Almost every housewife now has such a useful kitchen appliance as a multicooker, and if she does not, then she certainly dreams of buying it. With the help of this device, they prepare safe, healthy food that does not contain oil, because food in a multicooker is steamed and stewed. To make your purchase successful, we offer you some tips on how to choose this device, as well as a rating of the best multicooker for the whole family.
Content
A device such as a multicooker allows you not only to cook healthy and tasty food, but has many other advantages:
Despite the abundance of useful qualities, multicooker is not without its disadvantages:
To begin with, it is worth noting that there are conventional multi-cookers and pressure-cookers on sale. In a conventional device, the dish is cooked at normal pressure and therefore this process is quite long. A device with a pressure cooker function uses increased pressure, which makes it possible to reduce the cooking time by several times. However, not every dish can be used with high pressure cooking. Then an ordinary slow cooker will come to the rescue, which preserves vitamins in food and does not heat the walls of the device.
This is a very important criterion that affects the speed of cooking and its quality.Modern devices of this kind have a power in the range of 450-1500 watts. This criterion depends on the number of built-in modes and the volume of the bowl. If possible, you should give preference to an assistant with more power.
If the bowl has a volume of up to 3 liters, then 800 W is enough, with a bowl volume of up to 5 liters, 1000 W is sufficient, and if the volume exceeds 6 liters, a device with a power of 1500 W should be preferred.
This criterion is considered one of the main ones. It makes no sense to buy a device with a large bowl for a family of up to 3 people. On sale multicooker is available in volume from 2 to 10 liters. To determine the choice according to this criterion, you just need to take into account the number of people who will use the multicooker.
For the calculation, it is assumed that 1.5-2 liters are enough for one person.
Then, for a small family of 2 people, you need to select a device with a volume of up to 3 liters. For an ordinary family of 4 people, a device with a bowl up to 5 liters is suitable. For a large team or family, you need to buy a multicooker with a volume of more than 6 liters.
In most cases, models with an average price have only 6 to 18 programs, but there are copies on sale with up to 100 programs. The number of modes directly affects the price, the more there are, the more expensive the device is. Therefore, before buying, you need to think and decide on a set of desired programs that will be used often, and also decide which of them you can donate.
According to customer reviews, most often they use the following modes:
With the help of the Pilaf cooking mode, you can make other dishes that require cooking and frying at the same time.
In addition to these modes, there may be other functions useful for Russian housewives, but not mandatory functions that are not used so often. These programs include Yogurt, Pizza, Cottage cheese, Jam, Steamer, Bread Maker and others.
Usually the bowls of modern multicooker are round, but sometimes there are rectangular models. But this parameter is not as important as the presence of special handles, comfortable and not heating up. These handles greatly simplify the process of removing the hot bowl from the device.
Most models of such handles are deprived, instead of them it is proposed to pull out the bowl with special tongs or using silicone tacks.
It is much easier and more convenient to simply lift the bowl using special handles than to do it with potholders or tongs.
In most cases, a special aluminum alloy is used to make the bowl and coated with a non-stick Teflon or ceramic coating. The durability of both types of coating is approximately the same.
The Teflon coating is easy to clean and has excellent non-stick properties.At the same time, such a coating is easily scratched, which is why it begins to release toxic substances. Even if you handle the bowl with great care, its life will not exceed three years. In addition, for such a coating, it is necessary to buy special silicone spatulas, since the plastic ones that are usually included in the kit are not suitable for Teflon.
Ceramics are less prone to scratches and are not afraid of washing with a brush, but still wears out quickly enough. In addition, such a bowl must not be dropped from a height or washed in the dishwasher. At a cost, devices with a ceramic bowl are slightly more expensive than Teflon ones. But even if scratches appear on such a bowl, ceramics does not emit any harmful substances.
Almost all multicooker switches automatically to the heating mode after cooking and the end of the program. In this state, they keep the prepared dish hot.
