How to choose a multicooker, what to look for?
There are few adherents of an ascetic lifestyle, the average person likes to eat delicious every day. But at the same time, they enjoy only a few hours spent near the stove. Therefore, manufacturers of household appliances took this moment for themselves and created a unique appliance - a multicooker. But in order to evaluate all the advantages of its use, to get really tasty, healthy food every day, with a minimum of effort, you need to know how to choose a slow cooker, what to look for. We will talk about this in this article.
to contents ↑A little bit about the device
You can choose the multicooker according to the parameters correctly only if you clearly imagine what part and what it is responsible for. Fortunately, in this case, dealing with this is not difficult. The device of such a miracle pan includes:
- body and cover;
- the bowl in which the products are laid;
- control Panel;
- power supply and heating elements.
In principle, from this list it becomes clear which part is intended for what purpose and which performs a function.
to contents ↑Criterias of choice
Now we will determine how to choose a multicooker, what to look for. The following factors are fundamentally important:
- Heating method and power.
- Bowl materials and its volume.
- Number of functions.
- Management principle.
Now we will deal with each of these criteria separately.
to contents ↑Heating Method and Power
The heating method is determined by the location of the heating elements, and it can be as follows:
- The lower one is not the best option, since the cooking process will be slow. Usually, budget category models are assembled according to this principle.
- Bottom + side - the best option, which is achieved quite fast and uniform heating.
- Bottom + side + top - this is a variant of the device of expensive models. If the family budget allows you, it is justifiable to buy just such a miracle pan. Cooking will happen very quickly with less energy.
As for power, there are several expert tips on what to choose a multicooker:
- The optimal value is in the range of 500-800 watts.
- The volume of the bowl for cooking and power should be proportional. That is, the larger the usable volume, the greater the power value you need to choose.
to contents ↑Important! If you are going to buy a slow cooker with more efficient heating and a higher power value, think about whether the wiring in your house will withstand such a load. And one more nuance - energy consumption will also be higher.
Bowl characteristics
As we have already determined, in order to choose a multicooker, you need to pay attention to the materials in its basis and the volume of the container.
Volume
Going to the store to consider different models, you will see that the capacity of the bowl can be very different - in the range of 1-14 liters. But you need to make a rational decision, focusing on expert advice on how to choose a multicooker:
- 3 liters is a sufficient amount for a small family.
- A bowl of a slightly larger volume - up to 6 liters, is suitable if you have a large family and guests often drop by you.
Important! It is not worth taking above this value, since such models already belong to professional equipment, they are used mainly in cafes.
Materials
For the manufacture of containers of multicookers, several materials are used, each of which has non-stick properties. How to choose a multicooker according to this criterion? Pay attention to the following nuances:
- Ceramics. It is considered environmentally friendly material with excellent non-stick and technical characteristics. It is not subject to scratches, it is resistant to high temperatures, but it can break if dropped.
- Teflon. One of the most popular materials today, as it has good non-stick properties. But if the heating is above 230 degrees, substances harmful to health may start to be released, in addition, such a coating is easily prone to scratching. Therefore, care should be extremely careful.
- Marble. Spraying is meant here. Such a surface is not subject to scratching, high temperatures, cleaning products. The term of its operation, according to manufacturers, is 25 years. But the price of such a model will not be accessible to everyone.
Based on the ratio of price and quality, we can conclude that it is better to choose a slow cooker with a bowl of ceramics.
to contents ↑Functions
Buying a slow cooker for the home, every housewife expects what can be cooked in it:
- porridge;
- vegetables;
- fish
- meat.
All these options are usually included in the standard set of programs. In fact, more is not required from a miracle pan. But still, it is worth paying attention to some additional options, because they increase the usability of the technique.
For additional bonuses, manufacturers may include:
- Heated previously cooked dishes.
- Delay start.
- Signaling the completion of cooking.
- Cooking baking, yogurt, processing products using grill technology.
- Sterilization.
- Thermal protection and function of protection against children.
- Voice Guide
to contents ↑Important! Before choosing a slow cooker, think carefully about what you will actually use and what not. Do not overpay for extra bells and whistles that will remain unclaimed in everyday life.
Management principle
There is not much variety here, so you have to choose a home miracle pan, focusing on your personal habits:
- Mechanics. In these models, the control of the multicooker will occur by turning the switches and pressing the buttons. This option is considered more reliable and durable, as well as maintainable.
- Sensor Most modern models of any home appliances are equipped with such control panels. Of course, it’s very convenient to use them, and they give more opportunities, but as for reliability, here it’s how lucky.
to contents ↑Important! If you’re tired of standard cereals, sandwiches, sausages, fried eggs and omelettes for breakfast, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with our selection of delicious, healthy and quick recipes for what can be cooked in a slow cooker for breakfast.
Which manufacturer should I prefer?
When you understand how to choose a multicooker, what to look for, decide on the appropriate parameters, it's time to think about the manufacturing company. The durability, functionality of the device, its safety and ease of use will depend on your preferences in this regard.
To simplify your selection task, based on user reviews, we have compiled a rating of the best models in different price categories.
Budgetary:
- Vitesse VS-590;
- Polaris PMC 0517AD;
- Redmond RMC-M25;
- REDMOND RMC-M10.
Middle price category:
- REDMOND SkyCooker M800S;
- Hitachi RZ-DMR18Y;
- Moulinex MK 706A32;
- Philips HD4731 / 03.
Expensive crock-pots:
- BORK U800;
- Delonghi FH1394.W / BK;
- Cuckoo CMC-HE1055F.
to contents ↑Important! As you can see, in any category there is equipment from companies that have long established themselves on the good side.And here is another expert advice on how to choose a multicooker: if you are considering buying a multicooker of a little-known brand, be sure to carefully test it when buying. The essence of the trick of such manufacturers is that they indicate higher characteristics in the passport of the device that are not true.
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Now you just have to decide on your goals, and go shopping for a pot that is so useful in your life that you can cook porridge and buns and fry meat just the way you like. But you still have to deal with all the settings, and believe me, this process will be very exciting!