Unique multicookers with bread maker function

Many housewives, when purchasing household appliances for the kitchen, have the problem of choosing among a large number of different appliances. Which is better: a bread maker or a multicooker - this is one of the questions, the answer to which will allow you to make the right choice.

What factors should you consider when choosing between these devices?

First of all, it is worth noting that each of them, despite its extensive functionality, has its own priority purpose, which is clear even from the name.

Thus, a bread maker is primarily aimed at baking bakery products, and a multicooker is aimed at preparing first and second courses. As for other functions, they can be considered as an additional bonus for equipment owners.

Bread machine capabilities

Depending on the model and cost, devices have a different set of programs (3 or more). Using the oven you can cook:

• dough for various dishes (manti, pies, etc.);
• bread, muffins, Easter cakes;
• jam, preserves;
• yogurt, baked milk.

An important advantage is that the stove works based on the oven principle, that is, its bowl does not have direct contact with the heating elements. This allows you to get evenly baked bread with a golden crust on top – the kind we are used to seeing on store shelves.

Another advantage is that to prepare a brick of bread you do not need to pre-knead the dough - just place the ingredients specified in the recipe into the device, and after a certain time, take out the finished product. At the same time, kneading the dough using this technique ensures that there are no lumps in it, which has a positive effect on the quality of baked goods.

Almost all bread machines have a useful option delayed start, which allows you to load the necessary ingredients into the device in the evening, and in the morning get a hot brick of fresh bread for breakfast.

A set of multicooker options

The scope of application of multicookers is more extensive. Using this kitchen device, you can do:

• liquid dishes (soups, borscht, etc.);
• porridge with water and milk;
• fried foods;
• stews;
• steamed foods;
• yogurt;
• bread.

Most models have the function of maintaining the temperature of the finished dish and allow you to sterilize and pasteurize foods. Delayed start allows you to cook or heat food at the appointed time.

Despite their greater functionality than ovens, multicookers are significantly inferior to them when baking baked goods.

First, you have to make the dough manually, which is less convenient, as it requires effort and time. Secondly, it will not be possible to end up with a loaf of bread with a light bottom and edges and a golden brown crust on top. The reason is that the bottom of the multicooker bowl is in contact with the heating element, so the temperature affects its contents differently. As a result, the bun may be unevenly baked, with the bottom portion becoming browned while the top portion remains pale.

Which device should you prefer?

As you can see, some of the options for the described items are similar, but despite this, they have completely different purposes.

It is impossible to say unequivocally that one type of technology is better or worse than another - it all depends on what is expected from the device.

A bread maker is a highly specialized device that allows you to produce high-quality flour products that require baking. A multicooker is a multifunctional thing, with a range of options that is significantly superior to stoves, but inferior to them in terms of preparing bread.

Therefore, the choice of device should be made based on what are its functions will be used most often. If it will be baking, then it is better to opt for a bread maker, and if you plan to prepare a variety of dishes, then you should buy a multicooker.

Manufacturers of kitchen appliances try to take into account the culinary preferences of a wide range of consumers. Lovers of healthy steamed food will be interested in a steamer, connoisseurs of crispy bread crust will be interested in a bread maker, and practical buyers who value the versatility of appliances can choose a multicooker.

Modern technologies do not stand still, offering consumers more and more interesting assistant devices. But what if you want to buy everything, but there is physically no room for it, given the small square meters of the kitchen? Buy combined equipment! A multicooker with a bread machine function (2 functions in one device) is one of those examples that can take its rightful place in any kitchen.

Multicooker or bread maker? Don't be bothered by the question. The technical hybrid is capable of both delicious cooking and... The advantages of purchasing such a device are obvious:

1. 2 in 1 equipment will perform high-quality heat treatment all products placed in it. In addition to the ability to bake bread, the unit can additionally provide the functions of a steamer, fryer, and even.
2. Large selection of recipes for the presented dishes.
3. Economical in use.
4. The device is very ergonomic and takes minimum space with its existing capabilities (2 devices in one device).

Not without some drawbacks:

1. It is important to choose a model with kneading dough– most often it is already a priori in such variants. And this gives rise to new problems: the function turns out to be quite vulnerable and often breaks down, despite the mechanical drive.
2. Most often, only two locations of heating elements are used in a multicooker - the sides and the bottom. This creates additional problems for obtaining golden crust.

Features of operation of a multicooker device with bread machine mode

The ability to bake bread is a “trick” of such units. The process is divided into the following stages:

• kneading;
• proofing;
• baking.

The user only has a small task - to collect all the ingredients in the correct proportions.

If you wish, you can postpone cooking until the morning so that you can enjoy delicious baked goods tomorrow, the “delayed start” function will help with this.

