Multicooker Buying Guide: Fast, Healthy Cooking Recommendations

Putting a nutritious meal on the table can sometimes feel like a race against the clock. Between work, family, and social commitments, there's often little time left for elaborate cooking. A multicooker can be a lifesaver. This all-in-one appliance combines the functions of multiple kitchen gadgets, saving you not only counter space but also precious time.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I'm here to help you navigate the options. In this article, we'll highlight some popular choices and provide practical tips so you can find a model that perfectly matches your cooking style and household.

What to Look for When Buying a Multicooker

Before making a choice, it's wise to consider a few key features. This ensures you select an appliance you'll genuinely use.

1. Capacity and Size

The volume of the inner pot, usually expressed in litres, determines how many people you can cook for. A 5 to 6-litre pot is generally suitable for a family of four. Do you often cook for larger groups or enjoy meal-prepping for several days? Then consider a model with a capacity of 7 litres or more. Also, pay attention to the external dimensions to ensure the appliance fits well in your kitchen.

2. Functions: More Than Just an Electric Pot

The term 'multicooker' says it all: the appliance is versatile. Think about which cooking techniques you use most. Most models function as a pressure cooker and slow cooker. Increasingly popular is the multicooker with an air fryer, which uses hot air to give dishes a crispy finish without much oil. Other possible functions include steaming, baking, grilling, sous-vide cooking, and even making yoghurt. An all-in-one cooker can help you prepare a variety of healthy meals with a single appliance.

3. Ease of Use and Maintenance

Look at the controls: does the appliance have clear buttons and an intuitive display? Presets for specific dishes can make fast cooking even simpler. Also, check if the inner pot and accessories are dishwasher-safe. A pot with a quality non-stick coating or a stainless steel pot is often easier to clean and more durable in the long run.

Popular Multicooker Recommendations

Based on functionality and specifications, we've compiled a list of interesting models for you.

Ninja Speedi ON400EU Rapid Cooker and Air Fryer

Why it stands out The Ninja Speedi is designed for speed. The manufacturer claims its 'Rapid Cooking Technology', a combination of steam and convection heat, can prepare complete one-pot meals in about 15 minutes. With the included cook & crisp tray, you can layer ingredients, for example, pasta on the bottom and vegetables or meat on top.

Advantages

• 10 cooking functions: including Speedi Meals, steam, air fry, grill, bake, and slow cook.
• Capacity: 5.7 litres, suitable for meals for about 4 people.
• Ease of Use: A simple switch to toggle between Rapid Cooker and Air Fryer modes.
• Maintenance: The pot and tray have a ceramic non-stick coating and are dishwasher-safe.

Who is it for? Ideal for busy families and professionals who want to put a quick, complete, and healthy meal on the table without using multiple pans.

Rommelsbacher MD 1000 Multifunctional Pressure Cooker

Why it stands out This model from Rommelsbacher focuses on versatility and precision with 14 automatic programs. The appliance functions as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, and steamer, and has specific programs for sous-vide, yoghurt, and one-pot dishes, among others. According to the manufacturer, the cooking process can be up to 70% faster than traditional methods.

Advantages

• 14 automatic programs: With manual settings for temperature and time.
• Temperature range: A wide range from 40°C to 170°C, suitable for various techniques.
• Safety: Equipped with a 12-point safety system.
• Capacity: 6 litres (4 litres usable capacity).

Who is it for? Suitable for the home cook who loves to experiment with different techniques like sous-vide and slow cooking, and values a wide array of pre-programmed options.

Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1 Electric Multicooker

Why it stands out The Instant Pot Pro Crisp is a true powerhouse with 11 functions and a generous capacity. What makes this model unique are its two interchangeable lids: one for pressure cooking and other wet cooking methods, and a separate lid with air fryer technology. The inner pot is made of stainless steel and has silicone handles for extra grip.

Advantages

• 11-in-1 functionality: Pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, steam, bake, grill, dehydrate, and sous-vide.
• Large capacity: At 7.6 litres, this model is perfect for large families or batch cooking.
• Material: The inner pot is made of high-quality stainless steel (304) and is dishwasher-safe.
• Two lids: A dedicated lid for pressure functions and another for crisping and air frying.

Who is it for? Perfect for larger households and for cooks seeking maximum versatility. If you want to both pressure cook and get excellent air frying results, this model's two-lid system offers a complete solution.

Still haven't found what you're looking for?

The world of multicookers is vast and diverse. The models mentioned above are just a sample of what's available. Are you specifically looking for an appliance that excels at pressure cooking, or do you want to compare other options and brands? There are many more variations to discover.

See more options in our pressure cooker category.

Frequently Asked Questions about Multicookers

What is the difference between a multicooker and a pressure cooker?

A traditional pressure cooker is primarily designed to cook under high pressure, which significantly reduces cooking time. A multicooker is an electric cooker that often combines this pressure cooking function with other methods, such as slow cooking, steaming, baking, and sometimes even air frying. It is, therefore, a more versatile appliance.

Can a multicooker replace an oven?

For many tasks, yes. You can bake, roast, and grill in it. A multicooker is often faster and more energy-efficient than a large conventional oven, especially for smaller dishes. However, its capacity is more limited, so a large casserole dish or a whole turkey usually won't fit.

Is cooking with a multicooker healthier?

A multicooker can contribute to making healthier meals. Functions like steaming retain more nutrients in vegetables compared to boiling in water. The air fryer function allows you to prepare crispy dishes with significantly less oil than traditional frying. Furthermore, cooking under high pressure helps to better preserve flavours and nutrients.