For an ordinary family of 4, a device with a bowl of up to 5 liters is suitable. For a large team or family, you need to buy a slow cooker with a volume of more than 6 liters.
In most cases, mid-priced models have only 6 to 18 programs, but there are copies on sale with up to 100 programs. The number of modes directly affects the price, the more there are, the more expensive the device costs. Therefore, before buying, you need to think and decide on a set of desired programs that will be used often, as well as decide which ones can be donated.
According to customer reviews, they most often use the following modes:
Using the Pilaf cooking mode, you can also cook other dishes that require boiling and frying at the same time.
In addition to these modes, there may be other useful for Russian housewives, but not mandatory functions that are not used so often. Among such programs are Yogurt, Pizza, Cottage Cheese, Jam, Steamer, Bread Maker and others.
Usually the bowls of modern multicookers are round, but sometimes there are also rectangular models. But this parameter is not as important as the presence of special handles that are comfortable and do not heat up. Such handles greatly simplify the process of removing the hot bowl from the device.
Most models of such handles are deprived; instead, it is proposed to pull out the bowl with special tongs or using silicone tacks.
It is much easier and more convenient to simply lift the bowl by the special handles than to do it with oven mitts or tongs.
In most cases, a special aluminum alloy is used to make the bowl and coated with a Teflon or ceramic non-stick coating. The durability of both types of coating is approximately the same.
The Teflon coating is easy to clean and has excellent non-stick properties. At the same time, such a coating is easy to scratch, which is why it begins to release toxic substances. Even if you handle the bowl very carefully, its life will not exceed three years. In addition, for such a coating, it is necessary to buy special silicone spatulas, since the plastic ones usually included in the kit are not suitable for Teflon.
Ceramic is less susceptible to scratches and is not afraid of brushing, but still wears out fairly quickly. In addition, such a bowl cannot be dropped from a height and washed in a dishwasher. At a cost, devices with a ceramic bowl are slightly more expensive than Teflon ones. But even if scratches appear on such a bowl, ceramics do not emit any harmful substances.
Almost all multicookers after cooking and the end of the program automatically switch to the heating mode. In this state, they keep the cooked dish hot.
Sometimes it may be necessary to turn off this function so that the dish has already cooled down by the time it is consumed. To do this, the auto-heating off mode is useful before the start of cooking.
The device cover may be different. In most cases, modern models have an inner cover that can be removed and easily washed, but there are also models that do not have this option. A very good option is a completely removable cover.
You also need to make sure that the lid fits snugly, without leaving gaps, lies flat and does not have any internal defects. Pay attention to the part of the lid that secures the lid to the body. The hinges must be strong and thick so that they do not break off at the most inopportune moment.
Pay attention to how the lid closes. Preference should be given to those devices where the lid is fastened with a locking method. This method of closing is much more reliable than the keyboard.
Another important point is the opening angle of the lid. It must be at least 90 degrees. Ideally, the more the better.
The case can be made of plastic or stainless steel.This parameter does not affect the taste and quality of the prepared dish, but significantly affects the price. You can save a lot if you choose a device with a high-quality plastic case. In doing so, several important points must be taken into account:
A steel case will be stronger, less scratched, beautiful, but it will make the device much heavier and more expensive.
A container designed to collect condensate is a very necessary part of a multicooker. It collects all the moisture that accumulates under the lid and on the walls of the device.
A quality multicooker must have rubber feet. Thanks to them, the device will not slide on the countertop.
Regardless of the shape of the case, it is better to have the control panel and display on top or with a slight slope. Then the hostess will not need to bend over all the time to start the program.
It is necessary to choose models with a contrasting display and backlit. Then the device can be started in any conditions. Buttons should be sensitive and comfortable, so they need to be tested in the store.
The display should show all the necessary information: cooking time, program on, cooking temperature and everything else that is needed.
Modern electronics stores offer a huge selection of multicookers, so you can choose a device that meets any needs of the hostess. Devices can be selected based on price, size and functionality.
This multicooker combines attractive appearance and low cost. It is easy to manage and has a good list of programs. There are 6 programs here, including steaming, pilaf, milk porridge, buckwheat, pastries. Each program is activated by its own button. In addition, there are buttons that can be used to delay the start, set the timer, turn the heating on or off. There is an LED display in the center.
This model has a case made of stainless steel combined with durable plastic. There are several color options. The bowl with non-stick coating has a total volume of 5 liters.
The average price is 2890 rubles.
Among inexpensive models, this multicooker has a wide range of functions, which, combined with a low price, makes it very popular among customers. A recipe booklet is supplied with the appliance. The main drawback of this model is the circular menu. This means that if a mode is accidentally skipped, you will have to go through all the menu items again to find the right one.
The average price is 4217 rubles.
Video review of the multicooker:
This multicooker, although inexpensive, has many useful programs.It is very important that there is a multi-cook mode, with an extended ability to set the temperature and time. There is also a function that allows you to adjust the same parameters directly during operation of the device.
