Main features and functions of the multicooker

For some people, the cooking process is creativity that gives pleasure, and for others, a routine or a duty.
Almost every housewife is confronted with the question of what to cook so that it is tasty, fast and there is time for other, equally important classes. Here, numerous multicooker functions will come to the rescue, which will become a real helper for you!

Principle of work, multicooker specifications

A slow cooker is a versatile cooking device that combines the functions of a frying pan, oven, and pan.

A crock-pot is an electric appliance, the main elements of which are:

1. The case, most often made of plastic or with metal inserts. Designed according to the principle of a thermos, it provides heat retention inside the device, which contributes to quick cooking.
2. Bowl for cooking. Depending on the model, the multicooker bowl has a ceramic, Teflon, non-stick coating or can be marble coated. Tanks for cooking have a different volume, usually two, four or six liters.
3. Control panel with built-in microprocessor - is responsible for managing programs and cooking modes. The panels have a display for displaying information. Switching between modes is carried out by buttons, more expensive models have a touch screen.
4. The valve with which the device is equipped regulates the pressure inside the device, releasing steam to the outside.
5. Heating element. It is located in the lower part under the multicooker bowl. Some models have additional heaters on the sides and on the lid, which increases the power of the device and the speed of cooking.
6. Slow cooker lid. During cooking, the lid closes tightly, ensuring tightness.
7. Container. It is a removable container for collecting condensate during cooking.

Technical characteristics of multicookers from different manufacturers differ, respectively, and the capabilities of individual models will be different, but the principle of operation of this device for all types is almost the same:

1. The desired cooking mode is selected.
2. The processor starts the program.
3. The heater warms the bowl to a certain temperature according to the set cooking program.
4. The temperature sensor controls the level of heating of the bowl.
5. The timer fixes the necessary time for cooking and starts the countdown.
6. At the end of the set cooking time, a signal is triggered.

Cooking algorithm with multicooker:

1. Prepare the necessary products for the selected dish.
2. Install the bowl in the multicooker.
3. Put all the products in the bowl.
4. Select a recipe mode.
5. Install the program and time, if it is manually configured.
6. Start the process by clicking “Start”.
7. Wait for the end of the program and after a characteristic signal turn off the device.

Multicooker Modes and Capabilities

What functions a multicooker performs and what its technical characteristics depend on the number of installed cooking programs, the so-called modes. With all the variety of models and their functional capabilities, several main modes are distinguished, which are equipped with almost all types of multicookers:

1. Frying / Steak - a mode for cooking various meat, fish, vegetable dishes by frying in hot oil.
2. Milk porridge / Cereals - used in the preparation of all kinds of cereals in milk or water, as well as for the preparation of side dishes. At the same time, side dishes from cereals are crumbly, thanks to the special distribution of heat under the bowl and the maintenance of a constant temperature, necessary for the evaporation of excess moisture. The main thing is to observe the proportions indicated in the recipe.
3. Steam / Macaroni - this mode allows you to cook steamed dishes (vegetables, fish, meat). The mode is convenient for cooking dietary, vegetarian dishes, as well as for cooking pasta, ravioli. Convenience lies in the fact that water is boiled first, and after a characteristic signal you can throw pasta, dumplings or dumplings.
4. Soup / Pilaf - suitable for making broths, soups, mashed soups, pilaf and various drinks (compote, fruit drink, mulled wine).
5. Stewing / Jellied meat - used for stewing meat, vegetables and fish, as well as for cooking jellied meat. In this case, the dish can be prepared with a minimum amount of oil or water: it will not burn, but it will turn out juicy, the products will retain all the beneficial properties.
6. Baking / Bread - performs the function of an oven in which you can bake meat, as well as vegetables or casserole. You can also bake bread, biscuit, pizza, pie or make an omelet.

Some modes are not installed on all models and are related to additional features of the device.

Additional features of the multicooker:

• delayed start function - provides cooking at the specified time;
• maintaining the temperature - a function that turns on automatically after the completion of the cooking program, and the dish can remain warm for a long time;
• heating mode of ready meals - turns on if necessary to heat previously cooked food;
• a crock-pot with the function of deep-frying, thanks to which you can cook your favorite french fries and many other delicious dishes;
• the possibility of pasteurization, sterilization and preservation is also attributed to the additional functionality of the multicooker;
• mode for cooking fondue, jam, dough;
• “Masterchef” function - makes it possible to set up an individual mode for the user with setting the temperature and cooking time, the set data is saved in the multicooker memory;
• a slow cooker with the function of a yogurt maker provides the optimal temperature necessary for preparing yogurt (not higher than 35 ° C);
• voice prompt function or voice guide - voices the user's actions, and when choosing a cooking mode, makes prompts for further manipulations, which is very useful for distracted users, since the device will remind you to put a bowl or pour the required amount of water.

Not every multicooker model supports additional modes. Simple and cheap models are equipped with only basic programs, while more expensive models are accordingly endowed with special capabilities. One model of the multicooker can have several additional programs.

Choosing a multicooker, it is necessary to take into account not only the cost, but also analyze the daily menu and identify functions that will be useful specifically for this user. So, for example, a person watching his figure will benefit from a slow cooker with the function of a yogurt maker and, most likely, a slow cooker with the possibility of deep-frying will not work.

Undoubtedly, a multicooker is a useful appliance in everyday life both for owners of a large family, and for those who live alone and do not particularly like to spend their time cooking. The multicooker will bring special joy to working women, because combining the main work, caring for children and at the same time preparing varied and tasty food can be quite difficult. If you entrust the preparation of food to the multicooker, you can allow yourself to spend time, which is usually spent on preparing breakfast, lunch or dinner, on morning exercises or allow yourself to sleep a little more.

Based on the above functions, the capabilities of the multicooker, the conclusion suggests itself that this type of household appliances will not gather dust in the closet in the kitchen, will not make the owner regret the money spent. In addition to assisting in the preparation, the owner of the multicooker receives a useful book with recipes for dishes, and the tormenting question “what to cook?” Becomes irrelevant.In addition, there are many culinary sites with step-by-step recipes. Users of these sites also share recipes for cooking in the multicooker.