Multicookers - the main purpose of the device is the preparation of various dishes in automatic modes.

The design of the multicooker is unique and is a special pan with a built-in heating element.

Optionally, it is a traditional pressure cooker that combines the capabilities of several kitchen appliances: bread makers, steamers, rice cookers and porridge cookers.

Kinds

By purpose, the devices are divided into two types: a standard multicooker and a multicooker-pressure cooker.

Standard (no pressure)

The device is intended for uniform cooking of simple dishes without pressure. During the process, the user can open the lid at any time to check the dishes. The device is equipped with a standard set of operating programs and additional options - heating, delayed start, timer.

Multicooker with pressure cooker function (pressure)

In the device, cooking is carried out under pressure generated by steam, equipped with protective valves for hermetically closing the lid. This provides a certain temperature regime, which reduces the duration of cooking.

The device allows you to cook dishes of any complexity, is equipped with a standard and extended set of operating functions, and reduces cooking time.

It is allowed to load frozen semi-finished products into the pressure cooker without preliminary defrosting. Some models are equipped with a special option - steam cleaning to sterilize the work bowl and lid.

Peculiarities

A multi-cooker is a multifunctional pot consisting of a bowl, a housing with a protective cover and an internal heating element. A bowl with a non-stick coating is used for loading and cooking products in accordance with the established program.

The entire cooking process is carried out using built-in heating elements, which are designed to evenly heat the container. Pressure cookers are additionally equipped with a pressure valve located in the upper part of the body. At the bottom there is a special tray for collecting condensate.

Any model of a multicooker has a microprocessor that controls the operating pressure and temperature conditions.

The processor is controlled by an electronic display to select suitable cooking programs and additional options.

The cooking process on a gas stove requires constant monitoring by the user, and when used in multicookers, cooking is carried out automatically. To do this, just load the products, select the appropriate mode and press the Start button.

Until the completion of the work program and the sound signal, there is no need to control the process, since this function is performed by the built-in microprocessor. The closed lid will ensure the optimum temperature for cooking.

Functions and characteristics of the multicooker

• Multicooker;
• pressure cooker;
• Rice cooker;
• slow cooker;

Multicooker

The slow cooker performs - frying, stewing, boiling, baking, steaming - dishes from vegetables, legumes, cereals, meat, poultry, fish, fruits, etc.

pressure cooker

Used for cooking at high and low compression. High compression provides cooking dishes from vegetables, meat, fish and poultry.

Low compression is suitable for broths, soups, pastries, pastries, puddings and vegetable casseroles.

rice cooker

A device designed to prepare all kinds of rice dishes. In addition, it can be used for liquid and crumbly cereals, all types of legumes, mashed root vegetables, pasta and vegetables.

Slow cooker (long cooker)

The device is suitable for heat treatment of products designed for slow cooking, stewing, boiling, simmering, etc. The slow cooker allows you to cook everyday and festive dishes, preservation - jams, preserves, marmalade, sauces, yogurts, etc.

Working bowl volume

The main parameter that determines the need for cooking for a certain number of people.

The volume is from 2 to 8 liters.

• The most popular is the capacity of 4 liters.
• For a family of 3 people, a multicooker with a volume of 3-4 liters is suitable.
• For a large family - a device for 4-5 liters.
• If you have to cook a lot and often, and especially for guests, it is recommended to choose models for 6-7 liters.

It is important to remember that the total volume of the bowl differs from the useful one by 350–500 ml.

Internal and external coating of the multicooker bowl

A bowl is a working element of any multicooker. It is she who first fails, therefore the internal and external coating of the container are the key characteristics of the device. They determine the cost and durability of equipment, as well as the quality of food preparation.

Internal

There are three types of internal non-stick coating: Teflon, marble and ceramic.

One of the most popular coatings is Teflon. It is resistant to high temperatures and oxidation, but susceptible to mechanical damage.

Teflon-coated cookware retains its non-stick properties longer, it can be washed in the dishwasher without the use of aggressive detergents.