The whole process takes no more than 3.5 hours. However, it is not recommended to immediately remove and cut the product from the multicooker bread maker. It’s worth waiting a little - it’s best to put freshly prepared bread on grill grate. This way, the bottom of the product will not become damp, and the product will retain its normal softness and elasticity.

According to user reviews, the best way to make simple bread from wheat flour is in such devices, which have 2 functions. But if you use dark flour, then such a product can turn out to be quite heavy and will not always be baked from the inside. If the recipe calls for seeds

• , then the product will be completely baked, but the seeds themselves can be ground with a blade in the bowl. In general, the following types of bread:
• traditional;
• sweet;
• French;
• gluten-free;
• lactic;

cupcake and other options.

1. And here are the typical mistakes made by those who test such a miracle of technology for the first time: If you forget to take it off protective screen
2. , then the bread will become damp on top and generally rise poorly. If you leave the bread heated

at night, it may become damp downstairs.

Review of popular 2 in 1 models

Today it is really possible to manage to prepare several products in one period of time - especially if devices that combine 2 important functions come to the rescue. A multicooker and at the same time a bread maker will become a real helper in any kitchen, all that remains is...

In the modern world, there are many devices to facilitate the process of preparing various dishes. Recently, electrical appliances such as a multicooker and bread maker have become very popular. What these devices are intended for, and which one to choose, can be found in this article.

Characteristics and functionality of multicookers

A multicooker is a small-sized piece of household kitchen equipment for preparing food. Thanks to its functions, this device can replace an oven, pot and frying pan.

The multicooker body is designed to quickly reach the required temperature and facilitate quick cooking. Depending on the model, the cooking container can have a capacity from 2 to 6 liters. The coating material also depends on the manufacturer; it is mainly ceramic or Teflon.

Each device is equipped with a special control panel, which displays all programs for cooking dishes in various modes, as well as cooking duration and, in some newer models, temperature.

There is a special valve on the lid of the device through which excess steam escapes. The heating element itself is located under the cooking container. In modernized models, such heaters can also be placed on the lid and around the bowl, which contributes to more uniform heating of food and, as a result, a faster cooking process.

Additionally, each multicooker has a special container in which condensation collects during operation of the device.

Technical parameters, depending on the manufacturer, as well as different models, may have significant differences, but the principles of operation of this device are almost identical in all devices:

1. "Frying"– used for cooking meat, fish or vegetables. With this program, a high temperature is turned on to heat the oil.
2. "Krupa"– the mode is well suited for preparing various milk porridges or cooking cereals. If you follow the recipe, the cereal will turn out crumbly and not overcooked.
3. "Steam cooking"– when installing a special container, you can prepare various dishes without adding oil. This program is used for preparing pasta. After the water boils, you can pour them into a container and cook them in the usual way, as on the stove.
4. "Soup"– used both for preparing various first courses and for compotes or fruit drinks.
5. "Quenching"– this program is excellent for preparing various meat or vegetable dishes with minimal use of oil.
6. "Bakery"– replaces the oven. You can prepare baked meat dishes and casseroles. Used for baking flour products and pies.

More expensive devices additionally have the “Heating”, “Dough”, “Yogurt”, “Frying”, “Drinks”, “Multi-cook” modes.

When you select the “Multi-cook” program, you can independently set the cooking duration and temperature conditions.

Characteristics and functionality of the bread machine

A bread maker is a relatively small electrical appliance that is used for preparing bread products, almost completely automating the baking process. You need to load only the components of the future bread into the device, select the appropriate program and wait for the preparation mode to complete.

The case is designed to heat up quickly, distribute heat evenly inside the device and prevent excessive heat from the outside.

Depending on the model, this device can prepare from 500 g to 1.5 kg of baked goods. The container may be coated with Teflon, aluminum or stainless steel. The shape of standard devices is rectangular, but some models are equipped with a round, oval or square baking container.

Depending on the manufacturer, the panel can be either mechanical or touchscreen. It displays baking modes and times. The lid on most of these devices is removable, making it easier to clean the device after use. It is advisable to choose a transparent lid to control baking.

Each appliance is equipped with a timer that allows you to delay cooking by 12 hours.

The baking functions are quite varied, but each such device has a common set of programs:

• “Basic” – standard basic mode, program duration on average – 3-4 hours;
• “Accelerated” – baking duration is about 120 minutes, however, such a program worsens the appearance and taste of the products;
• “Kneading dough” – the device independently kneads the dough without human intervention;
• "Bakery";
• “Choose crust color” – from light to dark brown.

Additionally, the device can have the functions of baking various bread products (oatmeal, Borodinsky, buckwheat bread), preparing yogurt, jam and preserves.

More modern models have the functions “Child lock”, “Heating”, as well as storing the program in case of emergency shutdown for a period of 5 to 50 minutes.

