Are you faced with the choice of such an indispensable and multifunctional device as a multicooker, and do not know which one to choose? Then we offer an overview of the best helpers in the kitchen according to the main characteristics. An important selection criterion is the power of the device. What does this indicator affect and how to choose the best model? We also offer an overview of the functions of devices that are affected by the power of multicookers.
What is a multicooker and why is it needed?
The popularity of using multicookers in the kitchen is growing every year. This is facilitated by the relatively affordable price of the device, depending on the functionality, as well as the possibility of preparing delicious dishes without significant time costs. In addition, this device can be easily taken with you when traveling, and then cooking on vacation will not take much time. Its advantages are ease of use, compactness, light weight and a diverse set of operations for cooking delicious dishes.
The slow cooker is a mix of several householdappliances at once: pressure cookers, bread makers, yogurt makers, cookers, double boilers and others. Its options greatly facilitate the process of cooking. Depending on the choice of device, it can have not only different cooking functions, but also power. Ask, what affects the power of the multicooker? First of all, the speed of cooking, as well as the cost of electricity. This must be considered before buying. Consider what other functions this device has.
The main characteristics of the multicooker
Before you decide how much power the multicooker should be, you should familiarize yourself with other functions that the hostess will need.
Device highlights:
Bowl volume
It varies from 2.5L to 5L. It all depends on the composition of the family, that is, for how many people the food will be prepared. For a family of 2-3 people, the smallest bowl size is enough, which will significantly affect the cost of the device. If you can’t decide on the size of the bowl, then take the average one (3.5-4.5 liters). If guests unexpectedly turn up, it will be possible to cook something quickly.
Internal coating
Most often, the inner coating of the device has a non-stick property. It has several layers, it is convenient to wash them, and the food will not stick. Although conventional coating is also common, which reduces the cost of the product. It is also easy and convenient to use.
Body material
Most often the case is made of plastic or metal. Metal multicookers are durableand quality, while plastic counterparts do not heat up during cooking.
Power
There is no such thing as the best multicooker power. It all depends on the needs of the family. On average, it ranges from 600 to 800 watts, but can be from 200 to 2000 watts. The greater the power of the multicooker, the faster the cooking process will be. In this case, the device is called a pressure cooker. This significantly speeds up the cooking process, and therefore consumes less electricity.
Working hours
Recently, multicookers have been made with pressure cooker functions, which greatly simplifies the cooking process. Also, many devices have the option to “delay start” and other useful little things that you may need in everyday life.
Functional
The device can have a very different number of functions, on which the cost of the device depends. Before buying, you should decide what a particular hostess may need.
Size and weight
The smaller and lighter the appliance, the easier it is to transport if necessary, and also takes up less space in the kitchen. Its weight and size depends primarily on the volume of the bowl, as well as the availability of functions.
Producers
It can be a device of both domestic and foreign production. Russian devices are an order of magnitude cheaper, regardless of functions and other indicators. For example, the power of the Redmond multicooker manufactured by the Russian company Technopoisk is 900 watts. Excellent feature forfast food and affordable.
Caring for the appliance
Most of the multicookers are not difficult to care for. You just need to properly care for the bowl and choose the right cooking functions.
Multicooker functions
Don't know how much power the multicooker should have? Pay attention to the averages, not the maximum. This will speed up the cooking process, but will not affect the price of the product and other functions.
Also, the “delay start” option will become an important functionality of the device. This means that the hostess will be able to program the process for the time she needs. There is a timer for this. It is available in almost all devices, regardless of the price category.
A necessary option can also be "soaking", for example, legumes or cereals. And automatic heating, which will keep the temperature of the cooked dish at a certain level. Even when the multicooker is turned on and a certain time has passed since cooking.
The main functions that are present in all multicookers:
- pilaf (this option provides the possibility of not only cooking rice, but also pasta and potatoes);
- buckwheat (meaning the preparation of any cereals, while they turn out crumbly);
- milk porridge (milk won't run off or burn);
- cooking (for cooking first courses);
- frying (without oil and with it);
- stew (stew or other culinary delights);
- pastry (bakeryproducts);
- steaming (for those who follow the figure or follow a dietary diet).
These functions are the main ones for appliances, but there can be up to 50 of them. They also affect the power of multicookers. The higher it is, the more options can be in the device. For example, a mini-smoker or a slow cooker for lovers of diversity in nutrition.
Additional multicooker functions
In addition to the basic functions, the device may have additional ones. It all depends on the needs of a particular hostess, her family and the price category of the multicooker. It will be important and very convenient to use such a function as “delay start”. This means that the appliance can be programmed, and the dish will be ready for breakfast or dinner after work.
Housewives also note that the Redmond multicooker with a power of about 900 W does an excellent job with such an option as heating. That is, the temperature regime of the dish will be maintained throughout the entire period after cooking, if the device is turned on. If you take a device with minimum power (600 W), the function does not work at all. It is also important to pay attention to disabling this option, as constant heating is not suitable for some dishes.
Power of multicookers - which one to choose?
For appliances that help to significantly reduce the time spent in the kitchen, power is an important characteristic. But to think that the higher this indicator, the more the cooking process takes placefaster, not quite right.
