Which pressure cooker to choose for a gas or electric stove. Kitchen helper - pressure cooker. Which is better, reviews, models, functions, tips for choosing The largest pressure cooker pan by volume

In our age high technology and achievements kitchen appliances is also being improved and modernized. Therefore, the well-known mechanical pressure cookers were replaced by electric models with the maximum number of modes, settings and functions. They allow modern housewives to spend less time in the kitchen and at the same time pamper themselves and their family with healthy and tasty food.

Definition of pressure cooker

A device such as a pressure cooker appeared in the everyday life of our Soviet housewives quite a long time ago and was, as it is now, a container (pan) with a sealed lid. With its help, it is easy and simple to process any products with water vapor. Another feature of this kitchen utensil is high cooking speed, as is clear from the name.

Purpose, advantages and disadvantages

Before deciding which pressure cooker is best to buy, you need to make sure of its necessity and purpose of use. To understand this, you should consider its purpose, as well as its advantages and disadvantages, in more detail.

Important! A pressure cooker allows you to cook food using water at high pressure and temperature, which is ensured by the tightness of the container.

Its advantages are as follows.

1. Cooking time is significantly reduced- at least a quarter, and a maximum of three times. For example, you can cook potatoes in a regular pan on gas in 20-30 minutes, and in a pressure cooker in 5-8 minutes. It takes 3-4, and sometimes 5-6 hours to cook meat for jellied meat, but for a pressure cooker it will take 40-60 minutes.
2. The food is more natural and flavorful than with regular cooking or stewing. This is achieved due to the fact that the products are simply processed with steam in their original form, they do not oxidize from contact with air, and the taste different ingredients does not mix with each other.
3. Less gas and electricity consumption than with conventional heat treatment.
4. No need to stir constantly and control the cooking temperature.
5. Minimal amounts of oils and spices can be used, since they do not mix with products and do not dissolve in large amounts of water.
6. The prepared dish will not splash, escape and boil away thanks to the hermetically sealed lid, which will keep the kitchen clean and tidy.

As for the disadvantages, they also exist, as in any other technique. These include:

• the inability to open the lid during cooking to stir food or adjust the amount of ingredients;
• the need to accurately set the cooking time so that the food does not boil over, given the high pressure and temperature;
• the need to wait until the pressure cooker has cooled down so that after the process is completed, open the lid and take out the food, and during this time the food can be overcooked;
• There is a danger of burns if the device is used incorrectly - you must constantly monitor safety precautions.

Functional

Thanks to a pressure cooker, you can quickly boil, stew or steam any food except those that produce a lot of foam or are too finely divided, for example, cereals or pearl barley. This is caused by the fact that small particles together with foam may clog the valve, from which excess pressure comes out.

Modern models of pressure cookers are equipped with a number of additional functions - like multicookers. Thanks to this, the hostess will only have to put everything necessary ingredients into the container, add a little water and spices, close the lid and press the button. This will save you from endless stirring and burning.

On a note! The most popular options are: delayed start, auto-heating, programmed cooking modes, timer and yogurt maker.

Delayed start allows you to set the period of time after which you want to start the heat treatment process. The timer allows you to set the time period for turning off the device. Auto-heating will prevent the dish from cooling down when the family arrives. Well, various modes reduce the number of selectable settings, automating the cooking process as much as possible.

Principle of operation

A pressure cooker is visually not much different from a regular saucepan, except that in addition to the handle, there are also valves and floats on the lid. But despite its apparent simplicity, this device allows you to pump up high pressure using water steam, as a result of which the cooking temperature increases from the usual 100 ° C to 120 ° C. This way the dish is prepared very quickly, and There is practically no fluid consumption.

The principle of operation is based on the fact that water, enclosed under a sealed lid, is heated to boiling point and turns into a gaseous state. This water vapor cannot escape from the container and therefore accumulates, affecting the food lying there. As a result, the temperature and pressure increase to a certain level, and then occurs maintaining the obtained parameters using control systems and a valve to release excess steam.

After completion of the heat treatment process You can't open the lid right away. To do this, you must perform one of the following manipulations:

• wait until the device cools down naturally and the protection system turns off;
• cool the pressure cooker with cold water or a towel soaked in water;
• open the exhaust valve yourself.