Cooking on such a coating is carried out with a minimum amount of oil, while the food does not burn and does not stick to the walls.

A ceramic coating is more resistant to damage and temperatures, more durable and easier to maintain, but not without some drawbacks. Ceramic bowls should not be washed in a dishwasher or cleaned with harsh household chemicals.

External

The outer coating of the working bowls is made of stainless steel and aluminum. Practical and durable material is stainless steel, which affects the cost of the device. Aluminum counterparts are characterized by low weight and wall thickness, they warm up faster, but are less durable and wear-resistant.

Housing material

The body of the multicooker can be made of heat-resistant food-grade polymer or stainless steel. In most cases, an effective combination of these materials is used when metal inserts are installed on a plastic case and vice versa.

food grade polymer- safe and practical, it heats up more slowly and prevents burns, withstands significant mechanical and thermal loads.

Stainless steel- durable and reliable, has high thermal stability and strength.

Stainless steel appliances are more difficult to maintain on a daily basis and are more expensive, but much more reliable than plastic counterparts.

Power

The power of the device determines its functionality. It is noteworthy that any model of a multicooker is twice as economical in terms of energy consumption compared to an electric stove.

The operating power range of such devices is from 180 to 2200 watts.

However, high-capacity devices are suitable for large families or catering establishments, and models with power from 500 to 800 watts will be the best choice for most consumers.

A medium power multicooker will provide fast cooking with low electricity consumption.

Control methods

In multicookers of any type, there are three control methods: mechanical, electronic and touch.

Mechanical. The most affordable and cheapest way to control the device, which is implemented by mechanical switches. They allow you to set work programs, adjust the temperature regime and the duration of cooking - they are push-button and rotary, they are placed on the front panel of the case.

Electronic. A more functional way of control, represented by an electronic LCD display and mechanical buttons-regulators. Models with electronic control have a standard set of automatic programs that can be selected by pressing the appropriate button. At the same time, other parameters are set automatically by the device.

Sensory. One of the most expensive ways to manage. It is represented by an electronic display and touch controls - less durable.

Automatic operating modes

Automatic multicookers have a wide range of operating modes for cooking dishes of varying complexity. As a rule, the modes are fully optimized for the design and functionality of a particular model.

warm up. The program provides for a quick heating of food. Works like a frying pan. All you need to do is load the dish into the bowl and set the heat. Allows you to reheat food for 10-20 minutes.

free mode. A setting that allows you to independently set the parameters - temperature, duration of operation, etc. Expensive models provide for setting parameters for each stage of cooking.

Steam cooking. Mode for children's and dietary dishes on hot steam. Suitable for fish, meat, eggs, vegetables and pastries. All products are loaded into a special perforated basket, which is installed on top of the working bowl.

Porridges and soups. The program is intended for liquid dishes at temperatures up to 95-100 degrees. It is ideal for soups, borscht, broths, hot drinks and liquid cereals.

Pilaf. A mode that equips the multicooker with a rice cooker function. Allows you to cook friable rice, as well as pilaf with various additives from meat, fish, vegetables and seafood. You can also cook pasta and potatoes in this mode.

The program is characterized by a high temperature, at which the products are not boiled, but steamed and dried.

Rice and buckwheat. The mode is used for cooking cereals from cereals - rice, millet, buckwheat, barley, barley. It provides for the rapid evaporation of the liquid, while the cereal does not burn and does not stick together, but it turns out to be dense and crumbly.

milk porridge. The program is used to prepare various types of cereals with the addition of dairy products and additives. Automatically regulates the temperature regime suitable for milk porridges.

Pasta and pasta. Mode for pasta according to any recipe. Products are placed in hot water, stirred periodically, after which the appropriate cooking mode is set. Cooking times for pasta and pasta are set automatically or manually by the appliance.

Legumes. For various types of legumes requiring a long cooking time.

Extinguishing. The mode is comparable to the method of cooking dishes in the oven at low temperatures. Allows you to stew meat, fish and vegetables.

