How to choose a multicooker

Among the many modern kitchen gadgets, the multicooker confidently occupies a leading position. This multifunctional appliance allows you not only to prepare healthy and tasty dishes, but also to perform several tasks at the same time. The household appliances market offers a large number of models of this gadget from different manufacturers, differing in their set of functions, appearance, and price. A natural question from potential buyers is: how to choose a multicooker. In this publication we will try to give a detailed answer to it.

How to choose a multicooker

A multicooker is a multifunctional device with program control that combines the capabilities of an electric stove and a double boiler and is designed for automatic cooking. The name of the device speaks for itself: multi - a lot, cooking - cook. You can cook a lot of dishes in a multicooker, since it has a wide variety of built-in modes: “cooking”, “frying”, “baking”, “milk porridge”, “yogurt”, “stewing”, “steam” and others.

There are several types of multicookers:

1. Conventional, or classic, the functioning of which is controlled by a microprocessor and a built-in heating element (bottom, top, sides - depending on the model, but more often - under the bowl), maintaining temperature and constant pressure, as well as monitoring the evaporation of liquid.
2. A multicooker-pressure cooker, in which, in addition to heating elements, there is a valve that creates high pressure inside the unit. Thanks to this, cooking takes much less time.
3. Induction. An induction coil built into the body, creating an electromagnetic field around the bowl (made of ferromagnetic steel), heats it to the desired temperature. In this case, the dish is heated evenly, the cooking speed increases by 30%, ensuring minimal energy consumption.

These types of multicookers also differ in the type of control: mechanical or electronic.

Criterias of choice

In order not to get confused in the wide variety of models or functions and to choose the best multicooker, experts recommend paying attention to the following parameters: functionality, volume and coverage of the bowl, power, equipment. Let's take a closer look at each of these parameters.

Functionality

The most popular models in the mid-price category are equipped with a standard set of programs. As a rule, the quantity varies from 8 to 12. They are enough to prepare a wide variety of dishes: stewed, fried, baked and steamed.
Some models have up to 30 built-in programs, but this affects the price of the multicooker. However, many of them are not used by consumers. Therefore, when choosing, focus on the availability of those cooking modes that you really need.
Experts and experienced housewives who actively use multifunctional kitchen gadgets advise choosing models with delayed start, timer and heating functions. It is also worth paying attention to the “multi-cook”, “master chef” functions, etc., which significantly expand the capabilities of the multi-cooker, allowing the user to change the settings of existing programs and create new modes.
The market of household appliances includes models equipped with voice guidance (the step-by-step process of preparing a dish is announced) and remote control (control from a mobile device is possible). These additions affect the cost of the kitchen unit.

Bowl volume

Manufacturers produce models with bowls of different volumes: from 2 to 10 liters. The most popular are multicookers with 5-liter pans.
When choosing a gadget, be guided by how many people and how much you will cook.
The bowl size that suits you should be chosen based on the calculation of 1-1.5 liters per adult:

• for a family of no more than 2 people – 3 liters is enough;
• no more than 4 people – 4-5 liters;
• for a large family – from 6 liters or more.

Important! When purchasing, keep in mind that the working volume of the bowl is about a liter less than the total.

Bowl coating and handles

An important characteristic when choosing a multicooker is the coating of the bowl. What all models without exception have in common is that it is non-stick. The difference is in its type - Teflon or ceramic. Both coatings have both pros and cons in operation; no significant difference was found between them.
There is a widespread belief among consumers that ceramics are safer for health.However, this fact has not been confirmed by scientific research. More expensive models have a stainless or nanoceramic coating with marble coating, which is highly wear-resistant and safe.
Important! Each potential buyer, when choosing a multicooker, can trust his preferences. The main thing is not to forget that a multifunctional gadget requires careful operation and the use of special accessories.
Equally important is the presence of heat-resistant handles on the bowl, which allow you to easily reach it. Their absence will require the use of special tongs or potholders.

Cover, gaskets

When choosing a multicooker, pay special attention to the lid:

• it must ensure tightness: the rubber gasket is smooth, without damage, fits tightly to the body, there are no cracks;
• it is desirable that its inner part is removable: this will make it easy to wash off the fat and dirt accumulated on it;
• the attachment of the cover to the body must be made of high-quality plastic;
• closing method - lock or using a key: the first is preferable and more reliable.

Another important condition is that the lid must tilt 90 degrees or more.

Power

It is well known that the higher the power, the faster the heating occurs. This parameter in multicookers varies from 450 to 1600 W. Power directly depends on the volume of the bowl: the larger the capacity, the higher the power. Kitchen gadgets up to 1000 W are optimal. This parameter is optimal for the speed of cooking and energy consumption. As a rule, multicookers-pressure cookers have high power.
The choice is yours: if you want to increase the cooking speed, give preference to high-power appliances.

Equipment

The multicooker consists of the following elements:

• sealed thermos body;
• bowl;
• heating elements;
• pressure control valve;
• container for condensate accumulation.

The set also includes additional accessories: wire rack, stand, spoon, tongs, frying pan, etc., depending on the functionality and manufacturer.

Tips for choosing, important little things

When you decide to purchase a useful kitchen gadget, pay attention to the design nuances:

• rubberized legs will protect against falling and will not scratch the tabletop;
• the display on the front panel must be backlit, all its functions are described in Russian;
• the metal case will last longer than the plastic one;
• buttons (with mechanical control) are easy to press;
• the presence of a moisture collector that collects condensate;
• the length of the network cable allows you to reach the outlet; a removable cord is preferable;
• the longer the warranty period for the device, the higher the quality of the product: a warranty of less than a year is a good reason to refuse to purchase;
• It is desirable to have an auto-shut-off function;
• Make sure that the bowl is sold separately and can be easily replaced if damaged.

Important! If you are going to actively use a multicooker, then give preference to models with electronic controls, 3D-heating and expanded functionality.
Based on the parameters described above, you can make the right choice. When buying a useful, smart multifunctional device, don’t forget that it will serve you for many years, so don’t go cheap, but don’t overpay in vain. Try to find the best price/quality ratio.