Multi Cooker vs Slow Cooker: Which Is Best for Me?
But what are the differences between multi cookers and slow cookers, and how do you know which is the better option for you? Well, worry no longer, for that is the precise question we intend to answer in this article. Keep reading to learn more.
What is a slow cooker?
As the name suggests, a slow cooker is designed for slow, gentle cooking. If you love your hearty stews, soups, and casseroles, this is the appliance for you.
The best part? Slow cookers cook food at a low temperature for extended periods, meaning you can prep your meal in the morning, pop it into the slow cooker, then leave your food to cook over several hours without the need to poke your nose in and intervene.
Most slow cookers have straightforward settings, so you don't need to be a culinary expert to use one. Just add your ingredients, select the temperature, set the timer, and let it do its thing.
Cooking slowly at a low temperature allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating rich, complex flavours. It's particularly great for tough cuts of meat that require long cooking times to become tender and juicy.
For those who like to meal prep, a slow cooker is your best friend. You can prepare large batches of food in one go, portion them out, and have meals ready for the week. Plus, who doesn’t love the thought of a warm, hearty meal that’s been cooking all day?
Slow cookers are especially great for comfort foods like soups, stews, casseroles, and even desserts. They also use low amounts of electricity compared to conventional ovens, making them an energy-efficient option for long cooking times.
Morphy Richards has a great range of reliable slow cookers, such as the 6.5L Ceramic Slow Cooker. If you would like to learn more, you should check out our complete guide on buying a slow cooker.
Sear & Stew Oval 3.5L Slow Cooker
What is a multi cooker?
A multi cooker is a fantastic kitchen appliance that takes functionality to a whole new level. It takes the jobs of multiple other appliances, and combines it into one super convenient device.
It's like having a personal chef in a box, capable of sautéing, steaming, pressure-cooking, slow cooking, and much more. This makes it perfect for those who love experimenting with different cooking styles without cluttering their kitchen with gadgets.
One of the best things about multi cookers is their user-friendly design. Most come with pre-set programmes, so all you have to do is select the function, set the timer, and let the cooker do its thing. No need to stand over the stove or keep checking if your food is done.
If you're always on the go, the pressure-cooking function can be a real lifesaver, reducing cooking times significantly and allowing you to prepare meals in a fraction of the time.
Another fantastic benefit is the ability to cook everything in one pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash and less mess to clean up after cooking.
Plus, multi cookers are pretty energy-efficient. Since they cook food faster, they use less electricity compared to traditional cooking methods, and because they combine multiple functions, you don’t need to use the oven, hob, and steamer separately, saving even more energy.
A multi cooker is basically the Swiss Army knife of kitchen appliances. It simplifies your cooking process, saves you time and space, and offers a variety of cooking methods to suit any recipe or mood.
Multifunction 10-in-1 Food Cooker
Comparing Multi Cookers and Slow Cookers
So you’ve learned more about both appliances, but how do they compare to each other? Let's break down the key differences to help you decide which appliance suits your cooking style and needs best:
Versatility
The multi cooker is the epitome of versatility in the kitchen. It’s like having multiple kitchen gadgets all rolled into one. You can sauté, steam, pressure-cook, slow cook, and even make yoghurt with the right multi cooker. This makes it ideal for those who love experimenting with different cooking methods without cluttering their kitchen with multiple appliances.
While slow cookers are fantastic for what they do, they don’t offer the same level of versatility as multi cookers. They’re designed specifically for low and slow cooking, which is perfect for developing rich, deep flavours in dishes like soups, stews, and casseroles.
If you’re someone who primarily enjoys slow-cooked meals, then a slow cooker will serve you well. However, if you like the idea of an all-in-one appliance that can handle various cooking tasks, a multi cooker might be more up your alley.
Winner - multi cooker
Ease of use
Multi cookers are generally user-friendly, with pre-set programmes that take the guesswork out of cooking. Just choose your desired function, set the timer, and let the appliance do the rest.
Slow cookers are incredibly straightforward. Most models have simple settings – low, high, and sometimes a warm setting – that make them very easy to operate. You don’t need to fiddle with multiple buttons or settings. Just add your ingredients, set the temperature, and forget about it until it’s time to eat.
Winner - draw
Cooking time
One of the standout features of a multi cooker is its ability to cook food quickly using the pressure-cooking function. You can cook a whole chicken in under an hour, or make a pot of beans in just a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. Plus, if you want to slow cook, most multi cookers have that function as well, giving you the best of both worlds.
As the name suggests, slow cookers are all about taking their time. They cook food at a low temperature over several hours, which is great for breaking down tough cuts of meat and developing deep, rich flavours. While this method requires more time, the results are worth the wait.
Winner - multi cooker
Energy efficiency
Electric multi cookers are generally quite energy-efficient. They use less electricity because they cook food faster, especially when using the pressure-cooking function.
Slow cookers are also energy-efficient, but in a different way. They use a low, steady amount of electricity over several hours. This means they don’t draw a lot of power at once, making them a cost-effective option for long, slow cooking processes.
If you’re cooking a dish that benefits from a long cooking time, a slow cooker is an economical choice.
Winner - slow cooker
Space and convenience
One of the biggest advantages of a multi cooker is how it can save space in your kitchen. Instead of needing separate appliances, you get plenty of use out of one compact unit.
Slow cookers, while useful, are single-purpose appliances. This means you might need additional gadgets for other cooking methods, which can take up more space in your kitchen.
Winner - multi cooker
Which appliance is right for you?
For our money, the multi cooker is the appliance to go for, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a multi cooker better than the 6.5L Multifunction 10-in-1 Food Cooker.
This handy appliance is packed with ten preset functions, including everything from steaming and sautéing to slow cooking and roasting, so whether you’re throwing together a quick weeknight meal or whipping up a feast, this multi cooker’s got your back.
With its roomy 6.5L capacity and a handy removable cooking pot, moving your tasty creations around has never been easier. Plus, the hinged tempered glass lid lets you sneak a peek at your food without lifting the lid.
What makes this gadget a real game-changer is how easy it is to use. The LED control panel and the included accessories, including a steam rack, measuring cup, and rice spoon, makes every meal prep a breeze.
Shop the best multi cookers or slow cookers at Morphy Richards
Whether you want for a multi cooker or a slow cooker, Morphy Richards has got you covered. Our range of multi cookers and slow cookers will cater to your needs.
Even better, we offer free shipping on all orders over £60. Plus, when you register your multi cooker or slow cooker with us, you’ll get an additional year of warranty for free!
In need of some inspiration? Then explore our huge range of lovingly curated recipes to get the most out of your slow cooker or multi cooker.
Shop our range of slow cookers and multi cookers at Morphy Richards now
For more home appliance buying guides, inspiration and recipes, explore the Morphy Richards blog…
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