Popular models

Let's consider the most popular models of the above devices in terms of price, quality and functionality.

Multicookers

One of the most popular models at a fairly low price (on average 2,500 rubles). This device has all the basic modes, including delay start and heating the finished dish. The case is metal with plastic inserts. The model is available in three colors. Cooking container with non-stick coating and a capacity of 5 liters. Has many positive reviews.

The disadvantages of this device include low power, as well as the fact that the maximum delay time for starting programs is only 9 hours.

This model is popular for its versatility and low price (about 4,000 rubles). This device has 16 cooking modes and a “multi-cook” function, uniform heating of food, delaying the start for 24 hours, as well as heating the finished dish for the above time. The container is covered with ceramics and equipped with comfortable handles that remain cool during cooking. Volume 5 liters.

The disadvantages of this device include inconvenience in choosing a cooking program, the temperature is not displayed in all modes, as well as frequent breakdowns of the button on the lid of the device.

This model belongs to the middle price category (about 5,500 rubles). Features include raising the heating element for cooking in a frying pan (included in the kit). The coating of the cooking container is ceramic, volume 5 liters. The device has 42 programs for cooking dishes, as well as changing the temperature before the start of the mode and during cooking, delaying the start and a warming function.

The disadvantages of this model include the non-removable lid, which makes cleaning the device much more difficult, as well as the slow heating of the pan.

Refers to premium class devices. Features include recipes included in the device program, convenient controls, voice recording of all device actions and many cooking programs. This model has a capacity of 5 liters and a multi-layer non-stick coating. It is equipped with handles and is dishwasher safe. You can delay the start of the program by 13 hours, and the function of heating cooked food by 36 hours.

The disadvantages include the rather high cost of the device (on average 34,000 rubles) and the voice acting of the device’s actions is too loud.

Bread makers

One of the most popular models with a fairly low cost (about 4,500 rubles). Using this device you can prepare various types of bread, muffins and jam. It has a convenient menu, 15 baking modes, a rectangular baking container, and a transparent lid for monitoring the cooking process. This device also has a start delay and program memorization for 10 minutes. The disadvantages of this model include the low power of the device.

Also refers to popular models with a budget price (on average 4,500 rubles). The advantage of this device is its functionality (12 modes). Using such a device, you can adjust the weight of baked goods, the color of the crust, delay the start of work for 13 hours, use heating of the finished product, and turn on the child lock of the device. Works well with various types of bread, jam and muffins. The disadvantages include the smell of plastic during the first few uses.

This model belongs to the middle price category (about 7,000 rubles) and is popular for its large number of programs and good quality of baked goods and yoghurts. Has an accelerated baking time mode. In such a device you can also choose the size of the bread product and the color of the crust. While kneading the dough, the device signals the possibility of adding additional ingredients. This model is small in size and has a relatively low noise level. The disadvantages include the rapid wear of the baking container.

This device can be classified as the most popular bread machine among the category of people who are passionate about baking various bread products. It belongs to premium class devices and has a fairly high cost (about 19,000 rubles). This device has 14 different modes, as well as the ability to independently set baking programs. The highest quality bread products, high power and two baking forms (loaf and round). The disadvantages include the rapid heating of the case, the lack of Russian in the menu.

Advantages and disadvantages

Multicooker. Positive factors include the versatility of this device, since in a relatively small device you can prepare various dishes without much difficulty and in a short time. Covered containers minimize the use of oil and prevent food from burning. Another advantage is the program start delay function, since cooking can begin without direct human intervention.

The disadvantages include the price of such devices, as well as the fragility of the coating of the cooking container, which quickly wears out and is very easily damaged during operation.

The advantages include always fresh, tasty and varied bread, the products for which are selected independently, which eliminates the ingress of unwanted chemical additives. This device can also be used to prepare various sweet flour products, jam or yogurt. If such a device is available, it can be used to knead dough for various needs, for example, dumplings and pizza.

The disadvantages include high cost, high electricity consumption and dimensions, so in a small kitchen this device will take up a lot of space and cause inconvenience.

Which device should you choose?

The above devices greatly simplify the process of preparing dishes, however, each of them is designed to perform specific functions, so you should make a choice in favor of one of these devices based on your personal needs.

If your priority is a variety of baked goods, then you need to go to the store to buy a bread machine, since such a device, compared to a multicooker, copes better with the preparation of bread products. In cases where the device is intended to be used for cooking various dishes, you should choose a multicooker.

Bread maker or multicooker (video)?

This video provides a brief overview of the main features and characteristics of modern multicookers and bread makers.

If you need to make a choice between these devices, you should clearly indicate the purpose for which such a device will be used, since a multicooker is intended for preparing various dishes, including simple baked goods, while the main function of a bread maker is the preparation of bread products.