Frying and deep frying. This program is used to cook fried foods with a crispy crust.

Frying is carried out in oil at a temperature of up to 150 degrees with a closed lid and at 175 degrees with an open one.

Dough. An additional option that is designed to knead any kind of dough and is useful for those who cook a lot of pastries and muffins. The dough function is provided in some models of multicookers, equipped with an additional bowl with a kneading paddle.

Bakery products. For home baking, as well as vegetable, meat and fish casseroles. The baking process is carried out at temperatures up to 175 degrees.

Jam, jam and marmalade. The slow cooker allows you to cook sweet preserves from fruits and berries. A special setting provides the right temperature and duration for fragrant jam or marmalade.

Yogurt. For making homemade yoghurts from natural ingredients.

Maintains an optimal languishing temperature of 37-40 degrees to obtain high-quality and healthy dairy products.

Pizza. For a separate type of pastry - pizzas with various toppings. The dish is cooked at high temperatures, in this case the multicooker acts as an oven.

Jellied and aspic. You can cook jelly or aspic using a special mode. It provides long cooking at low temperatures.

Languor. Some products require long languishing, which can only be obtained by creating the optimal temperature regime, as in wood-burning stoves. Simmering in a slow cooker provides all the necessary conditions and is suitable for cabbage rolls, cutlets, casseroles, goulash.

baking. It is used for cooking dishes with a crispy crust. Provides fast and deep heating at high temperatures, when the food does not burn from below, but acquires an attractive crispy crust from above.

Smoking. A mode that allows you to smoke products at home - meat, fish, vegetables, fruits. For this, an additional smoking bowl is used.

Pasteurization. The program is designed to preserve the freshness of products that are prone to spoilage. At the same time, their taste characteristics do not change. Heating occurs at temperatures up to 75 degrees.

Sterilization. Designed for processing dishes that are used for home canning. Boiling is carried out at a low temperature for a set time.

Functionality

In addition to the basic cooking programs, multicookers are equipped with an additional set of useful functions.

Multicooker display

Models of multicookers with electronic and touch control type are equipped with displays - LCD, LED and luminescent and backlight. Budget devices do not have displays.

Displays are designed to display information: work programs, additional options, timer, temperature and service data.

Not unimportant is the location of the monitor - vertical (on the front panel), horizontal (on top of the lid) and tilted (top on the front of the case).

An inclined position is the best option, providing convenient operation of the device by any user.

Built-in temperature sensor (thermostat)

The heating element is controlled by a built-in temperature sensor and a microprocessor. It allows you to set the exact temperature of cooking and maintain it in a given mode.

Timer (start)

Start or delay timer - an option that allows you to set the start time for cooking. It is enough to set the working time and choose the appropriate program - and within the set time the multicooker will independently make breakfast, lunch or dinner and complete the work. This feature is relevant for families with children.

The delay time is from 120 minutes to 24 hours.

Automatic heating

The automatic keep warm function is inextricably linked with the delay timer, as it provides for the possibility of maintaining the optimal temperature of ready meals. After the completion of the selected program, the device does not turn off, but switches to the economical mode of automatic heating.

Multi-cook function

The function allows the user to set the temperature regime and the duration of cooking dishes of varying complexity.

The difference between the Multicook and the standard timer function is the ability to set the settings step by step.

With this program, the user sets the desired temperature range to the exact degree and time to the minute.

3D heating

A function that provides deep and even heating of the bowl, fast cooking with the possibility of obtaining a crust. To implement 3D heating, an additional high-power heating element is provided in the protective cover of the device.

Advantages and disadvantages

Each model of devices has its own functional features and technical capabilities, so it is difficult to compare them. Highlight the main advantages and disadvantages of multicookers that apply to most models.

Advantages:

• Allows you to save time on daily cooking. The whole process is carried out automatically, the user needs to load the necessary products into the working container and set the appropriate program;
• A wide range of functions allows you to cook any dishes;
• Products retain their usefulness and nutritional value due to properly selected temperature conditions;
• The whole process is carried out under a hermetically sealed lid with temperature control.

