An overview of the varieties of multicooker and which one is better to choose, rules and useful tips

High quality and tasty food requires effort, experience and time. The introduction of the electronic saucepan on the household appliance market solves this difficult problem. Using a kitchen appliance makes life easier for both an inexperienced housewife and an experienced cook. What type of multicooker should a consumer choose to meet their needs in terms of functionality, design and price?

Device, principle of operation and purpose

The household appliance for cooking is constructively a container with a double body and a tight-fitting lid. The main element of a multicooker is a microprocessor. It contains a program that controls the operation of the heating elements and the pressure valve.

Heating elements can be located at the bottom of the case, in the walls, in the lid. Electronic control. The cover or the wall has a screen and touch buttons to adjust the mode. The subsequent cooking process is carried out in automatic mode. The purpose of the valve is to automatically regulate the pressure inside the container. The screen displays information about the selected mode, with its help to start the program. When operating the multicooker, the countdown of the time for the preparation of the dish is visible on it.

The temperature, pressure and cooking time are set by the software according to the data entered. The end of the work is signaled by an audible signal.

The functionality of the multicooker depends on the number of additional programs and equipment. The main types of devices: multicooker and multicooker-pressure cooker. The multicooker itself is inferior to the pressure cooker in terms of cooking speed. In pressure cookers, the pressure is higher, the temperature is 120 degrees. They have a more robust casing, they can only open the lid when the programming time is over.

The peculiarity of the multicooker is the simultaneous laying of all the ingredients. The presence of the heating and delayed start options makes it possible to reduce the time for preparing lunch/dinner.

A standard multicooker consists of:

• the bowl in which the food is prepared;
• shells;
• blankets;
• electric cable;
• container to collect the condensates.

The basic kit includes:

• steaming vessel;
• cup;
• plastic spoon;
• scapula;
• brochure with recipes and cooking methods.

With extended functionality, the set can include grids, coasters, yogurt pots.

The multicooker should not be left plugged in between cooking. First, the cable is connected to the device, then to the socket. On the control panel, together with the sound signal, the ready-to-work indicator lights up.

Household appliances differ in the type of heating element, type of bowl cover, design, volume.

Advantages and disadvantages

The multicooker saves time on the preparation of main dishes. Due to the increase in temperature and pressure, they reach the desired state faster. The microprocessor, according to the readings of the temperature and pressure sensors, regulates the cooking process without the participation of the cook. The ability to set the heating modes at the desired time, ignition after a few hours (delayed start) alleviates the problem of family power. You don't have to wait an hour and a half to prepare a hot lunch or dinner.

A multicooker is an additional and powerful consumer of electricity. Despite the simplicity and reliability of the design, it must be used according to the instructions. The pressure valve requires special care. Contamination can affect the safe use of the kitchen appliance. Children and people with mental disabilities should not be allowed to access the working multicooker.

How to choose the right one

When buying a device, first of all you need to know what to pay attention to. Which structural elements significantly affect the operation of the device, most often fail.A realistic assessment of the model you like will help you avoid buying a poor quality product and overpaying for unnecessary options. Manufacturers do not provide complete information on the characteristics of the proposed technology. You can learn about the intricacies of using a multicooker from people who have experience in using this model.

Design tips

The design of the device should correspond to the style of the kitchen and not attract attention with dissonance in color, material with other household appliances.

Power

The speed of cooking and energy consumption depend on this indicator. But at the same time it is necessary to take into account the volume of products in the bowl, the mode of operation. Manufacturers offer models from 180 to 2000 watts. The average indicators that consumers adhere to are 500-800 watts. The power of heating elements up to 1 kilowatt is optimal for a 5-liter multicooker, enough for a family of 4-5 people.

Bowl volume

In the multicooker offered by manufacturers, the capacity of the bowls varies from 1 to 10 liters. For one person, a volume of 2 or 3 liters is enough. A family of 4 will need a 4-5 liter container (8-10 servings of food). In other cases, the maximum sizes will be relevant.

