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How Do Multi Cookers Work?

Published by: Chef Matty Riedel • Updated: February 7, 2024

The name is a dead giveaway when it comes to multi-cookers. This kitchen appliance allows you to cook in many different ways. So, how do multi-cookers work? Let’s get into it…

How Do Multi Cookers Work? 

Whether you are trying to use it like a pressure cooker or a crock pot that lets you slow cook a meal, you’ve got a real winner if you have a multi cooker. Here’s all you need to know about the kitchen’s magic box. 

What Is A Multi Cooker? 

This appliance can single-handedly take the place of many others in the kitchen. And while they aren’t the smallest, you don’t have to worry too much about how much space they take on the counter. 

Replacing all those other appliances will automatically make room for this one, and you will realize that for the same reason, a multi-cooker does not add to the clutter. 

The multi-cooker works on the same principle as an induction plate because it has one at the bottom. This helps maintain the temperature inside the pot. You have outside controls, allowing you to monitor and adjust the heat when required. That is also how you can slow-cook any dish of your choice. Just get the recipe and get started. 

Temperature control is important in slow cooking; otherwise, your ingredients will be overcooked if not burnt to a crisp. And it is thanks to that same technology, you will be able to use it to make yoghurt like you would in a yoghurt maker. 

You can also carry out processes like sautéing and browning, which are integral to some special recipes. 

All The Things It Can Do 

saucepan steaming on the hob

Apart from giving you the flexibility to make a thousand different types of meals, you can also reap health benefits like cooking with less oil and lubricants that add calories to your meal. 

That is why multi-cookers have been in the running for the best kitchen device for a long time. This also applies to those of you who like to steam some items that you typically do with a steaming rack in a pot. 

Using a multi-cooker, you can prepare a side dish like steaming vegetables on the side while you make the main dish using other appliances. 

And you will also realize that you spend more of your time and energy picking nutritious ingredients because the effort into cooking goes down considerably. 

That usually keeps you from picking raw ingredients and preparing a meal, right? Instead, you pick up some pre-packaged food that can be tossed into the oven and done within a matter of minutes. 

What Works 

how do multi cookers work: red hot induction hob with a wooden spoon alongside. The spoon holds half an onion

There are several other precise advantages to using a multi cooker. Here’s what that list looks like. 

  • Time Saver: If you are a fan of slow cooking, a multi-cooker can do the job for you. In fact, it can speed up the process of slow cooking while giving you the same time and health benefits. If a pressure cooker reduces that cooking time to half, a multi-cooker takes it to the next level. So you don’t have to worry about waiting next to it and supervising. 
  • Money Saver: A multi-cooker works allows you to take staple food items like dried beans or even cuts of meat and turn them into delicious meals. And you can use the slow cooking method without wasting money on a crockpot. It also doesn’t use as much energy in cooking, which will cover your energy bills. 
  • Space Saver: This device makes many others in the kitchen, like your frypan, pressure cooker, rick cooker, slow cooker, and steamer, obsolete. So, you don’t have to look for extra space when you plan to get one of these. You can get rid of the clutter and get ready for a superhero on your kitchen counter. 

What Doesn’t Work 

chef attending to large pots steaming on the hob

But something with these super-appliance abilities does not come without a few flaws

  • Unfortunately, your slow cookers do better with certain dishes than a multi-cooker. That is regarding appearance, flavour and how well meats can melt in your mouth. So, you will have to add seasoning afterwards and avoiding them is kind of the point of slow cooking. 
  • They are also not all that easy to clean because you have to dismantle all the parts and put them back together. It is non-negotiable because the valves and seals are the lifelines of this appliance. 

The Bottom Line 

From making yoghurt to cooking grains and rice, you can do much with a versatile modern multi-cooker. But this is a very popular appliance for more reasons than one. 

These devices are very easy to use and can help you prepare a healthy meal in the easiest and safest way possible. You will have a few hurdles, but this is a good one for an all-rounder. 

Chef and Restaurant Owner Matty Riedel
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