Flaws:

• Many models do not provide for automatic opening of the lid after cooking is completed;
• The device is not equipped with automatic elements for mixing ingredients. This action must be performed manually by the user;
• Not all multicookers support the function of simultaneous cooking of several dishes. It is possible to prepare a second course on the upper tier or with the help of a steam basket;

The multicooker needs careful care after each cooking process. Particular attention should be paid to the working bowl, the lid with a removable steam valve and the inside of the body.

How to choose a multicooker

The correct choice is based on consideration of the main parameters and functionality of the device.

• Working bowl volume, taking into account the number of people for which the device is designed. The usable volume is less than the total volume indicated in the technical specifications. For 2-3 people, a device for 3 liters is suitable, for a large family - for 5 liters.
• Bowls often become unusable and require timely replacement, so it is recommended to choose a model with the possibility of installing a new one.
• Devices equipped with a separate condensate collection tank more practical, since excess moisture will not collect on the lid and drain into the bowl.
• Working power. More powerful devices are more economical and more practical. The best option is multicookers with a power of up to 900 watts.
• The ability to set the temperature and duration of cooking is much more important than the total number of programs.

How to use the multicooker

Basic rules of operation

• The device is installed on a flat surface away from heat sources;
• The working bowl must not be placed on an open fire;
• When using the appliance, do not close the steam outlet valve;
• After the end of the cooking process, the multicooker should be disconnected from the power source;
• The electric cord must not be twisted and overheated; if there is damage, contact the service center;
• To mix the food in the bowl, you must use the special spoon included in the standard package. It is allowed to use additional accessories made of wood or food-grade plastic that will not damage the inner coating of the bowl;
• Each time after cooking, the bowl and lid must be washed with warm water and mild detergent. The housing and the heating element can be cleaned after several cooking sessions with a damp sponge. The body must not be submerged in water;
• Before using the device, all components must be clean and dry.

Faults

Many malfunctions occur due to improper use of the multicooker or non-compliance with the operating rules set forth in the instructions from the manufacturer.

Multicooker won't turn on

A frequent malfunction that occurs when the bowl is incorrectly installed in the body, as a result of which the internal protection of the device is triggered to block the inclusion. It is necessary to unplug the appliance from the outlet, remove the bowl and install it again.

If the reason for the blocking of the inclusion lies in the failure of the thermal indicators or damage to the device itself, you should contact the SC.

Error with code E and character set

The error data is shown on the display, so the system signals that a malfunction has been detected.

• E2, E3 - indicates the ingress of moisture on the heating element under the work bowl. The malfunction is eliminated by removing the bowl for a while and drying the internal capacity of the device.
• E4 - signals a clogged pressure sensor. To fix the problem, clean the sensor contacts with sandpaper.

All types of breakdowns with code E are presented in the instructions for use.

If the proposed options do not help to eliminate such a problem, the unit should be taken for repair.

Multicooker turns off

The malfunction occurs due to an overload of the removable container, when the permissible volume of contents is exceeded, or when the cooking temperature is set incorrectly. When the bowl is not overloaded, and the thermal regime is set correctly, then the causes of the breakdown may be:

• clogged steam release valve;
• insufficient volume of liquid;
• scale formation on the heating element;
• burning food (incorrectly set temperature).

Troubleshooting is carried out by thoroughly cleaning the elements.

The presence of foreign chemical odors

A quality appliance should not produce chemical odors before and after cooking. There can be several reasons for the appearance of unpleasant odors (especially rubber or plastic odors):

• the presence of a factory marriage;
• poor quality of the material from which the body is made;
• damage to the conductive wire.

In this particular case, it is almost impossible to fix the malfunction, but it is worth taking preventive measures to drown out the unpleasant odor.

For example, thoroughly wash the bowl, rub with lemon juice and rinse. Wipe the inside of the housing with a mild vinegar solution. Leave the multicooker open for a few days. Replace damaged items.

