Bowls for a multicooker: selection and rules of use
Today the multicooker is an indispensable attribute of any modern kitchen. Although the cooking bowl is usually sold immediately as a set, sometimes you still need to replace and buy a new one. The choice of the bowl depends on several important factors.
Description
A multicooker bowl is a kind of saucepan in which the entire cooking process is carried out. This part may differ depending on the model of the multicooker itself, as well as the functions it performs. Capacities also differ in volume and interior coating used, so if you need to buy a new one instead of an old or deteriorated one, you will have to take into account many factors.
For example, a Redmond pressure cooker bowl may not necessarily work with the same brand of multicooker. In general, containers differ in volume, diameter, height, the presence of a measuring scale, the presence or absence of handles and clamps, as well as the material used.
Materials and types of coatings
The materials used for the inner coating are different and depend on what functions the device will perform, that is, what dishes will be prepared in it. Manufacturers immediately determine whether it will be possible to cook, fry or bake food in the dishes and, depending on this, select the most suitable metals.
- The bowls themselves are most often made made of aluminum or stainless steel, and then covered with the required material. Some variations go on sale without additional processing.Made of stainless steel or aluminum, they are not afraid of scratches, falls and the use of metal tools, but they often lead to burning of the prepared dishes.
- Stainless steel can be used for a long time without fear of corrosion or mechanical damage. At the same time, do not worry that the dishes will acquire some kind of unpleasant metallic taste. Moreover, the stainless steel bowl is multifunctional and can even be used as a regular saucepan for cooking on the stove. Nevertheless, some foods can still oxidize, and it is almost impossible to prepare a dish with an appetizing crispy crust.
- The non-stick bowl is most often Teflon. This coating does not interact with food, but it evenly heats up the cooking dish. Unfortunately, the coating wears off rather quickly, especially with frequent interaction with metal tools such as spatulas or forks. To slow down the process, it is recommended to select silicone accessories.
The disadvantages of a steel bowl include a negative reaction to temperature changes.
- Teflon costs acceptable, while being reliable. In addition, it can withstand temperatures as high as 250 degrees. Observing the rules of use and care, you can use this bowl for 2 to 3 years, and it will not lose the non-stick properties of the coating. Such dishes can be washed in a dishwasher, they are not afraid of household chemicals and are not covered with carbon deposits.
- Ceramic bowl is considered a high-quality choice, combining the ability to withstand high temperatures (up to 450 degrees) and not emit any harmful substances during use. It is very easy to clean the ceramic container. Of the minuses, we can mention the fragility and high cost of dishes. A sudden change in temperature is likely to lead to cracks. Experts believe that metal bowls have maximum stability, and Teflon-coated bowls are more versatile.
There are many myths about the effect of the type of coverage on human health, but many of them do not have any scientific background. For example, it has been proven that heating Teflon leads to the release of substances hazardous to the body. But not a single multicooker will be able to warm up above 175 degrees, and a negative reaction begins when the 200 degrees mark is exceeded.
Sometimes there is information that the same Teflon glassware leads to the formation of harmful acids in the blood. Again, nothing specific, this information has not been confirmed.
Some people worry that when heated, the ceramic coating releases chemicals that are applied to the aluminum base during the manufacturing phase. No evidence was found for this. Finally, there are myths regarding the harmful effects of nickel in uncoated bowls, but the danger to people has not been confirmed.
Popular models
When choosing a bowl for a steamer, preference should be given to proven brands that have proven themselves in the market and offer an ideal price-quality ratio. For example, it could be REDMOND SkyCooker M40S. The container holds 5 liters and is lined with ceramic inside. Japanese Panasonic SR-TMZ550 has similar parameters. Convenient handles greatly simplify the operation process. Polaris PMC 0548AD characterized by an affordable price, a volume of 5 liters and a Teflon coating. SUPRA MCS-4704 holds 4 liters of processed products and is protected by a Teflon coating.
