How to choose a multicooker: an overview of features and functions to look out for

A slow cooker is a multifunctional device that can replace a pot, oven, bread machine and a double boiler at the same time.

It allows you to cook, fry, stew, bake, reheat or knead the dough.You can use the multicooker to prepare various kinds of soups, desserts, meats, pastas, etc. At the same time, all dishes retain their taste and high nutritional value.

By itself, the multicooker does not take up much space on the table, so it will fit well into the interior of even a relatively small kitchen.

In this article, we will look at the available multicooker options and help you choose the right model, taking into account the pros and cons.

What size multicooker to choose?

The best multicooker is the one that best meets all your expectations.

When choosing a suitable model, you need to pay attention to several main parameters:

• Power - the more power the device has, the better. Efficiency and heating rate increase with increasing power.
• Programs - the more built-in programs, the more diverse the capabilities of the device. For example, if you are a fan of dishes such as pizza or pasta, you should look for a slow cooker that has an appropriate program built into it.
• Ease of cleaning - pay attention to the body from which the bowl is made.The non-stick coating is much easier to clean, and if at least some of the components of the multicooker can be washed in the dishwasher, then it’s generally good. But the best, albeit expensive, solution is a multi-cooker with a self-cleaning function, which, as the name suggests, cleans itself automatically. All you have to do is install the appropriate self-cleaning program and wait for the results.
• Bowl capacity - the capacity of the device is crucial when choosing. Multicookers usually have a volume of 2 to 6 liters, while larger models are designed for a family of several people. Devices with a capacity of 3-4 liters are considered the most versatile, which is quite enough to cook food for the whole family. Also important is the thickness of the walls of the bowl and the material from which it is made. Thick ceramic bowls provide even heat distribution and keep the temperature longer.
• Settings - if you are going to cook a variety of dishes, it is very important that the multicooker allows you to prescribe the desired parameters for temperature, cooking time or rotation speed.
• Additional functions - some of the secondary functions of the multicooker can be very useful. An example is the delayed start function or the keep warm function.
• Accessories - Some slow cookers come with additional accessories such as spoons or measuring cups that can make cooking even easier.

Which multicooker bowl is better?

Another important thing to pay attention to is the multicooker bowl. It must be made of solid materials.

The most commonly used bowls are ceramic or stainless steel.In some models, although rare, you can find aluminum bowls, but it is worth remembering that this is a cheap and short-lived solution.

However, it is worth taking care that the bowl is covered with a non-stick coating, which will protect our dishes from sticking and sticking, and also make it much easier to keep the appliance clean.

A choice of multicookers with a plastic case can also be presented. They heat up less, but are less durable than metal ones.

For interior decoration, the best solution would be an innovative marble coating. However, it is very expensive, so models with a standard non-stick coating are the most popular, which also does its job well.

As for the capacity of the bowl itself, the most popular are multicookers with a bowl of 4-5 liters. This solution will allow you to cook food for a family of 5 people. Smaller models, for example with a 1.5-3 liter bowl, are a great solution for couples or single people.

Teflon or ceramic bowl?

When it comes to ceramic and Teflon cookware, the main difference is in the composition of the non-stick coating.

It is known that when heated to a certain temperature, Teflon begins to release toxic fumes. Ceramic coating, on the other hand, is more environmentally friendly and usually does not contain lead, cadmium, PFOS, or PTFE. Thus, there is no danger of toxic substances entering the food and the air you breathe while cooking.

Ceramic and marble coatings require more gentle handling than Teflon and last about two years. But on the other hand, they are environmentally friendly and perfectly tolerate heating up to 400 degrees Celsius. In this case, detergents for ceramic coatings should be used with extreme caution.

In short, both Teflon and ceramic bowls are non-stick cookware, but with different compositions. The weakness of both options is a short service life. The non-stick coating wears off over time and begins to stick to food.

How to choose a multicooker by power?

