- The principle of operation of the multicooker
- What is a double boiler?
- Which is better: a slow cooker or a double boiler?
- What is multi-kitchen?
- What do multicookers and multicookings have in common?
- Differences between multi-kitchen and multi-cooker
- Slow cooker, multi-kitchen or double boiler - what to choose?
The crock-pot has appeared on store shelves relatively recently, however, it has already managed to win the hearts of many buyers. Trying to choose a device that meets the given requirements, it is compared with other kitchen gadgets.
What is better for home - a slow cooker or a double boiler? The answer to this question lies in the design features and functions of the devices.
The principle of operation of the multicooker
A crock-pot is a household electronic appliance designed for cooking. It is a metal tank placed in a plastic case and mounted on a disk heating element. The appliance is covered by a lid with a control panel.
Multicooker Management Programs
The popularity of the device is due to its ability to cook a variety of dishes:
- Soup.
- Roast.
- Pilaf.
- Pastries.
- Yogurt.
- Porridge and much more.
The number of programs in some models can reach several tens. Of course, not all modes are used. The hostess cooks on 3-4 favorite programs, the rest remain unclaimed.
What is a double boiler?
The main components of the device are a case with a container into which water is poured, a heating element and a food bowl. When you turn on the device in the network, the cooking process begins. Water boils, steam, passing through the holes in the bowl, “cooks” the ingredients. Products are prepared without adding oil and are dietary.
Some appliances have 2-4 bowls. They allow you to cook several types of dishes at once. Expensive models have functions to maintain heat and turn off the device without water.
Which is better: a slow cooker or a double boiler?
The capabilities of the multicooker are much wider: it can cook soups, bake, fry and stew. Some models are equipped with a special bowl for steaming. Therefore, adherents of healthy foods can easily cook their favorite dishes.
However, the steaming bowl in the multicooker is only one. And this means that the side dish and meat can only be prepared separately. The process will take up to an hour or more.
Compared to a slow cooker, the possibilities of a double boiler are very limited. It will not work to fry, bake, stew, cook soups and milk porridges with its help. But the volume of the bowl in such a device is much larger. If you need to cook a healthy dish for several family members at once, this device is much more suitable.
If the buyer plans to constantly prepare dietary food in large volumes, it is worth buying a double boiler. If you need a universal appliance, it is better to stop on a slow cooker.
What is multi-kitchen?
Home appliance manufacturers are not accustomed to stop there, so recently appeared on store shelves new gadget. We are talking about multi-kitchen - a universal appliance for cooking, which consists of two components: a slow cooker and an air grill.
Multi-Kitchen Options
For the first time this concept was introduced by Redmond. The multi-kitchen, released under this brand, is equipped with:
- Slow cooker.
- Aerogrill.
- Bowl for slow cooker.
- Pan.
- Lattice.
- Tank for steaming.
- Beaker.
- Scoop and spoon.
- Containers for yogurt.
- Instructions and books with recipes.
Features of the multi-kitchen
The device can work like a regular electric stove. To do this, the heating element located at the bottom of the housing can be raised using special forceps. After that, you can put a kettle, pan or pan on the heater.
You can cook french fries, bake a pie or fry a steak with a powerful air grill. This device is made in the form of a cover with a control unit and a fan. Heating is provided by a 800 W halogen lamp. By means of two mechanical regulators, you can set the cooking time and select the temperature. The diameter of the air grill lid allows you to install it on the multicooker bowl.
What do multicookers and multicookings have in common?
Both devices make it possible to cook without a stove, and their dimensions allow you to place equipment even in a small kitchen. A slow cooker and a multi-kitchen are an ideal solution for those who prefer to cook delicious and varied dishes and value their time. Depending on the set of functions, these devices allow you to cook soups, grill steaks and stew stew. Control is via a microprocessor, which allows you to set the temperature and duration of the devices. Delayed start and heat maintenance are also present.
Both that and another device are completed with a bowl for preparation with a ceramic or teflon coating, a set of spoons and a measured capacity.
Differences between multi-kitchen and multi-cooker
There is a difference in the heating elements. In the multi-kitchen, the heating element is flat and mobile, in order to put a pan or kettle, it should be raised. Budget models of multicookers can be inferior to multicooker in the number of programs, the power of heating elements, the volume of the bowl for cooking.
But the pressure cooker will win by cooking speed. The products in such a device are prepared under pressure, which reduces the time spent on cooking by 20%. Neither the multi-kitchen, nor the multi-cooker have such an opportunity.
Differences also apply to the method of preparation. Frying wings or cooking a steak in a slow cooker is problematic. The appliance is covered with a lid during operation, so the dishes are stewed. Of course, products can be fried with the lid open, at the bottom of a deep bowl, however, this is not very convenient. Frying in a pan is much easier.
In addition, the air grill that comes with the kit will allow you to fry without adding oil. And baking on the wire rack will turn out better than in a multicooker - because the built-in fan distributes hot air throughout the volume, as in convection oven.
Slow cooker, multi-kitchen or double boiler - what to choose?
If priority is given to boiled and steamed food - it is better to stop in a double boiler. It will allow you to cook fish, cereals, vegetables for a couple, while maintaining the maximum useful properties of the products. But the cooking speed of this device can not boast.
A slow cooker can be called a universal kitchen gadget. Its capabilities cover most of the owner's needs. In addition, a variety of models will allow you to choose the right option, taking into account the technical characteristics, design and cost of the device.
Multi-kitchen combines the maximum of possible options. It is able to replace with itself not only a pan, but also a stove in principle. However, the choice of models is quite limited, so choosing the unit is cheaper and taking into account the design will not work. But this device due to its functionality is useful where there is no stove - for example, in a country house.