The Complete Multi Cooker Buying Guide

These days, finding the right kitchen appliance to make that perfect meal feels like an insurmountable task. Unless you want to clutter your kitchen up with a dozen single-function appliances, there is one kitchen appliance for you: the multi cooker.

Multi cookers have revolutionised the way we cook, stripping the hassle from food preparation, and turning everyday meals into culinary delights worthy of the fanciest restaurants.

But if you’re unsure what exactly a multi cooker is, or what the benefits are in getting one, worry not, because in this article we will cover everything you need to know about multi cookers. Keep reading to find out more.

What is a multi cooker?

Think of a multi cooker as your kitchen’s biggest multitasker. It’s an all-in-one appliance that takes the hassle out of cooking by blending several cooking functions into one convenient device.

Imagine being able to sauté, steam, pressure-cook, and slow cook with a single, handy gadget. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, that’s exactly what a multi cooker does.

At its core, a multi cooker consists of a main cooking pot, a heating element, and a control panel. The control panel is where the magic happens, allowing you to select different cooking modes with just the press of a button, so even if you’re not a culinary whizz, you can still whip up a cracking meal.

One of the major features of most multi cookers is the pressure-cooking function, which can cook a meal in a fraction of the usual time. By creating a sealed environment, steam builds up, which raises the internal pressure and boiling point of the liquid inside. 

This allows food to cook at a higher temperature, and significantly faster, not only saving you time, but also helping to retain more nutrients in your food, making meals healthier.

The electric multi cooker is the ultimate kitchen companion. It simplifies the cooking process, saves time and space, and opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Whether you’re a busy professional or a home cook looking to streamline your kitchen routine, a multi cooker is a must-have appliance.

The origins of the multi cooker

The tale of the multi cooker dates back all the way to the early 20th century with the invention of the electric rice cooker in Japan.

In 1955, Toshiba made a breakthrough with the first commercially successful electric rice cooker, paving the way for future multi-functional cooking devices. Over time, more functions were added which could cook other types of grains and soups, further expanding the capabilities of the appliance.

Then came the 1970s, and with it, the rise of slow cookers. Brands like Crock-Pot became household names, especially in the United States. These appliances allowed for long, unattended cooking at low temperatures; perfect for turning tough cuts of meat into tender, flavourful meals with minimal effort.

Moving further to the late 20th and early 21st centuries, kitchen gadgets continued to evolve. Multi-functional cooking devices became all the rage, combining the benefits of various cooking methods into a single unit. Today's multi-cookers started to emerge, incorporating features like rice cooking, slow cooking, pressure-cooking, steaming, and even yoghurt making.

The integration of pressure-cooking functions was a real game-changer for multi cookers. Pressure cookers have been around since the 17th century, but combining them with other functions in one appliance was a real breakthrough. These cookers cut down cooking times while preserving nutrients and flavours, making them a hit with busy households looking for quick and nutritious meals.

One of the greatest aspects of the multi cooker is its constant nature of evolution. As new technologies and consumer preferences emerge, the multi cooker adapts to incorporate them. As an example, many modern multi-cookers include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing users to control the appliance from their smartphones.

How do multi cookers work?

Multi cookers are designed to make our lives easier by combining the functions of several kitchen gadgets into one.

At the heart of a multi cooker lies a main cooking pot, typically made of non-stick material - such as Teflon or ceramic - or stainless steel. This is where all the action happens. Whether you're sautéing onions for a stew or steaming vegetables, it all takes place in this versatile pot. 

The pot sits within a housing, typically made of plastic or stainless steel. The body is mounted to other parts of the appliance, with an air gap between it and the cooking pot, which acts as a thermal insulator. 

The housing also contains a heating element that provides the necessary heat for cooking. This element adjusts its temperature based on the selected cooking mode, usually ranging between 40–180 °C. 

In most multi cookers, the heating element is located at the base of the appliance, though more advanced models contain smaller heating elements in the sides and lid.

The multi cooker is topped with a lid that seals the pot when in use. Depending on the function, the lid can either be a simple cover or a locking lid designed for pressure-cooking. The locking lid is essential for creating a sealed environment that raises the internal pressure.

Lastly, we have the control panel. This is your command centre. From here, you can choose different cooking modes, set timers, and adjust temperatures.

For example, if the slow cooking setting is activated, the heating element will apply a low, consistent heat, whereas if the pressure-cooking setting is used, it will inject more heat into the pot.

The technology behind multi cookers has come a long way. Modern multi cookers, like the Morphy Richards 6.5L Multifunction 10-in-1 Food Cooker, come with advanced sensors and microprocessors that monitor temperature and pressure, so your food is cooked evenly and precisely.