Choice of bowl material

The bowl has the greatest heat load. The life of the device will depend on the quality of the coating of its bottom and walls. The containers are made of steel or aluminum and coated with one of the types of non-stick coating.

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Teflon

Advantages of teflon bowls:

• good thermal conductivity;
• rapid warm-up;
• lack of burn-in;
• cook food without adding oil;
• dishwasher.

Disadvantages of Teflon:

• temperature limitation (heating above 260 degrees is not recommended due to the release of harmful substances);
• the need to use plastic spatulas;
• retention of non-stick properties for up to 3 years.

Do not use a multicooker with a damaged coating.

Ceramic

Ceramic coatings heat more evenly, maintain temperature longer, do not require plastic spoons and spatulas during the cooking process.

Defaults:

• not dishwasher safe;
• it is forbidden to use alkaline agents for cleaning that destroy the surface layer;
• they can crack under a strong blow;
• service life - up to 3 years.

The cost of the multicooker with such a coating is higher than that of analogues.

Five-layer non-stick

In a high-end multicooker, the steel bowls are first coated with Teflon and then marbled. The strength and reliability of the coating increases. Stone dust has the heat resistance of ceramics and the strength of metal. The service life of the devices can be up to 5-7 years.

Security

When choosing a device, you should consider:

1. The place where the multicooker will work. The length of the cable is important here, so do not use extension cords.
2. The surface to stand on. Smooth countertops need rubber feet to prevent them from falling on the floor.
3. The detachable cable makes it easy to carry, but moisture will short out the connector.

An electric stove is a device that requires compliance with safety rules during operation specified in the manufacturer's instructions.

Removable valve

The presence of a removable valve facilitates the maintenance of the multicooker. After each cycle, it must be removed, washed and dried.

Condensate trap

A plastic container at the back of the appliance will prevent water from forming on the countertop after opening the lid.

Heating element type and location

In inexpensive multicookers, a tubular electric heater (TEN) is located at the bottom. For more even heating of the bowl during cooking, the second heating element is placed in the lid where the temperature sensor is mounted. The microprocessor program turns them on one at a time, based on their readings recorded on the sensor.

Induction heating

The heating element consists of electromagnetic waves, the transmitter of which is located in the body of the multicooker. Under their influence, the bowl and the products in it are heated. The containers are massive for better thermal insulation. Induction heating refers to a gentle mode: the cooking temperature is below 100 degrees. Food warms up, languishes without losing its taste and vitamins.

3D heating

In expensive models, induction heating is improved by placing heating elements in the side walls and the lid. This method is called 3D heating. Thanks to him, the multicooker turns into a mini oven. In such a device, you can get high-quality casseroles and pastries.

Understandability and manageability

Each person has their own criteria for clarity and convenience. Someone wants all the data to be reflected on the screen and confirmed with sound signals, for someone it does not matter in principle. Before paying for a purchase, you should familiarize yourself with the multicooker control unit and clarify incomprehensible points.

The instructions indicate the modes of operation for preparing various dishes. The more multifunctional the device, the more programs the microprocessor contains.The ability to adjust the temperature and cooking time makes the use of the multicooker more flexible. The total number of possible programs used in the devices is 23.

Important Modes

The main purpose of the multicooker is to cook food with a minimum of human time.

Basic modes run automatically:

• "porridge";
• "Groats";
• Extinguisher;
• "cooking";
• "soup";
• "to smoke";
• "Frying".

The difference in recipes is the combination of temperature, pressure and process time, which allows you to cook the desired dish.

Cooking the porridge

The mode used allows you to cook liquid porridge with milk or water. The temperature inside the bowl does not exceed 80 degrees, which does not allow the milk to "escape".

Cereal cooking

Buckwheat, rice are cooked until the liquid has completely evaporated. Fillers can be added to cereals: meat, mushrooms, vegetables.

Extinguisher

The mode of simmering products at temperatures up to 100 degrees. Suitable for all types of food and products: soups, roasts, stews.

Baked goods

Oven replacement mode allows you to bake muffins, pizzas, cookies, omelettes. This option allows you to bake large pieces of meat and fish. Cooking time: 30 to 60 minutes. It is not possible to replace with another program.

