Many housewives do not even suspect that you can spend a minimum of time in the kitchen. At the same time, your family will always be hearty and tasty. How to do it? It’s enough to buy an ultramodern appliance called a multicooker-pressure cooker.
Today we will help you understand what you should pay attention to when buying, and also made a small rating of the best multicooker pressure cookers of the year.
What is a multicooker-pressure cooker
A multicooker with a pressure cooker function allows you to cook not only tasty, but also very quickly. You no longer have to stand over the pan, stir or turn the meat, or make sure that the porridge does not "run away". The miracle unit will do everything on its own.
The multicooker-pressure cooker is a multifunctional electric pan with some design additions. The cooking process here is carried out under pressure. Therefore, you will spend a minimum of time in the kitchen. If in a conventional oven the process of baking a piece of meat takes 1.5–2 hours, then the multicooker-pressure cooker will cope with this in just 50 minutes. In this case, you do not have to pay any attention to the process at all. They washed the meat, rubbed it with spices, put it in the unit's bowl, chose the desired mode, closed the lid and went about their business. After about an hour, you will receive a juicy, fragrant boiled pork for dinner.
It is very easy to recognize a multicooker-pressure cooker on a store shelf. Most often, this device is equipped with a powerful cover mounted on a rubber or silicone gasket. And also you will surely find 2-3 good clamps capable of holding increased pressure inside the apparatus. Additionally, the device is equipped with two valves. The first regulates the working pressure in the pressure cooker and, if necessary, releases excess steam. The second is emergency. It works when the pressure inside the multicooker reaches a critical one.
See also - Choosing not expensive, but high-quality multicooker for home
What is it for
A slow cooker with a pressure cooker mode saves you the most time spent in the kitchen. As in a conventional multicooker, you can perform many different processes in it:
- cook soups;
- prepare second courses;
- fry or stew vegetables;
- cook meat, fish;
- cook jellied meat;
- bake pies and muffins;
- to steam;
- to bake bread;
- make jam;
- make yoghurts.
The only difference is that you will spend 2-3 times less time on all these processes. For example, to cook beets in a vinaigrette, you need only 10-15 minutes.
It is worth noting that a few more minutes need to be added to the total cooking time so that the unit gains the necessary pressure and goes into operation.
See also:
- Top popular multicookers from the manufacturer Polaris
- 5 best pressure cookers to customer reviews
- 5 best multicookers ENDEVER according to customer reviews
- 5 best multicookers Tefal of the year
Pros and cons
Like any household appliance, a multicooker with a pressure cooker function has both positive and negative qualities. Here are some of them.
Pros:
- in devices of this type, food is cooked as quickly as possible;
- the cooking process under strong pressure allows you to maximize the preservation of all useful substances in the products;
- You can use a wide variety of modes and options;
- one appliance can replace a series of kitchen assistants and significantly save space in your kitchen;
- since the heat treatment does not last too long, the color and taste of the dishes remain as natural as possible.
Minuses:
- all the ingredients of the dish, salt and spices will have to be laid at the same time;
- until the end of the cooking time you can’t open the lid and see what happens inside;
- if you do not follow the instruction manual, you can burn yourself very hot with hot steam;
- if, at the end of cooking, open the lid of the appliance without first releasing the steam, the dish will explode and you will have to scrub the house for a long time from the remains of dinner.
Selection options
Choosing a multi-pressure cooker is not an easy task. Shelves of stores offer dozens of diverse models and manufacturers. What to choose? How not to make a mistake and what you should pay attention to when buying?
Going to the store, make a short list of preferences for yourself. The answers to the following questions will help you with this:
- What is the instrument housing made of? All-metal is more reliable, plastic is much cheaper.
- What is the cooking bowl covered with? The most commonly used ceramics or teflon. Pay attention to the number of layers. The more of them, the better the technique.
- What volume does the bowl have? For a large family, you need to choose models of at least 5-6 liters. For a little, 2-3 liters is enough.
- Are there automatic programs in the settings?
- Is there an opportunity to independently set the necessary cooking parameters?
- Is it possible to independently change the pressure from low to high and vice versa?
- Is there a drain pan in which the condensate will drain?
- Is there a “delayed start” function and what is the maximum range of its use?
- Is there a child lock?
- Can all parts, including the cover, be removed completely? Is it convenient to wash the unit?
- Does the set contain an appropriate set of additional parts: a measuring spoon, a tack, bowls for bulk products, a soup ladle, a collection of recipes, and so on?
When choosing a suitable model, it is also good to pay attention to purely technical details.
Device power
The higher this indicator, the faster cooking will occur. If you plan to purchase one of the budget models, focus on the indicator of 700-900 watts. For more expensive and high-quality models, the optimal indicator is 1–1.2 kW.
Bowl volume
On the market you can find models with a pan capacity for cooking up to 10 liters. Going to the store, estimate the number of members of your family who eat regularly with you. If 3-4 people live in your family, you should not even consider models with a bowl volume of less than 5 liters. The fact is that when filling the pan you must leave another place (about 1 liter) for the formation of steam.
Bowl material
Today on the market there are 4 types of internal coating pots for multicookers.
- Ceramics. It can withstand huge temperatures without emitting any harmful substances. Easy to clean, does not stick. With regular use it is not too durable, especially if the ceramics are single-layer.
- Aluminum. Lightweight and cheap multicooker bowls. The food in them heats up quickly and evenly.With strong heating, the top layer is broken, and the pan begins to release harmful substances directly into the food.
- Stainless steel. The optimal solution - it looks great, has a long life, does not absorb odors, does not emit harmful substances, is able to withstand high temperatures, is easy to clean. In some cases, if improperly used, it may burn a little.