Advice! To make the dish tasty, it is very important not only to correctly determine the cooking time, but also to take into account the rate of depressurization. For example, some dishes require a slow and natural release of steam, such as stews or legumes. In this case, even after turning off the food is still languishing in own juice and turn out soft, juicy, boiled.

A For vegetables and crumbly cereals, quick cooling is best, then they will not be digested and will retain their original shape and properties.

Types of pressure cookers

Before choosing a specific pressure cooker model, you must first decide which type is most preferable: mechanical or electrical. By mechanical we mean a device that is heated by gas.

Important! The operating principle of electric and mechanical pressure cookers is the same, and the differences are only in automation and the presence of additional parameters.

Features of the operation of an electric pressure cooker:

• settings for the degree of heating and pressure level are set automatically, and the user sets only the cooking time and one of the existing modes;
• an electric pressure cooker combines 4 devices in one (pressure cooker, multicooker, steamer and yogurt maker);
• there are all kinds additional functions(delayed start, warm-up, etc.);
• I have an opportunity automatic shutdown after cooking;
• The risk of getting burned is minimized, since the body does not get very hot.

Mechanical pressure cookers installed on the stove have:

• high speed of achieving maximum cooking parameters;
• reliability and durability;
• the ability to independently increase or decrease the pressure during the cooking process;
• freedom of action in using non-standard modes;
• danger of getting burned due to the strong heating of the surface.

Criterias of choice

For those who often spend a lot of time at the stove, the question of whether to purchase such a device has already been resolved. A pressure cooker allows you to significantly (2 or even 3 times) save time on cooking, which is important for a working housewife.

Pressure cooker type

As for the type of this technique, then For big family It is most convenient to use an electric one with children. modification. Firstly, it is more secure. Secondly, all functions are already programmed, and there is no need to control the cooking process, as they say - “turn it on and forget it.”

Well, if you want to experiment, creating your own unique masterpieces, then a mechanical one is more suitable pressure cooker Thanks to the viewing window, you can monitor the degree of readiness and increase or decrease the heating through the valve, thereby changing the temperature and pressure. In addition, it is more reliable and compact.

Capacity

In addition to individual needs and desires, when purchasing a pressure cooker, you should pay attention to the capacity of the container. So, A 5 liter bowl is suitable for a family of 3-4 Human.

Important! When choosing a pressure cooker, you should take into account the power - the larger this parameter, the faster and stronger the heating will occur (this is true for electric models). On average, this figure should be in the range of 1-1.5 kW.

In mechanical pressure cookers the housewife itself sets the level of heat transfer, adjusting the gas burner.

The steam release valve should be directed to the side - away from the handle and away from the cook. It is recommended to buy pressure cookers from of stainless steel . This metal is more reliable and does not emit harmful substances when heated, unlike others, for example, aluminum. The most best brand steel 18/10.

The material of the bowl also plays an important role. It can be ceramic or Teflon, and also have a special coating. The non-stick properties will be lost over time in any case, but especially fast in ceramic containers.

Review of popular models

To make it easier to find the desired model among a wide variety of companies and modifications, below are the best-selling samples in various price categories.

TOP 3 budget pressure cookers

According to customer reviews, the most reliable and high-quality model in the price range up to 4 thousand rubles is . This is a multi-cooker pressure cooker with a capacity of 4 liters and a power of 800 W. This compact model is perfect for a small family. It has all the standard functions and 7 programs, and the electronic controls and LED display make it easy to operate.

Pressure cooker Vitesse VS-570

Pressure cooker Vitesse VS-570 on Yandex Market

Also combines a multicooker. It is designed for 900 W, 5 liters and 10 modes. This model is also equipped with a list of standard features.

Multi-pressure cooker Scarlett SL-1529

Multi-pressure cooker Scarlett SL-1529 on Yandex Market

Pressure cooker Bekker BK-8903

Pressure cooker Bekker BK-8903 on Yandex Market

TOP 3 pressure cookers in the mid-price category

This category includes models with prices up to 7,000 rubles. Trusting people's reviews, you should opt for a pressure cooker . Its power is 1 kW, there is a bowl with ceramic coating 6 liter capacity, 14 programs available for use. A nice addition is the ability to change time and temperature during cooking.