Frying

Frying can be done with the lid open and sealed. The temperature above 100 degrees is maintained for a short time, followed by a transition to "extinction". In some models, "frying" is associated with "baking". If there is no option, it is replaced by "baked goods".

Pilaf

To prepare pilaf, a combination of 2 modes is required: "frying and stewing" or "stewing", if the meat is fried in a multicooker.In a special mode, pieces of meat are placed on the bottom, and rice is poured on top. After evaporation of the water, the meat is golden and the rice remains crumbly.

Multicooking

The "multi-cooking" option means that you can set your own cooking mode for any dish. The temperature and time range depends on the multicooker model. For example, 40 to 180 degrees, 1 to 5 minutes.

Unlike the standard programs, here you can create a complex combination of modes based on your own cooking experience.

Additional Modes

In addition to the standard list, manufacturers offer other popular culinary options.

Soup

Cooking broth and soup is similar to cooking meat and vegetables. Violent boiling is not allowed. The program provides an additional bookmark for quick cooking of ingredients. On this option, you can prepare a compote, a drink.

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Jam

The "jam" mode is similar to "stew": fruits in sugar syrup languish at a temperature of 80-90 degrees.

Water bath

For steaming, a special container is used where the food is placed. Water is poured on the bottom (according to the instructions). The dish is prepared with the lid closed.

Bread maker

This mode allows you to bake products from yeast dough.

Yogurt

To prepare yogurt in a multicooker, there is a special glass in the package. The temperature in the bowl does not exceed 40 degrees.

Cover Selection Rules

The cover is an important structural element that must be taken into account when choosing a model. Manufacturers offer different options: fixed and removable, with and without heating elements, plastic or glass. What to look for when buying.

Completely removable

The removable lid is easier to clean. It can be washed under running water or in the dishwasher. In a fixed lid, it is more difficult to clean joints, small cracks due to residual fats, dried vapors.

It has no slits and fits perfectly. Seal without defects

The lid should be checked for leaks: how well it covers the work area. The seal should not have cracks, foreign smell.

Careful consideration of where the cover attaches to the body

The cover is attached to the body with latches, without deformations. Closing / opening is effortless at the push of a button.

Closing method

The lid closes with a latch, pressure cookers have an additional latch.

Bends 90 degrees or more

The fixed cover can be lifted 90 or 180 degrees. In the first case, it takes up less space, but it is more difficult to maintain.

Rubber feet

Rubber feet are safer than plastic ones.

Spoon holder

It is more convenient to store the spoons, spoons, spoons included in the package next to the device, on a special stand.

Bowl compatibility

With intensive use, the coating is often damaged. Some manufacturers indicate the possibility of replacing or combining bowls of different models.

Review of popular models

The taste preferences of Russians for the multicooker can be divided into 3 categories:

1. Inexpensive, with a minimum of modes.
2. Budget, but with a wide range of programs.
3. Premium class in terms of functionality, cost.

The most popular are the multicookers of the second group. These are electric appliances with a capacity of up to 0.9 kilowatts, with a ceramic bowl of 5 liters.Buyers of kitchen assistants want to be able to experiment: the vast majority of popular models have a multi-cooking mode.

The love of pies has made the 3D heating feature much in demand. It allows you to turn the electric stove into an automatic oven, where you can cook dough products without any problems.Judging by the type of devices, multicooker pressure cookers are in great demand.

Polaris PMC 0517AD

The appliance belongs to the category of multicookers: it does not cook under pressure. The body is made of metal-plastic. Electronic touch panel. The volume of the ceramic coated bowl is 5 liters. Heating type - 3D. The power of the heating elements is 860 watts. The number of modes - 17, including "multi-cooking", "baking", "yogurt", "heating". Delayed start - 24 hours.

Redmond RMC-M800S

Multicooker with steam function. Body in black metal-plastic. Equipped with a 5 liter ceramic bowl. 3D heating using heating elements with a power of 900 watts. Electronic system with possibility of remote control from a smartphone. Number of programs - 20. There is a "multi-cooking" mode with temperature correction from 35 to 170 degrees, with an interval of 5 degrees.

