A multicooker-pressure cooker differs from a regular multicooker in that it can create excess pressure, thanks to which dishes cook faster. But it also costs more. On Yandex Market the price of the device starts from 3919 ₽.
Not everything can be cooked under pressure: for example, you won’t be able to fry potatoes or bake a pie. Therefore, in the pressure cooker mode the number of programs is less than in the multicooker mode. Due to the nature of working in a vacuum and more abundant steam output, there may be additional functions such as pressure adjustment and a locking system.
I figured out how to choose a multicooker-pressure cooker in different price ranges.
Team criteria
I studied the characteristics and reviews on Yandex Market, Ozone, Sbermegamarket, Wildberries, as well as in the DNS online electronics store and compiled a list of devices. Here are the criteria I took into account.
Number of programs. The device has two modes – multicooker and pressure cooker. In multicooker mode, programs differ in cooking time and temperature; in a pressure cooker, pressure also differs.
For example, you can cook soup in any mode; usually, the “soup†or “cooking†program is selected for this. It just cooks faster in the pressure cooker mode. But some dishes can only be cooked in multicooker mode: for example, you cannot work with dough under pressure. Therefore, the characteristics usually indicate the total number of programs and separately the number of programs in pressure cooker mode.
Programs can be automatic, where settings are specified that cannot be changed, or manual – then the user sets them himself. But you can’t adjust the settings in all devices.
Pressure release. The operating principle of the pressure cooker mode is based on the effect of pressure on temperature: as the pressure increases, the temperature increases and the dish cooks faster.
You can open the lid only when the pressure inside the device is equal to the external one. This happens differently in different models . The pressure can be released automatically – this is convenient, but takes time. Sometimes you can release it manually by slightly opening the valve on the lid or pressing the steam release button – this way the pressure returns to normal faster, but you can get burned. On some models, automatic pressure release is combined with manual one.
Control type. The mechanical method is simple and reliable: the button is less likely to break. But devices with this type of control are rare. The most common is electronic, when control is carried out by a touch screen: such devices look more aesthetically pleasing, but with frequent use the sensor may fail.
More expensive models can be controlled by voice or from a smartphone, but they are not included in the selection.
Delayed start. This function is convenient because it allows you to receive a finished dish by a certain time. It is often used to have breakfast in the morning. To delay the start, you need to pour food into the bowl, select a cooking mode and press the “delay†or “timer†button – the minimum delay time will light up on the display.
Most appliances have this feature, but the delay time varies between models.
Bowl. Mostly, multicookers-pressure cookers have a bowl volume of 5-6 liters , but smaller containers are found. Typically, the specifications indicate the total volume, but you cannot fill the bowl to the brim, as the liquid may spill out during the cooking process. The actual volume is approximately 1.5-2 liters less.
The power of the device is related to the volume of the bowl – it affects the heating rate. According to the standards, for a capacity of 2-3 liters 700-800 W is sufficient , for 3-4 liters 800-1000 W is needed , for 5-6 liters – 1000-1500 W. If the power is less than normal, cooking will take longer. If it’s the other way around, electricity will be wasted.
Internal coating. The Teflon bowl is easy to clean but scratches easily. The ceramic coating is more durable, but this bowl is prone to falls and cannot be washed in the dishwasher. There are also bowls made of stainless steel: this is a corrosion-resistant material that can easily withstand falls and temperature changes.
The bowl is a consumable item, and usually you can find a replacement for it, but for some models this is problematic.
Locking system. Most often, when the pressure in the working chamber increases, the lid is locked automatically, that is, it will not be possible to open it until the pressure normalizes. But sometimes to lock the lid you need to turn a special handle – this is written in the instructions.
On some models, you can additionally block the touch menu – completely or partially. This type of protection is also called child locking to prevent them from pressing a button and disrupting the cooking process.
Easy to care for. If the lid is removable, it is convenient to wash. But in the multicooker-pressure cooker there may be places that will be difficult to rinse from food residues. They also sometimes complain that the rubber under the lid absorbs odors. They may go away after a thorough wash, but this does not always happen.
Equipment. This is what you get in the multicooker kit. Most often, the kit includes a recipe book, a spatula, a measuring cup, and a container for steaming. But a recipe book is often made for all models, and it may not be suitable for the selected multicooker-pressure cooker. Sometimes they also put a ladle, a stand, a cup for making yogurt, and a cleaning kit.
Guarantee. It makes it possible to make a claim to the seller if the device fails during the warranty period. The seller must reimburse the cost of the goods, repair or replace them within the time limits specified in the documents. Most often the warranty is 1-2 years.
Manufacturer country. Multi-pressure cookers are mainly produced in China. The list included only one device, which was made in South Korea, of a higher class.