How to choose a multicooker: overview of features and functions that you should pay attention to

Multicooker is a multifunctional device that can simultaneously replace the pot, oven, bread and steam cooker.

It allows you to cook, roast, stew, bake, heat or knead dough. You can use the multicooker to prepare different kinds of soups, desserts, meat, pasta, etc. At the same time, all dishes retain their taste and high nutritional value.

The multicooker itself does not take up much space on the table, so it will fit well into the interior of even a relatively small kitchen.

In this article, we will consider the available options for multicookers and help you choose the right model, taking into account the pros and cons.

What size multicooker should I choose?

The best multicooker is the one that best meets all your expectations.

When choosing the right model, you need to pay attention to several basic parameters:

• Power - the more power of the device, the better. The efficiency and speed of heating increases with increasing power.
• Programs - the more built-in programs, the more diverse the capabilities of the device. For example, if you are a fan of such dishes as pizza or pasta, you should look for a multicooker that has a corresponding program built in.
• Ease of cleaning - pay attention to the casing from which the bowl is made. Non-stick coating is much easier to clean, and if at least some of the components of the multicooker can be washed in the dishwasher, then generally good. But the best, though not cheap, solution is a multicooker with a self-cleaning function, which, as the name suggests, cleans itself automatically. All you have to do is set the appropriate self-cleaning program and wait for the results.
• The capacity of the bowl - the capacity of the device is crucial when choosing. Multicookers usually have a capacity of 2 to 6 liters, with larger models designed for a family of several people. The most universal are considered devices with a capacity of 3-4 liters, which is enough to cook food for the whole family. Also important is the thickness of the walls of the bowl and the material of which it is made. Thick ceramic bowls provide even heat distribution and maintain the temperature longer.
• Settings - if you're going to cook a variety of dishes, it's important that your multicooker allows you to prescribe the temperature, cooking time, or rotation speed you want.
• Additional features - some of the secondary functions of the multicooker can be very useful. Examples are the delayed start function or the keep warm function.
• Accessories - some multicookers come with additional accessories such as spoons or measuring bowls, which can make cooking even easier.

Which multicooker bowl is best?

Another important thing to look out for is the bowl of the multicooker. It should be made of solid materials.

Most often ceramic or stainless steel bowls are used. In some models, although rare, you can find aluminum bowls, but it is worth remembering that this is a cheap and short-lived solution.

Nevertheless, it is worth taking care that the bowl is covered with a non-stick coating, which will protect our cookware from burning and sticking, as well as making it much easier to keep the device clean.

You can also choose from multicookers with a plastic body. They heat up less, but are less durable than metal ones.

For the interior, the best solution would be an innovative marble coating. However, it is very expensive, so the most popular are models with a standard non-stick coating, which also does a good job with their duties.

As for the capacity of the bowl itself, the most popular are multicookers with a bowl of 4-5 liters. Such a solution will allow you to cook food for a family of 5 people. Smaller models, for example, with a bowl of 1.5-3 liters will be a great solution for couples or single people.

Teflon or ceramic bowl?

As for cookware made of ceramic and Teflon, the main difference lies in the composition of the non-stick coating.

It is known that when heated to a certain temperature, Teflon begins to emit toxic fumes. Ceramic coating, on the other hand, is more environmentally friendly and usually does not contain lead, cadmium, perfluorooctanoic acid or polytetrafluoroethylene. Thus, there is no danger of toxic substances entering the food and the air you breathe while cooking.

Ceramic and marble coatings require more gentle handling than Teflon, and last about two years. But they are environmentally friendly and perfectly tolerate heat up to 400 degrees Celsius. However, the use of detergents for ceramic coatings should be used with extreme caution.

In short, both Teflon and ceramic bowls are cookware with non-stick coating, but with a different composition. The weakness of both is their short lifespan. The non-stick coating eventually wears off and starts to stick to the food.

How to choose a multicooker by power?