Philips HD4731/03

Multicooker pressure cooker. White and silver body. 5 liter ceramic coated bowl. 3D heating with heating elements. The power is 980 watts. The number of modes - 19, including "multi-cooking", "yogurt", "baking", "heating", "delayed start".

Cuckoo clock CMC-HJXT0804F

Device type - pressure cooker. White and silver body with a 4 liter bowl. Induction heating power - 1.19 kilowatts.

The program list also includes:

• “Multi-kitchen”;
• "yogurt";
• "soup";
• "baked goods".

Regulatory functions:

• delayed start (from 1 p.m.);
• warming up;
• heating.

Electronic control with voice navigation.

Moulinex CE 503132

The multicooker has a 5 liter bowl with a ceramic coating. The list of automatic programs has 33 positions, including “multi-cooking”. The power of the multicooker is 1 kilowatt. Additional control functions relate to assistance, temperature control, delayed start of cooking.

Speed ​​VS-571

Silver color body. 5 liter ceramic bowl. The power of the heating elements is 0.9 kilowatts. 3D is missing. 16 automatic programs. There are functions of delayed start for 24 hours, heating, steaming.

Redmond RMC-M92S

Multicooker with a metal-plastic body. The volume of the ceramic coated bowl is 5 liters. The power consumption of the heating elements in the walls of the bowl is 0.86 kilowatts. The number of cooking options - 17. There is a "multi-cooking" mode. Temperature control - from 35 to 170 degrees, with an interval of 5 degrees, time - from 2 minutes. The electronic control of the multicooker is synchronized with gadgets on Android (from version 3.4) and iOS (from 7). Delayed start is possible for 24 hours. The automatic heating function is maintained for a day or deactivated.

REDMOND RMK-M452

Multi-kitchen: multi-cooker + frying pan. The useful volume of the non-stick aluminum bowl is 4 liters. The power of the heating elements is 0.86 kilowatts. In the list of declared modes there is a "multi-cooking". Preservation of heating - up to 12 hours, delayed start - 24 hours. The diameter of an aluminum pan with a similar coating is 20 centimeters. The height of the sides is 3.5 centimeters.

Redmond RMC-M40S

Multi-kitchen: multi-cooker and frying pan included. Metal body. Ceramic coated bowl with a volume of 5 liters. 12 modes, including "multi-cooking".There are functions for heating, setting the time, delayed start of cooking. The heating elements are located at the bottom of the case and in a removable cover. Power consumption - 0.86 kilowatts.

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Moulinex MK 707832

Plastic body, 5 liter ceramic coated bowl. Heating type - 3D using heating elements. The power of the heating elements is 0.75 kilowatts. The number of standard programs is 9 (without "multi-cooking"). Additional functions: heating, delayed start.

USP-1150D UNIT

Stainless steel multicooker with removable glass lid. Type: multicooker with steam function. The useful volume is 4 liters. 12 automatic programs. In 5 modes, it is possible to set the temperature and time. Power capacity - 0.7 kilowatts. There are heating and delayed start functions.

Smile MPC-1141

A metal-plastic multicooker with a teflon bowl. The useful volume is 4 liters. The power of the heating elements is 0.7 kilowatts.

Automatic Modes:

• "porridge";
• "Cereals";
• "baked goods";
• Extinguisher;
• "For a couple";
• "pilaf".

Additional function: heating.

Lume LU-1446

Multicooker with a stainless steel body. Bowl capacity - 5 liters. Power: 0.86 kilowatts. The microprocessor supports 46 programs: 16 automatic and 30 manual. Using the “multi-cooking” and “pro chef” functions, manual temperature settings (from 30 to 170 degrees, with an interval of 1 degree) and time (from 1 minute to 24 hours, with an interval of 1 minute) are possible. Additional features: automatic heating, delayed cooking.