How to choose?
When choosing a bowl for a multicooker, it is better to take one that holds 5 liters - this is considered the best indicator. In general, there are variations from 2 to 7 liters: small ones are more suitable for one person or a small family, and large ones, respectively, for serving a large number of people.The presence of a measuring scale allows you to accurately calculate the amount of ingredients used, required for the preparation of a particular dish.
It is also important to consider the brand of the bowl. As a rule, a proven company is a guarantee of the use of quality materials, and therefore a long trouble-free service life.
There is also a versatile bowl that fits various multicooker models.... Such a purchase is irreplaceable if, for example, the capacity of a model that is no longer on sale is damaged. When starting the direct purchase of a bowl for an existing specific multicooker, you will have to take into account the height, diameter and volume that will suit it.
In the event that you cannot get a bowl of exactly the same model, you can buy compatible variations of the same nonsense or a universal container from another manufacturer... Information about the parameters of the bowl is usually indicated in the passport of the multicooker.
If you decide to get the indicators yourself, you will have to measure diameter with height... The diameter is determined by the upper part, or by the maximum width with protruding parts. Often this indicator differs from the diameter of the lower part, and this is normal, because the narrowing at the bottom occurs only due to the rounded shape.
To calculate the height, you will have to place a ruler on the bottom outer edge and bring it up to the top opening of the crockery. In addition, the shape of the outer rim should be taken into account.
Interchangeability of bowls
The interchangeability of bowls is usually determined by a special compatibility table. If you choose the wrong dishes, then it will either not fit into the multicooker, or it will not be fixed and receive the required amount of heat from the heating element.
However, even correctly defined parameters do not guarantee that the bowl will fit perfectly in the multicooker.... Some models have their own characteristics and therefore do not fit with other spare parts. Working with the table, it is necessary to determine the parameters of the bowl of the existing multicooker, and then find out which compatible models fall under the same parameters.
Information on interchangeability, most likely, can be provided by a seller specializing in this product. He will advise which bowl you can purchase for a particular model.
Subtleties of operation
All the intricacies of using the multicooker bowl, as a rule, can be read in the instructions for the device. It is important that both the bottom of the container and the heating plate interacting with it are absolutely clean.
The bowl is only for food, and therefore, including the multicooker, it is important to ensure that all cutlery, spatulas and other items have been removed. By the way, it cannot be used for kneading dough, which is abused by some housewives. Do not knock on the dishes and use them as a vessel for washing cereals. Steam cooking should only be done according to the instructions.
In principle, most users claim that the multicooker bowl can be put in the oven, but you still have to do this at your own peril and risk, since the manufacturer does not give such recommendations. The same can be said about installing the bowl on the stove - setting the bowl on gas, you can immediately lose it.
It is important to mention that manufacturers also do not recommend leaving the finished dish inside for a long time or loading the space with products, the number of which will exceed the permissive mark.
How to take care of it properly?
Caring for the bowl of the device has its own characteristics. For example, having prepared a dish with an abundance of odorous spices, the container should be washed immediately, otherwise the pungent smell will be absorbed and it will be very difficult to remove it.
After washing, the dishes are immediately wiped dry, otherwise they will rust. To clean the bowl of carbon deposits or wash the inside of burnt food, you can try several methods that do not injure the surface of the coating.For example, you can simply pour plain clean water inside, then boil and rinse everything with a regular sponge.
In a more difficult situation, soda, lemon juice or citric acid are added to the boiling liquid. For mechanical action, it is still better to use silicone tools, for example, a spatula. In addition, many housewives believe that it is possible to restore the cleanliness of the outside of heavily soiled dishes. melamine sponge, to activate the "magic" properties of which ordinary water is enough.
It is important to add that dishwashing dishes are discouraged. Most often, this step will lead to coating problems.
For information on how to choose a bowl for a multicooker, see the next video.