The multi-cooker is quickly gaining traction in the world of kitchen appliances. The variety of functions it comes with coupled with a competitive price, and the number of recipes you can cook with just one pot has turned the unit into a primary pick for many people, particularly those who are busy and don’t have a lot of time to invest in the cooking process.
The multi cooker is a kind of appliance that uses a timed method to cook. A good multi-cooker is capable of boiling, making stews, frying/deep-frying, steaming and some models can even bake food items. It can act as a slow cooker, or cook perfect rice.
5 Recommended Best Multi Cookers Reviews
You know why a good multi cooker is a great addition to your kitchen. It is one of those modern inventions that you need to make cooking a safe, exciting and more convenient task. There are many available multi cooker models being sold today, however choosing a quality product can be difficult, especially beginners.
To make your selection easier, I have compiled a list of 5 products that have gained positive points among customers. Read the reviews of these multi cookers and see if there is a product here for you.
Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker
If you are looking for a device that can take on a good variety of cooking processes, then the pressure cooker is your one-stop kitchen appliance.
The Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker puts together the functions of a slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt and cake maker, steamer and more. This is a truly versatile unit that can do a good range of cooking methods, so if you are the type who is always busy but need variety in your dishes, this is the unit you should splurge on.
The device comes with a pressure regulator which guarantees that the operating pressure will remain within the safety levels. It also includes an anti-blockage vent which stops food remains from congesting the vent. The safety lid lock stops the unintentional opening of the unit while it is pressurized. It is made with a sensor for detecting the position of the lid, and keeps watch whether the lid remains in a position considered unsafe for pressure cooking.
To regulate temperatures depending on the kind of program chosen, the automatic temperature control does this task. Burnt food is a thing of the past as well, due to the inclusion of high-temperature monitoring, while the automatic pressure controller guarantees that the pressure will always be kept in a safe position. If in case the internal or current temperature is in a situation that is unsafe, the electrical current and temperature fuse will shut down the unit.
This is an excellent product for people who like experimenting with different cooking methods using just one device. It is also ideal for people who are all for customization, due to the good range of programs available. From the clean and modern design of the unit down to its helpful features, this unit is a perfect addition to your collection of kitchen appliances. It also makes for a nice gift for weddings and bridal showers.
Pros
- Has a great selection of safety features
- Includes UL certification
- Accommodates a nice range of cooking methods in one unit
- Ideal for busy homeowners
- Has a nice modern design
Cons
Comes with a higher price tag compared to regular pressure cookers
COSORI Upgraded 6 Quart 9-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker
This version of the Cosori multicooker is an upgraded version from the previous version that was a best seller on Amazon.
Although this kitchen equipment is called a Pressure Cooker, it claims to be much more than that. And indeed it is.
The Cosori device has 9 functions all rolled in one. You can use as a Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Sauté Pan, Yogurt Maker, Bake Cakes, Hot Pot, Steamer, Warmer, and finally as a Pressure Cooker.
It also has 16 preset cooking functions. What that means is you need to press a button and your food will be cooked as per the right program. The LED panel also provides you with useful information on the progress of your food being cooked.
The device comes with a user manual in English, French, and also Spanish.
Pros
- Saves time during cooking
- Includes 10 safety mechanisms for safe operations when you use the device
- Very easy to clean
- Can prepare a meal for up to 8 people at once.
- Comes with a glass top which means you do not need to buy one separately
Cons
Some of the function buttons can be difficult to understand
Zojirushi NP-NVC10 Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker & Warmer
Rice is a pretty flexible food ingredient and cooked the right way, is delicious, and pairs so well with savory dishes. It’s no wonder that it is a staple for many Asian and Latin American countries. It is filling and it can be cooked in lots of ways.
The Zojirushi NP-NVC10 Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker & Warmer allows the rice to reach its fullest potential after cooking. It comes with perceptive AI technology which makes cooking rice precise and simple.
