How to choose a multicooker?

1. In addition to the bowl capacity, it is necessary to consider the type of material and the quality of the coating. There are three types: non-stick, ceramic, teflon. External material may be stainless steel or aluminum alloy. Note that stainless steel bowls heat up longer and not so evenly;
2. When choosing a multicooker, pay attention to the quality of the body. You will have to decide among models with a metal or plastic case. The first is durable, but heavy. Plastic models are light, cheap, but warm for a long time, which affects the speed of cooking;
3. Another important parameter is the power, which, as a rule, varies in the range from 500 to 900 W, and more. Please note that the cooking speed depends on this characteristic. In this case, the more powerful the device, the higher the rate of energy consumption.

The number of prepared dishes and the ease of use of this type of equipment directly depends on the number and types of supported programs. We offer you to familiarize yourself with the main modes that will help you decide which multicooker to choose according to your own needs:

• “Steaming” is an excellent feature that allows you to effortlessly create delicious dishes of fish, vegetables, meat. This also includes cooking eggs, a variety of side dishes, dumplings;
• “Baking” is a necessary program for lovers of delicious muffins, pies, biscuits, omelets;
• “Zharka” is a useful regime for people who regularly cook steaks and fish dishes;
• "Stewing" is a useful mode that allows you to make delicious soup, borscht, broths. In addition to the first courses, this option is responsible for languishing cereals, aspic, stewing pieces of meat;
• "Pilaf" - a highly specialized option, providing for the creation of Uzbek dishes, taking into account the best traditions;
• "Buckwheat" or "Porridge" - in fact, this regime in most cases involves working with different cereals: from buckwheat to pearl barley;
• "Milk porridge" - the option indicates the ability to cook all types of cereals in milk. In offline mode, the multicooker changes the temperature, taking into account the technology of cooking.

Advanced models can be equipped with several dozen modes, including "Soup", "Borsch", etc. Do not assume that the presence of these programs indicates a wider scope of the product. The main thing is that the model is equipped with the basic operation algorithms indicated above. Often multicookers with up to 20 modes are more profitable and better than with numbers from 30 or more.

It is very important to consider feedback from customers who have already managed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this technique when choosing a multicooker. Surely, each user will agree that the functionality of culinary assistants deserves special attention in this matter. In particular, the following functions suggest significant time savings:

• delayed start - you can set the time after which the model will start automatically. The user is only required to place food in the bowl and indicate how long the cooking process will begin;
• steam release - allows you to stabilize the pressure inside the equipment;
• automatic heating - the ability to keep food warm as long as the multicooker is connected to the network;
• soaking bean products;
• pressure cooker - to speed up the processes.

Naturally, for each additional function you will have to pay extra, but they are worth it. Especially the last ...

To choose the right multicooker you need to follow the market for the appropriate equipment. For example, recently there has been a good demand for models with a pressure cooker function, which allow you to cook much faster due to an increase in the boiling point of the coolant. As a result, internal pressure in such devices arises already 15 minutes after turning on the device. The downside is that when using a multicooker-pressure cooker, you can not add anything from the ingredients after starting the device.
As for the main programs, they should include the following modes: "Stew", "Baking", "Porridge", "Meat", "Steam". If there are children, take care of the availability of algorithms for preparing the children's menu. As a rule, it takes no more than 20 minutes to create a delicious vegetable puree. Additionally advanced multicooker pressure cookers can be equipped with a smokehouse and a bread machine. But such inventions are 25-30% more expensive.

Now we offer to get acquainted with the recommendations from experts. To understand what to choose a multicooker, reviews from professionals should be read with special care, paying attention even to seemingly insignificant points.
We already talked about the optimal power and capacity of the bowl, but did not consider the ratio of two parameters:

• 2-3 liter bowl - power 700-800 W;
• 4-5 liter bowl - power 900-1000 W;
• A bowl of 6-7 liters - a power of 1100-1500 watts.

However, you should know that most manufacturers indicate on the box not the working volume, but the total volume.

