— Multicooker. Classic multicookers are multifunctional devices that enable cooking in various modes: boiling,
steaming, stewing,
baking, etc. This wide range of cooking options makes them suitable for a variety of culinary tasks. It's important to note that classic multicookers typically do not have specialized features or modifications found in other types of appliances like slow cookers or pressure cookers. However, their versatility comes at a higher price point compared to more specialized models.
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Slow cooker. The main feature of such electric cookers, as the name suggests, is that they gradually and slowly increase the temperature within the cooking chamber. This slow cooking mode is considered optimal for preparing certain dishes, such as certain meat recipes. While it does require a significant amount of time, many of these devices are equipped with a delay start timer (refer to "Functions") that enables users to plan the cooking time efficiently. For instance, you can load the slow cooker in the evening and wake up to a fully cooked meal in the morning, making it convenient for breakfast preparation.
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Pressure cooker. In this type of electric cooker, cooking is performed within a durable sealed container. The presence of a special valve that maintains increased pressure inside the cooker significantly speed
...s up the cooking process compared to conventional methods. The higher boiling point of water under high pressure also contributes to the accelerated cooking time. Pressure cookers are particularly recommended for individuals who lack the time or desire to spend excessive amounts of time cooking "long-term" ingredients such as beets, beans, and certain meats. They are also known for their effectiveness in preparing borscht. It's crucial to exercise caution when using pressure cookers due to the high pressure and temperature involved. It is essential to carefully read and follow the safety precautions provided in the instruction manual of your specific pressure cooker.
— Rice cooker. Rice cookers are specialized appliances primarily designed for cooking rice. The unique characteristic of rice is that it requires careful attention during the cooking process, especially when prepared on a stovetop. Rice cookers automate this process, allowing users to simply load the ingredients, select the desired program, and wait for it to finish. While some models offer additional functions such as cooking glutinous rice, porridge, or other dishes, their main purpose remains the classic cooking of rice. Rice cookers streamline and simplify the rice cooking process, making it convenient and hassle-free for users.
— Sous vide. Sous vide cooking equipment is specifically designed for a cooking method where products, such as meat or vegetables, are placed in vacuum-sealed bags and immersed in water at a relatively low and precisely controlled temperature (around 60 °C, depending on the food being cooked). This cooking technique ensures uniform doneness throughout the dish, and the vacuum-sealed packaging helps preserve the original flavors and moisture content. Sous vide cookers are typically dedicated heaters that regulate the water temperature with precision. They are attached to the edge of a pot or similar container using a clamp, allowing a portion of the cooker to be submerged in the water. Alternatively, there are appliances available with their own containers, resembling traditional multicookers. However, these models generally have smaller working volumes, limiting their popularity in widespread use. The cooking time for sous vide can range from several hours to even a few days, although shorter durations are more common.
