What is the difference between a multicooker and a pressure cooker?
Multicookers and pressure cookers, which have become popular, help to significantly save personal time and effort. Especially often mothers, busy people, grandparents, single men, etc. resort to such devices. At the same time, the variety of types and prices presented on the market makes the right choice difficult. How not to waste money and buy the right product?
The content of the article
Comparison of the main characteristics of a multicooker and a multicooker-pressure cooker
A multicooker is a kitchen electrical appliance that has many cooking functions. It is a plastic case, mostly cylindrical in shape, inside of which there is a bowl. It has a Teflon or ceramic coating that prevents food from sticking to the walls of the pan. During the cooking process, you can periodically open it, adding the required ingredients and checking the readiness of the food.
When purchasing a product you receive a set of additional devices:
- plastic spatula and spoon;
- mesh for steaming food;
- beaker;
- book of recipes;
- instructions for use.
The main reason for the popularity of the multicooker was its versatility. You can use it to cook regular porridge or borscht, or bake a delicious pie.It can maintain a high temperature even after it is turned off. This can be useful when the dish needs to “reach” or if the electricity in the house suddenly goes out. Cleaning the device is quite simple, since you don’t have to scrub anything.
One of the main advantages, especially for families with children, is the safety of the structure. This means that the possibility of getting burned by hot steam or splashing sunflower oil is excluded.
What is the difference between a multicooker and a pressure cooker? A pressure cooker is an electric pan in which food is subjected not only to high heat, but also to pressure. This significantly speeds up the cooking process. There is an emergency valve on the lid. It is activated when the pressure inside the bowl exceeds the permissible limit.
The peculiarity of the pressure cooker is that it cannot be opened while cooking. In this case, the pressure inside the vessel will drop, and cooking will take a long time. Thus, you won’t be able to check the condition of the dish or add a couple of ingredients. You will have to lay out all the components before turning on the device.
Cooking speed
Despite the fact that it takes 20–30 minutes for the pressure to rise and fall in a pressure cooker, dishes are cooked in it much faster than in a conventional multicooker. This is explained by the combined action of temperature and pressure. This is what distinguishes a pressure cooker from a multicooker. However, it must be borne in mind that only those dishes in which all the ingredients are added at once can be cooked in a pressure cooker. If this is instant food, then take a closer look at a simple slow cooker.
Functionality
Let's consider several aspects:
- A regular multicooker has many different modes, which a pressure cooker cannot boast of.
- As already mentioned, a pressure cooker operates under high pressure conditions. Therefore, throughout the cooking process, you cannot open the lid so as not to lose it. If this happens, the cooking process will take another 20 minutes. You can add ingredients to the slow cooker while the dish is simmering and periodically monitor the condition of the food.
- Using a multicooker you can cook a large number of dishes. In a pressure cooker, the choice is limited. It is more suitable for cooking.
- In the multicooker, you can program the cooking time. For example, before going to bed, you load it with the necessary products, and for breakfast it gives you delicious porridge.
IMPORTANT! If you need a multifunctional appliance, take a look at a pressure cooker with a multi-cook function. It makes it possible to come up with your own recipes and set up the desired modes.
Economical
As for energy consumption, it is the same and depends on the power of the device. If a pressure cooker and a multicooker have the same power, then they will consume the same amount of electricity. However, we must take into account the fact that a pressure cooker cooks much faster.
If we talk about the cost of the device, then the pressure cooker is more expensive because it has an additional function.
Quality of food
There is an opinion that food cooked in a pressure cooker retains more nutrients. This is explained by the fact that it is prepared very quickly, and the substances do not have time to evaporate. At the same time, dishes prepared in a slow cooker are dietary and healthy, because they are prepared without oil.
IMPORTANT! Food that is cooked in a slow cooker is similar to oven dishes based on the principle of simmering. This cooking method allows you to preserve the beneficial properties of food.
What to choose: a slow cooker or a pressure cooker?
A pressure cooker is a multicooker that has been improved with a new function and has a higher cost. She is able to quickly prepare dishes that would normally take a long time. If you regularly prepare such food and have the financial means to purchase this device, buy it!
A multicooker is suitable for those who like to cook a variety of dishes and are willing to devote the necessary amount of time to it. It is also suitable for people who do not want to spend a large sum on purchasing a device!
Of course, each product has its pros and cons. Study in detail information about the devices and find out what the difference is between them. Assess your needs and capabilities. Determine what exactly you need. Now, armed with our tips, feel free to go to the store to buy your dream!