Sometimes it is necessary to disable this function so that by the time of use the dish has already had time to cool down. For this, the mode of turning off the automatic heating before the start of cooking is useful.
The cover structure can be different. In most cases, in modern models, the inner cover can be removed and easily washed, but there are also models that do not have this option. A completely removable cover is a very good option.
And you also need to make sure that the cover fits snugly, does not leave gaps, lies flat and does not have any internal defects. Pay attention to the part of the cover that secures the cover to the body. The hinges must be strong and thick so that they do not break off at the most inopportune moment.
Pay attention to how the lid is closed. You need to give preference to those devices where the lid is fastened with a lock. This method of closing is much more reliable than a keyboard.
Another important point is the opening angle of the lid. It must be at least 90 degrees. Ideally, more is better.
For the manufacture of the case, plastic or stainless steel can be used. This parameter does not in any way affect the taste and quality of the prepared dish, but significantly affects the price. You can save a lot if you choose a device with a high-quality plastic case. In this case, you need to take into account several important points:
The steel case will be stronger, less scratched, beautiful, but makes the device much heavier and more expensive.
A container designed to collect condensate is a very necessary part of a multicooker. It collects all the moisture that accumulates under the lid and on the walls of the device.
A quality multicooker must have rubber feet. Thanks to them, the device will not slide on the table top.
Regardless of the shape of the case, it is better that the control panel and display are on top or with a slight tilt. Then the hostess will not have to bend over all the time to start the program.
It is necessary to choose models with a contrast display and backlit. Then the device can be started in any conditions. Buttons need to be responsive and comfortable, so they need to be tested in the store.
The display should show all the necessary information: the cooking time, the included program, the cooking temperature and everything else that is necessary.
Modern electronics stores offer a huge selection of multicooker, so you can pick up a device that meets any needs of the hostess. Devices can be selected based on price, size and functionality.
This multicooker combines an attractive appearance and low cost.It is easy to operate and has a good list of programs. There are 6 programs here, including steaming, pilaf, milk porridge, buckwheat, pastries. Each program is switched on with its own button. In addition, there are buttons that can delay the start, set the timer, turn on or turn off the heating. There is an LED display in the center.
This model has a stainless steel case combined with durable plastic. There are several color options. The non-stick bowl has a total volume of 5 liters.
The average price is 2890 rubles.
Among inexpensive models, this multicooker has a wide range of functions, which, combined with a low price, makes it very popular among customers. A recipe booklet is provided with the appliance. The main disadvantage of this model is in the radial menu. This means that if you accidentally skip a mode, you will have to go through all the menu items again to find the one you need.
The average price is 4217 rubles.
Multicooker video review:
Although this slow cooker is inexpensive, it has many useful programs. It is very important that there is a multi-cook mode, with an expanded ability to set the temperature and time. There is also a function that allows you to adjust the same parameters right during the operation of the device.
There are a total of 16 automatic programs and 26 manual settings. In addition, it is possible to turn off auto-heating, postpone start, warm-up, adjust the sound volume or turn it off completely for up to a day. The bowl has a ceramic coating and a volume of 5 liters.
More information in the video:
The average price is 3140 rubles.
Although a slow cooker is inexpensive, it has many functions, including baking, making yogurt, and frying. There is also a multi-cook program with time and temperature settings.
The average price is 2280 rubles.
Despite the low price, the multicooker has ample opportunities and prepares dishes with high quality. For the manufacture of the case, black plastic is used. Control - electronic touch, there is a LED display. The 4 liter bowl is Teflon coated.
There are 6 universal programs, in some of them you can set the time yourself. There is also a delay for a day and the ability to automatically switch to heating mode.
The average price is 2879 rubles.
Brief video review of the technique:
Among the multicooker with an average cost, the Redmond company has been the leader for a long time. Almost all models presented by her are of high quality. This multicooker is no exception. It is a multifunctional device that can be controlled remotely using a mobile phone, for which you will need to download a special application.