Pressure cooker Redmond RMC-PM380

Pressure cooker Redmond RMC-PM380 on Yandex Market

Pressure cooker-multi-cooker Moulinex CE 503132

Pressure cooker-multi-cooker Moulinex CE 503132 on Yandex Market

Multi-pressure cooker UNIT USP-1210S

Multi-pressure cooker UNIT USP-1210S on Yandex Market

TOP 3 luxury pressure cookers

The premium class includes pressure cookers with a price above 20,000 rubles. is induction model at 1200 W. It has in its arsenal 50 programs, two-level pressure, the ability to independently program and remember, as well as many more additional functions.

Pressure cooker Bosch MUC88B68

Pressure cooker Bosch MUC88B68 on Yandex Market

Pressure cooker Cuckoo CMC-HE1055F

Pressure cooker Cuckoo CMC-HE1055F on Yandex Market

Fissler mechanical pressure cooker

Fissler mechanical pressure cooker on Yandex Market

Conclusion

Summing up the results of the test purchase, one thing can be said unequivocally - a pressure cooker helps the housewife not only reduce the time for cooking, but also preserve all the properties of the products. The main thing is to set the process parameters correctly. And the presence of additional features and functions greatly facilitates the process of creating various dishes.

In this article we will talk about pressure cookers - cookware that was invented at the end of the 17th century in France. Since then, much has changed in its appearance, but the principle of operation has remained unchanged.

A pressure cooker is a heat-resistant metal pan with a sealed lid, designed for use on a stove.

The difference between a pressure cooker and any other saucepan is that the food in it is cooked under pressure, at a temperature of approximately 121°C (when we cook in the usual way, the maximum temperature in a saucepan or frying pan reaches only 100°C).

Increased pressure and temperature inside are achieved thanks to the tightly pressed lid of the dish. Such conditions created inside the pan significantly reduce the cooking time for porridge, meat, vegetable, fish and other dishes.

Main advantages of a pressure cooker:

• Food cooks in it 3-4 times faster compared to the usual cooking method;
• Due to the fact that the products are steamed, the dish retains its O most of the vitamins;
• Products do not lose their original color, since at all stages of cooking there is no contact of food with oxygen;
• When using this cookware, energy costs are reduced.

Stainless steel pressure cooker

Pressure cookers for gas and electric cookers are traditionally made of aluminum and stainless steel. In this case, stainless steel pans are significantly more expensive, but the performance characteristics of such cookware are much better.

Stainless steel is durable, resistant to mechanical damage, corrosion and smooth surface bacteria do not spread.

Stainless steel cookware can withstand temperatures up to 1300°C (for comparison, the melting point of aluminum is several times lower). At the same time, when heated, stainless steel does not emit substances harmful to health.

Prepared food can be stored; V aluminum cookware the food acquires an off-flavor the very next day.

Thus, if you decide to buy a pressure cooker, opt for stainless steel models.

Induction pressure cooker

High-quality pressure cookers for induction and any other stoves are made of stainless steel.

The cookware on the surface of the induction hob is heated by magnetic field(and not a heating element, as on other electric stoves). In order for a stainless steel pressure cooker to absorb the electromagnetic energy of an induction cooker as much as possible, the bottom of such a pan is made thicker.

Between two layers of stainless steel, in the bottom of pressure cookers, manufacturers install metal with high thermal conductivity and good magnetic properties: for example, copper or aluminum. Cookware with such a “layered” bottom heats up on an induction hob in a matter of seconds.

If you are buying, ask the seller what material this pan is made of. And be sure to inquire about the presence of a special metal layer in the bottom of the dish.

Remember that the diameter of the bottom of the pan must exactly match the size of the burner on the hob of your induction cooker.

Pressure cooker for glass ceramic hob

There are a number of requirements for cookware for glass-ceramic stoves; Be guided by them when buying a pressure cooker.

