How to choose a multicooker? Design features

Crock-pots are already firmly established in many kitchens. And those housewives and owners who do not yet have this wonderful invention in their arsenal often think about acquiring it. A slow cooker performs a lot of functions, is able to cook almost any dish, functions like a double boiler, a bread machine and even a yogurt maker.

The choice of a multicooker can become a rather big problem, since the market offers a huge variety of brands and models in various price categories. A wide selection is often only confusing. That is why before buying it is so important to study the features and functions of the multicooker in order to make the right choice and indulge the whole family with delicious, healthy and varied dishes.

How to make the right choice?

As a rule, expectations differ slightly from reality. All because of marketing programs that present the product in a completely different light. A slow cooker is not something magical and magical, it is not able to mold dumplings or cut tomatoes. By technical parameters, this device can be described more as an electric pan, which has several basic elements:

• bowl with non-stick coating;
• heating element;
• temperature sensor;
• heating controller;
• heat insulating body (made of plastic or metal).

A slow cooker is a relatively recent Japanese invention. The thing is that Japanese developers simply adapted their own rice cooker to the European market. The device turned out so successful that it quickly gained popularity and captured the market. The first was Panasonic, which is still in the top 10 of the best manufacturers.

Main characteristics of the multicooker

To understand which multicooker is better to choose, you should consider the characteristics by which different models differ.

Bowl volume

This is the first indicator that you should pay attention to, since it directly affects the energy consumption, as well as the compactness and mobility of the device. There are models that have both 2 liters of volume, and 10.

When choosing the volume of the bowl, you should consider the number of people in the family. So for one person, the best option would be to purchase a three-liter model, and for a family of 3 people, a bowl of 5 liters or more will do. It all depends on the frequency of cooking and the intensity of use of the multicooker.

Power

Often this indicator is greatly overestimated, since the difference in the power of different models of multicookers affects the cooking time with a difference of several minutes. It can also affect the degree of frying of foods.

The importance of power selection is the amount of electricity consumed. The most optimal is considered a model with a power of 900 watts. Compared with electric stoves, they consume 2 times less electricity. However, there are models with a power of 2300 watts. The cooking speed increases by several minutes, and the energy consumption - by 2 times. For home use, models with power from 700 to 900 watts are suitable.

Bowl cover

Multicookers are so convenient also thanks to the special spraying of the bowl, which prevents the burning of food. However, there are certain tips on choosing a multicooker.

The inner coating is most often made of Teflon or ceramic. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice should be made based on personal preferences.

Teflon is a more durable material, but requires careful care.

For a Teflon multicooker, special silicone accessories will be required, since other material may damage the coating. Caring for ceramics is much easier, it is not afraid of scratches, but at the same time chips from high temperatures can appear.

Type of management

This indicator is also selected individually, depending on personal preferences. Multicookers are available on the market that are controlled by:

• rotary levers of temperature and mode;
• LCD displays
• LED indicators
• buttons
• touch screens.

Some multicookers have built-in Wi-Fi, with which the device can be connected to a smartphone and controlled remotely. This program also allows you to monitor the readiness of the dish remotely.

Variety of programs

Choosing a multicooker model, the variety of programs should become a fundamental factor, it is it that sets the basic cost. An additional charge will require a pressure cooker or yogurt maker mode.

The main programs that each multicooker has are 4 modes: baking, steaming, cooking and stewing.

The best model for home and regular use will be a multicooker, which has additional functions of maintaining temperature, delayed start and multi-cook mode. It allows you to use your own recipes, manually setting the temperature and duration of cooking.

Heaters and protection system

Also, pay attention when choosing a multicooker on the type of heaters. In the simplest and most budgetary options, a thermal heater is installed. It is located below and takes a certain time to warm up.

A more expensive, but also faster option will be an induction heater, which gains temperature in a matter of seconds. In such models, heaters are located not only from below, but also around the perimeter, which ensures uniform heating of the entire bowl and its contents.

In a more expensive price category are crock-pots with a 3D heater. If you have not yet decided which multicooker to choose, then a model with such a heating system is worth the money. Unlike the induction system, 3D has an additional heater on the cover of the device, which ensures the most uniform heat distribution.

Another property that the selected device should have is a high degree of protection. Cooking does not require the constant presence of a person, so the slow cooker is often left turned on unattended. To be sure of your own safety, you need to make sure that the multicooker has a two-level protection system:

• The temperature sensor turns off the device when the set temperature level is exceeded.
• A fuse disconnects the device from the network in case of a malfunction, which eliminates the possibility of overheating of the device.

additional characteristics

Having decided on the parameters of the desired model, you should also take into account its design and size, because the crock-pot can take up a lot of space in the kitchen, so its design should fit into the overall design of the room and be functional enough to make the device as comfortable as possible.

The presence of additional programs can also play a big role, as it will make the diet more diverse. To do this, the kit must be accompanied by a special book with recipes. It will help to adjust the temperature regime and save you from searching for settings on the network.

Optional accessories also play a role in how to choose a multicooker for the home. It is best if the kit includes measuring cups, special plastic spoons, a lattice for steamer mode. You can also separately buy ham, glasses for making yogurt and a basket for deep fat.

All of these elements can be replaced with new ones, as they are suitable for almost all models on sale. It will be more difficult to replace the bowl if it is damaged. It’s easier to buy a new slow cooker, instead of looking for a replacement bowl.

Companies & Brands

Almost all manufacturers of household appliances have several multicooker models, since this device is very popular among housewives and single men. The answer to the question of which company to choose a multicooker depends on the price category of the device.

The company Redmond is considered the most popular on the market, as their models are as functional as possible at a fairly low cost. A good slow cooker of this brand will cost around 5 thousand rubles.

Another option for a budget multicooker will be a model from the company Polaris. Its cost also fluctuates around 5 thousand. Here you can already find ceramic bowls and a 3D heating function.

The top 3 inexpensive models also include a slow cooker from Philips. It has combined functions and is considered rather a pressure cooker, but at the same time it is not inferior to the above models.

A classic can be considered a device from Panasonic. Almost all models of this brand have a convenient screen and an intuitive control system. In this model, less than 4 liters do not take up much space in the kitchen. They also have a fairly low cost: about 3-4 thousand rubles and are in no way inferior to more expensive models.

Unfortunately, there is no definite answer on how to choose a multicooker. It all depends on the individual preferences and requirements of the buyer. The main points should include:

• optimal volume;
• average power;
• small size.

Do not follow the lead of marketers and acquire unnecessary and useless functions for a lot of money simply because they are advertised. You need to understand what to expect from a particular model and choose it in accordance with your requirements and budget. There are no guarantees that a model worth 15 thousand rubles will work longer and better than its counterpart, which will cost 3 times cheaper.