What is a multicooker, and why is it needed in the house?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Cooking food and feeding the whole family is a daily and painstaking task for any housewife. Yes, and any bachelor would like to equip his life with maximum comfort, without spending a lot of time (which for some reason is always not enough) on cooking and not eating semi-finished products purchased at the nearest supermarket.

Replace numerous kitchen pots, pans and pots, as well as make the cooking process as automated as possible with multicookers. These multifunctional and high-tech devices, due to their versatility and ease of use, should take their rightful place in our daily lives. What is a multicooker - another marketing ploy of numerous manufacturers of various household appliances or a demanded need for a comfortable human life in the 21st century? Let's find out.

Device and components

By design, the multicooker consists of:

• housing made of heat-resistant plastic, stainless steel, light metal alloys, or a combinationmultiple materials;
• body cover (fully removable or hinged) to hermetically close the appliance while cooking;
• valve (sometimes several) to release steam and regulate the pressure inside the tank;
• heating elements;
• temperature and pressure sensors;
• removable pan, with a non-stick coating applied to its inner surface (Teflon, ceramic, marble chips or other materials patented by the manufacturer);
• moisture trap (a container where condensate is collected, which inevitably forms on the inner surface of the lid during the cooking of almost all dishes);
• microprocessor;
• control panel located on the body or cover;
• additional accessories: steam cooking grates (almost all modern models), deep-frying baskets (included with models that have this cooking method), measuring containers, spoons, scoops and tongs.

In the photo - a multicooker as standard.

Working principle

What is a multicooker and how does it work? The basic principle underlying the algorithm of the multicooker is the maximum automation of the process of preparing various dishes. As a result of numerous experiments and tests, developers determine the optimal time and temperature necessary for the high-quality preparation of a particular dish. Programmers analyze the receiveddata and store them in the device's memory.

From a cook in a kitchen equipped with such a useful device, you only need to prepare the necessary ingredients for the future culinary masterpiece, load them into the pan (naturally in the required quantity and proportions), select the appropriate program and press the "start" button. Everything else, up to the sound signal about the readiness of the dish, the device will do automatically.

Specifications

The main technical characteristics of multicookers are:

• power (usually between 700 and 1600 W);
• cooking pot capacity (standard 4-5 liters);
• functionality (the more expensive and modern the model, the more different operations can be performed using it);
• number of programs (depending on the model from 10 to 50).

Varieties

Initially, the "progenitor" of modern multicookers was a rice cooker - a highly specialized device for cooking rice. Naturally, the Japanese came up with it (since this product is the most popular among them) back in the middle of the last century. The easy-to-use device was gradually modernized, and by the beginning of the 21st century, the answer to the question of what a multicooker is, is quite expected - this is a universal device for cooking almost any dish.

According to their functionality, they can (althoughvery conditionally) divided into several main groups:

• Models of entry-level functionality that allow you to cook only standard soups and main courses.
• All-in-One with bread baking, steaming, deep frying, oxygen-free slow cooking, express mode, multi-cook (for manually entering temperature and cooking time).
• The multi-cookers of the upper price range are the most technically "stuffed" devices. In addition to the above functions, they can even work in home smokehouse mode. Some devices even provide remote control of operating modes from a smartphone.

Care and maintenance

Like all household appliances, the multicooker requires periodic cleaning. Modern models have two main elements that need to be cleaned periodically:

• inner pot;
• valves to release excess steam.

Removable pot has to be washed after each cooking. Since a non-stick coating is applied to the inner surface of these containers, using special detergents, this can be done simply and quickly. The main thing is not to use brushes or hard sponges that can scratch the coating.

If, after prolonged use, the cover of the removable pan has nevertheless become unusable (while the multicooker itself is still quite functional), then you can replace it with a new one. And you can order it in the neardealership or an authorized service and repair shop. Moreover, manufacturers who care about the consumer and their reputation supply them as consumables.

Valves installed in the lid and designed to release steam and relieve excess pressure must be cleaned periodically. To simplify this procedure, they are made easily removable. For cleaning, simply remove, rinse thoroughly and reinstall. If the exhaust valves are covered with special protective grilles, then it is enough to dismantle only them and reinstall them after thorough washing.

Top Manufacturers

The growing popularity of unified multifunctional cooking devices has forced almost all manufacturers of small household appliances to master and establish their production. The most famous and won positive reviews from numerous users today are American Redmond, Slovenian Gorenje, Russian brands Polaris, Vitek, Rolsen and Scarlett, French Tefal and Moulinex, German Bosh and Bork, Italian Delonghi, Dutch Philips, Japanese Akai, Shivaki, Panasonic.

Naturally, for a number of economic reasons, numerous assembly plants are mainly located in China, Russia, the CIS countries and Southeast Asia. However, manufacturers who value the reputation of the brand (which many took more than one decade to win) ensure constant quality control of their products,and a warranty period of up to 24 months (as, for example, for Redmond multicookers) also signals the consumer about the quality of the purchased product.

The range of units is very wide and varied (both in price and functionality). Almost all leading manufacturers have their sales dealers and authorized centers for repair, warranty and post-warranty service of their products in all major cities.

Overview of the range of multicookers "Redmond"

Initially, the Redmond Industrial Group was registered in the USA in the now quite distant 2007. Today it represents a huge transnational corporation with production facilities located in various countries (including Russia, China and the CIS). The model range of Redmond multicookers includes several dozen products (it is rather problematic to specify the exact number). The company's developers are constantly modifying devices. Every year there are new products with enhanced functionality.

According to numerous ratings based on user reviews, Redmond multicookers are the most popular in Russia. In terms of sales, the company occupies one of the leading positions among manufacturers of this segment of consumer goods. The starting price for the device starts from 3,000 rubles.

