10 tips on choosing a multicooker

Popular vote - which manufacturer of multicookers is the best
We vote!

Redmond

Moulinex

Vitesse

Polaris

Vitek

Panasonic

Philips

Tefal

Steba

ENDEVER

Total votes: 4

Vote results

The first thing you need to decide - a company that produces multicookers. Much depends on the reliability of the manufacturer and its price category. Therefore, you must choose the company, which you entrust your food after buying the device.

We recommend to pay attention to the following manufacturers:

• Redmond is one of the most famous companies in the Russian market. Engaged in the production of multicookers as a budget class, and models for professionals. Redmond devices always have all the necessary functions, and they look just gorgeous.
• Moulinex is a French brand of really high-quality and convenient equipment for home and kitchen. There are many innovations like a spherical bowl (imitation of cooking in the oven) or a rather large number of induction models.
• Panasonic is a Japanese company that creates multicookers for every taste and budget. Those who wish can find almost everything that is needed in the kitchen - many models, high quality, convenience in work. More expensive models boast manufacturability.
• Vitesse produces good multicooking budget segment - up to 5-7 thousand rubles. Instead, the user can get a fairly functional device without innovations such as induction heating or touch control, but quickly and tasty cooking.
• Polaris is pleased that attentive to the national taste preferences of users. In addition to the standard modes, some multicookers of the company are equipped with such as “Jelly”, “Pelmeni”, “Jam” and so on.

Naturally, this list of the most optimal manufacturers does not end there. You can also find premium models straight from Europe, as well as cheap, low-quality multicookers from local manufacturers.

A conventional multicooker is a pan with its own heating element and cooking programs. It differs only in increased convenience - due to well-adjusted programs, it is not necessary to constantly stand at the stove and make sure that nothing burns and does not run away. Additional features make the multicooker more convenient. But they are not suitable for everyone, although they add value to the aggregate. These functions are a pressure cooker and a double boiler.

A pressure cooker can reduce the cooking time by about 1.5-2 times. Due to the tightness inside the multicooker housing, increased pressure is injected, and the cooking time is reduced.But because of the tightness it is impossible to open the lid in the process of work, in order to mix food or add other ingredients. If the cooking speed is not important to you, then you can not waste money on this function. But remember that then the meat in a conventional slow cooker (especially beef and lamb) can be cooked for 2 and 3 hours, according to customer reviews. It is due to the speed of cooking, we recommend to buy models with the function of a pressure cooker, to save energy and time.

The double boiler is added to many models of the middle price segment. This feature allows you to cook healthy food for a couple. Due to cooking in this way, more useful substances and elements are preserved in the food. And the dishes are moderately juicy and not fatty. Especially good steamer for diet burgers without oil. However, a steamer is needed by those who watch their health especially zealously - so if you are not one of those, then you can not overpay for the function.

You can purchase models with different combinations of these functions - for example, a multi-cooker-pressure cooker with a double boiler, a double boiler in a multi-cooker, and so on. The cost will be appropriate.

Very much depends on the volume of the bowl. The more it is - the more people can be fed for one cooking. But, accordingly, the price is higher. Convenient advice: if you plan to cook more than once, then consider the volume of the multicooker based on 1.5-2 liters per person. This amount will feed each family member at least twice. And thanks to this formula, you can derive the optimal volume of the bowl for you.

Remember that many manufacturers do not indicate the useful volume of the bowl, but “to the brim”. So it is impossible to fill in the multicooker, so take away at least 0.5-0.6 liters from the price list and advertising texts in advance, depending on the reviews. Then you get exactly the useful volume of the bowl. Most often, it is recommended to purchase 5-liter bowls for a standard family of 4 persons. And if you are a bachelor or a couple without children, then 2.5-4 liters will be enough to prepare a tasty dish.

As for the coating of the selected bowl. In total there are three types:

• Teflon. The cheapest and most harmful of all - it releases toxins that spoil the taste of food. It is scratched quickly even with the use of soft devices. But it is very easy to wash that plus.
• Ceramic. Neutral, does not emit harmful substances, due to which it is most in demand. Unfortunately, it is very fragile and scratched with metal devices. It is necessary to use silicone, wooden or plastic spatulas and scoops.
• Five-layer with marble coating. It is rare, expensive, but the most wear-resistant and does not emit harmful substances.

The best is exactly the five-layer. But the slow cooker with such a bowl is not affordable for every buyer. Therefore, we recommend purchasing ceramic-coated bowls, as the safest and most practical of all.

