A slow cooker, unlike many other kitchen appliances, can help with almost all stages of cooking. And you can even make some desserts or drinks with it. Here are the characteristics that are considered the most important for a multicooker.
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A kind of. There are pressure cookers, classic multicookers with a heating element under the bowl, slow cookers. Also, the first differs from the second and third in a completely closed body due to the high pressure cooking of food. That is, you can heat food to higher temperatures.
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Strength. On average, it is 500-1500 W and about 200 W per 1 liter bowl. If you choose a small multicooker (bowl volume – 2 l), look for a power of 400-500 watts, if an average (bowl volume – 4-5 l) – 800-1000 watts. For pressure cookers, the power will be about 250 watts per 1 liter bowl, for slow cookers – 150 watts.
- Stone. If you buy a slow cooker just for yourself, then 2-2.5 liters will be enough for you. If the device is necessary for an average family or a company of three to five people, take 3-4.5 liters. For a large family you will need a bowl with a volume of more than 5 liters.
It is important to pay attention to the material of the bowl. In budget and mid-range models, bowls are usually made of stainless steel. But at the same time, no coating is applied to them, so they burn constantly. The non-stick coating can be ceramic or Teflon. In the latter case, be sure to use wooden or silicone kitchen utensils.
- Functions and operating modes. The operating modes of the multicooker are automatic and mechanical. The first, as a rule, is indicated on the control panel itself. Examples of the latter include adjusting the temperature and cooking time. Some devices can be controlled remotely and some have Delayed Start.
Source: Ferra
