🥘 How to choose a multicooker: tips and tricks

Features of the device and principle of operation

What is a multicooker? This is not just an electrical appliance, it is a modernized version of an ordinary pot. This type of technology works on the principle of an electric heater. But this principle opens up interesting possibilities for every user. The device consists of external and internal working elements. Thus, the construction is:

• metal or plastic housing with a device control panel;
• electric heater (conventional heating element or 3D heating);
• a container for cooking with a non-stick coating (may, depending on the model of the device, have a different volume).

Taken together, these components represent a special operating principle.

1. When the appliance is started, the microprocessor is activated, which is responsible for controlling certain operating modes.
2. After selecting one of the programs, the mechanism assesses the situation and adjusts the heating element heating level, and also controls the amount of time required to cook in a given mode.
3. The heating element transfers the temperature to the bowl, in which the entire cooking process takes place.

The hostess just needs to select the desired mode without the need to adjust the time and temperature. All these nuances have already been provided. Influence on the duration of the process or on the degree of heating may be necessary in the case of operational preparation of the dish. Note that the amount of ingredients also affects the time taken to cook.

The principle of operation of the devices, depending on the type of installed heater, may differ. They are divided into conventional devices and units with 3D heating.

A standard heater is most often located only at the bottom of the kitchen device, but this does not mean that the degree of heating will be uneven. In such devices, the cooking mode is longer. Heating elements are switched on periodically. This saves the energy that the multicooker consumes for cooking.

As for models with 3D heating, here the heaters are located along the entire inner circumference of the case, even on the lid of the electrical appliance. The heating temperature of the bowl increases due to the formation of an electromagnetic field. In this type of multicooker, cooking containers are more durable and practical. They are able to retain heat for some time after cooking.

Varieties of new multicooker

All multicooker, depending on the method of heating the inner bowl, is divided in three directions.

Classic - budget and practical

Multicooker with a classic heating method are devices that are equipped with an ordinary heating element located at the bottom of the appliance. When activated, the heater transfers the temperature to the bottom of the bowl, as a result of which the cooking process begins. Such models are versatile and multifunctional. However, they have their drawbacks:

• cooking time is delayed;
• food may stick to the container due to uneven heating.

At the same time, multicooker with a classic arrangement of heating elements is ergonomic, compact, and has a very acceptable weight. All parts lend themselves to disassembly and high-quality care.

Induction - a modern approach to cooking

Units that generate a magnetic field that heats the bowl are many times more expensive than their conventional counterparts. However, such electrical appliances reduce the cooking time by almost 30%. The devices have more than a dozen programs, so they cope with even the most unusual tasks: from baking ribs to languishing yoghurts. Of the main features of such a device, it is worth noting:

• a durable bowl that heats up quickly, thereby saving energy;
• constantly cool body, which reduces the risk of plastic deformation;
• even heating of ingredients, regardless of their quantity.

Induction appliances are very similar in type to cooking pressure cookers, since the whole process takes a little time, while even the hardest products are boiled down to the maximum possible softness.

Slow cookers - ideal for jellied meat

If the hostess and her family members are fans of cold jellied dishes, then the unit with the "Slow cooker" option is what you need. The shortest cooking mode is the one that starts at 12 o'clock. Such programs are suitable not only for cooking jellied meat and jellied meat, but also for preserving food, making jam and other dishes that require particularly long-term simmering.

As for the features, while simmering on a slow mode, you must remember the following:

• opening the lid too often will increase the cooking time, as the heat will periodically evaporate from the bowl;
• switching between modes is not the best option for languishing. This can affect the taste of the product;
• it is better not to cook hard potatoes in a slow cooker. A lot of electricity is spent on this.

As for leaving, we can say that its principle is no different from ordinary multicooker. All the same rules must be followed by housewives: no abrasives and chemical detergents!

Multicooker + pressure cooker - takes care of your time

These devices additionally equipped with a high pressure valve. They are heated according to the principle of classical units. The cooking time in the device is almost halved. Due to the accumulation of steam inside, the cooking process takes place evenly. For example, even lamb separates perfectly into soft fibers. The main features of the device are as follows:

• useful microelements are preserved in dishes;
• the food turns out to be rich and healthy;
• cooking takes place exclusively with the lid closed;
• if used incorrectly, there is a risk of scalding by the steam escaping from the valve openings.

According to user polls, we conclude that the device copes with its tasks more quickly than other similar devices. At the same time, gadgets do not prepare exquisite masterpieces, they simply save time.

ON A NOTE!

The multicooker-pressure cooker is a very convenient assistant in the kitchen for those who have a shortage of free time. In it you can prepare meals for daily use. Pressure cookers are not suitable for baking.