The average price is 8990 rubles.
More information in the video review:
This multicooker from the famous company is of good quality. It has not only bottom heating, but also side and top heating. This heats the food evenly from all sides. The bowl has a volume of 4.8 liters, Teflon coated.
The device has 11 automatic modes that are used most often. Additionally, it is possible to turn on the turbo mode and automatic heating.
The model has a high power of 1000 watts. The control is carried out electronically using a simple and intuitive menu. It is possible to control the temperature at different stages of cooking. The steam valve has a removable cover.
The average price is 4990 rubles.
This model is an example of an improved version of the multicooker - the multi-kitchen. It can replace a steamer, yogurt maker, oven and stove. The design feature of this model is that the lower heater can be raised to turn on the frying mode. For this, a special frying pan is included in the kit.
The device allows you to significantly save kitchen space. It has an automatic shutdown mode when the specified time passes. Therefore, spoiling the dish is almost impossible. Comes with a 5 liter ceramic coated bowl. There are 42 manual and automatic programs in the multicooker.
The average price is 5144 rubles.
Multikitchen video review:
This multicooker has little power, but it compensates for this lack with a variety of functions. A distinctive feature is the presence of an “artificial intelligence” system that independently optimizes the cooking process.
The average price is 5000 rubles.
Multicooker video demonstration:
This model is one of the most popular and most frequently purchased. It has many advantages: wide functionality with the ability to manually adjust the temperature and time, ease of cleaning, time-tested quality.
The average price is 5820 rubles.
Video review of the kitchen assistant:
This device is distinguished by its attractive design and good functionality. There are 19 automatic modes, including Multi-cook. The bowl has a volume of 5 liters and is protected by a non-stick coating. It is dishwasher safe.
The heat is evenly distributed thanks to three-dimensional heating. This reduces the likelihood of food burning. The timer can be set for a day.
The average price is 7550 rubles.
Cartoon overview:
This device has a huge number of settings, there are many automatic and manual modes with very precise setting of parameters up to 1 degree and 1 minute. Also, as a bonus, the company offers the opportunity to prepare three exclusive dishes that will definitely surprise household members and guests.
The average price is 36,900 rubles.
More information in the video:
This device is characterized by great power and excellent quality. The model has a huge number of operating modes, but it is easy to operate. Can give voice prompts.
The average price is 39,100 rubles.
First of all, buyers note the stylish design of this high-tech multicooker. She can become a real decoration of modern kitchen. In addition, the device is very compact and does not take up much space. It has serious power, control is carried out using a touch screen, there is a backlight. The high-quality 4 liter bowl is protected by a multi-layer coating. There is a possibility of cooking under pressure, heating and maintaining the temperature.
12 months warranty.
Multi-vark service instructions:
It is a very compact model with an original attractive design. It has 5 automatic cooking modes, you can cook omelet, porridge, cake, or yogurt. A bowl with a volume of only 2 liters is suitable for preparing meals for a small family of 2 people.
The device is equipped with protection against voltage surges, there is a protective lock against accidental pressing, for easy portability there is a special handle on the case.
The average price is 2900 rubles.
Video review of the device:
This device is very small in size, its bowl has a volume of only 1.6 liters, and the power is 400 watts. The peculiarity is that you can cook food for a child in it. The multicooker perfectly preserves all the beneficial properties of the food, and thanks to the small size of the bowl, you can prepare mini-portions suitable for baby food.
The model has 8 automatic programs, including yogurt, baking, steaming, stewing. It can be used not only for a child, but also for cooking for a small family. You can also take the multicooker with you on a trip or take it to the country.
The average price is 4000 rubles.
Cartoon video review:
Buy a multicooker or cook on a familiar stove, only the consumer himself can decide. If you are not completely sure of the need for this device, you can first buy an inexpensive model and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of dishes prepared with it yourself.