Crash in work programs

In some cases, appliances may malfunction when using automatic programs. This may be due to the inconsistency of the dish with the selected temperature regime.

Each individual dish has its own heating temperature and cooking time. To fix the problem, you should study the recommendations for choosing the modes that are included in the device.

• The instrument does not respond to manual user settings;
• The display shows an unknown error;
• There are mechanical damage to the case, wire or other structural elements of the device;
• Case tightness broken.

Manufacturers

After reviewing the basic parameters for choosing a multicooker, the consumer will want to know which brand to prefer. The cost of the device depends on the manufacturer, functionality and build quality.

Philips (Philips)

A world-famous manufacturer that represents reliable and durable high-quality kitchen appliances (bread makers, food processors, blenders and much more). At the moment, the product line includes 6 models of multicookers with a bowl capacity of up to 5 liters. All devices are equipped with a durable stainless steel case.

Panasonic (Panasonic)

The company brought to the market 5 multifunctional models, which provide for the possibility of self-adjustment of temperature conditions.

Moulinex (Mulinex)

6 models are available for sale with a working bowl volume up to 7 liters. In some models, the simultaneous preparation of different dishes is provided.

Redmond (Redmond)

A popular American brand that represents the widest range of multicookers. All devices have a stylish design, ergonomic body, reliable control system and high build quality.

Before housewives start working with a new kitchen craftsman, a slow cooker, you should familiarize yourself with its operating modes. Different manufacturing companies may give the same modes different names, but their functionality does not change from this.
All available modes in modern multicookers can be divided into the following (relevant for all brands and models):

• common,
• additional,
• rare.

Common Operating Modes

These modes include functions that have the inscriptions: “Buckwheat”, “Pilaf”, “Milk porridge”. They are available in almost all models of these household appliances. This is what they look like on the panel of some models:

In mode "Buckwheat" prepare all types of cereals, from which crumbly cereals can be obtained. The principle of operation of the multicooker in this mode is as follows: the evaporating liquid is absorbed into the product, and the device starts heating the porridge. Grains become soft, but do not boil soft. The operation of the “Buckwheat” mode takes a little more than half an hour.

Mode "Pilaf" originally conceived exclusively for rice dishes. But savvy people have discovered that this function is great for cooking pasta in a naval way, and for baking potatoes. The principle of operation of this mode is similar to the previous one, but in the last 10 minutes the frying function is activated. The result is dishes fried from the bottom. The whole mode takes about an hour.

If the multicooker does not have the “Pilaf” mode, then for the dish of the same name, you can use other modes, such as “Porridge”, “Buckwheat”, “Groats”, “Roast”. And you can fry vegetables and meat in “Baking”, and then use the “Soup” or “Stew” mode.

Mode “Milk porridge” especially loved by hostesses. After all, with the help of its automatic timer, set in the evening, you can get delicious porridge for breakfast, without much hassle. The main thing is not to forget, in addition to setting the timer, put cereals and milk in the slow cooker.

Additional modes of operation of multicookers

These include the “Stewing”, “Steaming” and “Baking” modes.

"Extinguishing" present in many types of multicookers and is the most used mode. With it, you can cook soup, porridge, jelly, broth, side dish, make baked milk. Naturally, this mode is used to stew meat and fish, including large pieces. In this mode, the food turns out as if cooked in an oven at low temperatures.

“Steam cooking” necessary for those who are on a diet, as well as for young children. Using this mode, you can steam meat, fish, eggs, manti, dumplings and more. It is also used for heating food. This mode can be partially replaced by the “Cooking” mode. In fact, this mode creates a double boiler in a slow cooker and the result is something 2 in 1.

"Bakery products" is a complete replacement for the oven. With this mode, you can bake muffins, pizzas, omelettes, biscuits and more. This mode is also used for pre-frying vegetables before stewing them. Some housewives successfully exploit the “Baking” function for cooking chops, meat and fish. The mode operates in the interval from half an hour to an hour. It is not replaced by any other modes.