By choosing a device with less power, you can reduce energy consumption, while this will only slightly affect the cooking time. In addition, traffic jams will not be knocked out, since in most apartments there are already too many electrical appliances.
The high power consumption of a multicooker can be important for a large family. Especially when there is no time for cooking. Also for people who are constantly on the move. Here, the power should be high, and the device itself should have a pressure cooker function. In this case, the porridge will be ready during the time a person takes a shower, which greatly simplifies and speeds up the process. On average, this figure varies from 500 W to 1500 W.
Experts still advise choosing medium-power appliances and using the “delay start” or “auto-heating” function.
If you compare the power of the multicooker, which one is better, you should pay attention to the fact that the higher the indicator, the faster the dish should be cooked. But devices with a lower this indicator cope better with cereals, frying and stewing processes. Meals are tastier.
The ideal option for a family of 3-4 people will be the selected device with a power of 700 W to 900 W. Such devices are quite roomy, they can have a sufficient number of programs and the cooking speed is good. In addition, such a device will not hit the family budget much.
Should I choose a model with touch controls and a pressure cooker function?
The power of multicookers also affects options such as a pressure cooker,as well as touch control. This greatly simplifies not only the process of using the device, but also the cooking time. For example, it takes only an hour and a half to cook jellied meat, and 10 minutes to cook beets. Often these devices are above average, but the result is worth it.
But you should understand: in order for the food to cook faster, the multicooker will need time to warm up, that is, it needs to reach a certain temperature inside. After cooking, you need to release the pressure, this will require a special button.
The power of the pressure cooker is always above average. Touch control and the “multi-cook” option are also important. Such devices are more difficult to use, cost an order of magnitude higher, but are sensitive to voltage drops. This should also be taken into account when choosing.
Criteria for choosing a multicooker
Having sorted out the functions and the required power of the device a little, we proceed to its final choice.
What to look for when choosing a multicooker?
- Size - depends on the composition of the family, that is, on how many people will regularly cook food. Also, this indicator should be taken into account in the diet. For example, if you prefer to indulge in your homemade culinary delights, you should choose a larger appliance with more features, which will affect the price.
- Manual mode - this allows you to cook even dishes for which the appliance is not designed. Do you love experimenting with food? Then this function shouldbe present in the selected device.
- Pay attention to the components - they must be of high quality. This affects not only the quality of the device, but also the service life. The spoon and spatula must be made of wood or silicone so that the surface of the bowl is not damaged.
- Appearance - the multicooker can be of very different designs and, if necessary, fit into the overall interior of the kitchen (it all depends on personal preferences).
- Safety is an important indicator. Before buying, inspect the cable, it should not leave the device.
How to take care of the appliance?
Regardless of the power of the multicooker, the rules for caring for appliances are almost the same.
Basic device care rules:
- Do not wash the bowl in the dishwasher. Doing so may damage the coating, resulting in poor cooking performance.
- The first valve needs to be rinsed regularly.
- Use only silicone and wooden bowl spoons. They are safe and cannot damage the finish.
- If there is a need to wipe the dust on the outside of the appliance, use a damp cloth, but make sure that the multicooker is unplugged.
Top models review
Let's consider the most popular models of the described kitchen helpers, which are chosen by the majority of users, as well as their features, which will help to make a choice.
Best multicooker models:
RedmondRMC-M4502
Appliance with 5L bowl volume. There are 18 manual programs and 16 automatic programs. You can not only cook food, including steam, but also sterilize dishes, which is important for a family with babies. The power of the multicooker "Redmond" is 860 W.
Philips HD3060/03
It is quite compact and weighs only 4 kg. The volume of the bowl is only 2 liters, which is suitable for a small family. Power is also small, only 330 watts. You can cook any food, but the steamer function is not provided.
Moulinex CE 4000
The cover of the model is fixed, the dimensions are small, it weighs up to seven kilograms. There are few functions, but the power is high and is 1000 W.
Scarlet SC-413
Economical and budget option for a small family. The bowl is designed for three liters, the average power is 500 W, there is a display and a timer. Great option for travelers or a small family.
Conclusion
Summing up, it can be noted that such a device can become an indispensable assistant in the kitchen, especially for an active modern person who is on the move most of the time. It greatly simplifies the process of cooking, allows you to experiment, while not spending a lot of time at the stove. The advantages of such a device in the kitchen are huge. You can choose any device in color and design, with the presence of mandatory and additional functions. Before you go to the store for a purchase, you should know and decide in advance on the characteristics that a particular hostess or family will need. Knowing the features of the device, it will be much easier to make a choice.
Having decided how much power the multicooker should have, and having familiarized yourself with the functions, you should also know the disadvantages of the device. The disadvantages include the fact that in some models it is impossible to interfere with the dish during the cooking process. And this is important for some recipes. Also, the disadvantages include the consumption of electricity, especially in devices with high power. This also affects the price of the device.
In general, we can say that a modern device has more advantages than disadvantages. That is why the device or "home cook" is gaining more and more popularity among modern housewives. In addition, it will be possible to prepare dishes of any complexity or culinary masterpieces. At the same time, it is tasty, fast and does not waste a lot of time. A woman will appreciate such a gift for sure.
