How to choose a multicooker for the whole family

When choosing a multicooker, you should first pay attention to the functionality of the device.

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1. Characteristics that are worth paying attention to
2. Types of Multicookers
3. What multicooker choose
4. Selection options
5. Additional functions
6. How much are multicookers
7. The best multicooker manufacturers - which company to choose
8. Multivark selection video

How to choose a multicooker: characteristics that are worth paying attention to

When choosing a multicooker, it is worth considering the following parameters:

1. Type of multicooker;

2. Bowl volume;

3. Bowl cover;

4. Device power;

5. Control method;

6. Predefined Modes;

7. Additional functionality.

8. Also important is the manufacturer of the device.

Types of Multicookers

All multicookers on the market can be very conditionally divided into two types - universal and specialized. The first ones are suitable for preparing almost all those requiring prolonged heat treatment (cooking, stewing, baking) dishes, while the latter make it possible to cook some types of products almost perfectly.

Universal Multivarki

Such multicookers are suitable for undemanding householders. However, it is worth remembering that such devices will not be able to cook yogurt or other temperature-sensitive dishes.

What multicooker choose

The choice of multicooker is self-evident. If there are no special requirements for the taste of ready-made dishes, you can purchase a universal model. Usually, in relation to such multicookers, manufacturers do not indicate specialization.

If the quality of food is especially important (for example, when they are prepared for a child), then it is worth purchasing a specialized model. Usually manufacturers specify the destination directly in the device description.

Selection options

When choosing a multicooker, consider the following parameters, which determine the functionality and performance of the device:

1. Bowl volume;

2. Bowl cover;

3. Power;

4. Control method;

5. Modes of operation.

Additional functionality of the multicooker is also quite important, since it depends on the ease of use.

Bowl volume

The amount of food that can be cooked in one cycle in a slow cooker directly depends on the volume of the bowl.But it also determines the depth and quality of heating. In budget multicookers, designed for more than 4 liters and having a capacity of 1.5 kW or more, dishes with a heterogeneous texture are heated unevenly. This leads to burning of those products that are in close proximity to the heating element.

As a result, in the budget multicooker the entire volume of the bowl can be used except for cooking soups.

And the optimum volume for the bowl is 2-4 liters. Such containers are simply removed from the multicooker for washing, and the risk of burning or uneven heating of the products in them is minimized.

Multivarki with a bowl volume of less than 2 liters should be purchased only if they are used by one person. Cook dinner for the whole family in this device will not work.

Bowl cover

In multivarks three types of bowls are used:

1. Steel without additional coating;

2. Steel with non-stick Teflon coating;

3. Steel with non-stick ceramic coating.

Steel bowls without additional coating

Steel bowls without non-stick coatings are extremely rare and mostly in ultrabudget models of multicookers.

Nevertheless, uncoated bowls are practically not produced, and in the absolute majority of models of multi-cookers, Teflon or ceramic coated containers are installed.

Teflon coated steel

The most common non-stick bowl with a Teflon coating. They are even used in budget models of multicookers. Teflon coated bowls are well suited for universal multivarks.

Ceramic coated steel

Multivarki, which are equipped with steel bowls with ceramic coating, are not met too often, and at the same time they are more expensive than other models. But they are perfect for lovers of healthy food.

Nevertheless, excellent antibacterial properties, the ability to cook without oil, and preserve the taste of products make such multicookers an excellent choice for healthy diet lovers.

Power

The higher the capacity of the multicooker, the faster it warms up to the required temperature. But at the same time power consumption increases.However, choosing a multicooker, you should pay attention to the model, the power of which corresponds to the volume of the bowl.

1. Up to 3 liters - 500-800 W;

2. From 3 to 5 liters - 800-2000 W;

3. From 5 liters - more than 2000 watts.

If the power of the multicooker is higher than necessary (for example, 3-liter models for 2000 W can be found on the market) - do not worry. But if it is lower, it will heat up too slowly, and the lower layers of the products will simply start to burn.

Control method

In modern multicookers, two types of control panels are used - touch and push-button. They have no particular advantages or disadvantages, it’s worth choosing based on your own preferences.

At the same time, the push-button control panels are slightly more practical, since they provide a clear tactile response - and it is clear which program is installed or the mode is running. And you can touch them with dirty or wet hands without the risk of accidentally switching the operating parameters (as opposed to touch modules that can even react to accidental touch).

Modes of operation

The higher the number of modes and automatic programs that the multicooker supports, the more dishes you can cook with it.

However, with an extremely high number of automatic programs (more than 40-50), the differences between them are absolutely minimal. Consequently, a lot of modes are simply not needed and are more like a marketing tool.

Additional functions

Among the most important and practically useful additional functions of multicookers are:

1. 3D heating;

2. Heating mode;

3. Toasting mode;

4. Delayed start timer;

5. Pressure cooker function;

6. Soaking mode;

7. Temperature mode;

8. Multipovar function;

9. Yogurt cooking mode;

10. Lifting TEN.

3D heating - a very useful feature. Most multivarks use a single heating element, which is located at the bottom of the bowl. In devices with this function there are several such elements. They are also in the area of ​​the side walls of the bowl, which provides rapid all-round heating. Therefore, the products do not stick and are prepared evenly.

Warm up mode provides a quick short-term increase in temperature in the bowl. Therefore, dishes become tastier, but do not overheat. A useful feature for those people who usually cook food for several days at once.

Toasting mode also quickly raises the temperature in the bowl, but to higher values ​​than during heating. In multicookers with this feature, you can fry various foods.

Delay start timer - really useful feature. With it, you can put food into the slow cooker in the evening - and by the morning they will be ready! But it is worth remembering that this is only suitable for some dishes.

Pressure cooker function - the mode in which the multicooker is hermetically closed and heated up sharply. Therefore, the pressure increases inside. And the products, as a result, are prepared much faster. Useful feature for lovers of boiled dishes.

Soak mode usually included in the cooking program for bean porridges. In it, the water in which the peas or beans are located is heated to the optimum temperature, which reduces the rigidity of these vegetables. This allows you to do without soaking the croup.

Temperature mode included after cooking. It keeps foods hot. A useful feature, especially in combination with a delayed start.

Multipovar function (also called manual mode) greatly expands the capabilities of the device. It is possible to independently change the temperature, cooking time, the current mode of operation and other parameters. With the “Multi-cook” function, you can use the slow cooker as a bread maker, yogurt maker, pressure cooker and other kitchen appliances.

However, in the “Multipovar” function, it will be necessary to devote too much time to the device - in fact, all cooking processes take place manually.

Yogurt cooking mode - A useful feature for lovers of homemade sour milk drinks. As the name implies, the multi-cooker sets the optimum temperature and pressure for making yogurt.

Lifting TEN - a function that turns the multicooker into a full-fledged electric cooker. On it you can set the pan or pan.

How much are multicookers

The cost of multicookers directly depends on the power and functionality of the device. The price starts from 1.5-2 thousand rubles for low-end models.

But the vast majority of multicooker models are in the price range of 4-10 thousand rubles.

The best multicooker manufacturers - which company to choose

Among the manufacturers of multicookers can distinguish the following companies:

1. Supra, Polaris - produce high-quality multicookers of the middle and budget class;

2. Moulinex, Panasonic - produce quality multicookers of the middle and high price class;

3. Redmond - very high quality, but often expensive multicookers.

4. Among the budget class can also be distinguished Scarlett and Vitesse. And the best premium multicookers are produced by Cuckoo, but their price ranges from 35 thousand rubles.

Multivark selection video

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.