Rare modes of operation of multicookers

These types of modes include, for example, the mode "Multi-cook". With the help of it, dishes are prepared that require a given large time investment and high temperature. This mode is not very popular.

Using the mode "Soup" prepare dishes of the same name, as well as compotes and drinks. We replace it with the “Extinguishing” mode.

On mode "Cooking" prepare cereals, side dishes, dishes with meat, chicken, fish. Instead of this mode, you can use others that are used in the preparation of cereals.

The “Paste” mode is used for semi-finished products from dough: pasta, dumplings, pasta. We replace the modes “Porridge”, “Buckwheat”, “Rice” and “Cooking”.

The “Frying” mode is needed for cooking fried meat and fish dishes. Replace with "baking" mode.

The table contains all the currently existing multicooker programs, indicates what dishes they are intended for, whether it is possible to replace the programs with one another, examples of multicookers with these programs are given. You can also see which multicookers have the programs you are interested in on the page all about multicookers.

Multicooker programs are divided into several blocks

• basic programs, without which modern multicookers are unimaginable. Therefore, examples of multicookers are not given for such programs.
• Special multi-chef and multi-cook programs(
• Programs that expand the standard features of the multicooker, turning it into an even more versatile instrument
• Additional programs, which appeared in multicookers later than the basic ones, are a kind of basic programs. They increase the convenience of using the multicooker and the quality of cooking. For example, the soup program is better suited for preparing soups and broths than the stew program used previously for this purpose.
• And finally there are programs tailored to specific dishes. You should pay attention to them when choosing a multicooker if you want to cook this particular dish often.

The temperatures in the table are based on the data that Polaris provides on its website, since other manufacturers in the vast majority of cases do not indicate temperatures for the main programs.

“And who heard what kind of slow cooker this is?
- A slow cooker is a pressure cooker with a hangover!
- And then there is the Yoghurt Maker... What kind of garbage they don't come up with...
- What useless inventions of mankind... Steam-, fast-, multi-, egg-... and all COOKING! And why not Parks and not Frying ..?

From the expanses of Runet

Such conversations are usually led by people who can never be persuaded to buy anything more complicated than an electric kettle for the kitchen. And no matter how many laudatory reviews sound in honor of this or that kitchen gadget, the answer of such skeptics will be the same: “If only you don’t cook!”

And that's not true! It is for those who like to tinker in the kitchen, for those who are always looking for something new, who want to cook not only tasty, but also healthy, and kitchen novelties are invented. One such device will be discussed in our material.

To be honest, the slow cooker is not a novelty in the market of kitchen appliances. In the 80s of the last century, the Sverdlovsk NPO Kalinin Machine-Building Plant created the Parenka slow cooker. The Urals have created a device similar to the Russian stove, with the same temperature conditions and the principle of cooking. The instructions for the slow cooker were written by V.V. Pokhlebkin! And if it weren’t for the “dashing nineties”, the domestic miracle saucepan would have flaunted on the shelves of our stores for 30 years.

Well, let's get acquainted with imported slow cookers, which are gradually gaining their niche in the market of kitchen appliances. Fans of multicookers can argue - they say, you can cook slowly in cartoons, it makes no sense to buy a saucepan with a minimum of functionality. At first glance, a slow cooker really does not differ much from a slow cooker. The same plastic or metal case, the same bowl, except that there are not enough buttons on the “control panel”.

In fact, there are many differences. The design of the slow cooker has a 3D heating function, in which the products in the bowl are heated not only from below, but also from the sides. Only a few manufacturers of multicookers can boast of such a heating mode. The bowl of the slow cooker is made of ceramic - a material that is absolutely safe for health. No non-stick coatings, scratching which you can say goodbye to the old bowl and go to the store for a new one. Bowl sizes range from 3 to 6 liters - not bad for a big family! By the way, the bowl can be used for a microwave oven.