Power is one of the key parameters of the multicooker. She determines how the model will be productive, comfortable and functional. Now the market can meet multicookers with a range from 170 W to 2.5 KW. Naturally, both of these extremes are not the best choice.

Immediately we denote one important fact. Do not take a slow cooker with a small capacity. It may seem that due to this you will save electricity. But in fact, the costs will only increase: the lower the power - the slower the device will cook, and the more time it will take. Therefore, the minimum power (400-500 W) immediately discard.

The maximum power is now limited to 2500 watts. Of course, due to it, you can cook dishes very quickly. But the maximum will consume more energy, and not every network will be able to pull it out. Therefore, it is better to stay on the optimal average version.

What power to call the best? It depends on the volume of the bowl in the selected multicooker. In the most popular version with a bowl of 4-5 liters, an ideal capacity will be 700-900 watts. If the volume is less - it will be enough 600-700 watts. For bowls with a volume of more than 5-6 liters, it is recommended to take a slow cooker with a capacity of at least 1 KW.

Heating elements in multivarcs are of two types - heating elements and induction. The first ones are based on tubular electric heaters, they are cheap and easy to operate. They heat the bowl, being built into the bottom, and sometimes into the walls or lid. The latter emit an induction field, which acts on the alloy of the bowl, due to which it heats itself.

Induction multicookers are much more expensive than Tenovye. But they consume less electricity, safer and more convenient. In addition, by heating the bowl itself, the products in it are heat treated more evenly. Ordinary models are found at every step, so that they are easier to find and buy.

Now let's talk about the location of the heating elements in conventional multicookers. As a rule, there are three types of heating:

• From below. The heating element is embedded only in the bottom of the multicooker, because of which the bowl heats up for a long time and unevenly. The advantage is cheapness.
• Bottom and sides. Heating elements are also mounted in the walls of the device. The bowl heats up more quickly and evenly, increasing the speed and quality of cooking.
• From all sides. Among other things, the element is also inserted into the multicooker lid. Best for baking - due to the top warming up on the cake, a tasty and ruddy crust is obtained.

The last two marketers are briefly called 3D heating. At the expense of it, the products are heated more evenly, therefore, on none of the sides does not burn anything and does not remain raw. Naturally, 3D-heating is noticeably more expensive than the usual bottom. But the slow cooker with it is much more convenient, and is also ideal for baking.

For the manufacture of cases of most multivarcs are two materials - metal and plastic. Occasionally there are models of stainless steel. The body, of course, is not key in the main function of the device - to cook food - but it also needs to be chosen wisely.

In the context of multicookers, there is little difference between materials. Both allow the device to work correctly. Both materials are strong enough and easy to wash, so that the device does not suffer in harsh kitchen conditions. In addition, metal and plastic often act in tandem - many manufacturers make combined cases, due to which they make production a little cheaper.

Plastic multicookers are usually much cheaper than metal ones. They weigh less, so they are easy to rearrange from place to place, as buyers say in reviews. Plastic is easier to clean from drips and sprays of food, it does not remain noticeable stains. In addition, the obvious plus - the plastic case does not heat as much as the metal one. Therefore, it is better to buy plastic multicookers in a house where there are small children - they will not burn. But there are certain disadvantages. Plastic does not look as noble as metal. It is easily scratched, and the scratches on it are no longer polished. In addition, in the process of long-term use of such a body overwrites and fade, which makes it even more unpresentable.

The metal case, in turn, looks better and retains its original appearance for longer. Naturally, if you take care of him well. Metal is much stronger than plastic and can survive a lot. But, unfortunately, such devices are somewhat heavier than plastic and cost more. In addition, it is not encouraging that the metal case gets very hot while working - it is easy to burn about it. So if young children have access to the slow cooker, they can suffer.

Automatic programs are exactly what many buyers love multicookers for. They allow you to simply lay the food in the bowl, press a couple of buttons and go about your business. Further the wonderful unit will make everything independently. But do we need dozens of different programs?

As a rule, the most used modes in modern devices are “Soup”, “Porridge” (sometimes called “Buckwheat” or “Rice”), “Milk porridge”, “Pilaf”, “Frying”, “Stewing”, “Steam” and "Baking". Most other functions are used less frequently. But they significantly add the cost of the multicooker.

