The choice of multicookers: what to look for and the 10 best models

The slow cooker has many useful functions and sometimes becomes an indispensable assistant in the kitchen. Before buying a multicooker, the question always arises - which model to choose. The principle of operation is the same for everyone, but their functionality can vary significantly. Let's try to choose a multicooker together, conduct a comparative analysis of the models and deal with the device of this device.

Multicooker selection: device, what to look for, selection options

The principle of operation of all multicookers resembles the preparation of food on the stove in general. A pan or frying pan is replaced by a special bowl with Teflon or ceramic coating, the stove is a heating element, the multicooker has a sealed lid. In addition, the device is equipped with a temperature sensor and microprocessor control.

Tightness affects the uniform heating of products in the bowl, prevents the flow of air from outside, so that the dishes are juicier and more aromatic. Microprocessor control is responsible for maintaining the optimum temperature inside. Choose the necessary mode for cooking a particular dish is not difficult.

The principle of operation of any models is the same, but the internal structure of the multicooker can differ significantly, for example, by the type of heating element or the set of modes for cooking. Each part will affect the parameters of the choice of device. And, of course, before buying, you need to decide how often you intend to use the slow cooker and what set of dishes to cook.

The principle of operation of all multicookers is the same, the functionality is different

The principle of operation of all multicookers is the same, the functionality is different

Multicooker Selection Options

What to look for before choosing a multicooker model in the kitchen:

• type of heating element;
• lid and bowl design;
• functionality;
• embedded cooking modes;
• additional equipment;
• power of the device.

A heating element

According to the type of heating, multicookers are induction and equipped with a heating element (thermal heating element).

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The heater is located under the bowl at the bottom of the device, and in the middle there is a temperature sensor. The whole structure is made of aluminum and should fit snugly to the bottom of the tank to evenly distribute heat fluxes.

The temperature sensor is in the middle of the heating element

Periodically, a voltage of 220 V is supplied to the heater; this causes the heating of the bowl. The heat of the bowl is recorded by the temperature sensor and transfers this data to the control device. As a result, feedback occurs, and the heater operates on the principle of "turned on - turned off", maintaining the temperature set for cooking and preventing overcooling and overheating of the multicooker.

Budget models are usually equipped with one heating element, there can be several in expensive ones, and the multicooker-bread maker has two heating elements - under the bowl and on the side of the wall.

Induction heating

The induction crock-pot is arranged differently: in it the bowl itself is the heating element. The heating of the tank is carried out by electromagnetic waves.Data, as in the case of a heating element, is transmitted to a temperature sensor, and then to a control device. Induction models also work in the "on - off" mode, they are more powerful compared to the heating elements, which is why heating occurs in a more aggressive mode.

3D heating

With the types of heating elements, everything is clear, now we will understand what 3D heating is and why this function is needed in a multicooker. About 3D-heating is known from advertising, this function is positioned by almost all well-known manufacturers of multicookers.

The concept of 3D means volumetric and more uniform heating, which, according to the manufacturers, will positively affect the quality of the prepared dishes. But where it is located, manufacturers are silent. Studying the instructions also does not clarify the situation. 3D heating - marketing move or reality? It’s up to you to decide whether to trust the manufacturers or not.

Lid and bowl design

Covers in multicookers are non-removable and removable. Fixed structures are usually equipped with a removable nozzle. A steam valve is integrated into the cover. The o-ring is another element that can be located either on the lid itself or on a removable nozzle. According to consumer reviews, the second option is more convenient for cleaning. The O-ring is a consumable item and must be replaced on average every 3 years.

The steam valve may be:

• auto-electronic;
• auto-mechanical;
• mechanical manual.

The price of the model depends on the type of steam valve. A crock-pot with an auto-electronic valve controlled by microprocessors is an order of magnitude more expensive.

The bowls of all multicookers have a Teflon or ceramic coating, which prevents the burning of products. In induction models, as a rule, the bowls are more massive, made of quality materials. Capacities may vary in volume, there are crock-pots with bowls of 2-3 liters and more than 5 liters. The power of the device depends on the volume of the bowl: the smaller the displacement, the lower the power.

Removable cap nozzle easier to clean

Functionality - Multicooker Types

The multicooker is multifunctional, and its cost and the variety of dishes that you can cook in it depend on the capabilities of the appliance. Consider the main types and functions of the multicooker.

Simple models

Simple models belong to the budget version of multicookers, usually equipped with a minimum number of cooking modes. They can cook milk porridges, side dishes from cereals and potatoes, steamed vegetables and simple pastries, such as casseroles, pizzas, scrambled eggs and butter puddings.

For steaming, special lattice baskets or containers with holes are included. The volume of the bowl varies between 2–5 liters. Simple models have a delayed start function, you can heat food in them, the cooking control process is minimized.

The disadvantages of budget multicookers include:

1. Food is prepared for a long time, sometimes from 2 to 4 hours.
2. The lid does not open automatically; condensation builds up inside.
3. The preparation of certain dishes, such as pilaf and baking, will have to be controlled: stir, add water, check the readiness of food.

Comparison of multicookers shows that simple models are comfortable to use and save time. Usually they are purchased by housewives who plan to use a slow cooker infrequently. A budget option is also suitable for those who already have specialized equipment in the kitchen - a bread machine, pressure cooker, yogurt maker. The crock-pot in this case will serve as an addition.