You can avoid trial and error with this device since you will acquire the right texture and taste of the rice after every cooking based on the menu selection you choose. Getting that pot of rice right every time can be a feat for many people. The key to making delicious, fluffy rice is consistency and at times, this characteristic can be pretty hard to pin down. This is the reason why this product is a great item to have on hand at home especially if rice is a bigger part of your diet.
It is packed with high-tech advancements, simple to use and the unit includes AI technology which absorbs and modifies your style of cooking so you can get the perfect bowl of rice each time, whether you want to prepare common white rice or the brown kind. Using this device means you can avoid the usual hassles related to cooking rice like soggy or burnt rice and the mess that often comes with the process.
Pros
- The device includes a good number of menu settings
- Comes with a perceptive AI feature which gets rid of inaccuracies
- Has delayed-start feature which lets users cook rice for the period they feel comfortable with
- Capable of cooking a nice variety of rice
- Includes keep-warm feature to maintain the quality of the rice
- Has multiple settings so you can cook rice in many ways
Cons
- The cord is not retractable
- Does not come with a steamer basket
- Must be handled carefully
- Can only cook 5 cups of rice each time. A more expensive model can cook additional rice.
Fagor LUX Multi-Cooker
The multi cooker is a very convenient and versatile kitchen appliance since it combines the functions of a slow cooker and a pressure cooker. It allows for flexibility so you can test out your kitchen skills without needing a lot of pots and pans.
The Fagor LUX Multi-Cooker comes with a safe ceramic pot that has non-stick properties. This cooking pot is actually tougher compared to standard pots with non-stick finishes. The multi cooker also comes with a substantial heft to it, which means it is sturdy.
Another advantage of this product is its control panel which comes with a high-pressure button which makes cooking with the unit easier and much simpler to understand. The removable cooking pot is capable of containing 6 quarts of volume.
The unit also comes with a brown and keep warm feature which is helpful if you like searing food items.
Furthermore, the package comes with an instruction manual that has suggested pressure cooking periods and recipes for all set functions. You can also cook rice in it; however, the settings for the pressure cooker and the slow cooker are more recommended compared to those meant for cooking rice.
In case you need one solid unit that can accommodate both slow and pressure cooking, this one may work for you. It is good not only for expert cooks but for beginners as well.
Pros
- Includes a delay-start timer
- Has a small carbon footprint
- Includes brown setting for sautéing needs
- Simple and a breeze to use
Cons
- Comes with only 1 temperature for slow cooker
- Rice cooker is imprecise at times
MIDEA Stainless Steel 7-in-1 Multi-Functional Programmable Pressure Cooker
A pressure cooker like the MIDEA Stainless Steel 7-in-1 Multi-Functional Programmable Pressure Cooker can decrease cooking time at least thrice so it will make meal planning a breeze for you.
You can cook a great variety of food ingredients in it. Even tougher meat cuts will be tenderized in the pressure cooker in a shorter period of time; this means not only can you save on energy, but it will also help you save money by using less-expensive meat cuts as well.
Furthermore, apart from cooking meat, the device can also tackle several cooking methods in just one pot. You can cook any type of ingredient in it from whole grains down to vegetables.
There are even models that allow for baking cakes. Hence, it is easy to see why pressure cookers like this Midea Pressure Cooker are frequently found in many kitchens all over the world. This Midea pressure cooker comes with a 24-hour delay timer, which earns a lot of points in our book. It allows you to prepare your food, place it in the unit, input your cooking settings and then leave the unit alone. Once the food is cooked, the device will automatically shift to the keep warm feature and stop the cooking process.
This is a UL- and ULC-certified product as well, which means it has excellent energy efficiency and safety. To make cooking fast, easy and exciting, the unit includes a menu with 14 preset options.
It can serve as a pressure cooker, a steamer, a rice cooker, and even a stew pot. It can tackle making broth, soups, stocks, plus cook meat, poultry, fish and beans.
The device can also be used in either manual or programmable model. To further enhance the flavor of the food, the device also comes with a texture mode.
Pros
- Has 24-hour delay timer
- Comes with sturdy stainless steel pot
- Can be used in a number of cooking styles
- Can be used in manual or programmable mode
- UL and ULC certified
- Energy efficient, safe product
Cons
- The user manual is not that detailed
- Venting button can be tricky to use
Why use a multi cooker
One great benefit of having a multicooker apart from allowing you to save time and money on additional kitchen equipment is that it will also help you save effort. Cooking is an excellent means to make your downtime into a productive one; however, not everyone has the time to cook full, healthy dishes daily.
The multicooker will save you from the hassles of meal preparation and cooking. You can make use of the multicooker for each meal and produce different dishes every time. All you need is a recipe, the needed ingredients, prepare and put them in the device as required by the recipe, choose the ideal program for it, then set its timer.
The device will do the rest of the cooking, without any further need from you. Another excellent advantage of having a multi cooker is that its functions are simple to understand; therefore, it is a snap to use. Its user-friendly features will also allow you to cook meals while you are at work.
The multi cooker will serve every member of your family and you can be assured that they can eat a healthy meal even if you are not at home. The multicooker is indeed a no-fuss product due to its energy efficiency, compact size and portability, and safety features.
How to use a multi-cooker
The multi-cooker has lots of benefits, as mentioned earlier. This is one device that gets rid of the need for several appliances and it also makes preparing and cooking meals easier. If you already own a multi cooker, here are some of the things you need to keep in mind when using it.
Make sure to first test the multicooker
As soon as you acquired a multi cooker, you should perform a test run on it to guarantee that it works properly. This is also a good move since you have to check out the product’s pressure settings. Reading the instruction manual beforehand will allow you to learn how to properly use the unit, to be able to get the most out of it.
Remember not to overfill the unit
If you are using the multi cooker’s pressure or slow-cooking settings, keep in mind not to fill the device more than 2/3 full since it will jeopardize the cooker’s safety. Also, for foods that expand while cooking like beans and types of grains, remember to fill the unit only half full.
Always place some type of liquid in it
If you are using a multi cooker, it is always crucial to keep in mind that the unit should have a type of liquid within, whether you are steaming foods or using the pressure setting. Put around 1 cup of water or your preferred liquid prior to cooking a certain recipe.
Clean and maintain the pressure release unit
If you want to maintain the device, make sure to inspect the pressure release unit of the multi cooker when using the pressure setting. This part of the multi cooker is prone to food build-up. Do not cook foods on it that will cause the unit to splatter, like pasta or oats, with the pressure setting, and remember to choose only the slow-cook setting for such foods.
Conclusion
A multi-cooker combines the functions of a pressure cooker and a slow cooker. Some models can even serve as a rice cooker. Imagine getting food ready at the touch of a button.
There are multi-cookers as well which can tackle a number of cooking styles like roasting and deep-frying food items. There is a nice variety of the unit on the market right now, each model bearing features that make them distinctive and advantageous.
The bestselling models are often electric models that come with a good range of modes. It might include a higher heat setting meant for searing and frying, or the unit might come with a slow cooking setting.
Choosing can be a chore at times due to the sheer number of the units on the market; however, as long as you know what you need, you will not have any problems looking for a model that best fits your requirements and preferences. Do not confuse this cooking device with an air fryer. They both look similar but aren’t.
Determine what features are important for your cooking needs and then search for your product.
This list will give you an idea of what is available, and what features to look for in a multi cooker, so you can either use it to select a product, or to launch further research into other products that may be more suitable for you.
Whichever way you go, you are sure to find a multi cooker that can make cooking much easier and less of a hassle for you and your busy lifestyle.
Let me know in the comments section which you think is the best multi cooker to buy in 2020?
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