Expanding the capabilities of the multicooker
The multicooker significantly expands the capabilities of the multicooker by increasing the cooking functions. A person uses such modes independently, setting one or another, taking into account the temperature and cooking time. In this case, you can set several modes sequentially, manually changing the temperature and time.
This is reminiscent of regulating the supply of gas or electricity to the burners of a hob. But you don’t need to monitor the preparation of food. The device independently monitors recipe parameters, taking into account the set temperature and cooking time.
Multicook: description and purpose
Additional features of the device usually include the function of a yogurt maker, deep frying and many other programs. Multicookers with a multicook or master chef function have recently become widespread. Models such as RedmondM70 and M90, Panasonic MHS181 are especially popular; the Polaris multicooker model 0517 also has this function.
This function raises many questions among multicooker lovers and those who decide to purchase the device for the first time.
For information: multicook is an additional feature of the device that allows the user to create individual programs for preparing dishes.
What does a multicooker mean in a multicooker, how does it work? This mode is responsible for manually setting the cooking program by setting the required time and temperature for a specific dish.
Different manufacturers or different models have different minimum and maximum temperatures and times. For user convenience, a special temperature and time range has been set in certain increments. The temperature scale usually ranges from 35 degrees to 180. Based on the principle of operation, a multicooker with a multicooker from one manufacturer is practically no different from a model with this function from another manufacturer.
The difference between a multicooker and an automatic mode
For preparing many dishes, the “multi-cook” is indispensable. For example, it will take 1.0-1.2 hours to prepare buckwheat porridge, while the automatic time is limited to 50 minutes. This is not enough, so you have to turn the device on again and turn it off manually after half an hour, which is very inconvenient.
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Some porridges with milk cook much faster. Therefore, their cooking process will have to be stopped manually. With a multicooker, these unpleasant moments disappear by themselves. An operating mode is created manually, a certain time and temperature are set, which determine the complete readiness of the dish without additional human intervention. You can set the process parameters by dividing the cooking time. That is, you can prepare it in stages.
Thus, if you purchase a regular multicooker without a “multi-cooker,” then you can cook in it only those dishes that are specified by the manufacturer. There is no diversity as such here. For example, budget models of the Supra brand are only automatic.
Description of automatic programs (modes)
Baking | Temperature, °C: 145 Time, min: 30 (10-150) The default time is 30 minutes. Time adjustment: from 10 minutes to 2.5 hours in 5 minute increments. It is recommended to leave the lid closed while cooking in this mode. * |
Bakery | Temperature, °C: 130 Time, min: 60 (30-3.5 hours) The default time is 60 minutes. Time adjustment: from 30 minutes to 3.5 hours in 5 minute increments. It is recommended to leave the lid closed while cooking in this mode. * |
Extinguishing | Temperature, °C: 93 Time, min: 120 (30-8 hours) The default time is 120 minutes. Time adjustment: from 30 minutes to 8 hours in 30 minute increments. It is recommended to leave the lid closed while cooking in this mode. * |
Pilaf | Temperature, °C: 120-125 Time, min: 60 (20-120) The default time is 60 minutes. Time adjustment: from 20 minutes to 2 hours in 5 minute increments. It is recommended to leave the lid closed while cooking in this mode. * |
Paste | Temperature, °C: 105-115 Time, min: 8 (8-20) The cooking time range can vary from 8 to 20 minutes in 1-minute increments (the indicated time is calculated for cooking after boiling water). During cooking in this mode, it is recommended to leave the lid open, as a lot of foam is formed during cooking. The countdown will begin after the appliance has warmed up to the set temperature. * |
