How to choose the best multicooker
How do you choose the best multicooker machine? What features and characteristics should the best multicooker have to meet your needs? Read our guide and make an informed choice.
The multicooker is a kitchen appliance that helps automate the cooking process. Such an appliance can perform various operations such as boiling, baking or frying. The main idea of a multicooker is that you choose the recipe, put the ingredients in the machine and choose the right program, and the multicooker will cook for you, it’s so simple!
You will find a particularly great utility in a multicooker. If you are the type of person who is always on the run and does not have the energy and time to cook a healthy meal, the multicooker helps. Why eat unhealthy, semi-cooked or microwave-cooked foods when you can cook a copious meal in the shortest time using the multicooker.
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How to choose the best multicooker
Each multicooker, depending on the model or manufacturer, can offer various functions and benefits. I will try to include the most important ones so you can know how to choose the most powerful multicooker machine for you.
The design
A multicooker can get a variety of visuals: from stylish design to the simplest devices. A more beautiful design will always cost more, although it does not guarantee better functionality. It greatly balances this aspect!
The multicooker can be compact or of high capacity. Some of them integrate even handles to make it easy to carry.
The type of device you choose should be in line with your preferences and needs. If you want a kitchen with a beautiful and modern look, then look for a device whose design is easy to integrate (you’ll get some more out of your pocket), if you have to cook large amounts of food, choose a very high capacity (it is measured in liters and is listed on the product box) and if you do not plan to use it very often opt for a more compact model that is easy to store and transport so that it does not always sit on the kitchen counter.
A multicooker will include, besides the main body, a removable cookware that can be made of glass or metal. I recommend choosing a metal cap because of it’s highest durability over time and better thermal insulation capabilities.
In the front of the machine you can usually find the control panel. The more extensive it will be, the greater the functionality of the multicooker.
Functionality and number of programs
With functionality, there are plenty of things to look for. First choose a device with a control panel and a digital display. It can be touch type for an experience without buttons, or conventional with buttons. Both variants are ok.
A multicooker can have various functions. Some prove to be useful, others less. And here you have to choose according to your needs.
The basic functions that you should not miss in the operating menu of the appliance are the timer function, the automatic stop function, the acoustic signals and the keep warm function.
The number of cooking programs can vary greatly, from 4-5 to a few dozen programs. This refers to the preset programs of the machine that can cook some recipes perfectly without requiring any intervention.
Find a good balance between what you want and the number of programs your device offers. Think about what you usually do cook or what you want to cook quickly and choose according to it.
Technical specifications
The most important technical specifications of a multicooker are power and capacity.
Both power and capacity must be chosen according to the number of people you cook for in general.
A high-powered appliance will cook faster and more. 1000 W power would be a good choice for a normal family of 3-4 members.
As a capacity you can choose between a small capacity of about 1.5 l or a larger one of 5-6 l. I recommend the second variant as even if you do not cook this amount of food daily. It is good to be prepared for various situations such as when you get guests and you will have to cook a large amount of food.
Thermo-insulated housing and low energy consumption are pluses. If you are able to purchase a multicooker that includes these 2 features, do it!
Accessories
Almost all multicook machines include a measuring cup and a spoon or spatula as accessories but can also have various steam pans.
Many models also include a recipe book. Some offer even hundreds of recipes. It is worth choosing such a package, the recipes offered are amazing and very tasty!
Service and warranty provided by the manufacturer
Multicooker machines are maintenance-free and generally reliable. However, good guardianship overlooks the bad danger, so it is good to turn to a manufacturer that offers quality warranty and service. Find out beforehand if you can easily buy spare parts for the model you want to buy and make sure you are offered a warranty of at least 2 years.
Recommended multicookers
In the following section, we have chosen for you, using the criteria described above, some products that offer excellent quality / price ratio.
- THE BEST OF BOTH!! Instant Pot and Air Fryer all in one - With 5.7 litre capacity, the Duo Crisp + Air Fryer is perfect for growing families and batch cooking, or home cooks who want it all!
- PUT COOKING ON AUTOPILOT WITH DELICIOUS RESULTS: 11-One-Touch Cooking Programs: Pressure cooker, Sauté pan, Steamer, Slow Cooker, Sous Vide, Food Warmer, Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Broil and Dehydrate.
- TENDER JUICY MEALS WITH A CRISP GOLDEN FINISH EVERYTIME - Unique and one of a kind technology that ensures a perfect crunch! Create tasty, healthy meals quicker than traditional oven recipes by the ideal combination of using a pressure cooker and air fryer in one appliance.
- Multi-cooker with 6L capacity – Ideal for up to 4 people
- The pressure cooker that crisps – Exclusive TenderCrisp Technology
- 9 ways to cook – Pressure Cook, Air Fry, Slow Cook, Grill, Steam, Sear/Sauté, Bake/Roast, Yoghurt & Dehydrate
- 14 cooking functions including Pressure Cook, Air Fry and 4 innovative Combi-Steam functions
- Combi-Steam Mode - Juicy, speedy & crispy results. Cook a complete family meal in under 30 minutes.
- Pressure Cook up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods* (*Compared with slow cooking, simmering or braising.)
- Family cooking Big 5 Litre capacity, ideal for families or batch cooking
- Easy to use Set and forget with 17 pre-set programmes, steam, stew, soup, roast, poach, bread rise, bake, fish, sauté/brown, rice, pasta, slow cook and yoghurt, plus fully customizable DIY function
- Slow cook Versatile it can also do the job of a slow cooker with high and low settings
- Save time: All-in-One whips up pressure-cooked dishes faster than conventional methods, while locking in all the nutrients and natural flavours, for healthy and delicious meals in minutes.
- Simplify meals: With 25 one-touch programs (more than any other pressure cooker) All-in-One slow cooks, steams, browns and more, allowing you to prepare a range of dishes with minimal effort.
- Set and forget: A 24-hour delay timer means you can choose when cooking starts. Add your ingredients, set the timer, and All-in-One will do the rest. It even keeps food warm once cooked.
- Large 7.5L capacity – Ideal for up to 6 people
- The pressure cooker that crisps – Exclusive TenderCrisp Technology
- 7 ways to cook – Pressure Cook, Air Fry, Slow Cook, Grill, Steam, Sear/Sauté & Bake/Roast
Last update on 2022-08-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API