1. Pressure cooker for glass ceramic hob should have a flat bottom, without concave or convex places. Otherwise, the process of heat transfer from the stove to the pan will be disrupted. This is fraught with the fact that the surface of the slab will soon become unusable.
2. To prevent the surface of the stove from overheating, the diameter of the bottom of the pressure cooker must exactly match the diameter of the burner on which you are going to cook, or be smaller.
3. For glass ceramic hobs, it is not recommended to use a pressure cooker with an aluminum or copper bottom. If inserts of these metals are present in the bottom of the pan, a layer of stainless steel should cover the outside of them.
4. When choosing a pressure cooker for a glass-ceramic stove, give preference to models with a thick bottom to avoid its deformation when heated.

Pressure cooker functions

A pressure cooker is not just “another” pot in the kitchen; she will replace you O Most of the items are heat-resistant and will be used by you for preparing many dishes.

Here is a list of what you can cook in a pressure cooker:

• Omelettes
• Main courses (stew, roast, rice with seafood, meat or chicken; pilaf, bigus, etc.)
• Stews (dishes in their own juices or with gravy)
• Baked goods and desserts (casserole, sponge cake, milk soufflé)
• Steamed dishes (including semi-finished products)
• Drinks (compotes, juices)

After reading the instructions, during the cooking process you will be able to control the valve located on the lid of the pressure cooker and regulate the pressure in it, releasing steam.

Popular manufacturers: Fissler and Silampos

Remember that food in a pressure cooker is cooked under high pressure and at high temperatures. Therefore, you need to handle this pan with extreme caution.

For the same reasons, you should carefully choose a pressure cooker in the store, giving preference to well-known brands. For example, Fissler (Germany) or Silampos (Portugal).

The pans from these manufacturers are made of stainless steel and are of high quality. They are suitable for all types of cookers, including induction cookers. The fittings are made of expensive plastic; it is harmless to health and does not heat up during cooking.

In the assortment of both companies you will find a pressure cooker of the required volume (from 2.5 to 12 liters).

Comes with branded pressure cookers detailed instructions instruction manual, quality certificate and warranty certificate. To avoid counterfeiting, check availability specified documents and make a purchase at a specialty store.

WITH A pressure cooker is a convenient and functional kitchen tool that can greatly reduce the cooking time of many products. The principle of their operation is quite simple. As you know, under normal conditions the maximum temperature to which water can be heated is about 100 degrees Celsius. After this, the water boils and the water temperature no longer rises. Due to their tightness, pressure cookers increase the pressure inside the pan and the temperature, in accordance with the laws of physics, increases by several tens of degrees. The higher temperature in a pressure cooker makes it possible to spend much less time cooking food than in a regular saucepan. The increased pressure and high temperature of the pressure cooker steam makes it potentially dangerous to use, so you need to be careful when choosing such a pan. You should be even more careful when using pressure cookers.

Most often, they cook using pressure cookers meat dishes- jellied meat, aspic, homemade stew. High cooking temperatures not only reduce cooking time and save energy, but also soften hard tissues and even bones. You can also cook many other dishes in pressure cookers - porridge, soups, pilaf, etc. There is a theory that due to a tightly closed lid and a short cooking time, more vitamin remains in the food, but this is unlikely to be the case. Vitamins, as you know, do not like high temperatures and The best way preserve them - eat vegetables and fruits that have been subjected to minimal heat treatment.

The quality of pressure cookers is determined by two main factors - the materials used and the design features; the design is also important, because cooking in a beautiful pan is much more pleasant.

Old Soviet mechanical pressure cookers (which many probably still remember, and some even use) were made of aluminum. Today pressure cooker manufacturers also do not refuse this metal. Aluminum is strong enough to ensure the safety of the product, but its main advantage is its low cost. Aluminum pressure cookers still have disadvantages - they quickly lose their appearance, a gray coating forms on the inner walls, and when cooking foods with a high acid content, aluminum may be released into the food, which is not at all healthy and can change the taste of the prepared dishes. Otherwise, aluminum pressure cookers are not much inferior to similar stainless steel products and are several times cheaper.

Aluminum pressure cookers found on the market are mainly manufactured in China. In Russia, in Chelyabinsk, they are produced by the Ural Household Products Plant (pressure cooker "Miracle" types Miracle-40, Miracle-55, Miracle-60, Miracle-60D, Miracle-70, Miracle-80D).

