Modern household appliances, in particular multicookers, have the same basic purpose - to make life easier for their user. However, despite their common goal, it is not easy to choose a multicooker correctly, due to the existence of many variations of technical characteristics, built-in functions, device case designs, and so on.

Today we will tell you what types of home appliances of this segment are offered by manufacturers today, determine their main advantages and disadvantages, and also give an independent review of the most popular models of home appliances, which can be bought at an affordable price.

What it is

Externally, the multicooker design is a hermetically sealed container with a functional valve, and in some cases several valves. When the device is connected to the power supply, the “heating” of the temperature of the heating element occurs. The process of “cooking” in this case is very similar to the usual use of a pan in cooking, just resorting to the help of a modern device, you can simply put the necessary ingredients in a functional bowl, choose the appropriate program and do your own thing, entrusting the “automated assistant” to work on “ culinary masterpiece. "

Such gadgets not only allow you to cook basic dishes (cook porridge, grill meat), but also help their owner to prepare baked goods and a variety of desserts, and the best multicooker even makes it possible to use the built-in pressure cooker function.

The principle of operation of household appliances of the segment in question differs in its characteristics depending on the type. According to experts, traditionally multifunctional devices can be classified into:

  • slow cookers using natural atmospheric pressure;
  • crock-pots - pressure cookers that cook foods under extremely high pressure inside a functional tank.

It is also advisable to note that by type of heating element "automated assistants" are:

  • induction;
  • TENOVye.

The principle of operation of traditional devices is based on the regulation of the pressure level and its alternation inside the structure with a special microprocessor. It is worth paying attention to the safety valve provided by the manufacturer, with the help of which "relief" of excess pressure occurs and air does not get inside the bowl. Monitoring of the temperature level, process safety, as well as the selection of the optimal frequency of "steam discharge" is carried out by built-in sensors, the presence of which, as a rule, is indicated by manufacturers among the technical parameters of the device.

Multicookers with a pressure cooker function differ in their operating principle and are considered by users to be better than the type described above, due to the higher speed of cooking simple dishes. The basis of the functional set of this type of household devices is the "pumping" of pressure inside the structure, as a result of which the temperature rises to 120 degrees.

According to experts studying the technical components of the gadgets considered in the article, a good-quality multicooker-pressure cooker must necessarily have two or three functional valves (operating, safety, emergency) in its design, as well as the ability to lock the housing cover until a low temperature level in device. The presence of such elements will protect the user from possible burns in case of emergency malfunctions of the mechanism.

When comparing existing models of household gadgets, you should also pay attention to the method of heating their functional parts before buying directly. So, induction multicookers suggest the presence of reliable, "thick" walls of the bowl. This need is explained by the use of it itself as a heating element. In this case, heat fluxes propagate due to electromagnetic waves.

Unlike the induction device, the manufacturer supplies a good electric heating multicooker with a special heating element, which increases the temperature of the structure when the voltage is “received” at 220 V. The heat created in this way, having reached the temperature sensor, usually located at the bottom of the casing, returns to the electric heating element, forming feedback designed to maintain the available temperature.

How to choose

The choice of the best model of a multifunctional device for itself should be based not on how “cool” outwardly it may seem at first glance, but on an objective assessment of the built-in functions and analysis of the existing advantages and disadvantages that are most often encountered in practice.

Advanced innovations of household gadgets for cooking, as a rule, include in their design the most popular options for the modern user. At a minimum, the manufacturer should offer modes:

  • “Pilaf” (for “cooking” dishes from various cereals or pasta);
  • "Buckwheat" (for cooking cereals);
  • “Milk porridge” (for recipes involving the languishing of the main ingredients in a large amount of liquid);
  • "Cooking";
  • "Frying";
  • "Extinguishing";
  • "Steaming";
  • "Bakery products".

It is important to emphasize that the name of the regime does not mean the possibility of its use exclusively "for its intended purpose." Based on the manufacturer’s advice on cooking culinary “masterpieces” in the selected device model, it is possible to choose the optimal built-in function for the vast majority of recipes (for example, the “Baking” mode is perfect for receiving casseroles or a delicate souffle).

In addition to the mentioned basic set of automatic modes, the modern line of “automated cooking assistants” can offer their users the opportunity to cook yogurt, jellied meat, jam, punch, mulled wine, chocolate and so on.

So, based on the above information, the main advantage of multicookers “in action” is their multifunctionality. In addition to it, the positive aspects of using a "versatile" device include:

  • minimizing the risk of burning food;
  • saving time on washing dishes after “cooking” (just rinse the multicooker bowl under running water with detergent);
  • the speed of preparation of complex dishes (in the presence of the "Pressure cooker" function);
  • option “Delayed start”;
  • cooking process safety.