As practice shows, each additional option significantly affects the final cost of the product. Some models can be equipped with hundreds of functions, of which a maximum of ten programs are really useful. We have described the most necessary. But for their optimization, experts recommend using the "Multipovar" function. This option allows the user to make adjustments to automated processes. In fact, in expensive models Redmond, Polaris and other major manufacturers, the programs are set up as correctly as possible. However, if you decide to save money by choosing a slow cooker, the above program will come in handy.

For example, in my previous model from Moulinex the “Porridge” mode was not implemented very well, and the rice always turned out not to be tasty enough, regardless of the cost of the cereal. Unfortunately, the Multipovar function was absent, and there was no possibility to reduce the cooking temperature. The model was bought for 3,500 rubles, and was equipped with more than 30 programs. Thus, this indicator is not a priority, although each manufacturer does not forget to talk about the number of functions on the box or in advertising!

As already mentioned, many little things, as it might seem at first glance, play an important role in the operation of equipment. If you want to choose a good slow cooker, keep in mind that the bowl is equipped with handles. Otherwise, there will be problems with removing the hot container for washing it. In addition, experts recommend paying attention to the convenience of folding the lid. It is desirable that the parameter is maintained at 90 degrees. If there are no heat-resistant handles, at least make sure that there are special tongs that will simplify the removal of the bowl from the body. But it is less convenient and safe.

To this day, many technology manufacturers are convincing users that Teflon coating is the best. In fact, ceramic bowls are much more convenient and reliable. They are more durable, in addition, non-stick coating provides easy cleaning of the component. In addition, Teflon analogues are easy to scratch, and their maximum service life rarely reaches 3 years.

Regarding the choice of blades for a multicooker, silicone is the clear leader. Plastic products are less practical and generally not suitable for Teflon-coated bowls. Silicone products have a shorter life, but they are harmless and easier to wash in a dishwasher.

Another important detail of each multicooker is the lid, which, according to experts, should be viewed from different angles with special passion. Please note:

• the removable inner cover is easier to clean from grease with dirt;
• this part often has a defect - pay attention that there are no cracks;
• fastenings of the cover to the case often break - the axis of the loop should be thick, look strong;
• judging by the reviews, models whose lid rests on pins break quickly;
• make sure the warranty covers cover breaks.

If you do not know which brand to choose a multicooker, we recommend that you pay attention to the Redmond series. In particular, for inventions that are additionally equipped with Moulinex locks or mechanical locks. This indicates a long service life of the equipment.

If you have no idea how to choose a slow cooker, we recommend that you pay attention to such an important parameter as a moisture collector. Not every model is equipped with a condensate collector, but according to experts, this is an important characteristic on which the life of the electronics depends. It is worth adding that this element rarely affects the cost of the product, as it is simple and affordable. At the same time, the moisture collector allows you to protect the body and rims from moisture, which indicates the durability of a particular model.

Another important component is the rubber legs, presented in the form of small pads. These simple elements can prevent the device from slipping on the table. Please note that many manufacturers of equipment use cheaper plastic analogues that are not able to provide the same quality of fastening the multicooker to the surface.

Of course, automatic heating is a very useful feature. But, if you want to choose the multicooker correctly, make sure that this option is disabled. Not all models allow you to cancel auto-heating, of course, without disabling access to the outlet.Suppose you made a compote in the morning, and in the evening you want to drink the fruit of your efforts already cooled down. Of course, you won’t be able to get the most out of your drink if the slow cooker constantly monitors the optimum heating temperature. If nobody is at home, who would control the process, you will find unpleasant disappointment.

Focusing on budget multicookers, you should not save on power and quality of the bowl. Experts recommend giving preference to a plastic case rather than stainless steel. As a rule, such products are significantly cheaper, but do not have obvious disadvantages with respect to more expensive analogues. In addition, the plastic case does not affect the taste or speed of cooking. In this case, you must make sure that the plastic does not smell or smear. You should not choose white crock-pots.

Finally, I would like to once again point out the importance of studying customer reviews. If you have already decided on a model, do not forget to read what other users write about it.