A multicooker is a technique that must be in the kitchen of any housewife. With its help, you can cook a large number of original dishes, as well as diversify the taste of old, previously proven dishes. How to choose a multicooker and what to look for when buying it? More on that later.
What is a multicooker
This type of technique is a large pot, which is installed inside a special case, which has a heating element. It can be located both below and on the sides. On some models, you can meet it from the top, bottom and side at the same time, but this only applies to the most expensive and highest quality units. Which multicooker to choose? In reviews of this technique, it is often said that a device with a heating element located below and on the sides will be a completely acceptable option - these represent the most acceptable value for money.
As for the type of control, multicookers are both touch andelectronic and mechanical.
So, how to choose the right multicooker and what to pay attention to?
Why a multicooker is needed in the kitchen
Any housewife should have a slow cooker. This is due to the fact that such a device has a lot of advantages.
First of all, a multicooker is a fairly compact technique that will fit perfectly in any, even the smallest kitchen. If you have at least the simplest device in which it will be possible to perform standard functions, it is not necessary to buy an oven, microwave, as well as separate dishes, for example, for cooking pilaf. Due to the fact that the compact device has several cooking modes, its bowl can replace some other types of equipment. In addition, many dishes prepared in the usual way do not taste the same as those made according to the same recipe, but in a slow cooker.
This small appliance can always be placed anywhere in the kitchen where there is an outlet.
The positive quality of the device, many users consider the absence of unpleasant odors during cooking. Some chefs in their comments note the convenience of the delayed start function. According to them, thanks to it, you can fill in all the ingredients for making porridge from the very evening, set the desired start time for cooking, and enjoy a fresh and hot he althy dish in the morning. All those who like to sleep longer can take note of this item by studying information on how to choose a slow cooker.
Control type
First of all, you should familiarize yourself with exactly how the device is controlled. In total, there are three types of multicookers: mechanically controlled, with a touch panel, and also with an electronic sensor. It should be noted that each of them has certain advantages and disadvantages.
So, mechanically controlled devices do not look very nice when compared with those that have, for example, a touch panel. Such buttons tend to break, and their functionality is not too advanced.
If we talk about multicookers with the possibility of electronic control of the system, they look more original, the toolbar has a much larger number of functions. Such a multicooker is controlled by small buttons, as well as LED indicators. All input data is displayed on a small LCD display, which has a backlight. Despite the beauty of the device, such a panel tends to break often, which makes it not particularly practical - as stated in the reviews left by users of such.
As for the last option - touch-controlled multicookers - they are the most stylish designs. There are no buttons on the body of the device - they are replaced by a large panel on which you can select all functions with the touch of a finger. Such devices, as a rule, have the most advanced functionality. However, in reviews of such devices it is often said that the touch panelmay stop responding to touch after a while.
Bowl cover
How to choose a good multicooker? To do this, you should definitely pay attention to what kind of internal coating the pan installed inside the case has. It is from this indicator that the service life of the device will depend.
So, if the proposed model has a non-stick coating, then, according to the reviews of regular users of such, you need to be prepared for the fact that this technique will last no more than three to four years. Yes, thanks to this coating, food will not burn during cooking. However, you also need to understand that when heated to 260 degrees or more, the food in the bowl will begin to absorb coating particles that are very harmful to the body. In addition, during the operation of the device, you can not use sharp and metal objects for mixing - the coating will be scratched and become unusable faster than usual. In addition, sour foods do not cook very well in such dishes.
If we talk about multicookers with a ceramic coating of the bowl, they do not differ in longer durability - they also last no more than 3-4 years, subject to regular use. However, this material is safer for the human body - it is able to withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees without releasing harmful substances. In the care of ceramics is quite simple, which pleases many users of devices with such material inside.
So whatchoose multicooker? In ratings and user reviews, as a rule, the largest number of leading positions and positive comments are occupied by devices that have an internal coating of marble coating. According to culinary specialists, it is very durable and also incredibly easy to use.
Power
Which multicooker to choose? In the reviews and recommendations left by regular users of devices of this type, it is often said that you need to pay attention to the power of the equipment. And this is true, because the more powerful the appliance, the faster it heats up, and it takes less time to cook food.
If we estimate the possible power range of this type of kitchen appliances, it varies from 450 to 1500 kW. Experts do not recommend chasing the highest power rating in this matter, especially if you plan to use the multicooker at home. According to many consultants, more power is far from an indicator of proper quality. Giving recommendations on how to choose a multicooker, many advise buyers to pay attention to devices whose power ranges from 650 to 870 kW - they are the most optimal.
Additional features
Which multicooker is better? How to choose the most practical device? An important point in determining the purchase is the list of functions that the device can perform. Practice shows that the more they offermanufacturer, the better. In this matter, of course, attention should be paid to which functions are important for the store customer personally and which are not.