The more common material for pressure cookers today is stainless steel. As a rule, manufacturers mainly use traditional 18/10 steel (AISI grade 304 with a chromium content of at least 18% and nickel - 8%), although cheaper steel grades can be used to save money. Almost all manufacturers indicate 18/10, but, as practice shows, not everyone can be trusted. An important element Stainless steel pressure cookers have a bottom with a heat distribution layer. As you know, corrosion-resistant steel does not conduct heat well, and in a pressure cooker without a TPC of the required thickness, food may burn. In addition, the preparation of some dishes requires preliminary frying of the food, and this is very convenient to do directly in the pressure cooker. And in this case, having a high-quality bottom is very important.

When purchasing a pressure cooker, you should also pay attention to the material from which the O-rings are made. They come in rubber and silicone. The latter are more practical, durable and do not have any foreign odor.

The safety of its use largely depends on the design of the pressure cooker. As a rule, all modern pressure cookers are sufficiently protected from overheating, excess pressure and are not explosive. But often a pressure cooker with an ill-conceived design can cause inconveniences such as minor burns. An important structural part of a pressure cooker is the steam release valve (it is used during cooking and before opening the pressure cooker). Its poor design is a source of potential risk, so when choosing a pressure cooker you should pay attention to how the valve works and where the stream of hot steam will exit (it is better if it is directed to the sides rather than upwards - there will be less risk of burns).

An important detail is the mechanism for closing and opening the pressure cooker. Ideally, it should be simple and convenient. The most modern models allow you to do this in one or two movements. Many well-known pressure cooker manufacturing companies have their own patented pressure cooker locking and unlocking systems for maximum safety and ease of use.

It’s good when pressure cookers have additional protection that will prevent them from being opened while the pressure remains high. It also makes using a pressure cooker easier due to the presence of a mechanism with which you can set the cooking temperature or set the cooking mode.

General advice when choosing pressure cookers is that it is better to buy pots with extra capacity. The peculiarity of cooking in pressure cookers suggests that they cannot be completely filled with water - the necessary gap must remain for the formation of steam.

It is quite convenient when the pressure cooker comes with various additional accessories for preparing individual dishes (for example, mesh for cooking rice, baskets for steaming food, etc.). It is also welcome that the pressure cooker has an internal scale that allows you to measure the amount of liquid.

On store shelves and on the Internet you can find pressure cookers in a wide range of prices - from 1,000 to more than 10,000 rubles. Factors influencing their cost are the following: material (aluminum is cheaper than stainless steel), volume, design complexity, brand recognition, design. The most expensive products are from European brands such as Silit and Cristel, which combine the latest engineering technologies and unique design. In the middle segment, one of the best offers in terms of price and quality are Tefal pressure cookers.

Before using a pressure cooker (or even better before purchasing it), it is very important to carefully read the instructions and then strictly follow them - this will allow you to cook truly delicious dishes without the risk of burns.

The world is changing rapidly every day, and with it the progress of technical innovations, which does not stand still, constantly providing humanity with a lot of convenient inventions. All these devices and devices are becoming incredibly useful assistants V Everyday life, so many people simply can’t imagine how they ever managed without them.

One of these universal units, which is loved by almost all housewives, is the multicooker-pressure cooker. Let's figure out how to choose it correctly based on reviews and reviews of the best.

Multicooker or pressure cooker: which is better?

Multicooker or pressure cooker, which is better? And what's the difference?

U modern woman there is almost no time left for conducting household, which is not at all surprising, because there are many interesting things in this life and besides it: it is necessary to have a successful career, and to raise children correctly, and to look like a queen, and there are only twenty-four hours in a day. Why sacrifice yours? appearance or health, standing for half a day at the stove preparing pickles for the whole family? Today, thanks to the “smart” household appliances, a woman can afford to save a lot of time while remaining a good housewife, a caring wife and mother.

So, there is no doubt that a universal kitchen appliance is simply necessary. There is only one point left: which device to choose.

Please note that there are several types of smart kitchen assistants. Each device has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you need to choose based on your own preferences and the needs of your family.