Frying | Temperature, °C: 120 (100-160) Time, min: 30 (10-60) It is recommended to leave the lid open while cooking in this mode. You can select the required time and temperature conditions. Time from 10 minutes to 1 hour in increments of 5 minutes, temperature from 100 to 160 degrees in increments of 10. Default temperature 120°C. The countdown will begin after the device warms up to the set temperature. * |
Jam | Temperature, °C: 102 Time, min: 60 (30-4 hours) The default time is 60 minutes. Time adjustment: from 30 minutes to 4 hours in 5 minute increments. It is recommended to leave the lid closed while cooking in this mode. * |
Yogurt | Temperature, °C: 38-42 Time, min: 8 hours (4-12 hours) The default time is 8 hours. Time adjustment: from 4 to 12 hours in 30 minute increments. It is recommended to leave the lid closed while cooking in this mode. * |
Oatmeal | Temperature, °C: 96 Time, min: 5 (5-60) The default time is 60 minutes. Time adjustment: from 5 minutes to 1 hour in 5 minute increments. It is recommended to leave the lid closed while cooking in this mode. * |
BREAD | Temperature, °C: 140-160 Time, min: 3(2+1) hours (30-2.5 hours + 30-2 hours) The cooking process in this mode is divided into two stages. Use the HOURS + and MINUTES sensors to select the required cooking time. The default time in the first stage is 2 hours, the time range can vary from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours in 5 minute increments. The default time in the second stage is 1 hour, the time range can vary from 30 minutes to 2 hours in 5 minute increments. At the second stage of cooking, it is possible to adjust the temperature from 140C to 160C in increments of 10C. |
Saute | Temperature, °C: 90 Time, min: 120 (1-8) The default time is 120 minutes. Time adjustment: from 1 to 8 hours in 30 minute increments. It is recommended to leave the lid closed while cooking in this mode. * |
Beans | Temperature, °C: 93 Time, min: 60 (1-4 hours) The default time is 60 minutes. Time adjustment: from 1 to 4 hours in 10 minute increments. You can set a delayed start of up to 24 hours. It is recommended to leave the lid closed while cooking in this mode. * |
Soup | Temperature, °C: 97 Time, min: 60 (1-4 hours) The default time is 60 minutes. Time adjustment: from 1 to 4 hours in 10 minute increments. You can set a delayed start of up to 24 hours. It is recommended to leave the lid closed while cooking in this mode. * |
Groats | Temperature, °C: 115 Time, min: 40 (20-60) The default time is 40 minutes. Time adjustment: from 20 minutes to 1 hour in 5 minute increments. It is recommended to leave the lid closed while cooking in this mode. For the “Grain” mode, it is recommended to leave the dish in the “Warming” mode for 10-15 minutes after the main program has completed. * |
Pizza | Temperature, °C: 120-160 Time, min: 20 (20-60) The default time is 20 minutes. Time adjustment: from 20 minutes to 1 hour in 5 minute increments. It is recommended to leave the lid closed while cooking in this mode. * |
LANGUOR | Temperature, °C: 45/65/85/95 Time, min: 5 hours (1-8 hours) The default time is 5 hours. Time adjustment: from 1 to 8 hours in 10 minute increments. It is recommended to leave the lid closed while cooking in this mode. * Temperature: 1 hour – 45 degrees, 2 hours – 65 degrees, 3 hours – 85 degrees, 4 hours – 95 degrees. |
Dumplings / Sausages | Temperature, °C: 125 Time, min: 15 (8-50) The default time is 15 minutes. Time adjustment: from 8 to 50 minutes in 1 minute increments. The cooking process time countdown will begin after reaching the operating temperature. You must keep the lid of the device closed until the water boils. At the moment of boiling, a beep will sound. Place dumplings or sausages in boiling water. Do not close the lid of the device. * |
Aspic | Temperature, °C: 93 Time, min: 6 hours (2-8 hours) The default time is 6 hours. Time adjustment: from 2 to 8 hours in 1 hour increments. It is recommended to leave the lid closed while cooking in this mode. * |