In order not to overpay for unnecessary modes of operation, think about what exactly you cook most often. And look at the slow cooker with these modes first. For example, if you are not doing homemade yogurt, then why do you need this feature? You also need a manual mode in case you want to cook something that is not included in the standard programs of the device. As a rule, it is called "Multipovar". With it, you can customize the program by selecting the time and temperature.

By the way, everything changes if you have small children. In this case, it is worth buying a slow cooker with the functions “Milk porridge”, “Sterilization”, “Baby food” and, if you want to make the right treats for kids, “Yogurt”. This will provide the child with healthy and tasty foods.

We advise, first of all, to focus on your kitchen "activity". If you like yogurts - take a slow cooker with the program "Yogurt". Often cook jam - buy a model with the appropriate function. And if you know how to customize everything yourself, and you do not need automatic programs, then a model with a minimum of options, but having a Multipov program, will be enough.

Correctly assembled multicooker housing can significantly facilitate its operation. It is important that the model was made with the expectation of maximum user convenience. Because even the little things can seriously annoy in the process of cooking.

First of all, it is necessary that completely remove the cover. This will make it easier to clean up food debris. If the cover is not removed - it will be very difficult to wash it completely. By the way, it will be good if the lid does not open with a button (which tend to break frequently), but by lock type. That is, turning the cap.

It is desirable that the model had rubber feet. Otherwise, she will crawl on the table while cooking, especially at the stage of sleeping the ingredients or mixing them. In addition, it can be accidentally pulled off or brushed off the table.

pay attention to cable length. If it is short, and there is no outlet nearby, then it is better to pay attention to another model. Otherwise you will have to buy an extension cord. However, if you plan to put a slow cooker next to the socket, then this parameter can be neglected.

Very good if the multicooker has moisture collector. It allows condensation from the lid to drain into a special tank. And then the drops of water accumulated on it will not fall back into the bowl (which is especially unpleasant when you make pastries or some kind of "hard" dish).

It will be perfect if the pot pens. With their help, it is much more convenient to lift the bowl, especially if the dish has just been cooked and even hotter.

A set of additional options can further simplify the daily cooking. As a rule, it varies depending on the price of the model. Most of the useful functions will allow the multicooker to become even more convenient.

1. If there is a “Keep warm” function in your multicooker, then immediately after cooking, the device will maintain a certain temperature so that the contents of the bowl do not cool. This is very convenient, as it will always have a warm meal. But not for every dish is suitable long heating. Therefore, it is desirable that this option can be disabled in advance.
2. The function "Delayed Start" is ideal for those who are too lazy to cook something in the morning.With its help, you can set up a slow cooker so that she herself turns on at a specified time and prepares the contents of the bowl in the pre-selected program. Therefore, you can wake up and get a hot, fresh dish for breakfast.
3. For a house in which there are small children, a multicooker with protection against inclusion in an “empty” form is definitely needed. Otherwise there is a chance that inquisitive kids will accidentally turn it on without products, and then the device may burn.
4. Some "advanced" multicookers allow you to control them using a smartphone. This feature is convenient because you can turn on the model remotely. For example, if you put products into the device before going to work, but did not have time to cook, then you can remotely activate the slow cooker - and then you will receive a delicious dinner by your arrival.
5. There are also many different “side” functions. For example, the Sous-Vide technology allows you to prepare dishes that are pre-packed in vacuum bags in the most gentle manner. Due to this, they are juicy and useful. The voice guide will be extremely useful to people who see poorly. And so on.

The package does not affect the operation of the multicooker itself. But it can facilitate the treatment of her at first. Besides, it's just nice if the manufacturer took care of the customer and put additional tools in the kit.

The package must include a spatula and a small plastic ladle, as well as at least a small measuring cup. As a rule, in the complete recipe book (if there is one) all the proportions of the ingredients are designed specifically for it - it will be easier to get comfortable with the model.

Some companies add various pot holders, silicone spatulas, extra cups, and so on. It is not necessary, but very convenient. By the way, a book of recipes can also be included. It is useful because all proportions and cooking time are designed for a specific model of multicooker, which is not encouraging recipes from the Internet. The latter often have to be additionally customized for the device, since the dishes are obtained undercooked or burnt.

Ideally, the bowl should have handles. Perhaps even removable. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers provide for them. So you can buy them separately - removable handles are sold under most popular models of multicookers. All additional spoons and spatulas can be inserted into a special mount on the body - thanks to this they are easier to store and have where to attach during cooking.