Got No Talent In The Kitchen? The Multicooker Will Make You Look Like A Pro
The multicooker will be your next most important purchase -- here’s why.
Planning and preparing meals for your family is a joy, especially if you have cooking skills. Otherwise, it becomes another task that drains your energy and produces questionable results. Will it taste good? Is the meat tender enough? Did I overcook the fish? Yes, it can sometimes feel like a guessing game, and it can be exhausting. Here’s a tip: Coming up with a great dish is equally about having cooking skills and using the right tool – or appliance – to do the job.
It is always advisable to pick kitchen appliances that provide ease of function and offer convenience. You also want those that save money, energy, and space, especially if you live in a small place.
With so many appliances specially designed for specific uses, the market is now warming up to the idea of multifunctional technology. One example of such is the multicooker, which has become a hit due to its multiple capabilities. If you haven’t heard of the multicooker and are wondering why people are raving about it, read on.
Pressure cookers vs. multicookers
A pressure cooker is typically used to tenderize meat and is designed to reduce the time of cooking by trapping the steam inside. It’s important to know the recommended length of time needed to get the desired tenderness of the meat when using a pressure cooker, as there is a tendency to overdo it if you forget to keep track of time.
On the other hand, a multicooker, which can also function as a pressure cooker, has a built-in timer and auto-shut off function so you won’t have to keep checking the dish while it’s cooking. “It is quite helpful [as] cooking time has been cut short and I don’t have to keep watch always on what I’m cooking” says Grace Ong-Sze, a working mom with 3 kids.
Slow cookers vs. multicookers
A slow cooker is used to tenderize and cook meals slowly at a low temperature for a healthier and more flavorful meal. However, it doesn’t work for every recipe, especially those that use leaner cuts of meat, which tend to dry out. It is also advisable not to slow-cook meat straight from the freezer.
A multicooker, meanwhile, can do the same job as a slow cooker. If you also happen to forget defrosting a frozen meat, you can thaw it directly in your instant pot by using the pressure cooker function, which can’t be done in a slow cooker. “I can make healthier food for my family, [and] I don’t need to defrost frozen food in the microwave”, says mom and homemaker Mary Rose Jasmine Abalos.
Rice cookers vs. multicookers
Besides its intended use, a rice cooker can also steam food, like vegetables. A multicooker can cook rice too, and with less water than traditional rice cookers because of the pressure inside the pot, which allows food to cook evenly. You can shave off minutes of your cooking since the pressure causes the food to heat up and cook faster.
Multicookers can also be used for steaming, sautéing, and to warm food. Some models also allow you to make yogurt or even bake a cake. It really is a Jack of all trades!
What to look for in a multicooker
With all these functions, a multicooker can take the place of several appliances in your kitchen. If you’re out to get one, here are a few things to consider before making a purchase.
Capacity. Most models are sized just right for a small family, so unless you’re using your multicooker for a home-based cooking business, the usual 5-liter pot should be enough. If you have limited space in your kitchen, be sure to check the unit’s dimensions before buying.
Controls and functions. Look for a multicooker that has buttons that make it easy to understand cooking settings. The display should be clear, with light indicators and a timer. Different models have different cooking modes, so make sure to get one according to your need.
Safety. Since multicookers have a pressure-cooking setting, make sure you get one that has a well-functioning steam-release valve. The lid should be tight, with a reliable lock system.
Materials and ease of cleaning. Nonstick materials can simplify the cleaning process after cooking. On the other hand, stainless pots might be hard to clean, but they are more durable and aren’t vulnerable to damage.
Product reviews. Of course, reviews from people who have actually bought and used the product will definitely help you in deciding which multicooker to buy – or if you should buy one at all. Read up.
Which multicooker brand should I get?
There are several brands of multicookers to choose from in the market. Here are some of them:
1. Kyowa K3800 Multicooker
This concave-shaped multicooker has a 5-liter capacity and 8 functions -- food warmer, steamer, rice cooker, slow cooker, deep fryer, sauté, stew, and roast. It has a non-stick aluminum coated pot that lets you easily clean after cooking, a glass lid with silicon steam outlet, and a built-in timer for up to 120 minutes of cooking.
Available for Php 4,000 on Lazada
2. Dowell One Stop Pot
This multicooker includes 12 different cooking programs like rice, soup, porridge, meat stew, and even yogurt, among others. It has a 5-liter capacity and a 6-in-1 function (pressure cooker, rice cooker, warmer, sauté, steamer and slow cooker), and you don’t have to worry about safety when using the Dowell One Stop Pot because it has a 7-stage lock system.
Available for Php 4,885 on Shopee
3. Instant Pot Duo
The Instant Pot is such a popular brand that its name has been interchangeably used to refer to the multicooker. This model makes cooking a lot easier as it can be used to sauté food, while also functioning as a rice cooker, slow cooker, steamer, pressure cooker, food warmer, and even as a yogurt maker. It also has other built-in programs: soup/broth, meat/stew, bean/chili, porridge, multigrain, and poultry.
Some of the Instant Pot’s safety features include a pressure regulator and controller to ensure that the working pressure is in the safe range, a safety lid lock with sensor to detect if the lid is not in the right position before cooking, a stainless steel pot and temperature monitoring to prevent food from burning, just to name a few.
Available for Php 6,995 on https://www.instantpot.com.ph/
This article originally appeared on OneLife.PH