Steaming | Temperature, °C: 115-120 Time, min: 5 (5-60) The default time is 5 minutes. Time adjustment: from 5 minutes to 1 hour in 1 minute increments. It is recommended to leave the lid closed while cooking in this mode. A special container for steaming is supplied with the device. * |
Milk porridge | Temperature, °C: 95 Time, min: 60 (10-90) The default time is 60 minutes. Time adjustment: from 10 minutes to 1.5 hours in 5 minute increments. It is recommended to leave the lid closed while cooking in this mode. * |
Frying in oil | Temperature, °C: 150-170 Time, min: 5 (3-15) Deep frying. It is recommended to leave the lid open while cooking in this mode. The default time is 5 minutes. Time adjustment: from 3 to 15 minutes in 1 minute increments. * |
Tincture | Temperature, °C: 55 Time, min: 12 hours (6-12 hours) This program is designed for preparing tinctures and homemade wines. The default time is 12 hours. Time adjustment: from 6 to 12 hours in 1 hour increments. You can set a delayed start of up to 24 hours. You can set a delayed start of up to 24 hours. At the end of operation, the multicooker will emit a sound signal and automatically switch to auto-heating mode, if it has not been previously canceled. It is recommended to leave the lid closed while cooking in this mode. |
Warming up | Temperature, °C: 115 Time, min: 20(10-60) The program is used to reheat ready meals. The default time is 20 minutes. Time adjustment: from 10 to 60 minutes in 5 minute increments. It is recommended to leave the lid closed while cooking in this mode. * |
How to use the multicook function
This function works simply. For this:
- The products are being placed into the multicooker.
- Press the “multi-cook” button on the control panel. On some devices it is replaced by the “Manual mode” button.
- The cooking time is set.
- The step of increasing or decreasing the temperature is set. After which the device itself brings the dishes to full readiness.
The temperature in the multicooker is increased or decreased up to a degree, and the time is up to a minute or a second. High accuracy requires experience in cooking, so manufacturers and experts recommend first learning how to use the basic functionality of the device, and then moving on to more complex recipes.
Instructions for using the multicooker
The cooking algorithm with this mode is as follows:
- Prepare food.
- Place all ingredients into a bowl.
- Activate the multi-cook mode by pressing the button on the control panel.
- Select an action: boiling, frying, stewing or any of the basic modes.
- Set the required temperature and cooking time.
- Start the cooking process with the “Start” button.
It’s not difficult to choose the cooking time for a particular product, but what about determining the desired temperature? You can search for information on numerous websites with recipes for multicooker dishes. Or use the temperature table for various dishes, which is provided by one of the leaders in the kitchen appliances market, Redmond. Briefly presenting the data from the table, it will look like below.
From 35 to 45 degrees:
- yogurt;
- sour cream;
- proofing the dough.
From 50 to 65:
- maintaining the fermentation process;
- melting chocolate, making fudge;
- baby food;
- cooking meat products in vacuum packaging.
From 70 to 85:
- punch, mulled wine, tea;
- pasteurization;
- cottage cheese.
From 90 to 105:
- milk porridge;
- preserves, jams, meringues;
- aspic.
From 110 to 125:
- sterilization;
- making syrup;
- stewing.
From 130 to 145:
- casseroles;
- smoking;
- baking fish and vegetables;
from 150 to 170:
- baked meat;
- bakery;
- frying
Multicook capabilities
Modern multicookers are characterized by increased functionality, which increases the possibilities of preparing dishes. For example, Polaris multicookers have a “Multicook+” mode in their functionality.
This is the ability to combine mode settings manually, setting a certain sequence of operations. In essence, this is the activation of several cooking modes for one dish. Eg:
- Heating of products placed in the device to +120C for 20 minutes.
- Maintain the temperature for half an hour.
- Temperature drop to +90C in 5 minutes.
- Fixing the temperature for the entire remaining time - 1.5 hours.