Modern multi cookers often come with preset programmes, making it even easier to get the cooking started. You can set the cooker to start at a specific time or keep your food warm after it's done cooking. Some models even offer smart connectivity, allowing you to control the cooker via a smartphone app.

Speaking of cooking modes, let’s look at some of the popular modes that come with most multi cookers:

Sautéing

Sautéing in a multi cooker allows you to brown and sauté ingredients directly in the pot, which is perfect for starting dishes like stews, soups, and sauces. 

This mode helps develop a deep, rich flavour by browning meat or caramelising onions before you add liquids. Plus, it means fewer dishes to wash, as everything happens in one pot.

Steaming

Using a steam rack, you can easily steam vegetables, fish, dumplings and more. Steaming is not only a super healthy way to cook, preserving vitamins and minerals that might otherwise be lost in water, but also quick and efficient. 

The gentle steam makes sure your food is cooked through without becoming soggy or overcooked.

Pressure-cooking

One of the most popular features of multi-cookers, pressure-cooking involves sealing the lid and increasing the internal pressure to cook food much faster than conventional methods. 

This is ideal for dishes that typically take a long time, such as beans, stews, and tough cuts of meat. The high pressure breaks down fibres in the food quickly, resulting in tender, flavourful meals without the wait.

Slow cooking

This mode is a classic for a reason. Slow cooking maintains a low, steady temperature over several hours, allowing rich flavours to develop. 

It’s perfect for hearty dishes like stews, soups, casseroles, and pulled pork. Simply set it in the morning, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

Rice cooking

In a callback to the appliance’s origin, many multi cookers come with a dedicated rice cooking function, which is a game-changer for consistently perfect, fluffy rice. 

The cooker automatically adjusts the temperature and timing, so you don't have to worry about undercooked or burnt rice. It’s also great for cooking other grains like quinoa or couscous.

Yoghurt and dough

Believe it or not, you can use a multi-cooker’s slow cooking function to make yoghurt. This mode maintains the precise temperature needed for the fermentation process, allowing you to make your own yoghurt at home. 

You can also use this function to proof dough, providing a warm environment for the dough to rise perfectly for up to 12 hours.

Additional modes

Some multi cookers come with additional cooking modes like baking, roasting, and air frying. These modes expand the powers of the appliance even further, allowing you to bake cakes, roast meats, or enjoy crispy, fried foods with less oil. It really is all possible in one super-convenient kitchen appliance.

What are the benefits of a multi cooker?

In case it wasn’t already obvious, we’re huge fans of the multi cooker. The scope of their ability makes them one of the most exciting and flexible kitchen appliances out there. But if you aren’t sold yet, let’s run through the major benefits of the multi cooker:

Versatility

One of the most impressive aspects of multi cookers is their sheer versatility. These appliances are designed to take on a multitude of cooking tasks, making them invaluable in any kitchen.

But it’s not just about having multiple cooking modes, the multi cooker does each of those tasks exceptionally well. This adaptability means you can experiment with various cooking techniques and cuisines without requiring an arsenal of separate appliances. 

Seamless switching

Better yet, you can switch seamlessly between cooking functions. For instance, you can start by sautéing onions and garlic to build a flavour base, then switch to the slow cook mode to let your ingredients simmer and meld together over several hours. 

This multistep cooking process is all done within the same pot, reducing the need for additional cookware and simplifying clean-up.

User-friendly

Another key feature is the user-friendly interface. Modern multi cookers come equipped with digital control panels that offer preset programmes for various dishes that take the guesswork out of cooking.

One-pot cooking

Cooking entire meals in one pot is another fantastic benefit of multi cookers. This not only saves time and effort but also reduces the number of dishes to wash, making clean-up a breeze. 

One-pot cooking also helps retain nutrients, as there's less exposure to air and water during the cooking process. Speaking of nutrients…

Health and nutritional benefits

Multi cookers have a ton of health and nutritional benefits. By combining various cooking methods in one handy gadget, they save you time and effort while promoting healthier eating habits.

Nutrient retention

One of the great things about multi cookers is their ability to retain the nutrients in your food. Traditional cooking methods like boiling and steaming naturally lead to greater loss of nutrients, as vitamins and minerals leach into the cooking water. 

Multi cookers, especially those with pressure-cooking functions, reduce this by cooking food quickly at lower temperatures. So, your meals are not only tasty but packed with nutrients too.

Boiling vegetables the traditional way can cause up to a 50% loss of vitamin C, but pressure-cooking retains much more of this vital nutrient. Similarly, B vitamins, which are sensitive to heat and water, are better preserved in a multi cooker.

Reduced fat content

Multi cookers are designed to need minimal amounts of oil or fat. With their non-stick surfaces and efficient cooking methods, you can prepare meals with little to no added fat, making your dishes healthier. 

