Like refrigerators, stoves and microwave ovens, multi-cookers have long been one of the most popular attributes of kitchen interiors. Of course, this device is much simpler than TVs, projectors, phones and other consumer electronics. However, the use of innovative technologies allows companies to constantly expand their functionality and, accordingly, versatility. In particular, some modern models already offer up to 15 culinary options , completely replacing some kitchen appliances. This list includes slow cooking, air-fry/crisp, sauté, pressure cooking, rice cooking, roasting, baking, dehydrating, dough-proving, etc.
As a result, the demand for multi-cookers is consistently high and continues to grow. Of course, the companies adequately respond to good demand, annually expanding their product lines. The modern market is filled with a huge number of different models.
Therefore, a list of the most popular ones can be useful when choosing a model.
Its shortened version contains:
– Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid ~ $ 230 / £ 185 / € 245;
– Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker 8-in-1 (slow multi-cooker) ~ $ 200 / £ 150;
– Sage Fast Slow Go (rice multi-cooker) ~ £ 170 / € 200;
– Ninja Speedi 10-in-1 (rapid cooker) ~ $ 180 / £ 135 / € 140;
– Crockpot Turbo Express 14-in-1 (pressure multi-cooker) ~ £ 120 / € 170;
– Cosori 9-in-1 (electric 5.7L pressure cooker) ~ $ 100 / £ 85 / € 110;
– Drew and Cole Pressure King Pro 5.7L 14-in-1 (digital pressure cooker) ~ £ 90;
The list of main specs is quite obvious:
– price and design;
– power (affects the heating duration to the cooking temperature);
– controls;
– cooking pot capacity;
– number of programs;
– supported cooking modes;
– additional advanced features and extra attachments.
Premium models
Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid
Pros:
– large и clear LCD display;
– unprecedented safety features;
– easy-to-use temperature dial;
– large capacity;
– air-fryer function with Ultimate Lid.
Cons
– slightly expensive.
Specs:
– power – 1500 Watt;
– 6.2L;
– functions – 13 (grill, roast, pressure cook, slow cook, and dehydrate, sous-vide preset and additional air-fryer function with Ultimate Lid).
Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker 8-in-1 slow multi-cooker
Pros:
– intuitive controls;
– comes with serving spoon and steam rack;
– 8L cooking pot;
– sear/sauté functionality.
Cons:
– high body temperature during operation;
Specs:
– power – 1200 Watt;
– 8L;
– functions – slow cook, sauté/sear, steam, braise, simmer, bake, prove, and keep warm.
The family-sized cooking pot can be used alone, for example, to crisp up pastry or cheese-topped dishes in the oven with temp up to 240°C.
Sage Fast Slow Go
Pros:
– 14 functions;
– stylish brushed stainless-steel design;
– large digital touchscreen.
Cons:
– small interface indicators.
Specs:
– power – 1100 Watt;
– 6L;
– functions – slow and pressure cooking, pre-set programs for rice, grains, stocks, stews, legumes, sous vide, risotto, yogurt and more.
Ninja Speedi 10-in-1 rapid cooker
Pros:
– very compact;
– stylish design;
– energy-efficient;
– convenient temp control;
– intuitive controls.
Cons:
– some recipes don’t work.
Specs:
– power – 1760W;
– 5.7L;
– functions – slow cook, sauté/sear, steam, braise, simmer, bake, prove, and keep warm.
The switch on the lid activates the Speedi Meals mode (some steaming options), and the air fry/hob setting (air frying, grilling, roasting and sautéing).
Mid-price multi-cookers
Crockpot Turbo Express 14-in-1
Pros:
– superb value for money;
– 14 functions;
– icons and tips for each of its 14 modes;
– dishwasher-safe removable non-stick bowl;
– removable cover;
– auto switch to the ‘keep warm’ mode after the cooking time;
– turbo function (40% faster).
Cons:
– the bowl, which is not fixed to the base, rotates during mixing.
Specs:
– power – 1400 Watt;
– 5.6L.
Cosori 9-in-1 pressure cooker
Pros:
– low price;
– rice paddle, scoop and steam rack included;
– intuitive controls.
Cons:
– slow to preheat.
Specs:
– power – 1100W;
– 5.7L;
– functions – 12 (sauté, slow/pressure cook, preset programs to make a rice, stew and porridge, sauté/sear, steam, braise, simmer, bake, prove, and keep warm).
Pressure King Pro
Pros:
– good value for money;
– lightweight;
– intuitive controls.
Cons:
– no time and temperature adjustment for sautéing;
– not very convenient location of the steam valve.
Specs:
– power – 1000W;
– 5.7L;
– functions – 12 (steam, sauté, and stew, extra presets for soup, chilli, curry, etc).
Conclusions
The modern market offers a variety of multi-cookers at very affordable prices, ranging from $ 100 to $ 200. In fact, when combined with a microwave oven it completely replaces the bulky and rather expensive traditional stove with oven. In addition to the bonuses in price and size, this solution offers a significantly higher level of cooking automation and easier maintenance. Although for those who like to eat a lot and tasty food, the multi-cooker will be an ideal addition to the stove.
Video demonstrates Instant Pot Duo Crisp 6.5-quart multi-cooker with Ultimate Lid for Air Fryer mode.