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Thus, the preparation of the recipe occurs step by step with changes in the cooking parameters. And within each stage you can change these parameters. The “multi-cook+” function can be used for stewing vegetables, baking bread, and frying meat. There are no restrictions in this regard.
Multicooker function in a multicooker: what is it and how to use the mode
Multicooker is a function that turns a standard multicooker into a bread maker, steamer and grill. With its help, housewives prepare dishes, setting the cooking time and temperature independently. It’s easy to adjust the parameters, and the dish won’t burn or spoil - you don’t need to monitor the food during the cooking process.
Using such a multicooker is no different from the standard cooking process:
- put food in a cooking bowl;
- select the multicook option on the panel;
- set the cooking time and temperature.
The process of use is similar to cooking on a regular gas or electric stove. It is recommended to start with simple dishes and gradually move on to more complex ones. The multicooker is convenient because time and temperature are adjustable to minutes, seconds and degrees.
Attention! In most devices, the temperature step is 5°C, and the temperature range varies from 5°C to 160°C. The temperature is changed both at the beginning and during the cooking process, if required by the recipe of the dish.
Advantages of a multicooker
The advantages of a multi-cook include:
- Multifunctionality.
- Temperature range from +5C to +170C with adjustment steps from 1° to 10°.
- The cooking setting can be changed during the cooking process.
- A huge variety of recipes, both traditional and homemade.
The advantage of a multicooker is a wide variety of recipes
Why the multi-cook function will greatly simplify cooking
With its help, housewives not only cook soups or porridges, but also bake bread, cook compotes, and prepare desserts. The multicook replaces the hob and oven at the same time.
Here is a list of some dishes for which you do not need to buy special utensils and spend a lot of time; just load the ingredients into the bowl and choose the cooking time and temperature yourself:
- turkey azu;
- lagman;
- honey cake;
- cheesecake with bananas or strawberries;
- boiled pork in foil or sleeve;
- honey glazed pork neck;
- squash and mushroom caviar;
- berry yogurt.
A multi-cooker with a multi-cooker replaces a yogurt maker, a bread maker, or a pressure cooker. It is not necessary to load the kitchen with different household appliances - it is enough to purchase one device. You can also heat food in it - this is convenient if you don’t have a microwave.
Characteristics of several popular models
Multicooker "Polaris" 0517:
- Temperature range from +40C to +160C in 10° increments.
- Time setting from 5 minutes to 12 hours. The adjustment step is 5 minutes.
Multicooker "Redmond" M90:
- Temperature: 35-170C in 5° increments.
- Time: 5 minutes to 12 hours. The step is 1 minute if the cooking time is set to less than one hour, and 5 minutes if the cooking time is set to more than one hour.
Multicooker "Panasonic" MHS181:
- The temperature varies from +40C to +130C. Step 30°, that is, only four positions: 40, 70, 100 and 130 degrees.
- The time range depends on the cooking temperature setting. If the dish is cooked at a temperature of 100-130C, then it will be ready within 2 hours. If the temperature is set to +70C, then the cooking time is set in the range from 0.5 to 2 hours. If the temperature does not exceed +40C, then you can cook in a slow cooker for 1 to 8 hours.
Thus, different models and brands of multicookers allow you to choose a good device specifically for yourself, taking into account the functionality of the multicooker.
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What to cook in multicooker mode at temperatures ranging from 50 to 80 degrees
At this temperature, confectionery products are delicious - making fudge, melting chocolate.
Temperatures in the range of 70-80 degrees are ideal for preparing a variety of wine drinks - gnitwine or punch. Redmond also suggests preparing tea at these temperatures. But what's the point of making tea in a slow cooker if you have an electric kettle for it? But a multicooker for tea can be successfully used in semi-camping conditions, for example, in the country.
The same temperatures can be used for pasteurization (a method of destroying harmful microbes by heating liquids: beer, milk, wine, sour compotes, marinades) to a temperature below 100 degrees. This allows you to preserve nutrients as much as possible.