Since the multicooker works on the basis of current, a very important parameter is the power of a particular model. It is the power that determines how quickly the device will cope with cooking.

Depending on the chosen model and manufacturer, the power of the multicooker can range from 500 to 1400 watts.

The best choice, of course, will be the device with maximum power, but if you want a more economical option, it is recommended to choose among models with at least 700 watts.

Which programs are needed and which ones are not worth overpaying for?

Another very important point to consider when choosing a multicooker is the number of programs that this model offers by default. Depending on the manufacturer and the advanced nature of the device, the choice can range from 15 to 50-60 different cooking programs.

However, the programs in the multicooker should be adapted to your needs and preferences. It is not worth overpaying for features that you will never use. It is worth remembering that the basic functions of a multicooker are stewing, baking, roasting, stewing, often also steaming.

Basic programs often come with additional functions designed for certain foods. A good example is the program for quick cooking of cereals, rice and pasta, popular among users of multicookers.

Also very popular are programs that allow you to cook soups in the multicooker, and jam cooking programs (a great feature, no need to worry about sticking). The program of steaming will appeal to fans of healthy and light food.

The more advanced models also have a dessert function, a bread and cookie baking function, or a French fry program. With some models, you can even make yogurt, smoothies, and milk porridge.

Useful features

When choosing a multicooker, you can't ignore the additional features this multifunctional kitchen appliance has to offer. A good multicooker can successfully replace many other kitchen appliances, such as oven, microwave, deep fryer or scales. It is not for nothing that they are called multifunctional.

What are the most useful functions?

Delayed start.

One of these features is, for example, the delayed start function, which allows you to program the device to start at a strictly defined time, for example, if you go to work in the morning and want to eat a warm dinner after you get home.

Temperature maintenance

Another popular feature is the keep warm function, which is ideal in situations where, for example, you are waiting for guests or housemates to serve food hot. If your dinner consists of several dishes, a multicooker with the keep warm function allows you to cook the rest without worrying about cooling the already cooked food.

Turning on the keep warm function forces the device to operate at a low power level.

Self-cleaning function.

A great option for people who don't have time to clean the appliance themselves. It is enough to turn on this option and the multicooker will take care of its own hygiene by itself.

Timer

The timer allows you to set the cooking time and eliminates the need to constantly remember to turn off the device on time.

Other additional features that may come in handy for you:

• pressure cooker - the ability to cook under high pressure;
• yogurt maker - allows you to ferment milk into yogurt;
• bakery - upgraded baking function to make cakes;
• smoker - suitable for meat, fish and similar products, and allows you to achieve results in a short time;
• heating - a slight increase in temperature, enough to heat up food.

What is better, multicooker or pressure cooker?

Before moving on to the technical parameters of the individual devices, let's sort out what the difference between pressure cookers and multicookers, and which will suit you better?

1. Strictly speaking, pressure cooker is an ordinary metal pot, with a sealed lid, designed for extremely fast cooking. It works by creating high pressure in a closed chamber while gradually heating the water in it. Therefore, cooking in a pressure cooker is ideal when it comes to time. Unlike a regular multicooker, a pressure cooker works with food at high pressure and temperature, which speeds up cooking. However, it takes time (on average 15-20 minutes) to increase the pressure, so the actual cooking time between the two devices may not be different. Foods are placed in the appliance at the same time, because it will not be possible to open it during cooking.
2. However, the multicooker is a different matter. It is a high-tech device that automates the cooking process and includes, among other things, a pressure cooker function. Such devices have a sturdy body, consisting of a multi-layer bowl and an induction heater, which provides a certain temperature inside. The maximum temperature can reach 250 degrees Celsius, and the minimum - 30.

If we take into account the similarities and differences in power consumption, they are comparable, because the consumption depends on the power and time of use, not on the cooking method.

Another difference between a pressure cooker and a multicooker is the presence of certain cooking limitations, which are not present in the multicooker. However, it is believed that food cooked using high pressure is healthier because it has been heat-treated for a shorter time.