Rules for choosing multicooker in 2019

One cannot but agree that smart technology must be reliable. The selection criteria depend on whether it meets this requirement. Every year, due to the introduction of new programs and technologies into household electrical appliances, they change slightly. The following nuances remain characteristic of multicooker.

Design and control features

The design features include the type of body and the material for making the bowl. There are metal, ceramic, teflon, aluminum and other types of internal containers. All of them are definitely safe. For example, aluminum bowls heat up faster, but ceramic bowls are very sensitive to temperature extremes and accidental deformations. Therefore, it is necessary to decide in what conditions the device will be used.

There are only two ways to control multicooker: push-button and electronic. The first option is considered obsolete, but more reliable. The touch control panel does not always work, but it allows you to clearly indicate the cooking mode and its parameters with just a few touches.

Power and volume - and this is important

The power consumption of an electrical appliance significantly affects the result of its performance. Standard fixtures typically range from 400 to 1500 watts. For everyday household purposes, multicooker with an operating power range from 500 to 800 watts is quite enough.

Volume indicators depend on the number of people in the family and the daily need for food. For example, a device with a 2.5 liter bowl is enough for one person. And to cook pilaf for a family of five, even 5 liters is not enough.

Number of cooking modes

In this situation, the rule: "The more the better" does not work. The hostess only in the process of getting to know the unit can use all kinds of operating modes. As a rule, the lion's share of the regimes is not applied in the future. It is worth considering whether it makes sense to overpay. As a rule, multicooker with such basic functions as:

• pilaf;
• soup;
• porridge;
• fish;
• extinguishing;
• languor.

Even thanks to these options, you can prepare something original and festive.

List of additional functions

In addition to the basic options that help cook, it will not be superfluous to take advantage of the other capabilities of the multicooker. Sometimes it becomes extremely important. A minor set of options include:

1. Possibility of additional heating. Helps keep food hot for some time after cooking. Moreover, this does not in any way affect the taste and does not cause burning.
2. Multi-cook. An excellent option for those who like to experiment and come up with their own cooking modes.
3. The presence of thermal protection. This function is useful in the modern rhythms of life. If you accidentally forgot about a working multicooker, it will turn off on its own and allow the device to cool down a little.
4. Idle start protection. This function will help if there are children in the house who, while playing, can press the keys and accidentally turn on the device. The protection option will check if there is food in the bowl. If they are absent, it deactivates the cooking process.
5. Delayed start. It is very convenient when a healthy and quick breakfast is urgently needed in the morning, but there is no time for that. It is enough to load the necessary products into the bowl in advance and program the start function for the required time.

It is sometimes difficult to do without the declared opportunities, so when choosing them, it is also worth considering.

No less important points when choosing

For the convenience of using a household appliance, it is also necessary to provide for important details:

• voice assistant. This equipment helps to significantly reduce the cost of searching and familiarizing with the instructions that can be used to prepare a particular dish;
• removable cover. It is very convenient for care and maintenance. It is enough just to remove the part from the case and douse it with warm running water;
• Soft Steam Caр Is a pretty safe option. This will allow steam to gradually escape from the bowl through the valve holes. Therefore, when opening the lid, the risk of burns is minimized.

ON A NOTE!

Handles are a very convenient attribute for removing a hot bowl from an electrical appliance. A version of the devices with an external carrying handle is available on the market.

Review of popular brands and models with reviews

You should always rely on your preferences when choosing any kitchen appliances, including multicooker. Think about the purpose for which you decided on such an acquisition. Do not succumb to the persuasion of consultants, but choose the model with which you initially decided. To help, we offer several excellent options with universal functionality and affordable prices.

REDMOND RMK-M452 - safe and practical

Convenient small-sized model with the function of long-term warmth support and delayed start. Has universal cooking programs.

Review of the REDMOND RMK-M452 model

SUPRA MCS-5112 - model with convenient touch control

The unit has a delayed start and keep warm. Adjusting the cooking time allows you to quickly correct the mode if any of the ingredients did not have time to reach readiness.

Feedback on the SUPRA MCS-5112 model

Multicooker SUPRA MCS-5112

Polaris EVO 0446DS - a device with a non-standard design

Multicooker in matte color with a familiar set of useful functions and cooking modes. The device has 3D heating. The model is highly practical and safe.

Feedback on the Polaris EVO 0446DS model

Multicooker Polaris EVO 0446DS

In most cases, users choose budget models. The cost, first of all, depends not so much on the brand as on the availability of certain options. Therefore, according to the editors of Tehno.guru, choosing multifunctional devices is a waste of money.

Finally, we recommend watching this video, which will put all the points in choosing a multicooker.

Dear readers, share your experience if you have already become the owner of this kitchen device. If you liked the article, put it "Class". Be sure to ask questions. We will be happy to answer them.