Cooking 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) for cooking and not eating semi-finished products purchased at a nearby supermarket.
Multicookers will help to replace the numerous kitchen pans, pans and pots, as well as make the cooking process as automated as possible. 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 - the next marketing ploy of numerous manufacturers of various household appliances or the demand for a comfortable human life in the 21st century? Let's figure it out.
Device and components
By its design, the multicooker consists of:
- case made of heat-resistant plastic, stainless steel, alloys of light metals or a combination of several materials;
- housing cover (completely removable or reclining), hermetically closing the device during cooking;
- a valve (sometimes several) to release steam and adjust the pressure inside the tank;
- heating elements;
- temperature and pressure sensors;
- a removable pan with a non-stick coating applied to its internal surface (Teflon, ceramic, marble chips or other materials patented by the manufacturer);
- a moisture collector (a container where condensate is collected that inevitably forms on the inner surface of the lid during the preparation of almost all dishes);
- microprocessor;
- a control panel located on the case or cover;
- additional accessories: steaming grills (practically all modern models), deep-frying cooking baskets (included in the set of models that have this cooking method), measuring containers, spoons, scoops and tongs.
In the photo - a crock-pot as standard.
Principle of operation
What is a multicooker and how does it work? The basic principle laid down in the multicooker algorithm 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 dish. Programmers analyze the received data and enter it into the device’s memory.
From the cook in the kitchen, equipped with such a useful device, you only need to prepare the necessary components of the future culinary masterpiece, load them into the pan (naturally in the required quantities 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 in automatic mode.
Specifications
The main technical characteristics of multicookers are:
- power (usually ranging from 700 to 1600 watts);
- pot capacity for cooking (standard - 4-5 liters);
- functionality (the more expensive and modern the model, the more various operations can be performed using it);
- number of programs (depending on the model from 10 to 50).
Varieties
Initially, the “ancestor” of modern multicookers was a rice cooker - a highly specialized device for cooking rice. Naturally, the Japanese came up with it (since it is with them that this product is the most popular) back in the middle of the last century. The user-friendly device was gradually modernized, and by the beginning of the XXI century, the answer to the question of what a multicooker is, we fully expect it - this is a universal device for preparing almost any dish.
According to their functionality, they can (although very conditionally) be divided into several main groups:
- Models of the initial functional level, which allow you to cook only standard soups and main dishes.
- Universal devices with the functions of baking bread, steaming foods, deep-fried, the possibility of slow cooking without access to oxygen, express mode, the Multi-Cook function (for manually entering the temperature and cooking time).
- Multicookers of the upper price range are the most technically “stuffed” devices. In addition to the above functions, they can work even in the home smokehouse mode. Some devices even provide remote control of operating modes from a smartphone.
Care and maintenance
Like all household appliances, a multicooker requires periodic cleaning. Modern models have two main elements that need to be cleaned periodically:
- inner pan;
- valves for the release of excess steam.
The removable pan has to be washed after each cooking. Since the 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 a removable pan still deteriorates (the multicooker itself is still quite functional), then you can replace it with a new one. Or you can order it at your nearest dealership or authorized service and repair shop. Moreover, manufacturers who care about the consumer and their reputation supply them as consumables.
Valves installed in the cover and designed to release steam and vent 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, after thorough washing, put them in place.
Leading manufacturers
The growing popularity of standardized multifunctional cooking devices has forced almost all manufacturers of small household appliances to master and organize 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 took many decades to achieve) provide constant quality control of products, and a warranty period of up to 24 months (as, for example, in Redmond multicookers) also signals the consumer about the quality of purchased goods.
The range of units is very wide and varied (both in price and in functionality). Almost all leading manufacturers have sales dealers and authorized centers for repair, warranty and post-warranty service of their products in all major cities.
Review of the range of Redmond multicookers
Initially, the Redmond Industrial Group company was registered in the United States in the now quite distant 2007. Today it represents a huge multinational corporation with production facilities located in various countries (including Russia, China and the CIS). The lineup of Redmond multicookers has several dozen products (the exact number is quite problematic to indicate). The company's developers are constantly modifying devices. Each year, new products with enhanced functionality appear.
According to numerous ratings compiled from user reviews, Redmond crock-pots are the most popular in Russia. In terms of sales, the company occupies one of the leading places among manufacturers of this segment of consumer goods. The starting price for the device starts at 3,000 rubles.
A typical representative of products in the starting price range is the multicooker RMC M25. 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:
- power 860 W;
- 5-pot pan for cooking;
- 16 automatic programs;
- manual mode "Multipovar", 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 with the previous model, additionally allows you to:
- cook cottage cheese, cheese, fondue;
- pasteurize liquid products;
- deep-frying (naturally, a special basket is included);
- sterilize dishes (which is especially important when feeding infants).
For lovers of mobile gadgets and a growing number of fans organizing the management of household appliances using the "smart home" system, a surprise will be the Redmond SkyCooker CBD100S multicooker. This smart home assistant has two independent cooking bowls. The capacity of each is 4.5 liters. Now in automatic mode, you can cook the first and second at the same time. Among the main technical characteristics of the flagship, it is worth noting:
- Power - 1600 watts.
- The total number of programs is 50 (21 automatic and 29 for manual programming).
- The ability to remotely control from a smartphone or tablet from anywhere where there is a mobile connection or the Internet. All that is required of the user is to install the special R4S Gateway application.
The process of cooking meat, chicken and pilaf
There are an infinite number of recipes for cooking various dishes in a multicooker. Not without reason, even in the package of delivery of any device, there is already a corresponding culinary allowance (from 120 to 300 different recipes, depending on the manufacturer and the functionality of the model).
In their reviews of multicookers, users with experience give methods of preparing various products using standard programs in not quite familiar applications. For example, a baking program is used for meat or chicken. And for cooking pilaf - first a few preliminary manipulations in the "frying" mode.
The most universal 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:
- Mine is a suitable piece of meat.
- We prepare a mixture of salt, pepper and chopped garlic.
- Rub the meat with the prepared mixture.
- Put in a container for cooking.
- Then 20 minutes on the “stewing” program, 20 minutes on the “baking” program, then turn off the slow cooker, turn the meat over and another 20 minutes.
A chicken in a slow cooker can be cooked whole without any hassle. First, thoroughly wash the carcass from the outside and from the inside, then remove excess moisture with a cloth. Rub the chicken with pre-cooked sauce. Everyone chooses the ingredients for the sauce at their own discretion: mayonnaise, mustard, a wide variety of spices and necessarily salt. We put the chicken in a pan, turn on the slow cooker in baking mode, and after an hour we enjoy a tasty and fragrant bird.
Pilaf in a slow cooker, as numerous users write in their reviews, turns out to be as tasty, juicy and aromatic as cooked in a classic cauldron over an open fire. The main thing is to correctly use all the features of a multifunctional device:
- First, chopped onions and carrots in vegetable oil for about 5 minutes in the "frying" mode.
- Then we put pieces of meat on top of vegetables (the size depends on personal preferences) and cook on this program for another 8-12 minutes.
- Add spices (hops-suneli, barberry or turmeric, someone prefers the mixture) and salt.
- We fall asleep in advance washed rice.
- Pour filtered water.
- Drop the whole head of garlic.
- Set the "pilaf" mode and cook for about one hour.
Cooking potatoes, porridge and casserole
All of us favorite potatoes in a slow cooker can be prepared in a variety of ways. Naturally, you can simply boil or fry it. In the models allowing to cook deep-fried foods, it is easy and quick to cook french fries. A delicious dish is baked potatoes:
- Grease the peeled tubers with vegetable oil and put in a pan.
- Sprinkle with a mixture of salt and pepper.
- We turn on the “baking” mode, and after 30-40 minutes the potato with a crisp is ready.
- Before serving, sprinkle with chopped herbs (parsley, dill and garlic).
Proponents of a healthy diet appreciated the indispensable and familiar dish for breakfast - oatmeal in a slow cooker. We use the standard program "milk porridge", which is available in products even of the initial functional level. First, pour cereal, salt and sugar into the pan. Mix everything thoroughly with a special spatula from the delivery. Add butter, milk and water. Press the "start" button. It remains only to wait for the sound signal of readiness and proceed to breakfast.
Cottage cheese casserole in a slow cooker can be prepared, for example, precisely at the time of arrival of children from school, using the delayed start program. All ingredients (cottage cheese, eggs, butter, flour, salt and sugar) are thoroughly mixed using 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 cooking time minus 40 minutes. By the appointed time, the smart assistant will prepare a delicious casserole. You just have to get it, cut into pieces and add jam or sour cream.
Finally
If you purchased a Polaris, Redmond, Tefal, Delonghi multicooker or any other time-tested manufacturer, then very soon you will appreciate all the benefits of cooking with this multifunctional appliance. The “smart” and “hardworking” assistant will replace both the bread machine and the deep fat fryer, as well as numerous pots and pans in the kitchen. The time that you previously spent standing at the stove can be spent with greater benefit for your family (either for relaxation or hobbies, or maybe for communicating with loved ones).
It is also important that, using such an ultramodern method as cooking without oxygen (slow mode), you can save the maximum amount of substances and vitamins that are useful for the body in cooked foods. Now, to the question of what a multicooker is, you can give a very definite answer: a household appliance necessary for any kitchen.