Since the multicooker works on the basis of current, a very important parameter is the power of a particular model. It is the power that determines how quickly the device will cope with cooking.

Depending on the chosen model and manufacturer, the power of the multicooker can vary between 500 and 1400 watts.

The best choice, of course, would be a device with maximum power, but if you want a more economical option, it is recommended to choose among models with a power of at least 700 V.

What programs are needed, and which ones are not worth overpaying for?

Another very important point to consider when choosing a multicooker is the number of programs that this model offers by default. Depending on the manufacturer and the advancement of the device, the choice can vary from 15 to 50-60 different cooking programs.

However, the programs in the multicooker must be adapted to your needs and preferences. Don't overpay for features you'll never use.It is worth remembering that the main functions of a slow cooker are stewing, baking, frying, languishing, and often also steaming.

Basic programs often come with additional features designed for specific products. A good example is the quick-cooking program for cereals, rice, and pasta, which is popular among multicooker users.

Also very popular are programs that allow you to cook soups in a slow cooker, and programs for making jam (great feature, no need to worry about burning). The steam cooking program will appeal to lovers of healthy and light food.

More advanced models also have a function for making desserts, baking bread and cookies, or a frying program. With some models, you can even prepare yoghurts, smoothies and milk porridges.

Useful Features

When choosing a multicooker, one cannot ignore the additional features that this multifunctional kitchen appliance has to offer. A good slow cooker can successfully replace many other kitchen appliances, such as an oven, microwave, deep fryer, or scale. No wonder they are called multifunctional.

What features are the most useful?

Delayed start

One of these functions is, for example, the delayed start function, which allows you to program the device to start at a strictly defined time, for example, if you leave for work in the morning and want to eat a warm dinner after returning home.

Temperature maintenance

Another popular feature is keep warm, which is perfect for situations where, for example, you are waiting for guests or family members to serve food hot.If your dinner consists of several dishes, a slow cooker with a keep warm function will allow you to cook the rest without worrying about cooling the already prepared dishes.

Enabling the keep warm function causes the device to operate at a low power level.

Self cleaning function

A great option for people who do not have time to clean the device themselves. It is enough to turn on this option and the multicooker will take care of its own hygiene on its own.

Timer

The timer allows you to set the cooking time and eliminates the need to constantly remember to turn off the device in time.

Other additional features you may find useful:

• pressure cooker - the possibility of cooking under high pressure;
• yogurt maker - allows you to ferment milk into yogurt;
• bakery - an upgraded baking function for making cakes;
• smokehouse - suitable for meat, fish and similar products, and allows you to achieve results in a short time;
• heating - a slight increase in temperature, sufficient to heat food.

Which is better, slow cooker or pressure cooker?

Before moving on to the technical parameters of individual devices, let's figure out what is the difference between a pressure cooker and a multicooker, and which one suits you better?

1. Strictly speaking, a pressure cooker is an ordinary metal pan with a hermetically sealed lid, designed for extremely fast cooking. It works by creating high pressure in a closed chamber, while gradually heating the water in it. Therefore, cooking in a pressure cooker is ideal when it comes to time.Unlike a conventional slow cooker, a pressure cooker works with food at high pressure and temperature, which speeds up cooking. However, it takes time to build up the pressure (15-20 minutes on average), so the actual cooking time between the two appliances may not differ. The food is placed into the appliance at the same time because it cannot be opened during cooking.
2. However, a slow cooker is a completely different matter. This is a high-tech device that automates the cooking process and includes, among other things, a pressure cooker function. Such devices have a durable housing, consisting of a multilayer bowl and an induction heater that provides a certain temperature inside. The maximum temperatures can reach 250 degrees Celsius, and the minimum - 30.

If we take into account the similarities and differences in electricity consumption, it is comparable because the consumption depends on the power and usage time, and not on the cooking method.

Another difference between a pressure cooker and a multicooker is the presence of certain restrictions in the preparation of dishes that are not in the multicooker. However, it is believed that food cooked using high pressure is healthier because it has been cooked for a shorter time.