A typical entry-level product is the RMC M25 multicooker. The average cost today is about 2,900-3,100 rubles. Despite the so-called "budget", this device is already impressive with its technical characteristics:

• 860W;
• 5 liter cooking pot;
• 16 automatic programs;
• manual "Multi-cook" mode, which allows you to adjust the temperature and cooking time, which expands the possibilities of culinary experiments.

The multicooker "Redmond" RMC M90, costing 4,900-5,300 rubles, compared to the previous model, additionally allows you to:

• prepare cottage cheese, cheese, fondue;
• to pasteurize liquid products;
• deep frying (special basket included, of course);
• sterilize dishes (which is especially important when feeding infants).

For lovers of mobile gadgets and a growing number of fans of organizing control of household appliances using the "smart home" system, the multicooker "Redmond SkyCooker CBD100S" will be a surprise. This smart home assistant is equipped with two independent cooking bowls. The capacity of each is 4.5 liters. Now in automatic mode, you can cook both the first and second at the same time. Among the main technical characteristics of the flagship it is worth noting:

• Power - 1600 W.
• Total number of programs - 50 (21 automatic and 29 for manual programming).
• Possibility of remote control withsmartphone or tablet from anywhere where there is a mobile connection or the Internet. The only thing that is required from the user is to install a special R4S Gateway application.

The process of cooking meat, chicken and pilaf

There are an infinite number of recipes for preparing various dishes in a slow cooker. Not without reason, even in the delivery set of any device there is already a corresponding culinary manual (from 120 to 300 different recipes, depending on the manufacturer and the functionality of the model).

In their reviews of multicookers, experienced users give ways to cook various products using standard programs in an unusual application. For example, for meat or chicken, use the "baking" program. And to prepare pilaf, first, a few preliminary manipulations in the “frying” mode.

The most versatile way to cook meat in a slow cooker is to simply bake it. The main advantage: it can be served both hot and as a cold appetizer. Procedure:

• My proper piece of meat.
• Preparing a mixture of s alt, pepper and minced garlic.
• Rubbing the meat with the prepared mixture.
• Place in a container for cooking.
• Then 20 minutes on the "stewing" program, 20 minutes on the "baking" program, then turn off the multicooker, turn the meat over and another 20 minutes.

Chicken in a slow cooker can be cooked whole without much hassle. First, thoroughly wash the carcass inside and out,then remove excess moisture with a napkin. Rub the chicken generously with the prepared sauce. Everyone chooses the ingredients for the sauce at their own discretion: mayonnaise, mustard, a variety of spices and, of course, s alt. We put the chicken in the pan, turn on the multicooker in the baking mode, and after an hour we enjoy a delicious and fragrant bird.

Pilaf in a slow cooker, as numerous users write in their reviews, turns out to be just as tasty, juicy and fragrant as that cooked in a classic cauldron over an open fire. The main thing is to use all the features of the multifunctional device correctly:

• First, sauté chopped onions and carrots in vegetable oil for about 5 minutes in the “frying” mode.
• Then place meat pieces on top of the vegetables (the size depends on personal preferences) and cook on the same program for another 8-12 minutes.
• Add spices (hops-suneli, barberry or turmeric, someone prefers the mixture) and s alt.
• We fall asleep pre-washed rice.
• Pour in filtered water.
• Drop a whole head of garlic.
• Set the pilaf mode and cook for approximately one hour.

Cooking potatoes, porridge and casserole

All of us favorite potatoes in a slow cooker can be cooked in a variety of ways. Naturally, it can be simply boiled or fried. In models that allow you to cook deep-fried foods, cooking french fries is easy and fast. A very tasty dish - baked potatoes:

• Lubricate the peeled tubers with vegetable oil and put in a saucepan.
• Sprinkle with s alt and pepper.
• Turn on the “baking” mode, and after 30-40 minutes, crispy potatoes are ready.
• Sprinkle with chopped herbs (parsley, dill and garlic) before serving.

Proponents of a he althy diet have appreciated the indispensable and familiar breakfast dish - oatmeal in a slow cooker. We use the standard “milk porridge” program, which is available in products even of the initial functional level. First, pour the cereal, s alt and sugar into the pan. Mix everything thoroughly with a special spatula from the delivery set. Add butter, milk and water. We press the "start" button. It remains only to wait for the beep of readiness and start breakfast.

Curd casserole in a slow cooker can be prepared, for example, just before the children arrive from school, using the delayed start program. All ingredients (cottage cheese, eggs, butter, flour, s alt and sugar) are thoroughly mixed with a mixer. Lubricate the pan with oil and pour the prepared mixture into it. We set the “baking” mode, the cooking time is 40 minutes, the delayed start timer for a specific time for the dish to be ready minus 40 minutes. By the appointed time, a smart assistant will prepare a delicious casserole. All you have to do is take it out, cut it into pieces and add jam or sour cream.

In closing

If you purchased a multicooker "Polaris", "Redmond", Tefal, Delonghi or any othertime-tested manufacturer, then very soon you will appreciate all the advantages of cooking with this multifunctional device. A "smart" and "hard-working" assistant in the kitchen will replace a bread machine, a deep fryer, as well as numerous pots and pans. Time that you used to spend standing at the stove can be spent more usefully for your family (either for relaxation or hobbies, or maybe for communication with loved ones).

It is also important that using such an ultra-modern method as cooking without oxygen (slow mode), you can save the maximum amount of substances and vitamins useful for the body in cooked products. Now, to the question of what a multicooker is, you can give a very definite answer: a household appliance necessary for any kitchen.