In fairness, it is worth noting that a "test" at home for a recently purchased multicooker can reveal a number of disadvantages of the devices in question. This is about:

  • the high cost of household "helpers" in the modern technology market;
  • long time of “cooking” the simplest dishes (in the absence of the “Pressure cooker” option);
  • low degree of resistance of non-stick coating to the slightest external damage;
  • large dimensions of individual models.
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So, having assessed all the possible pros and cons that you are most likely to encounter when using a multicooker of any brand, while maintaining the intention to acquire it, it is advisable to clarify the optimal selection criteria for this kind of household appliances. Analyzing the presented assortment, it is worth paying attention to:

  • the presence of the "Pressure cooker" option (ideal, if available);
  • power consumption or actual energy consumption (optimally - 800-1200 W);
  • volume of the functional bowl (the most practical option would be 4 or 6 - liter containers);
  • existing automatic programs (it is important to have a basic set, the rest - depending on the needs of the user);
  • equipping the multicooker bowl with heat-resistant handles for the convenience of its movement during the “cooking” process;
  • the presence of non-stick coating of functional capacity and its variety (optimally - non-stick ceramic coating);
  • the ability to turn off the automatic heating of food upon completion of the cooking process (in order to save energy consumed);
  • equipping the device case with a removable cover of a sealed design with high-quality fasteners;
  • multicooker body material (stainless steel or plastic; optimally - high-quality plastic with heat-resistant properties, due to its lowest weight);
  • mandatory presence of a condensate collection tank;
  • desirable equipment of the multicooker body with rubber “legs” for maximum stability on a smooth surface;
  • type of control (ideally - remote, but at least electronic with a built-in LCD display on the device).

To make an informed decision on the purchase of a specific model of the household gadget of the segment in question, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the top below of the best models of the 2019 multicooker rating and independently compare their technical capabilities.

The best models

REDMOND RMC-M90

REDMOND RMC M90

  • Power Consumption: 860 W
  • Functional bowl volume: 5 L
  • Maximum timer setting time: 24 hours
  • Functional bowl coating: ceramic
  • Number of automatic programs: 17
  • Manual adjustment: yes (temperature, cooking time)
  • 3D heating function: provided
  • Weight: 4.2 kg
  • Additional functions: inner lid, bowl with handles, “Multiple cook” option, heat maintenance, “Delayed start” function
pros
  • compact design
  • simplicity in leaving and operation
  • the ability to turn off automatic heating
  • option "Stew"
Minuses
  • lack of a cover for a pan as standard
  • high cost of components
  • lack of a lift in the construction cover
  • ill-conceived recipes in the book that comes with the multicooker

Polaris PMC 0517AD

Polaris PMC 0517AD

  • Power Consumption: 860 W
  • Functional bowl volume: 5 L
  • Maximum timer setting time: 24 hours
  • Functional bowl coating: ceramic
  • Number of automatic programs: 16
  • Manual adjustment: yes (temperature, cooking time)
  • 3D heating function: provided
  • Weight: 4.55 kg
  • Additional functions: inner lid, bowl with handles, built-in clock, “Multi-cook” option, heat maintenance, “Delayed start” function, book for 100 recipes; tablespoon, flat spoon, measuring cup, container-double boiler, container for making yogurt, removable container for condensate
pros
  • ease of use
  • the presence of handles on the functional bowl of the device
  • speed of cooking complex dishes
  • build quality
Minuses
  • ill-conceived mechanism for opening the cover design
  • lack of remote start
  • the probability of “boiling away” porridge when it is cooked in automatic mode
  • Inadequate user support in brand service centers

SkyCooker M40S

SkyCooker M40S

  • Power Consumption: 700 W
  • Functional bowl volume: 5 L
  • Maximum timer setting time: 24 hours
  • Functional bowl coating: ceramic
  • Number of automatic programs: 17
  • Manual adjustment: yes (temperature, cooking time)
  • 3D heating function: not provided
  • Weight: 3 kg
  • Additional functions: built-in Bluetooth module, “Multi-cook” option, heat maintenance, “Delayed start” function, remote control from a smartphone using the Ready for Sky mobile application; device support: iOS - 8.0 or higher, Android - 4.3 Jelly Bean or higher; workshops light; book of recipes
pros
  • compact and lightweight construction
  • remote control capability
  • reasonable cost
  • quality functional bowl material
Minuses
  • non-separable inner part of the lid
  • lack of 3D heating
  • long cooking time
  • lack of a grid for deep fat as standard

Polaris PMC 0516ADG

Polaris PMC 0516ADG

  • Power Consumption: 860 W
  • Functional bowl volume: 5 L
  • Maximum timer setting time: 24 hours
  • Functional bowl coating: ceramic
  • Number of automatic programs: 13
  • Manual adjustment: yes (temperature, cooking time)
  • 3D heating function: not provided
  • Weight: 5.2 kg
  • Additional functions: the presence of a bowl with handles, the provided viewing window, the Multi-cook option, heat maintenance, the Delayed Start function, a book for 100 recipes
pros
  • quality of non-stick coating of functional capacity
  • simplicity in leaving and operation
  • affordable price
  • wide range of automatic modes
Minuses
  • ill-conceived recipes described in the book supplied by the manufacturer in the basic configuration of the multicooker
  • lack of 3D heating function
  • build quality
  • odor arising from heating of functional elements during first use

