The manufacturers of multicookers are continuously attempting to design a device that is capable of multitasking and performing numerous functions simultaneously. The variety and complexity of modes in these multicookers are constantly increasing. A common household multicooker can prepare a wide range of dishes, including grilling, pasta making, conventional boiling, and even steaming like a steamer. These cooking modes differ in terms of intricacy and functionality. Let’s explore how various programs and modes operate in a standard multicooker.

Usage of the product at home

Manual modes

These programs serve as a response to user demands. Those who are accustomed to following their own recipes while cooking desire the ability to manually adjust the heating temperature and cooking time in a multicooker program.

Redmond was the pioneer in offering this feature, which was then adopted by other manufacturers.

Different brands may refer to this cooking option by various names, and the fundamental characteristics will also vary. The minimum temperature that can be set in this mode is approximately 30 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for making yogurt and preparing yeast dough. The upper limit will vary among manufacturers, typically falling within the range of 100-200 degrees.

The available options for the manual cooking program include: multicooker, manual, your mode, multichef, and other choices. It is advisable to explore and experiment with the manual cooking option if the user is well-versed in the cooking process and has a clear understanding of what needs to be done. However, for those with limited experience, it is recommended to begin by relying on the pre-set automatic modes, which consistently produce successful outcomes.

Using the manual mode without the proper expertise can lead to unforeseen outcomes

Automatic modes

There are numerous automatic options that ensure the excellence of meals.

The "Warming" program is a rather simple feature that allows you to retain the warmth of a cooked dish while waiting for lunch or dinner. Some home cooks utilize this mode for defrosting or melting butter. In most models of multicookers, heating is automatically activated after cooking.

The stew mode in the multicooker operates at a set temperature and is quite similar to cooking in a traditional oven at low heat. It is ideal for preparing porridge, cold meats, broths, and basically any dish that requires simmering. The final product is packed with flavor and has a consistent texture. The timer can be set from 30 minutes to 12 hours.

For those who enjoy making cookies and pastries, the option of baking or cooking is quite convenient. Surprising uses of "baking" involve using this software to pan-fry vegetables or meat products.

Baking function in the multi-cooker

The function designed for cooking porridge in the multi-cooker can have different names and temperature settings. This program can also be used for making pilaf, fluffy porridge, and milk porridge. The cooking time can range from forty minutes to an hour.

Some models offer a special function specifically for pilaf, where the food is browned from the bottom, resulting in a fluffy texture. This mode can also be used for baking potatoes or frying dumplings.

The "Cereal" or "Buckwheat" programs are specifically designed for cooking crumbly porridge without browning it. In this case, the liquid is thoroughly evaporated. Please note that the multi-cooker will start the countdown for the cooking time once it has heated the inside of the bowl to the desired temperature. Depending on the size of the bowl and the power of the device, you may need to allow an additional 10-20 minutes for this.

Preset program options

Steamer. By using the steamer program, you have the ability to cook your food utilizing the power of steam. This method of cooking results in dishes that have a distinct flavor profile and are also more nutritious compared to those prepared using traditional cooking methods. To utilize this mode, you will need an additional plastic container to hold the food. Simply pour water into the bottom of the bowl, then insert the plastic tray with the food. The steamer mode operates with the lid closed.

Almost all multicookers are equipped with a frying mode. In certain models, the frying mode can be combined with a baking program as well. This program allows you to fry various foods such as meat and eggs. It is typically recommended by manufacturers to use this mode with the lid open, enabling you to closely monitor the cooking process – similar to using a frying pan.

The functionality of the "Pasta" program enables the preparation of delicious dough-based dishes like dumplings, pasta, and gnocchi. Creative homemakers have noticed the striking resemblance between this mode and other modes such as "Porridge" and often utilize them as alternatives when the "Pasta" mode is not available on their multicooker. However, it’s important to note that this feature cannot be used with a delayed start option.

Variations of recipes that can be prepared in a multi-cooker

Another one of the automated settings available is the "express" mode, which is designed for fast preparation of quick and easy dishes in the multi-cooker. This feature allows the appliance to rapidly evaporate any excess liquid from the ingredients and provide a thorough frying towards the end of the cooking cycle. By utilizing this program, one can effortlessly create delicious dishes such as classic Florentine-style pasta, crispy fried potatoes, and other similar culinary delights.

One of the options offered by the multicooker is the pressure cooker mode. This feature enables you to cook your food by creating high levels of pressure inside the pot. However, a drawback of this program is that you cannot add ingredients while cooking without first releasing the pressure. Nevertheless, this mode is particularly useful for preparing dishes that require a long cooking time, such as cold cream.

Another useful function of the multicooker is the delayed start. Although it is not considered a cooking mode per se, it greatly enhances convenience. With this program, you can set the multicooker to start cooking at a specific time, even up to a day in advance. It is worth noting, however, that this function cannot be used for baking and frying.

Sterilization and pasteurization are two distinct programs, although they may be referred to by different names in some models. Pasteurization involves heating products to 70 degrees in order to preserve their freshness and eliminate any unwanted microflora that may be present. The microflora dies off during the thermal processing. Sterilization, on the other hand, is meant for treating dishes, whether they are children’s dishes or those intended for canning. This process occurs at a temperature of approximately 100 degrees. Essentially, this mode is similar to a "steam cooker" as sterilization takes place under the influence of hot steam.

The "Dessert" mode is not available in every model and is specifically designed for preparing confections such as candies and caramel.

Exploring the functionalities of the pressure cooker mode

Every manufacturer includes an instruction manual with the appliance, which provides information on the basic parameters for its use. The lower temperature settings are recommended for making yogurt and heating dishes, while the higher temperatures are suitable for frying and deep frying. The range of 35-40 degrees is ideal for preparing yogurt and working with yeast dough. Temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees are perfect for preparing beverages such as punch, tea, and mulled wine.

The temperature range of 80-100 degrees is commonly used for most dishes. This range is recommended for cooking porridge, soups, jams, and other dishes that require simmering or stewing.

Temperatures above 100 degrees are typically used for cooking meat, baking, and roasting vegetables. If the appliance also has a pressure cooker function, it can be used to cook various soups at high temperatures as well.

Differences of modes in different models

Manufacturers establish various options for cooking programs. Naturally, higher-priced and more versatile models offer a greater variety and scope of tasks that can be accomplished.

For instance, "Moulinex" multicookers provide up to one hundred automated work programs, while the brand "Scarlett" offers approximately twenty. Despite this, the same program may have different names.

Therefore, it is crucial to examine the product’s specifications when making a purchase and not be swayed by the appealing names that manufacturers create for basic programs.

Preparing meat dishes

Therefore, there are slight variations in the recipes for "Braising", "Soup-making", and "Cooking porridge". These methods involve slow cooking the dish at a temperature of approximately 90 degrees Celsius.

Some multicookers have a "Crisp" program, which allows you to fry the cooked dish to achieve a crispy crust. While this mode is similar to frying, consumers who have tried both find that there are still some differences.

Manufacturers don’t explicitly disclose the specifics of each program, and users are only provided with general information such as temperature, cooking time, and the presence of excess pressure. If you’re not a gourmet chef, then the slight differences in taste of the finished dishes are inconsequential.

Conclusion

When selecting a multicooker for your home, it is important to understand its purpose. Not only does it serve as a decorative element for your kitchen, but it also functions as a valuable assistant in your everyday cooking endeavors. While more affordable models may have fewer modes and features, and are constructed with cheaper materials, their performance often matches that of top brands. It is worth considering whether paying extra for additional functions like "grill" or "fryer" is necessary if the primary use of the multicooker is for preparing baby porridge.