1. Pressure cookers are devices that appeared earlier than others. Thanks to the high pressure under which food is cooked in a pressure cooker (the boiling point of water reaches over 100°C), you can save a decent amount of time on the cooking process itself. A pressure cooker is a kind of metal pan, the lid of which is hermetically sealed using a special valve. These devices are either electrical or mechanical. Almost all pressure cookers are equipped with a timer and can operate in several operating modes, even.
2. Multicookers are also pots, but with electronic control. On the body of the device, as a rule, there is a display that will help you control the multicooker, a temperature sensor, and under the bowl there is a heating element. This device can do much more than a pressure cooker, since a multi-cooker is multifunctional. Important .

There are also steamers that allow you to steam cook healthy and wholesome food. As you can see, the choice is quite varied, and every housewife will be able to find the most suitable assistant for her kitchen.

The main advantages and disadvantages of a multicooker-pressure cooker

The main advantages of a pressure cooker include the following:

• very high speed of cooking (for example, meat soup will be cooked in half an hour, and potatoes will be cooked in no more than 8-10 minutes);
• Among the functions in the device there are: the option of cooking, steaming and stewing (all dishes are cooked under high pressure);
• Since the heat treatment of products in a pressure cooker is very short, they retain their beautiful natural color (as a plus - the absence of oxygen).

Some disadvantages of the device are worth noting:

• All ingredients for preparing a dish are put into the pressure cooker at once, so if you forget to put something in, the valve simply will not allow you to open the device until the end of the process, so you won’t be able to check the degree of doneness or add any additional ingredients ( true, in some modern models there is a special viewing window through which you can look at the dish);
• pressure cookers are quite bulky and not very convenient;
• the device is considered unsafe and requires periodic supervision during operation; you must be very careful with the hot steam of the pressure cooker;
• As a rule, the device comes with only one container, so you only have to add one dish and wait for it to cook.

Working principle of a pressure cooker

A multicooker is a more advanced device. It also makes it possible to cook quickly, although, of course, it is in the cooking time that a multicooker is inferior to a pressure cooker. This is perhaps the main drawback of the device (if you do not take into account its cost).

However, please note that there are multicookers with a pressure cooker function, that is, dishes will also be cooked much faster and under high pressure. This is done by simply closing the valve. But there is a separate point: looking under the lid and adding salt or pepper / adding something will not work. In addition, the device will still need additional time to warm up.

Delicious cabbage rolls recipes in infographics:

Click to enlarge

Among the main advantages of the multicooker are:

• multifunctionality and versatility of the device - the multicooker can stew, boil, simmer, deep-fry and steam food, fry, bake, make yoghurt and jam, etc. Thus replacing and;
• Enthusiastic reviews from customers confirm that the miracle device prepares without the intervention or supervision of the hostess: you just need to put in the necessary ingredients and turn on the device. However, multicookers from any manufacturer, including top-end Redmond, Philips, Scarlett, Moulinex or Panasonic, require the same a large number of time for cooking (the same meat soup will cook for about two hours). The only solution is the additional function of the pressure cooker;
• many users really like the delayed start function that is present in multicookers, as it allows you to program the preparation of a dish at certain time(you just add the ingredients and set the time, which is very convenient for breakfasts and dinners);
• Since food simmers in a slow cooker for a long time, dishes often resemble the consistency of cooking in a conventional oven. This allows everyone to save useful substances- vitamins and minerals; moreover, due to the minimum fat, the dishes are low-calorie and dietary;
• The multicooker is safe (its body does not heat up), very convenient and compact.

What is the difference between a multicooker and a pressure cooker in our video:

Choosing a pressure cooker: what you need to pay attention to - quality and functions

Making a choice may not be entirely easy, because manufacturers offer a huge number variety of options. However, here you should be very careful and rely on the basic criteria for choosing such devices. In addition, you need to take into account your lifestyle, taste preferences, habits, needs of your family, etc. For example, if you are a big fan of healthy eating and carefully monitor your diet, then it is better to opt for a double boiler or multicooker.

What to look for when choosing a pressure cooker

It is also suitable for families with small children, people who are used to juggling many things at once. A pressure cooker will allow you to cook deliciously and quickly, but you will have to limit yourself to choosing one dish to add and cook.

Please note that absolutely universal device, which would combine everything possible functions, does not exist.