Cutting down on fat is crucial for heart health. Saturated fats found in animal products and some plant oils can raise “bad” LDL cholesterol levels, upping the risk of heart disease. 

By using an electric multi cooker, you can significantly reduce the amount of fat in your cooking.

Enhanced flavour

Multi cookers don’t just make meals healthier, they make them tastier too. The sealed environment of a multi cooker helps lock in flavours, resulting in richer, tastier dishes.

This works because the sealed environment leaves nowhere for the moisture to go, so it returns to the food, breaking it down and unleashing their flavour.

Pressure-cooking, in particular, brings out the natural flavours of ingredients by breaking down tough fibres and releasing essential oils and aromas.

Convenience

Not only are multi cookers better for your health, and extremely versatile, but they’re incredibly convenient too:

Reduced cooking time

Multi cookers cut down cooking times significantly, which is great for convenience and nutrition. Faster cooking times mean food is exposed to heat for a shorter period, preserving more nutrients. 

Plus, the quick cooking process helps retain the vibrant colours and textures of vegetables, making them more appealing and appetising.

Energy efficiency

Multi cookers are energy-efficient, using less electricity compared to traditional cooking appliances. The sealed lids and efficient heating elements make sure heat is retained within the pot, reducing the amount of energy needed to cook food. 

This not only saves on energy bills but also makes multi cookers an eco-friendly option.

Safety features

Modern multi cookers come with advanced safety features like pressure release valves and locking lids to prevent accidents and ensure safe cooking. 

Features like this offer you peace of mind, especially in busy, child-friendly kitchens, allowing you to cook confidently and focus on creating healthy, delicious meals.

Culinary creativity

The multi cooker opens up a plethora of culinary options to those looking to get creative with their food. You can explore a wide range of recipes and cooking techniques, all within the convenience of a single appliance.

For a delicious breakfast, try making slow cooked porridge. This overnight recipe involves oats, milk, and your favourite toppings like dried fruit, nuts, and maple syrup. The multi cooker's slow cooking function ensures that the porridge is cooked to perfection, ready to be enjoyed first thing in the morning.

Another great recipe to try is chicken and vegetable stew. This recipe is quick and easy to make, and results in an incredibly delicious stew. The multi cooker takes all the hard work out of the process, letting you create a wholesome dish with minimal effort.

Looking for an insanely tasty mac ‘n’ cheese dish? The multi cooker can whip one up with the slow cooker function. The creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly coats the macaroni as it cooks low and slow to deliver a rich, indulgent flavour with every bite.

If you’ve got an eye for the sweeter things in life, you can experiment with making chocolate fudge. This indulgent treat is shockingly simple to make, and the result is a rich, creamy fudge that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

For more exciting recipes to try in your new multi cooker, check out our recipes page.

What is the best multi cooker to buy?

You’ve read all about the benefits of the multi cooker, but what multi cooker is the best to buy?

When you want the best multi cooker, you want quality, so our recommendation is (naturally) the Morphy Richards 6.5L Multifunction 10-in-1 Food Cooker.

With ten preset functions, you can easily switch from sautéing onions to slow cooking a hearty stew without missing a beat. This multi cooker is perfect for a wide variety of recipes, from steaming vegetables and fish to pressure-cooking beans and making fluffy rice.

It features a roomy 6.5L removable cooking pot, which means you can cook large batches to create those perfect family meals, or get a whole week of meal prepping done in one quick batch. Additionally, the pot is easy to clean and dishwasher-safe, so you don't have to spend extra time scrubbing.

For those who love to steam their fish and vegetables, a steam rack comes included with the appliance.

And at just 1.35kW wattage per hour, this multi cooker is incredibly energy efficient. It helps you save on electricity bills while reducing your carbon footprint. It also includes an intuitive LED control panel, which makes it easy to select the right cooking mode and monitor the progress of your dish.

The Morphy Richards 6.5L Multifunction 10-in-1 Food Cooker is designed with the user in mind. Its compact design ensures it doesn't take up too much counter space, and the clear instructions make it accessible even for those new to multi cookers. 

With its advanced features and ease of use, this multi cooker is the perfect addition to any kitchen, catering to both novice and experienced cooks alike.

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Shop the best multi cookers at Morphy Richards

Multi cookers have changed the game when it comes to multifunctional kitchen appliances, and it’s no surprise that consumers are falling in love with them every day.

If all this talk has got your mouth watering for one of these incredible appliances, check out our selection of multi cookers and slow cookers.

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 multi cookers at Morphy Richards now

For more home appliance buying guides, inspiration and recipes, explore the Morphy Richards blog…

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