Philips HD4731 / 03 Viva Collection

Philips HD4731 / 03 Viva Collection

  • Power Consumption: 980 W
  • Functional bowl volume: 5 L
  • Maximum timer setting time: 24 hours
  • Functional bowl coating: ceramic
  • Number of automatic programs: 19
  • Manual adjustment: yes (temperature, cooking time)
  • 3D heating function: provided
  • Weight: 5.2 kg
  • Additional functions: the presence of a bowl with handles, the provided viewing window, the Multi-Cook option, heat maintenance, the Delayed Start function
pros
  • appearance
  • reasonable cost
  • the presence of the option "Child Protection"
  • the quality of cooking culinary masterpieces
Minuses
  • the high cost of components and the possibility of their purchase exclusively “on order”
  • lack of the ability to turn off sound signals
  • lack of a power button on the device
  • ill-conceived recipes described in the book supplied as standard

Marta MT-4309

Marta MT-4309

  • Power Consumption: 900 W
  • Functional bowl volume: 5 L
  • Maximum timer setting time: 24 hours
  • Number of automatic programs: 21
  • Manual adjustment: yes (temperature, cooking time)
  • 3D heating function: not provided
  • Weight: 7.2 kg
  • Additional functions: delayed start, heat maintenance, the presence of an internal functional cover, the option "multi-cook", 24 programs of manual adjustment

De’Longhi FH1394.W / BK

DeLonghi FH1394.W / BK

  • Power Consumption: 2300 W
  • Functional bowl volume: 5 L
  • Maximum timer setting time: 24 hours
  • Functional bowl coating: ceramic
  • Number of automatic programs: 7
  • Manual adjustment: yes (temperature, cooking time)
  • 3D heating function: not provided
  • Weight: 5.68 kg
  • Additional functions: the presence of a removable top cover, a bowl with handles, an provided viewing window, heat maintenance, the function “Delayed start”, a convection multicooker; functions: air grill, air deep fryer, oven, frying pan; book of recipes
pros
  • appearance
  • multifunctionality
  • good basic recipe book
Minuses
  • lack of grill as standard
  • mismatch of the actual “cooking” time indicated by the manufacturer
  • high price

Moulinex CE 501132

multicooker with pressure cooker function moulinex ce 501132

  • Power Consumption: 1000 W
  • Functional bowl volume: 5 L
  • Maximum timer setting time: 24 hours
  • Functional bowl coating: ceramic
  • Number of automatic programs: 21
  • Manual adjustment: yes (temperature)
  • 3D heating function: not provided
  • Weight: 5.07 kg
  • Additional functions: heat maintenance, Delayed Start function
pros
  • build quality
  • relatively quick cooking
  • intuitive electronic control
Minuses
  • ill-conceived recipes described in the book, supplied in the basic set
  • large dimensions
  • structural instability

Cuckoo CMC-HE1055F

Cuckoo CMC-HE1055F

  • Power Consumption: 1400 W
  • Functional bowl volume: 5 L
  • Maximum timer setting time: 24 hours
  • Functional bowl coating: ceramic
  • Number of automatic programs: 7
  • Manual adjustment: yes (temperature)
  • 3D heating function: provided
  • Weight: 6.7 kg
  • Additional functions: the presence of a bowl with handles, a built-in clock, induction heating, heat maintenance, the function "Delayed start"
pros
  • voice accompaniment
  • short cooking time
  • multifunctionality
Minuses
  • quality of plastic parts and individual temperature sensors
  • high noise generated by the multicooker
  • high price

REDMOND RMC-250

REDMOND RMC-250

  • Power Consumption: 860 W
  • Functional bowl volume: 4 L
  • Maximum timer setting time: 24 hours
  • Functional bowl coating: ceramic
  • Number of automatic programs: 21
  • Manual adjustment: yes (temperature, cooking time)
  • 3D heating function: provided
  • Weight: 6.8 kg
  • Additional functions: the presence of an internal cover, a built-in clock, heat maintenance, the function "Delayed start", the option "Multiple cook", 27 programs of manual adjustment; cheese mode
pros
  • manual temperature control
  • long warranty service
  • appearance
  • speed of cooking
Minuses
  • ill-conceived system of care for functional elements
  • low-quality LCD display
  • high price
  • insufficient condensate collection tank

Now, knowing the most important characteristics of multicookers, the buyer can easily choose for himself the most suitable model among the top models of household gadgets listed above.