• Decide on the necessary functions and parameters of the product in order to make a selection based on them. Based on the technical features of the device, the most significant is the volume. The capacity can be very different (it depends on the specific model), for example, small appliances - one to three liters, standard ones - more capacious four or five liters (you can cook food for a large family), and very huge ones - six liters or even more.
• Be sure to pay attention to the power of the device, because the speed at which your dishes will be cooked depends on this indicator. The higher the power, the faster the food will cook, however, such a product will cost several times more (the highest power is 1400 W). The weakest models come with a power of 490 W, but choose a more average option in the range from 500 to 800 W.
• The next point will be the material from which the product is made and its coating. The bowl can be made of aluminum coated with a thin layer of food-grade tin, but it is better to choose stronger bowls made of steel. As a rule, almost all multicookers are produced with non-stick coating(ceramic, Teflon or marble), however, in more expensive models it has several protective layers, therefore it will not be as susceptible to mechanical damage and will last much longer. Five-layer coating and marble coating - this highest level device protection. The multicooker body can be plastic or metal.
• The multicooker control panel can be mechanical, electronic or touch. A conventional mechanical rotary switch is very simple, although it is reliable and easy to use. The liquid crystal display of the touch control panel looks very beautiful, it pleases with the signals of the light indicators, but it tends to break.
• Select the main programs of the device and its additional functions or capabilities based on your needs and capabilities. Decide for yourself what exactly you really need: freshly baked bread, homemade yogurt, delicious soups and porridge, healthy steamed food? Then it will be much easier for you to decide on the model (some of them contain up to 100 different programs). Be sure to pay attention to the most useful and necessary functions: delay start, heat maintenance (automatic heating), thermal protection against overheating, presence of a signal about the end of cooking, self-cleaning option and others.
• The safety of the device is also a very important criterion when choosing it. If you have small children at home, buy a device with the maximum level of safety (with a built-in soft steam release system, sealed valve, etc.). Also, an electrical cord that is not detached from the housing, but is attached to it, is safer (the risk of a short circuit is reduced).
• The multicooker itself can have different design, be high or low, with or without handles, multi-level or not. Look at the equipment of the device: it’s good if, in addition to standard ladles/spoons (wooden or silicone) and measuring cups, it includes a replaceable elastic band for the lid, holders for spoons, a sieve and other nice bonuses.

It is important to know that cooking in a slow cooker requires special recipes (usually a book with such recipes is included in the package), because they may differ in some proportions of products or in a number of features of the cooking process.

How to choose a multicooker-pressure cooker in our video:

Electrical or mechanical

A pressure cooker can be mechanical or electric. The mechanical device is made of steel and aluminum. You need to use it like a regular saucepan: place it on the stove and turn it on. Your food will simply cook faster than normal. Which ceramic frying pan is better can be found out by.

With the help of a multicooker you can diversify your menu, but with the help of a pressure cooker it will take a little time

The device, made of steel and alloys, can be safely used for any type of stove. These pressure cookers have additional features, allowing you to choose the level of pressure, they have a lid locking system and other useful options. But aluminum pressure cookers will ruin your glass-ceramic or induction cooker, leaving stains that are difficult to wash off on its hob.

Electrical appliances can be either highly specialized units (pasta cookers, kettle cookers, rice cookers) or multifunctional devices, that is, electronically controlled multicookers, pressure cookers, in which you can cook any dish.

In such devices you can control the temperature and time sensor, record your own programs or cook according to your own recipes (multi-cook function), etc. And you can find out about the Tefal fryer. Click to enlarge

Basic rules for operating and maintaining the device

When starting to work with the device (especially for cheap models), run it through the “steam” mode: pour a glass of water into the bowl and add a few slices of lemon to it. This will help get rid of the unpleasant plastic odor of the new product.