There are 16 automatic programs and 26 manual programs in total. In addition, it is possible to turn off auto-heating, delay up to a day start, warm-up, adjust the volume of the sound or turn it off completely. The bowl has a ceramic coating and a volume of 5 liters.
More information in the video:
The average price is 3140 rubles.
Although the slow cooker is inexpensive, it has a lot of functions, including baking, making yogurt, and frying. There is also a multi-cook program with time and temperature settings.
The average price is 2280 rubles.
Despite the low price, the multicooker has ample opportunities and cooks dishes with high quality. The case is made of black plastic. Management — electronic touch, there is a LED display. The 4 liter bowl has a Teflon coating.
There are 6 universal programs, in some of them - the ability to independently set the time. There is also a delay for a day and the possibility of automatically switching to the heating mode.
The average price is 2879 rubles.
Brief video review of technology:
Among multicookers with an average cost, Redmond has been the leader for a long time. Almost all models presented by her are of high quality. This multicooker is no exception. It is a multifunctional device that can be controlled remotely using a mobile phone, for which you will need to download a special application.
The average price is 8990 rubles.
More information in the video review:
This multicooker produced by the famous company is of good quality. It has not only lower heating, but also lateral, as well as upper. Due to this, the food is heated evenly from all sides. The bowl has a volume of 4.8 liters, covered with Teflon.
The device has 11 automatic modes that are used most often. Additionally, it is possible to turn on the turbo mode and automatic heating.
The model has a high power of 1000 watts. Management is carried out electronically, using a simple and understandable menu. At different stages of cooking, it is possible to control the temperature. The steam valve has a removable cover.
The average price is 4990 rubles.
This model is an example of an improved version of the multicooker - the multikitchen.It is able to replace a double boiler, yogurt maker, oven and stove. The design feature of this model is that the lower heater can be raised to turn on the frying mode. For this, a special frying pan is included.
This appliance saves a lot of kitchen space. It has an automatic shutdown mode when the set time has passed. Therefore, it is almost impossible to spoil the dish. Comes with a 5 liter ceramic coated bowl. In total, the multicooker has 42 programs with manual settings and automatic ones.
The average price is 5144 rubles.
Video review of the cartoon kitchen:
This multicooker has a small capacity, but compensates for this lack of a variety of functions. A distinctive feature is the presence of an "artificial intelligence" system that independently optimizes the cooking process.
The average price is 5000 rubles.
Video demonstration of the multicooker:
This model is one of the most popular and most often bought. It has many advantages: wide functionality with the ability to manually adjust the temperature and time, ease of cleaning, time-tested quality.
The average price is 5820 rubles.
Video review of the kitchen assistant:
This device has an attractive design and good functionality. There are 19 automatic modes, including Multicook. The bowl has a volume of 5 liters and is protected by a non-stick coating. It is dishwasher safe.
Heat is evenly distributed thanks to three-dimensional heating. This reduces the chance of food burning. The timer can be set for a day.
The average price is 7550 rubles.
Multicooker overview:
This device has a huge number of settings, there are many automatic and manual modes with a very precise setting of parameters up to 1 degree and 1 minute. Also, as a bonus, the company presents the possibility of preparing three exclusive dishes that will definitely surprise households and guests.
The average price is 36900 rubles.
More information in the video:
This device has great power and excellent quality. The model has a huge number of operating modes, but it is easy to operate.Can give voice prompts.
The average price is 39100 rubles.
First of all, buyers note the stylish design of this high-tech multicooker. It can become a real decoration of a modern kitchen. In addition, the device is very compact and does not take up much space. It has serious power, control is carried out using a touch screen, there is a backlight. A quality bowl with a volume of 4 liters is protected by a multilayer coating. There is an opportunity to prepare under pressure, the mode of a warming up and maintenance of temperature.
12 months warranty.
Multicooker maintenance instructions:
This is a very compact model with an original attractive design. It has 5 automatic cooking modes, you can cook scrambled eggs, porridge, cake, or yogurt. A bowl with a volume of only 2 liters is suitable for preparing dishes for a small family of 2 people.
The device is equipped with protection against voltage surges, there is a protective lock against accidental pressing, for ease of carrying there is a special handle on the case.
The average price is 2900 rubles.
Video review of the device:
This device is very small in size, its bowl has a volume of only 1.6 liters, and a power of 400 watts. The peculiarity is that in it you can cook food for the child. The slow cooker perfectly preserves all the useful properties of the products, and thanks to the small size of the bowl, you can prepare mini-portions suitable for baby food.
The model has 8 automatic programs, including yogurt, baking, steaming, stewing. It can be used not only for a child, but also for cooking for a small family. You can also take the multicooker with you on a trip or take it to the country.
The average price is 4000 rubles.
Video review of the multicooker:
Buying a slow cooker or cooking on a familiar stove, only the consumer can decide. If you are not completely sure of the need for this device, you can first buy an inexpensive model and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the dishes prepared with it yourself.