Steam cooking in a special container

Compact models

This is also a budget model. By the number of functions, compact models resemble simple multicookers with the only difference that you can’t cook dinner for a large family in them, the volume of the bowl does not exceed 2 liters. The advantages of compact multicookers include:

1. The ability to move, the compact model is useful on a business trip, travel, in the country.
2. The presence of all standard modes for the preparation of side dishes, meat, steamed vegetables, simple confectionery.
3. Convenient storage - the models are small-sized, they are convenient to store in any kitchen.

The mini crock-pot is convenient to take on the road and store

Slow cooker

This model is more like a regular double boiler. In a slow cooker with steam function, several dishes are also cooked simultaneously: in a bowl and in a special container. The model of a multi-cooker-steamer is suitable for people who adhere to a healthy diet and follow various diets. In medium-cost models, you can set the modes yourself if a diet dish requires special cooking.

Roasting Models

The frying mode will appeal to those who cannot refuse fried foods, but want to improve their nutrition. In addition, frying in a slow cooker is more convenient, high sides of the bowl prevent splashing of oil, food is evenly fried with a minimum amount of fat.

In some multicookers, frying products is provided in the “Pilaf” or “Baking” mode with the lid open.

Sometimes multicookers are equipped with additional functions of "Deep Fryer" or "Grill", but they are more often present in expensive modern models. Using these functions, they prepare any dishes that are fried in a large amount of oil according to the recipe: potatoes and other vegetables, seafood, donuts and whites. These models include a special grid for frying.

The frying mode allows you to cook your favorite dishes with a minimum amount of oil

Models with the function "Porridge" and "Extinguishing"

If the family has children, you need a slow cooker that can cook cereals in milk. Every housewife knows that it’s difficult to cook milk porridge on the stove, milk should not boil, otherwise it instantly burns, and the dish becomes spoiled. The “Porridge” function allows you to prepare meals in milk without problems, and the delayed start mode will help to get breakfast by the required time and quickly feed the family.

When choosing a multicooker for making milk porridge, you need to ask how long this dish is preparing in this model. In low-powered units, cooking can last up to two hours, but there are models in which cooking porridge does not take more than 30-50 minutes.

In the "Porridge" mode, you can cook mashed soups and other viscous dishes that quickly burn. If this function is not available, you can try to cook porridge in the "Stew" mode.

Porridge in a slow cooker does not burn

Multiproduct Model

The Multi-Cook function is equipped with modern multi-cooker models. With its help, you can adapt the temperature regime and cooking method for any recipe. All values ​​are set in manual mode, but they can be entered in the memory settings, so that later they can be set automatically.

In models with Multi-cook function they prepare yoghurts and cottage cheese, yeast dough, french fries, any meat, complex pastries. The function allows you to improve your culinary abilities. This multicooker is suitable for those who are creative in cooking and love to experiment.

Multi-cook function helps improve cooking skills

Slow cooker

The model combines the functions of a simple slow cooker and a bread machine; housewives who prefer home-made pastries from yeast dough will like it. Models with the function of a bread machine, as a rule, are powerful and consume enough electricity.

So that home-baking and making bread does not hit the family budget, you need to read the instructions for the consumption of electricity of this model. Of the additional functions, the test melting mode and the presence of a second bowl will be useful.

In the multicooker, the bread maker turns out unusually fragrant bread

Additional equipment

Almost all manufacturers complement multicookers with the following equipment:

• special spatula for turning and mixing products;
• a container or basket for steaming;
• multi-glass;
• recipe book.

A spatula is necessary so as not to damage the bowl cover. It is made of plastic with the addition of silicone, usually one blade is attached.When buying a slow cooker, do not forget to purchase separately and a special set consisting of a slotted spoon, a scoop, tongs. Accessories should have a long handle so as not to burn themselves on the edges of the heated bowl.

Steaming nets from the manufacturer are usually enough, but you can buy deeper baskets if you wish to prepare a large volume of products.

Manufacturers of expensive equipment put a multi-cup in the multicooker kit, which helps to determine the volume of products in milliliters. Exact observance of the quantity of ingredients guarantees the quality of the prepared dish and the long service life of the multicooker.

Standard multicooker

Choose the power of the multicooker

Comfortable use of the multicooker largely depends on the power of the device. All power models can be divided into three types:

1. With a minimum power of 500 watts.
2. With an average of 800 watts.
3. With a value of 1200 watts or more.

The optimal power for a multicooker is considered an average value of about 800 watts. Such models are relatively quick to cook even with large cups of 4-5 liters, they do not consume much energy, and the price of such devices is quite acceptable.

Slow cookers with low power are effective if the volume of the bowl does not exceed 2–2.5 liters. Such compact models are suitable for travel. For a standard family of 4-6 people, a two-liter capacity for cooking is not enough.

Multicookers with a capacity of 1200 watts or more have large power consumption, which is their main drawback. Nevertheless, there are models with bowls of 10 liters in which power simply cannot be lower. Therefore, when choosing a multicooker, correlate the power with the displacement and functional of the model.

Which crock-pot to choose - 10 best models

It is impossible to describe all the features of multicookers and the variety of models. Each manufacturer offers its own line of equipment, which presents options for every taste. We tried to compare some models of multicookers and present the 10 best models.

Now you know what to look for in order to choose a good slow cooker. And what kind of model it will be, you need to decide on your own, based on your lifestyle, taste preferences, number of household members and the size of your wallet.