Choosing the Right Multicooker: A Practical Buying Guide

Do you often find yourself wondering what to cook after a long day at work? You want to put something healthy and delicious on the table, but without spending hours in the kitchen and creating a mountain of dishes. A multicooker can be the perfect solution. This appliance, also known as an all-in-one pot, combines the functions of multiple kitchen gadgets. In this article, we'll help you understand the different options so you can find a model that fits your cooking style and household.

What to Look for When Buying a Multicooker?

The market offers a wide array of choices, which can make the decision feel overwhelming. Pay attention to the following points to make an informed decision.

1. Capacity and Size

The capacity of a multicooker is expressed in litres. For one or two-person households, a 3 to 5-litre model is often sufficient. For families of four or more, or if you enjoy cooking for several days at a time (meal prepping), a capacity of 6 litres or more is recommended. A larger pot will have a bigger footprint on your countertop, so measure the available space beforehand.

2. Features You'll Actually Use

A multicooker can combine the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and steamer. Think about which features are most important to you.

• Pressure Cooking: Ideal for stews, beans, or soups. Meals that normally take hours are often ready in less than an hour.
• Slow Cooking: Perfect for dishes that need to simmer slowly to become tender, like pulled pork or casseroles.
• Sautéing/Searing: This allows you to sear meat or vegetables directly in the pot before starting another cooking function. This saves you an extra pan and, therefore, washing up.
• Rice Cooking: Many models have a specific function for perfectly cooked rice, making a separate rice cooker redundant.

3. Energy Consumption and Efficiency

Energy-efficient cooking is a key advantage of an electric cooker. Because the pot is completely sealed, very little heat is lost. This makes cooking more efficient than on a hob or in a large oven. Manufacturers often claim significant energy savings, which can reduce costs in the long run.

Our Top Product Recommendations

Based on specifications and functionalities, we have compiled a list of popular choices for you.

Instant Pot Rio XL - 7.1L Multicooker

View the Instant Pot Rio XL - 7.1L

Why it stands out: The Instant Pot Rio XL is a powerhouse with a very generous capacity of 7.1 litres. According to the manufacturer, this appliance cooks meals up to 70% faster and saves up to 80% on energy. Its 7-in-1 functionality makes it a highly versatile choice.

Highlights:

• Large capacity: Ideal for families of four or more, or for meal prepping.
• 7-in-1 functionality: Combines pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, yoghurt making, and warming.
• Stainless steel inner pot: Durable, easy to clean, and contains no chemical non-stick coatings.
• Efficient: The wide base ensures excellent heat distribution when searing.

Best for: Busy families who want to get a large, nutritious meal on the table quickly and value the versatility of a single appliance.

Plodon 1200W 5L Multifunctional Electric Hot Pot

View the Plodon 1200W 5L

Why it stands out: This model from Plodon focuses on simplicity and efficiency. With a 5-litre capacity and an included steamer, you can cook and steam simultaneously. Operation is straightforward with two heat settings.

Highlights:

• Dual-layer design: Cook soup or hot pot in the main pot while steaming vegetables or dim sum in the steamer attachment.
• Simple controls: Two power settings for fast cooking or slow simmering.
• Non-stick coating: Prevents ingredients from sticking and makes the pot easy to clean.
• Compact storage: The steamer is detachable, saving space in your kitchen cupboards.

Best for: Students, couples, or small families looking for an affordable and straightforward solution for daily meals, with a focus on hot pot and steaming.

Tefal 45-in-1 Multicooker RK8121

View the Tefal 45-in-1 Multicooker

Why it stands out: As its name suggests, this Tefal multicooker offers an impressive 45 pre-programmed cooking functions. According to Tefal, its "Fuzzy Logic" technology automatically adjusts the cooking time and temperature for optimal results. The unique spherical bowl is designed for even heat circulation.

Highlights:

• Extremely versatile: With 45 programs, you can prepare rice, risotto, yoghurt, and even bread dough, among other things.
• Smart technology: The "Fuzzy Logic" takes the guesswork out of cooking for consistent results.
• Spherical bowl: Ensures better heat distribution than a traditional flat-bottomed pot.
• Convenient extras: Features a delayed start function and a keep-warm function for up to 24 hours.

Best for: The home cook who loves to experiment with different dishes and prefers the convenience of pre-programmed settings.

Still Haven't Found What You're Looking For?

Multicooker is a broad category. If you're looking for an appliance that specifically excels at pressure cooking, there are more specialised options available.

Discover more choices in our range of pressure cooker combination sets.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A slow cooker is designed for a single task: cooking food slowly at a low temperature. A multicooker is an all-in-one cooker that, in addition to slow cooking, can often also pressure cook, bake, steam, and sauté. It is therefore a more versatile appliance.

Is a multicooker energy-efficient?

Generally, yes. An electric cooker is a closed system that retains heat very well. As a result, the appliance often consumes less energy than a traditional oven or a hob, especially for dishes with long cooking times.

Can a multicooker completely replace an oven?

For many preparations, such as stews, soups, and even some cakes or casseroles, a multicooker can replace the oven. However, for dishes that require dry, circulating heat, like pizza, bread, or a large baking sheet of roasted vegetables, a conventional oven remains the better choice. Think of it as a complement to your kitchen, not a complete replacement.