Universal multicooker copes with the first and second courses, pastries and desserts. It replaces several kitchen appliances at once, is easy to use and care, and, most importantly, it unties the hands of the housewives, since you do not need to stand above it: it itself controls the entire cooking process.
What are
At first glance, all multicookers are very similar, but each is beautiful in its own way. So, in classic models, thermal heating is used (that is, from below), while in some new products - “three-dimensional”, or 3D (from below, from the sides and from above), which creates the effect of a Russian stove. Power can also be different - from 650 to 1500 watts.
Multicookers and the volume of the bowl differ. In compact models, it is 1.6-3 liters, 4-liter is considered standard, and large - 5 liters or more.
A non-stick coating is required, but which one, depending on the manufacturer, is ceramic and teflon, which allows cooking without oil.
What to cook
To appreciate the culinary skills of the multicooker, study its menu - it will tell you about the number and variety of automatic cooking programs. There may be more than 20.
Trusting auto-programs is convenient when preparing cream soup, pilaf, casseroles, jellied meat, as well as any stews and jams. Perfectly obtained porridge, both on water and milk, risotto. Side dishes are easily prepared - rice, buckwheat, baked potatoes, etc.
Customizable programs, which all multicookers have, will help bring variety to the diet. Some models allow you to adjust existing autoprograms, including directly during the cooking process, while others are completely open to your experiments: invent, save in the memory of the device and improve your own recipes. Such programs are called differently - "Your choice", "My recipe", "Multipovar", etc.
Additional functions
Many multicookers can not only fry, cook, bake, but also steam: for this, a separate container with holes is designed - it is put on top of a bowl of water. There are models in which you can make homemade cottage cheese and yogurt. And individual units will successfully replace the deep fryer: in a special basket with a removable handle it is convenient to fry potato slices, onion rings, etc. in oil
The “Quick Cooking” mode allows you to save time cooking side dishes and stews due to the higher temperature. Families with young children will appreciate the bottle sterilization function.
What's the price?
Most multicookers are quite affordable. For example, crock-pots with low power, thermal heating, a simple digital display and a minimum of functions can cost from 1500 rubles.
For 3000-6000 rubles, you can purchase a more functional unit with a convenient touch panel, large LCD-display and backlight. The cost of the most advanced new products with high power and a full range of conceivable and inconceivable functions is from 7, 000 rubles.