- Teflon or marble coated metal. Another good solution. If the spraying is performed in several layers, the bowl will serve you faithfully for many years.
Cap type
Different manufacturers come up with their own ways to hold the unit cover. Some models have a mechanism that presses the lid on top, while others have constipation inside. Feel free to work out right at the store. It should be convenient for you to open and close the lid.
It is best to choose models in which the lid does not easily recline and is completely removable. This will provide you with additional convenience when bookmarking products. And washing such a device is much easier.
Bowl Gasket
Make sure that this element is made of heat-resistant material. Otherwise, the pressure cooker will not last long. If there is a choice between a rubber or silicone sealant, give preference to the latter. Rubber seals keep the temperature poorly, do not last long, although it costs much less. Silicone seals in all respects are much more effective.
Steam relief valves
It is best to give preference to those models in which the valve openings are directed not up, but in different directions. This will avoid even an accidental burn when working with the device.
Number of modes
Carefully study the functions inherent in the program. Estimate how often you will use each of them. The more modes a device has, the more expensive it costs. So if, for example, you do not plan to cook yogurt at home, then you should not overpay for an additional option.
Product safety and degree of protection
You should not purchase an unit that has less than 6 levels of protection. Especially pay attention to the presence of a child lock and auto-lock when trying to start an empty device. Make sure that the model provides thermal protection against overheating, is equipped with control temperature sensors and has an emergency pressure relief valve.
Rules of operation and care
In order for the multicooker-pressure cooker to please you with a long and trouble-free operation, you should adhere to some tips and recommendations regarding the care of it.
- To remove the unpleasant odor of the plastic after purchase, pour a few glasses of water into the bowl and cut into half a lemon. Set the steam program and start the appliance. At the end of the work, pour out the contents of the pan.
- Remove condensation from under the appliance cover in time.
- The sealant can absorb various odors. To prevent your cupcake from smelling, for example, of fish, purchase several o-rings and use each for its own type of dishes.
- Do not rub or scratch the bowl with metal brushes. Use only soft rags and sponges for washing.
- If necessary, you can purchase additional bowls from various materials: Teflon, ceramic, or stainless steel.
- Do not put the pressure cooker in direct sunlight, delicate electronics may fail.
- Do not wash the entire appliance in the dishwasher or under the tap. Simply wipe it with a soft, damp cloth.
- Get silicone or wooden spoons, spatulas and mixers. So, you will protect the bowl from additional damage.
- Never turn on the device with or without an empty bowl.
TOP 5 best models
You already know how to choose a multicooker-pressure cooker and how to care for it. To make the choice even easier, we present to your attention a small rating of the best multicooker pressure cookers of the year.
Redmond rmc-m110
This is one of the most popular models.She knows how to stew, cook, blanch, usually fry and deep-fried, bake pies and muffins, steam, sterilize dishes.
Pros:
- convenient control functionality;
- delayed start mode;
- 55 programmed recipes;
- can support heating mode;
- pan volume 5 l;
- the bowl has a high-quality non-stick coating;
- collection of recipes included.
Minuses:
- rubber seal keeps odors;
- sometimes the pressure relief valve fails;
- there is no handle for the pan in the kit, it is not very convenient to take it out;
- the steam cooking tank is not too large;
- the lid is not removable, but hinged;
- the cost is somewhat overpriced.
See also - Choosing the best multicooker from Redmond
Vitesse VS-3006
An excellent multicooker, besides the standard programs, it has the function of making homemade yogurt. It is also possible to smoke products in it, both cold and hot.
Advantages:
- confidently works according to the chosen program;
- capacious bowl for 6 liters;
- very easy to operate;
- the kit includes everything you need;
- It is relatively affordable.
Disadvantages:
- the display is not very good quality;
- there is no shutdown button on the unit body;
- the power cord is short;
- there is no high-quality instruction manual.
See also - 6 best multicooker Vitesse of the year
Marta MT-4310
Great unit at a very reasonable price. Interesting design and all the delights of a multicooker pressure cooker.
Pros:
- a spacious bowl with a polymer-ceramic coating has rather thick walls;
- convenient touch control;
- there are 45 different programs allowing you to cook in automatic and semi-automatic mode;
- power - 0.9 kW.
Minuses:
- short power cord;
- no condensate collection tank;
- in the “Baking” mode, it may slightly burn on the bottom.
Unit USP-1210S
Ideal for those who like to pamper themselves with homemade smoked meats. There is a function of both hot and cold smoking. Moreover, the model is very affordable.
Advantages:
- capacious bowl for 6 liters;
- power –1.1 kW;
- durable steel body;
- a wide variety of functions;
- clear information board;
- there is high-quality protection against overheating.
Disadvantages:
- the keep warm function cannot be turned off;
- when smoked, a specific smell can spread, it is best to place the device under the hood;
- instruction for a slow cooker is not too detailed.
Mr. Cook MCP-55C
A simple, and most importantly, a very cheap option. It has only 9 basic programs, however, this may be quite enough for daily cooking.
Pros:
- reliable and convenient work;
- interesting design;
- the bowl has a thick ceramic coating;
- the cover can be removed completely, it is very convenient to clean it;
- there is a forced steam reset button;
- built-in keeping warm program;
- delayed start can be set up to 24 hours;
- just a great price.
Minuses:
- not too many built-in programs;
- you cannot make the sound signals given by the device in the process of operation quieter;
- buttons are pressed quite tightly;
- Condensate removal system not well thought out.
Of course, there are dozens of quite decent models on store shelves. Now you know what to look for when buying, and you can choose for yourself the best multicooker, pressure cooker.
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