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.
Content
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.
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
- 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
- compact design
- simplicity in leaving and operation
- the ability to turn off automatic heating
- option "Stew"
- 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
- 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
- ease of use
- the presence of handles on the functional bowl of the device
- speed of cooking complex dishes
- build quality
- 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
- 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
- compact and lightweight construction
- remote control capability
- reasonable cost
- quality functional bowl material
- 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
- 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
- quality of non-stick coating of functional capacity
- simplicity in leaving and operation
- affordable price
- wide range of automatic modes
- 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
- 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
- appearance
- reasonable cost
- the presence of the option "Child Protection"
- the quality of cooking culinary masterpieces
- 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
- 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
- modern look
- thoughtful functionality
- material quality of the inner bowl
- service maintenance
- poor quality internal function cover
- spraying liquid from the high pressure relief valve during “cooking”
- electricity consumption level (above average)
- "Chemical" taste of food cooked in a multicooker-pressure cooker
De’Longhi 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
- appearance
- multifunctionality
- good basic recipe book
- lack of grill as standard
- mismatch of the actual “cooking” time indicated by the manufacturer
- high price
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
- build quality
- relatively quick cooking
- intuitive electronic control
- ill-conceived recipes described in the book, supplied in the basic set
- large dimensions
- structural instability
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"
- voice accompaniment
- short cooking time
- multifunctionality
- quality of plastic parts and individual temperature sensors
- high noise generated by the multicooker
- high price
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
- manual temperature control
- long warranty service
- appearance
- speed of cooking
- 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.
I always cooked myself, but with the birth of the baby time became less, and there was no time to cook. My husband offered to buy a slow cooker, I did not refuse. I chose the model Redmond RMC-M60. What can I say: how did I live without her before? Many times baked biscuits, casseroles, stewed potatoes, make pilaf. Even borsch began to cook in it. The cost is acceptable, the quality is good. In general, the slow cooker has become for me just an irreplaceable thing.
Yes, indeed, with the advent of a small child, there is essentially not enough time for cooking. Although cooking is one of my favorite activities. Therefore, we bought a Bosch multicooker MUC24B64. I didn’t even suspect that there was such a sorceress, I was never interested in such a technique. My family is very happy, I cook various tasty dishes in it, everything is tasty, fast, simple. I am very glad that I have such an assistant, time is very saved. I trust this brand very much, the Bosch equipment has never let me down. I was struck by the variety of dishes that can be cooked in it.
I have long wanted and received Redmond RMC-RM4506 as a crock-pot pressure cooker as a gift. It helps me out a lot, prepares everything from first courses to compotes + and also bakes. You can cook healthy food as in a double boiler, there are children's dishes. With the advent of a little daughter, my assistant multicooker works for the two of us.A huge plus I think that you can separately buy a replacement bowl for it. Of the minuses - it takes up a lot of space, because designed for a large family and a bowl volume of 5 liters.
We have a multicooker Redmond RMC 260. The divine thing, it cooks porridge perfectly! The functionality of the unit is very, very decent (right up to jam and yoghurts), but, frankly, I hardly use all this variety. The husband uses it when he cooks shanks or makes sausage, however, for sausages he bought a ham device. I myself don’t really like to cook, so the option when “threw everything up, but it cooks itself”, is for me a real lifesaver.
I also bought a slow cooker after the baby appeared. I dreamed about her for a long time. At first I wanted to take the Polaris PMC 0527D, but my friend talked me out: the cover of the multicooker bowl began to break down after a month of use (I don’t know for what reason, maybe she did not follow the rules of operation and maintenance). After consulting with her husband, they decided to take Bosch MUC24B64.
I really like my kitchen assistant: it makes delicious cereals, crumbly pilaf, which we all love as a family. A 5-liter bowl for 3 people is a bit, because everything turns out to be very tasty and is eaten very quickly. In general, a very useful thing to help hostesses
But I have a slow cooker just for beauty. I don’t even remember her name. Honestly, I cooked it twice for pure interest and that’s all! In general, I think that if you don’t have a multicooker in your house - well, it’s not necessary. Its only plus - put everything inside and let it get ready - for a child this is very useful. Well, it’s easier for me to cook in the usual way, I love it so much. And no less usefulness.
My husband and I bought a multicooker Redmond RMC-10. She is not on the list of leaders, although she is much cheaper and no worse than coping with her duties. We bake pies and soups, we make stew, pilaf, all that our soul desires. There are no complaints, the light wraps up a little and makes everything quick and tasty. Here is my leader.
Hello to all! Slow cookers are good because they save us a lot of time in cooking. I am no exception also a busy person. I bought a Philips HD3197 / 03 mutivar in my family and it copes with its task perfectly and tasty, and most importantly it doesn’t take long. My family and I are pleased with her. I recommend you buy a slow cooker!
I have a REDMOND RMC-P350 crock-pot. Bought it recently. A very good thing. For the price of REDMOND is not a very expensive crock-pot. But very convenient to use. And it's good that with the function of a pressure cooker.
Of the entire Skykitchen review - fire! and ten lifting and remote control, there are definitely no other
Thanks for the rating, helped a lot with the choice