As you know, all devices have a certain list of standard cooking modes: "Steaming", "Pilaf", "Porridge with milk", "Baking", "Frying", "Cooking", "Stew" and " Fast cooking." Some housewives in their comments admit that such a set of functions is quite enough for daily housekeeping. However, stores offer devices that have additional modes, for example: "Keeping the finished dish hot", "Heating", "Soaking", "Smoking", "Yogurt", "Fryer", "Sterilization", "Multi-cook", "Voice guide", "Multiprotection", as well as some others, including the installation of various signals. Of course, these modes are very useful, their presence will not spoil the functionality of the device.
Bowl size
In reviews of the choice of multicookers, it is often recommended to pay attention to the volume of the internal pot installed in the device. As a rule, most families prefer to buy home appliances with a volume of 4 to 6 liters - this is quite enough to cook, for example, soup for the whole large family. In the event that the number of people in the family is small (2-3 people), then you can safely buy a device with a bowl volume of no more than threeliters, since it makes no sense to overpay a significant amount for unnecessary displacement.
Some manufacturers manufacture multicookers with a bowl, the volume of which is 10 liters or more. However, such devices are very rare in Russian stores, as they are practically not in demand.
Design nuances
How to choose a multicooker? While in the store, it is imperative to consider the device from a constructive point of view. First of all, you need to evaluate the convenience of technology for yourself personally. In addition, you should pay attention to whether its legs or stand are rubberized - the presence of such a trifle will significantly protect the cook during the cooking process. It is also desirable to estimate the length of the cable - it should not be short. Devices with detachable cords will also be very practical - they can be easily carried around the kitchen from one place to another.
When buying equipment, you need to pay attention to the material from which the outer case is made. As practice, which is outlined in user reviews, shows that the metal case is the most practical.
Some multicookers (mainly expensive models) have a small stand for placing forks, spoons for stirring food, and other accessories on it. This solution is very practical, especially in a small kitchen. In addition, such devices have a moisture trap that collects the released condensate - thus, the food will be reliably protected from drops that are always released during the process.its heat treatment.
Some models of devices provide the ability to automatically turn it off if soup or porridge runs out - this feature is very useful.
What to check during the purchase process
If now everything is clear with how to choose a multicooker, and even, moreover, the device is selected, it is advisable to check its serviceability, as they say, without leaving the cash register - right in the store. What should you pay attention to?
First of all, you need to evaluate the performance of the display - the backlight on it must work, and if the screen is touch-sensitive, it must quickly and clearly respond to all touches. In addition, it is desirable to make sure that all the functions prescribed on the monitor are presented in Russian. You also need to pay attention to the case of the multicooker - there should not be any cracks or gaps on it - this indicates a low quality of the goods.
When the buyer is fully convinced that the purchased device is fully functional, he must definitely check all warranty cards and documents for the device - they must be in perfect order, with the presence of all the necessary stamps. In the absence of such, it will be difficult to prove the fact of purchasing the goods in a particular store and, as a result, it will be almost impossible to exercise the right to warranty service in the event of a breakdown. It is also advisable to ask the store consultants if it is possible to purchase a separate bowl for this multicooker model. ATif the answer is no, you should think about making such a purchase.
Which manufacturers of multicookers should be preferred
Don't know how to choose a multicooker? Based on product quality and user reviews, the manufacturer ranking lists a number of companies whose devices are the most practical to use.
So, many users address the largest number of positive comments towards companies such as Philips, Panasonic, Mulineks and Redmond. Brands "Marta" and "Scarlett" are also often found in the ratings of multicookers.
How to choose a device that will actually belong to the desired brand? It is necessary to thoroughly study the documents attached to the equipment - the name of the brand and model in them must clearly correspond to those that are written on the case of the devices. In addition, you should carefully calculate the corporate inscription - it should not contain any typos.
How to choose a multicooker: 10 best models
Based on the feedback left by users, every year a rating of multicookers is compiled, which deserve special attention from customers who want to acquire such practical appliances in their kitchen. All people who do not know how to choose a good multicooker can safely rely on this list and choose the most suitable model,presented in it.
Here is a list of the best devices for 2017:
- "Redmond RMC-P350".
- "Vitex VS-590".
- "Maxwell MW-3810".
- "Bork U-400".
- Cuckoo SMS-HJXT0804F.
- 'Vitex VS-526".
- "Hitachi RZ-DMR18Y".
- "Atlanta ATN-1591".
- "Shinbo SCO-5037".
- "Dobrynya DO-1007".
- "Redmond RMC-M4500".
As you can see, this rating also includes multicookers created by Russian manufacturers. Such devices are really good quality and easy to use. In addition, as many users note in their reviews, it is quite easy to find interchangeable parts for the Dobrynya and Atlant multicookers, for example, bowls - this is a very good indicator.