Slow cookers on our market are usually equipped with a transparent lid made of impact-resistant glass, the body is metal, with handles that do not heat up during the cooking process. The case is equipped with rubber feet that protect the countertop from overheating. Almost all models of slow cookers, with rare exceptions, have electronic control. A display is built into the case, as in a multicooker.

The maximum cooking time for different models of slow cookers varies between 10 and 12 hours, pay attention to this aspect when choosing a new assistant for your kitchen. Most often, there are only two modes in the slow cooker - “slow” and “fast”, but there are models with an intermediate “medium” mode. The power is about 350 W, the temperature range is not too wide, only 50-140 ° C, and more is not needed, because the slow cooker is good at doing only one thing - to simmer, but how good!

Simmering is perhaps the most gentle way to cook food. The temperature during cooking in this way rarely rises above 80-90 ° C, which allows you to preserve vitamins and trace elements as fully as possible. In addition, the name itself contains the most important principle - not just languor, but slow languor, for quite a long time, sometimes for 10-12 hours! The advantages of this cooking method are obvious:
. Products simply, in principle, cannot burn;
. The aromas of the food being prepared are mixed in the best possible way;
. Vegetables do not boil soft, retaining color, structure and smell;
. Porridges in a slow cooker are crumbly;
. Almost any, even the most unfortunate, tough meat will turn out tender, juicy and fragrant;
. Dishes in a slow cooker can be prepared without salt, adding it later to the plates to taste. Thus, salt intake is significantly reduced, which is very important for hypertensive patients and losing weight citizens;
. Dishes that require constant attention are perfectly prepared in a slow cooker: jam, jam, salads for the winter, lecho, adjika, etc. - they will not burn and will not be digested;
. In a slow cooker, you can cook using the “sous vide” technology, when the products are sealed in vacuum bags and cooked at a temperature of no more than 80 ° C, in fact, they languish in their own juice;
. The slow cooker is ideal for cooking jelly and aspic;
. Baked milk and homemade condensed milk work great in a slow cooker;
. And, finally, a slow cooker is an opportunity to taste real national dishes, traditionally prepared by long-term simmering.

There are no particular difficulties in handling a slow cooker, but a few rules still need to be remembered. So, for example, do not put frozen foods in the bowl, it is better to defrost them in advance. Cut vegetables into even-sized pieces. Be sure to cut off all visible fat from the meat before placing it in the bowl, as it does not evaporate and does not render during such a gentle heat treatment. Meat can be pre-fried to retain flavor and at the same time render excess fat. Onions and carrots can also be sautéed before putting them into the bowl, but if there is no time, you can do without frying. When preparing first courses, accurately calculate the amount of water, since the liquid practically does not evaporate. For best results, fill the bowl at least halfway, but not to the top, leave at least 5 cm to the lid. All products should be almost completely covered with liquid (broth, sauce, gravy, etc.). When modifying conventional slow cooker recipes, remember to quadruple the cooking time. Remember that vegetables take the longest to cook, followed by poultry and meat, and seafood takes the longest to cook. Therefore, vegetables should be at the very bottom.

During cooking, try not to open the lid, as the temperature, already low, drops, and the cooking time increases by 10-20 minutes with each opening.

Here is such an assistant - slow, but so necessary! An ideal option for those who are not interested in multifunctionality, but in “narrow specialization”, reliability and usefulness.

Larisa Shuftaykina

In the old days, when no one even knew about gas stoves and microwave ovens, food had to be cooked in ordinary home ovens. The cooking process took a very long time, but the food from the home oven turned out to be especially rich and fragrant. Today it is hard to imagine that housewives would voluntarily agree to spend 5-6 hours to cook, for example, porridge or roast. However, a modern kitchen appliance - a slow cooker greatly simplifies this process. Now, to cook any dish, it is enough to immerse the food in the slow cooker and set the specified program.