In order for the device to function without failures or breakdowns, follow the rules for its operation:

• Condensation often collects on the open lid of the multicooker. To prevent it from dripping onto your table or dish, make sure you have a moisture collector (this special container must be emptied manually from time to time);
• the sealing ring will be able to absorb all the odors well - be sure to get a whole set so that each type of dish can be prepared with its own ring;
• The bowls in the devices are very delicate, so it is better to wash them only with soft cloths and sponges (do not knock on the surface or rub too hard), otherwise your non-stick coating will quickly fail. It may be worth purchasing several additional bowls for the device from other materials: for example, if the main container is made of teflon, then buy a ceramic bowl (they do not absorb odors and color, but break easily) and one made of stainless steel;
• Do not place the device in a place exposed to direct sun rays, it is also not recommended to leave spoons, ladles and other items in containers;
• Do not turn on the device without a container installed or with an empty container;
• purchase silicone spatulas so as not to scratch the bowl;
• Do not immerse the entire device in water, nor wash the device’s container in dishwasher(just wipe with a damp sponge). You can find out about the Gorenje microwave oven.

Video: rating of the best multicookers based on user reviews

Multicooker-pressure cooker reviews from private users and their recommendations in our video:

Please note that electrical devices are very sensitive to voltage changes in the network, which often leads to program failures and even breakdowns. You can buy and install a special thermostat that will protect your appliances from burning out.

And finally, as always, recipes delicious porridge and rich jellied meat.

A multicooker-pressure cooker is a wonderful universal device that will help you significantly save time on cooking and will become an indispensable assistant in the kitchen. We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the rating of kitchen bench scales.

A pressure cooker is a very practical and convenient invention that can significantly reduce cooking time.
The pressure cooker is a saucepan with thickened walls, a multi-layer bottom and a hermetically sealed lid equipped with valves (working and emergency).
The lid is separated by a rubber or silicone gasket. The latter is of much better quality and wears out more slowly.

Operating principle of a pressure cooker quite simple. Due to sealing and increasing pressure, the boiling point of water inside the container increases, so that food is cooked at a higher temperature. high temperature and, as a consequence of this, faster than in a saucepan.
Let's look at what you need to pay attention to first when choosing a pressure cooker.

Kinds

Pressure cookers are divided into mechanical and electrically heated. The former are most often made of aluminum and steel.

Mechanical pressure cookers

Aluminum mechanical ones are cheaper than other models, which is quite consistent with the quality.

The main disadvantages of pressure cookers with an aluminum body are:
Unsafe for health and influence on the taste of prepared dishes because aluminum reacts with prepared foods. Less significant effect of such chemical reactions is education gray plaque on the walls of the dishes.
The gaskets in such pressure cookers are rubber, as mentioned above.
Suitable only for gas and electric stoves.

Steel pressure cookers are more expensive. But the quality, safety and ease of use are worth it.
A special lid locking mechanism prevents depressurization of the container at high pressure.
The multi-layer bottom allows for better heat distribution.
A two-position valve allows you to change the pressure inside the container, which is important for preparing some dishes.
Can be used on any hob, including induction and glass-ceramic.
Many models are equipped with a special bowl to allow steaming.

Electric pressure cookers

Naturally, they cost more than mechanical ones. But it is much more convenient and functional. Not for cooking stove required.
Electronic control and cooking programs free the owner from constantly being at the stove and allow him to calmly do his other things. You just need to indicate which program the dish will be prepared according to.
Like mechanical pressure cookers, electric pressure cookers come in aluminum and steel. You can rarely find an enamel pressure cooker in stores.
It is more practical to choose an electric pressure cooker with a non-stick coating. It may be a little more expensive, but there will be no problems with cleaning.

Volume

The characteristic is important, but it’s difficult to make a mistake here. There is only one principle - the larger the family, the larger the capacity of the dishes. The range is very wide: from half a liter to 40 liters. For the average family, a 5-6 liter pressure cooker is just right.
Something else is important. Never fill the pressure cooker to the brim. At most - two thirds. There should be room for steam. If the ingredients include swelling foods, such as rice, then more than half the volume should remain free.

Power

The larger this value, the faster everything is prepared. It is also clear that the larger the pressure cooker, the correspondingly more power. Typically, these devices consume from one to one and a half kilowatts.

Finally, we should mention functionality. If you only need a pressure cooker to cook porridge or rice or cook pasta, then it will be cheaper to purchase a cooker, rice cooker, or pasta cooker. But I wouldn’t recommend limiting yourself that way. It would be better to buy a universal, multifunctional pressure cooker.