Mystery MCM-1012

A plastic multicooker, with metal inserts, a 5-liter Teflon bowl.The power of the heating elements is 0.8 kilowatts. Availability of popular functions: multi-cooking, delayed cooking, automatic heating. The number of standard programs is 12.

Tefal RK812132

Multicooker with a steamer. White plastic body. Bowl, 3.7 liters of usable volume, in 3-layer lacquered aluminium. The wall thickness of the container is 2.5 mm. Circular heating. The power of the elements is 0.75 watts. In the list of modes there is a "multi-cooking". Additional functions: delayed start, automatic heating, setting the cooking time.

BORK U800

Induction multicooker with flexible temperature regulation from 1 degree and a duration of 1 minute. It can work in slow cooker, pressure cooker, double boiler, rice cooker mode. Silver-black metal-plastic body. Bowl - 5 liters, 8-layer coating. Feature: voice prompts, self-cleaning steam valve. Delayed start - 1 p.m. Automatic heating - 36 hours.

Bear MP5005PSD

Type: multicooker + pressure cooker. Device with a 5 liter ceramic bowl. The power of the heating elements is 1.2 kilowatts. The number of standard programs is 11, including multi-cooking. There are temperature support and delayed start functions.

Manufacturers rating

In Russia, the multicooker is produced by the companies Dobrynya and Redmond. In addition, Russian demand for household appliances is met by exports. The popularity of the multicooker among consumers has forced global home appliance manufacturers to turn to this market segment. Well-known brands confirm their priority in the production of high-quality multicookers.

Redmond

The Redmond company is a recognized leader in the production of multicookers.The products are in great demand due to the large number of automatic modes, flexible adjustment possibilities, elegant design and intuitive control. The reliability and durability of the multicooker is not inferior to world brands, but at the same time its cost is lower.

panasonic

Panasonic brand household appliances have high indicators of reliability, quality and design. The Japanese multicooker is made of stainless steel, the bowls have a non-stick coating. Thanks to high-quality assembly, the products work for a long time and reliably.

Moulinex

The company produces multicookers of different volumes: from 3 to 8 liters, priced from 2000 to 6000 rubles. Regardless of the volume, the devices have automatic heating and delayed start modes. The minimum number of standard programs is 8.

Phillips

One of the most famous manufacturers in the world, including household appliances for the kitchen. The main advantages of the multicooker are the quality, design and use of the latest developments. Consumers are attracted by the low price, an impressive list of options. Most models are versatile, they can work as pressure cookers and steamers.

Vitek

Russian brand. The production of household appliances is concentrated in China and Turkey. High-quality multicooker is in great demand in Russia and the CIS countries.

Polaris

The manufacturer offers consumers reliable and attractive models of multicookers at an affordable price. Russian brand in China.

Dobrynya

A Russian company, a manufacturer of kitchen appliances and utensils, has been on the market since 2008. The design adheres to traditional patterns, which makes its products recognizable.The stainless steel multicooker is in high demand among buyers due to its good quality and affordable price.

Rules of operation

How to use a multicooker, the manufacturer describes in detail in the instructions. The first activation is carried out to eliminate extraneous odors, check the operation of the heating elements, buttons, display. 200-300 milliliters of water are poured into the bowl, the mode is selected (for example, "extinguishing" ) and the "start" button is pressed.

In the future, it is necessary to keep the multicooker clean, do not allow water to enter the lower heating element. Suggested recipes and order entry sequence should be used. To mark products, use the measuring containers from the complete set. Do not overfill the bowl above the usable volume.

The multicooker pressure cooker must not be opened during cooking. It is impossible to work with an improperly closed lid in high pressure mode.

Useful tips

You need to master the multicooker gradually, regardless of the cooking experience. Using the multi-cook function means a thorough understanding of the cooking process. Experimentation implies total mastery of the technique.

The location of the multicooker during operation should be convenient and safe for other family members. Between two uses, the appliance must be stored out of the reach of children. Do not immerse the body of the device in water. It is not recommended to use the multicooker bowls for other purposes: on an electric stove, gas stove, in the oven, to preserve the finished product. If you smell burning rubber during the power-up test, return the unit to the store.