But you can immediately say, but there is a slow cooker, why do we need a slow cooker, what is the point in slow cooking in our fast-paced time, when everyone, on the contrary, is trying to reduce time costs? The “Dream House” will help its readers to understand this issue by talking about the main purpose of this device, the feasibility of cooking in a slow cooker and its choice.

How a slow cooker works

A slow cooker or long cooker is a device that has the shape of an ordinary metal pan with a lid. Inside the device there is a ceramic container in which the products for cooking are folded. Since the slow cooker is an electrical appliance, the food in it is not boiled or fried, but stewed at a fairly low temperature (from 70 to 140 degrees). Due to such a low temperature, the products in the slow cooker do not burn, do not boil away and do not require constant stirring, but at the same time, they are evenly stewed from all sides due to the heating elements installed at the bottom and on the sides of the device.

Almost all slow cookers have a fast and slow cooking mode. Fast cooking takes 3-4 hours, and slow cooking up to 12 hours. However, the main advantage of slow cookers is their almost complete automaticity. To prepare any dish, simply immerse the food in a container, close the lid of the appliance and select the appropriate mode. Slow cookers are completely safe, so you can safely go about your business while they work. After cooking, the appliance will automatically turn off, but special materials of construction will not allow the food to cool down. In addition, slow cookers are one of the few appliances that do not need to be completely sealed, so during their operation you can open the lid, monitor the cooking process, or add the necessary ingredients to the dish.

In a slow cooker, you can cook any dishes that need a long stew - meat, poultry, roasts, cabbage rolls, stuffed peppers, cereals, etc. In addition to the fact that slow cooking improves the taste of dishes, all nutritional properties are preserved in products prepared in this way. Also, this device is ideal for blanks - jam or preserves.

The slow cooking function is also present in some other kitchen appliances, such as slow cookers and pressure cookers. However, in these devices, slow stewing is only an additional function, so not all dishes can be cooked in them. In addition, when cooking about pressure cookers and, during the preparation of some dishes, you will have to monitor the process and change the mode from time to time, unless you have a multi-stage multi-cook function (multi-cook plus).

What to look for when choosing a slow cooker

When choosing a slow cooker, the first thing you should pay attention to is its capacity. Now you can find devices, the capacity of which is from 3 to 25 liters. In slow cookers with a minimum volume, you can cook no more than 2-3 servings at a time, respectively, they are only suitable for small families. Slow cookers with a capacity of more than 15 liters are semi-professional appliances suitable for cooking a large number of dishes. Also, these units can come in handy if you are used to preparing a large amount of jam or jam. Optimally, if the capacity of the slow cooker is 5-6 liters. In this case, you can cook from 2 to 6-8 or more servings at the same time.

Also, when choosing one or another model of a slow cooker, pay attention to the control panel of the device, which can be either touch or mechanical. The touch control panel is more convenient to use, but the mechanical one is considered more reliable and durable.

In addition, it is very important that the slow cooker has a timer with which you can set a specific cooking time for a particular dish.

Slow cookers are very easy to use and maintain. Caring for them consists only in washing the ceramic container, which is easily removed from the device and then mounted back.

Summarizing

Based on all the listed qualities of a slow cooker, we can conclude that its uniqueness is precisely the unusual way of cooking. In fact, this device has become a modern analogue of an old stove. The products in it are not even stewed, but languish for many hours, thanks to which the dishes are especially soft and juicy. A slow cooker is not just another appliance that simplifies the process of cooking. Due to the special stewing (languishing) of products, it is possible to cook dishes “in their own juice”, without the use of oils and fat, which is indispensable for dietary nutrition.

If we compare a slow cooker and a multicooker, then we can safely say that a slow cooker will become an indispensable assistant in a family with small children and the elderly. In addition, this device is able to soften even the toughest food, and the products cooked in it do not lose their nutritional and vitamin value. And especially tasty and healthy are baby formulas and purees, which will be a useful alternative to purchased baby food.

This device is also suitable for you if you preserve a lot, especially slow cookers of large volumes (15-25 liters), which is not yet found in a slow cooker.