According to the type of control, the multicooker differs in mechanical, electronic and touch types of panels. Mechanical control is considered the most reliable and durable. Its disadvantages include the impossibility of using complex functions, for example, delayed start of tasks.

The total number of functions of a multicooker with a mechanical control panel is usually less than that of models with electronic or touch controls.For example, in mechanics, a display is very rare.

The electronic and touch panels are very similar in terms of the set of functions and the presence of the display. The difference is that electronic buttons need to be pressed, and the touchpad needs to be touched, that's all. The downside is the need for more careful application and regular cleaning.

Which brand of multicooker to choose?

In addition to the above, when choosing a multicooker, you should pay attention to the appearance of the device, as well as the reputation of the manufacturer.

Consider the most famous manufacturers:

• Panasonic products are not the cheapest, they are durable and of high quality materials;
• Philips focuses on safety of use and a large number of functions, while the quality of the products is quite high;
• Polaris occupies a budget niche, which makes the company's products quite popular with buyers of the low and medium price segment;
• Redmond is in the middle price zone, but stands out for its high quality materials and functionality;
• Bork brand products are of very high quality bowl lids, but the cost of such products is quite high.

There are many other popular manufacturers, but listing each one would take too long. It is important to understand that the brand is not a key parameter when choosing kitchen appliances, it only ensures that you do not get a pig in a poke.

But if you listen to our recommendations, then you won’t even need to remember the brand names – we have already checked and evaluated everything for you.

TOP 5 best multicookers by price/quality for 2024-2025

We understand that choosing a good multicooker in 2024-2025 is not an easy task, and the many models and features available can be confusing. Therefore, we have created this rating, which presents the most popular and highly rated multicookers of the outgoing year.

However, from the rating below, it is easy to conclude that Redmond multicookers are of the greatest interest in 2024-2025.

REDMOND RMC-M90

In the first place of our rating is the multifunctional device of the American company Redmond. This is an excellent multicooker that can take on the functions of several kitchen appliances at once. Plus, it looks great on the hob.

The model has a modern look and functionality. The device has a ceramic bowl produced by the Korean brand Anato. It is coated with a special compound that prevents anything from sticking to it. So you can forget about accidentally burning food.

In total, the multicooker has 17 programs that will greatly help in cooking meat, cereals, cakes, jams, soups, yogurts and much more.

The Redmond device has as many as 3 heating elements located in different places. As a result, each dish is cooked evenly.

The multicooker also has many interesting additional functions. At your disposal, among other things, the function of warming dishes, maintaining the temperature of ready meals, as well as the delayed start function.

According to reviews on various forums, this is the best multicooker of 2024-2025. It is emphasized that the device is easy to use - the dishes are prepared almost by themselves, by pressing a few buttons.The quick and easy cleaning of the device is also a big advantage.

Advantages:

• stylish and modern appearance, as well as an ergonomic design that allows you to effectively integrate the multicooker into the kitchen interior;
• as many as seventeen programs, thanks to which you can cook meat, pastries, cereals, soups and much more. This allows the device to combine the best features of several kitchen appliances at once;
• ease of use: as soon as you put the ingredients inside, select the program and press the start button, the device does all the work itself and you do not need to monitor the cooking process, not to mention intervene in it;
• The product adopts a high quality ceramic bowl made by a famous Korean brand, and the bowl itself is coated with a special compound, which makes it more durable and prevents food from sticking to the walls.

Flaws:

• a limited number of additional accessories: the set, in fact, includes only a steamer, a deep-frying basket and a ceramic bowl;
• relatively low power (860 W).

Moulinex CE 500E32

The Moulinex CE 500E32 multicooker is also an invaluable assistant in the kitchen. Cooking with this device guarantees a healthy and complete meal.

The multicooker is very easy to use, and the bowl in the middle of the multicooker has thick walls that distribute the heat very evenly. This guarantees well-done and tasty dishes.