In terms of the type of control, the multicooker varies between mechanical, electronic and touch panel types. Mechanical control is considered the most reliable and durable. Its disadvantages include the inability to use complex functions, such as delayed start tasks.

The total number of functions of the multicooker with a mechanical control panel is usually less than that of models with electronic or touch control. For example, a display is very rare in mechanics.

The electronic and touch screen panels are very similar in terms of function and display. The difference is that the electronic buttons need to be pressed, while the touch panel needs to be touched, that's all. The downside is the need for more careful use and regular cleaning.

What company to choose a multicooker?

In addition to the above, when choosing a multicooker, you should pay attention to the appearance of the device, as well as the reputation of the manufacturer.

Consider the most well-known manufacturers:

• Panasonic products are not the cheapest, are characterized by durability and quality materials;
• Philips emphasizes the safety of use and a large number of functions, while the quality of the products is quite high;
• Polaris occupies a budget niche, which makes the company's products quite popular with customers in the low and medium price segment;
• Redmond is in the middle price zone, but stands out for its high quality materials and functionality;
• Bork products are distinguished by a very high quality of bowl lids, but the cost of such products is quite high.

There are many other popular manufacturers, but listing each would take too much time. It is important to understand that the brand is not a key parameter when choosing kitchen appliances, it only ensures that you do not get a pig in a poke.

But if you listen to our recommendations, then you do not even need to remember the names of brands - we have already checked and evaluated everything for you.

Top 5 best multicookers by price/quality for 2021-2022

We understand that choosing a good multicooker in 2021-2022 is not an easy task, and the multitude of available models and functions can be confusing. That is why we have created this rating, which presents the most popular and highly rated multicookers of the outgoing year.

However, it is easy to conclude from the rating below that Redmond multicookers will be of most interest in 2021-2022.

REDMOND RMC-M90

In the first place of our rating is the multifunctional device of the American company Redmond. This is an excellent multicooker, which can take on the functions of several kitchen appliances at once. In addition, it looks great on the cooktop.

The model has a modern look and functionality. The device has a ceramic bowl, manufactured by the Korean brand Anato. It is coated with a special compound that prevents anything from sticking to it. So you can forget about accidental burning of food.

In total, the multicooker has 17 programs, which are very helpful in cooking meat, cereals, cakes, jams, soups, yogurts and much more.

Redmond device has as much as 3 heating elements, located in different places. As a result, each dish is cooked evenly.

The multicooker also has many interesting additional functions. At your disposal, among other things, the function of heating the dishes, maintaining the temperature of cooked food, as well as the function of delayed start.

According to reviews on various forums, this is the best multicooker of 2021-2022. It is emphasized that the device is easy to use - dishes are cooked almost by themselves, at the touch of a few buttons. Quick and easy cleaning of the device is also a big advantage.

Advantages:

• Stylish and modern appearance, as well as an ergonomic design that allows you to effectively integrate the multicooker into the kitchen interior;
• Seventeen programs, thanks to which you can cook meat, baking, cereals, soups and much more. This allows the device to combine the best features of several kitchen appliances;
• easy to use: as soon as you put the ingredients inside, select the program and press the start button, the device does all the work itself and you do not need to monitor the cooking process, let alone intervene in it;
• the product has a high-quality ceramic bowl, made by a well-known Korean brand, and the bowl itself is coated with a special composition, which makes it more durable and prevents food from sticking to the walls.

Disadvantages:

• A limited number of optional accessories: the set, in fact, includes only a steamer, a basket for frying and a ceramic bowl;
• Relatively low power (860 W).

Moulinex CE 500E32

The Moulinex CE 500E32 multicooker is also an invaluable kitchen helper. Cooking with this device guarantees a healthy and wholesome meal.

The multicooker is very easy to use, and the bowl in the middle of the multicooker has thick walls that distribute the heat very evenly. This ensures that you get well-cooked and tasty food.

A big advantage of this device is the movable handle, thanks to which you can transport food from room to room, as well as the ability to wash the bowl in the dishwasher.

Like the Redmond multicooker, this device has a very useful heat preservation feature. The manufacturer guarantees that the nutritional value of the dish is preserved for up to 24 hours. When the cooking process is complete, the appliance automatically goes into keep warm mode.

Advantages:

• 21 cooking programs;
• The inside of the device is equipped with specially thickened walls, thanks to which the heat is distributed evenly, and the food left inside the device cools down more slowly;
• thanks to the additional handle, you can move the equipment between shelves, to another room or even take it with you on vacation;
• thanks to the additional function of keeping warm, the food will retain the desired temperature for a long time after cooking, and the option itself is activated automatically at the end of cooking.
• keeping the device clean is very easy, because you can wash it in the dishwasher;
• taking into account the advantages of the presented model, it should be emphasized that it is quite cheap, especially compared to more expensive and less functional competitors.

Disadvantages: not found.

REDMOND RMC-M25/M252/M253

According to the manufacturer itself, Redmond RMC-M25/M252/M253 is a combination of futuristic appearance and innovative technology.

The company uses a patented 3D-heating technology, which means that heating elements are located in three different places in the bowl, so the food heats evenly on all sides, which positively affects the quality and taste of food. Multicooker boasts a rich selection of automatic modes, which make the device a full-fledged replacement for many household appliances.

The bowl of the device is also quite roomy, so the multicooker can be safely recommended for large families or those who often prepare treats for large companies.

Advantages:

• decent price;
• futuristic appearance;
• The ability to turn off the automatic heating (useful, for example, for cooking yogurt);
• A large bowl capacity (5 l);

Disadvantages: a short mains cord.

Zigmund & Shtain MC-D50

A worthy offer from the German company Zigmund & Shtain. It boasts a good price-performance ratio and has 12 automatic programs, including a multi-stage simmering mode.

The bowl is made of quality aluminum alloy and covered with non-stick ceramic coating. Like the multicookers described above, this one also has a delayed start function and heat preservation feature, as well as cooking time adjustment.

Advantages:

• sturdy bowl with a capacity of 700 grams;
• a book with hundreds of recipes specifically for this model;
• Beautiful black design and ergonomics, allowing you to integrate the multicooker into any interior;
• simple and convenient cleaning system;
• good value for money.

Disadvantages:

• The power of 860 watts may not be enough for some people;
• Some programs, for example, for baking cake or bread, require a little longer running time than their more familiar counterparts.

Steba DD2 BASIC

This stylish pressure cooker looks like a neat square bag, which is already an eye-catcher. It is one of the most versatile models on the market, with the basic functions of a multicooker and pressure cooker.

It allows you to roast, bake, stew and steam. Ideal for families who occasionally need to cook something quickly (in the pressure cooker mode is enough 7 minutes to boil rice, while in a conventional multicooker you have to wait about 20 minutes).

Advantages:

• extremely simple and intuitive interface;
• aesthetic appearance;
• affordable price;
• universality.

Disadvantages: useless recipe book.

A brief checklist for choosing a multicooker

So, let's summarize. To make the device easy to use and its features you were fully satisfied with, you should pay attention to the following elements:

• the power of the device;
• the presence of a clear LCD display that allows you to control the settings and time;
• bowl volume;
• non-slip feet;
• number of programs;
• handle for easy carrying of the device;
• additional features;
• retractable/removable cord (for easy storage and transportation);
• possibility of washing individual elements in the dishwasher (bowl, accessories);
• additional elements included in the set (grill, spatula, measuring cups, recipe book for the multicooker, etc.).

Remember that although at first glance the multicooker resembles an ordinary pot, in fact it is a complex equipment with many settings. Just pay attention to the above criteria when choosing, and you are unlikely to have technical problems with the device.

Useful video

How to choose the right multicooker and which features of the device to pay extra attention to when choosing, will tell in the video: