Multi-cookers are a fantastic addition to any kitchen. Not only do they help you prepare food faster, but they can also make cooking more convenient, fast and healthy because you’re cooking fresh real food. You can create meals in the kitchen with less fuss, less time and cleanup is a breeze. However, before you buy one of these handy machines for your home, it is important to know what features they come with and how to choose the best one for you. In this post we’ll walk you through the basics of multi-cookers and give you some tips on how to pick the perfect machine for your needs.
Introduction to Multi-Cookers
Multi-cookers are kitchen appliances that can function as a rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, saute pan, steamer and more. They offer the same functions as other cooking appliances but do it in one machine. Multi-cookers are perfect busy households where both parents may work outside the home. Instead of having separate appliances for each task, you can just use one machine to save space in your kitchen.
When buying a multi-cooker there are a few things to consider:
1) The size of your family. If you have a larger family, you might want to buy a larger cooker. If you have leftovers, you can simply store them in air-tight containers in the refrigerator and have them later in the week. If you live alone or with only one other person, then a medium size cooker will do the trick.
2) Your budget. A higher price tag often means more features and better quality product; this is not always the case though so make sure your buying decision is based on what’s best for you.
3) Your cooking preferences. Some people eat rice with most of their evening meals while others prefer steamed vegetables so it’s important to think about what foods you’ll most often be making when choosing which model is best for you. The best way to this is to do an online search using a phrase something like, “best type of multi-cooker for [insert the food type here]” and you can find some good information.
What Can You Cook in a Multicooker?
With a multi-cooker, you can cook anything you would normally cook on the stovetop or in the oven. This includes things like beef, poultry, fish, soup, vegetables, rice, beans, and more! You can even add other ingredients to create your favorite slow-cooked recipes like pulled pork or beef brisket. You can cook multiple foods at the same time by using appropriate heat and time settings. You can separate the foods by using a trivet which is a metal tray with legs that can stack foods. Not all multi-cookers come with trivets but you can buy one separately
What to Look for When Buying a Multi-Cooker
Like all appliances, there are dozens of brands and models available so choosing one can be a bit overwhelming. One thing to remember when buying a multi-cooker is that not all models come with the same features. Some models might have more cooking power while others may be more energy efficient. It’s up to you to decide which ones you need and which ones you don’t want in your kitchen. If you’re looking for a multi-pot, then it should come with features like high and low heat settings, steam cooking, sautéing, slow cooking, manual timer control and more. These features will help you prepare food faster and maximize your cooking potential. If you’re looking for something that specializes in rice cooking, then look for a model that has settings specifically designated for rice preparation. When choosing a multi-cooker, think about how much space it will take up on your countertop. Most models are larger than standard pots and pans so they require more room. You also might want to consider how often you’ll use your cooker before making your purchase.
Conclusion
To get the most out of your multicooker, it is important to know what you will be using it for most of the time. It’s best to plan your meal selection so you know what food and ingredients you’ll need for whatever you plan to cook over the next week. Prices range from as low as $50 and we’ve seen some models as much as $260. The two most popular brands in the marketplace are Ninja and InstaPot and these would be great choices to consider when purchasing your first multi-cooker.