The big advantage of this device is the movable handle, thanks to which you can transport food from room to room, as well as the possibility of washing the bowl in the dishwasher.

Like the Redmond multicooker, this device has a very useful keep warm function. The manufacturer guarantees that the nutritional value of the dish is preserved up to 24 hours. When the cooking process is completed, the appliance automatically enters the keep warm mode.

Advantages:

• 21 cooking programs;
• the inside of the device is equipped with specially thickened walls, thanks to which the heat is distributed evenly, and the products left inside the device cool down more slowly;
• thanks to an additional handle, you can move equipment between shelves, to another room, or even take it with you on vacation;
• thanks to the additional keep warm function, the food will keep the right temperature for a long time after cooking, and the option itself is activated automatically at the end of cooking.
• keeping the device clean is very easy because you can wash it in the dishwasher;
• taking into account the advantages of the presented model, it should be emphasized that it is quite cheap, especially compared to more expensive and less functional competitors.

Cons: None found.

REDMOND RMC-M25/M252/M253

As the manufacturer himself writes, Redmond RMC-M25/M252/M253 is a combination of futuristic appearance and innovative technologies.

The company uses a patented 3D heating technology, which means that heating elements are located in three different places in the bowl at once, thanks to which the dish is heated evenly from all sides, which positively affects the quality and taste of food. The multicooker boasts a rich selection of automatic modes that make the device a complete replacement for many household appliances.

The bowl of the appliance is also quite roomy, so the multicooker can be safely recommended for large families or those who often prepare treats for large companies.

Advantages:

• worthy price;
• futuristic appearance;
• the ability to turn off automatic heating (useful, for example, for making yogurt);
• large bowl capacity (5 l);

Cons: Short power cord.

Zigmund & Shtain MC-D50

A worthy offer from the German company Zigmund & Shtain. The device boasts good value for money and has 12 automatic programs, including a multi-stage languishing mode.

The bowl is made of high quality aluminum alloy and coated with a non-stick ceramic coating. As in the multicookers described above, this one also has a delayed start function and the ability to keep warm, as well as adjusting the cooking time.

Advantages:

• durable bowl with a volume of 700 grams;
• a book with hundreds of recipes specifically for this model;
• beautiful black design and ergonomics that allow you to integrate the multicooker into any interior;
• simple and convenient cleaning system;
• good value for money.

Flaws:

• 860 W power may not be enough for some;
• some programs, such as those for baking cake or bread, take a little longer to run than their more familiar counterparts.

Steba DD2 BASIC

This stylish multi-cooker-pressure cooker looks like a neat square bag, which already attracts attention. This is one of the most versatile models on the market, having the basic functions of a multicooker and a pressure cooker.

It allows you to fry, and bake, and stew, and cook for a couple.Ideal for families who need to cook something quickly from time to time (in pressure cooker mode, it takes 7 minutes to cook rice, while in a regular slow cooker you have to wait about 20 minutes).

Advantages:

• extremely simple and intuitive interface;
• aesthetic appearance;
• affordable price;
• versatility.

Cons: useless recipe book.

A short checklist on choosing a multicooker

So, let's sum up. To make the device easy to use and its capabilities suit you completely, you should pay attention to the following elements:

• device power;
• the presence of a clear LCD display that allows you to control the settings and time;
• bowl volume;
• non-slip feet;
• number of programs;
• handle for easy carrying of the device;
• additional functions;
• retractable/removable cord (for easy storage and transportation);
• the possibility of washing individual elements in the dishwasher (bowl, accessories);
• additional elements included in the set (grid, spatula, measuring cups, recipe book for a multicooker, etc.).

Remember that although at first glance the slow cooker looks like an ordinary pot, it is actually a complex piece of equipment with many settings. Just pay attention to the above criteria when choosing and you are unlikely to have technical problems with the device.

Useful video

How to choose the right multicooker and what features of the devices to pay special attention to when choosing, they will tell in the video: