Choose the optimal power of the multicooker

For housewives, the slow cooker has long become an indispensable assistant in the kitchen. After all, this relatively inexpensive unit can significantly simplify the process of cooking various dishes. The power of the multicooker is a parameter to which attention should be paid first of all when unit selection, because it depends on the speed of cooking and the quality of the food prepared.

How does the multicooker

The crock-pot is a device in which a heating element is built in that heats a removable container (coated pot). Due to the hermetically sealed pan, air is expelled from the outside, as a result of which no oxidation of the products occurs,and the taste of food is not lost. Excess steam is removed through a special valve built into the lid. Thanks to the valve, it is possible to maintain an optimal microclimate and pressure in the multicooker, which contributes to fast cooking. The principle of operation of the multicooker is described in more detail. here.

Multicooker classification

Multicookers differ in capacity range:

• devices with a minimum power of 450 W;
• 800 watts average power;
• devices with a maximum power of up to 1500 watts.

Devices with minimal power

These multivarks include small deviceshaving power 450 Wwhose pan volume does not exceed 3 liters. Such a model in the number of cooked food can suit one person. But it should be noted that it is impossible to fill the pan to the brim, therefore, the volume decreases. Also, due to the low power, the cooking time will be significantly increased.

Multicooker Moulinex MK 7001

Medium power devices

The capacity of the multicooker 800-900 W is considered the best. Models with an average power have an average price range and are popular with the consumer. This is ideal for a family of 2-4 people.Advantages of medium-power apparatuses: economical power consumption, a small amount of time is spent on cooking. It is better to choose models, the volume of the bowl which is 4-5 liters. This will achieve the best option for electricity consumption and cooking time. If you need a capacity of more than 5 liters, then the capacity of the unit should be higher.

In the average capacity multicookers, there is already an opportunity making bread and baking (cupcakes, pies and other flour products). Of course, you will not get crisp, but the dough is cooked quite qualitatively. The lack of a crust can be hidden with powdered sugar or some kind of cream.

Recently appeared multivarki with 3D heating function. Since the heating element is integrated in the lid, the baking is made with a crispy crust.

Devices with maximum power

The lack of powerful multivarcs (1400 - 1500 W) is high consumption of electricity. But if the family is large, then it is advisable to choose a model with a saucepan of 10 liters and a power of 1.4 kW (as in the Sinbo SCO-5006 model).

Multicooker Sinbo SCO-5006

This model allows you to cook large amounts of food for a large family in a short time.But it should be noted that the cost of powerful models with large volumes of pans will be high.

What affects the power of the unit

So what does the power of the unit affect? The answer is simple: the higher the power, the faster the machine goes into working mode, and the faster the cooking takes place. For example, to reach the set temperature, a low-power appliance takes about 15 minutes. In turn, a more powerful model will do it in 5 minutes, after which the countdown timer will turn on, indicating the remaining cooking time.

Also the power of this unit can affect baking quality. In medium and high capacity multivarks, the number of cooking modes (programs). Present programs for stewing, baking, frying, and others that are not available for low-power devices. Although in some models of low power you can see the baking program, but according to customer reviews, the quality of baking the dough wants to be the best.

The amount of electricity consumed

To find out how much electricity "eats up" the multicooker, you can use a simple calculation: take, for example, the average power of the units is 1000 W (1 kW). The cost of 1 kW is 2-3 rubles.It is not difficult to calculate that for 1 hour of work at full capacity, the device will consume electricity in the amount of 2 to 3 rubles.

But in fact, the multicooker is designed so that constant heating is not required: it has sealed enclosure with good thermal insulation. The device uses full power only at the beginning of work to set the required temperature. Subsequently, it switches to the supporting mode. Due to the cyclical consumption of electricity, its consumption can be reduced to 0.2 kW / h. Based on these data, we see that during the cyclic operation of the multicooker, electricity is consumed by only 40 - 60 kopecks.

And if you take pressure cooker, which is able to cook under high pressure, the time spent on cooking is reduced by 2-3 times. Accordingly, the energy consumption is reduced.

On cooking one dish, on average, takes 20-30 minutes. At a cost of 20-30 kopecks. Such costs are very beneficial when comparing the use of multicookers with electric stove or electric oven: the cost of electricity is reduced by about 2 times. When using the device 1-2 times a day for a month, you will spend 10-15 rubles for electricity (depending on the selected cooking mode).

Comparison of budget models

Panasonic SR-TMH102NTW - this is a small, small and inexpensive multicooker with a capacity of 490 watts. Due to its compact size and low weight, it is convenient to use as a travel option, for example, when traveling on vacation. Built-in function to maintain heat, there is a baking program. The disadvantage lies in too gentle coating of the pan, which is scratched even with careful handling.

Multicooker Panasonic SR-TMH102NTW

Polaris PMC 0511AD - this model already has a power of 650 W and 12 programs for cooking. The bowl has a ceramic coating and comfortable handles. There is a possibility of manual timing. According to users, the disadvantage of this model is jamming of the lid.

Multicooker Polaris PMC 0511AD

Vitek VT-4200 would be a great option for housewives who appreciate the economy. This model can work with a maximum power of 800 watts. The pot (bowl) has a volume of 5 liters. Although there is a handle for carrying, due to the rather large mass of the unit, it is better to use it permanently. A pleasant bonus, as for the budget model, is the presence of a considerable list of programs, including “Baking” and “Toasting”.

Multicooker Vitek VT-4200

Redmond RMC-M4503 - the device has a power of 900 W, as well as electronic control.Spaciousness of a bowl is 5 liters. This volume is enough for a family of 4 people. Present heating function and a large number of programs. The cost of the unit can be called affordable for most consumers. therefore Redmond Multivarok models quite popular among housewives.

Multicooker Redmond RMC-M4503

For a more convenient comparison, you can use the table below.