In contact with

This time we are testing a hybrid device - a multicooker-bread maker. The set includes a bowl for baking bread with a paddle for kneading. There are two heating elements in the model's body - the bottom one, for working in multi-cooker mode, and the side one, for working in bread machine mode. The software part is also functionally separated. In the multicooker mode there are 18 automatic programs, “Multicook” and “Multicook Plus”, in the bread machine mode - 12 automatic ones and “Multicook Bread”.

The idea of ​​this hybrid is quite clear - few people can boast of spacious kitchens with work surfaces extending beyond the horizon. And the market offers more and more household appliances that you want to own, but have nowhere to put them. Therefore, everything that is called multifunctional and combines several items at once attracts the keen interest of the buyer. A bread maker is a rather bulky device, but it takes some effort to fit it comfortably in the kitchen. In short, this device is for those who use a multi-cooker and would not mind baking bread, but don’t have room.

The multicooker has a stylish design and touch controls; the display is not on the lid, like Polaris 0523AD, but on the front panel of the casing. In addition to the usual accessories, the kit includes a measuring spoon with two containers for adding ingredients to the dough when baking bread.

Specifications

Equipment

• multicooker
• power cable
• multicooker bowl
• baking dish with paddle for kneading
• steamer container
• scoop
• spoon
• beaker
• baking measuring spoon
• book of recipes
• instructions

Preparation for use

When cooking in the multicooker mode at this stage you will not find anything unusual. Place a container to collect condensate on the back wall of the device. Wipe all surfaces with a damp cloth, and boil a lemon just in case, driving away the possibility of the plastic spirit.

In bread machine mode, the most important thing when preparing the device for operation is to remember to remove the protective screen from the lid.

Cooking

We begin to test the device in multicooker mode. We have already tested Polaris with similar software, so we are checking first of all the modes that the manufacturer focuses on. These are “Multipovar” and “Multipovar Plus”.

Beef in beer

For the “Multi-cook” mode, we chose veal in beer, using the official representative of Polaris in Russia. We pre-marinated the meat for a day, then proceeded according to the recipe. However, it was not possible to completely follow the instructions from the monitor screen; for example, we are asked to fry the beef in a spoon of vegetable oil until dark in 5 minutes. Of course, during this time in a multicooker operating at 160°, the beef is not fried, no matter how much we would like. But in 10 minutes - yes, we got some semblance of quickly fried meat. In general, no matter how well the software part of the multicooker works and no matter what material the bowl is made of, fast frying is not the strong point of multicookers. But after cooking, you don’t need to wash the stove and the surrounding area - numerous forum users oppose us.

Tasters' verdict. The multicooker did its job well, the meat was stewed, it was soft enough, but did not disintegrate into fibers. But we had doubts about the recipe itself: as a result, around the meat we get a lot of very thick and not very interesting-tasting sauce made from beer, broth, onions and flour.

Next we tested Multicook Plus. This is a mode where you can program several stages, each having previously specified the desired time and temperature. The recipe was taken from the included recipe book (there are very few recipes for this program, both in print and online). Cocotte eggs were prepared in a two-stage mode with a temperature change of 40 °C.

Cocotte eggs

To prepare this dish, you need to have two small heat-resistant vessels (they are called cocotte makers, but craftsmen also cook in cupcake molds). Having placed the ingredients (eggs, cream, grated cheese) in the cocotte makers, you need to pour water into the bowl so that it half covers the containers with the products. Then you need to program “Multi-cook Plus” into 2 stages: the first - 10 minutes and 100°, the second - 10 minutes and 140°.

Tasters' verdict. We prepared this dish twice and not because the test failed the first time, but, on the contrary, because we really liked the result. The number of ingredients and combination of steps in the recipe are calculated correctly. By the way, we don’t know how it is with cupcake molds, but the amount of ingredients indicated in the attached book fits perfectly into the cocotte maker.

Bread maker

We spent a lot of time testing the bread maker mode in the Polaris 1601D, since this is the “feature” of the model. Just like a regular bread machine, the Polaris 1601D performs all the stages itself: kneading, proofing, baking. The task of the equipment operator is to collect all the given ingredients in the required quantity and put them in the bowl in the specified sequence. There is a delayed start: the components for the test can be prepared in the evening, and the whole process will start closer to the morning. On average, the entire procedure, from the first kneading to the end of baking, takes 3.5 hours.

When calculating the time, it is also worth remembering that cutting the bread immediately after taking it out of the oven is not recommended. This violates its not yet fully formed structure: the number of voids, softness, elasticity, density. According to bakery technologies, loaves are stored open after baking for up to 12 hours, then packaged. There are no GOST standards in households and the rules are different, but it’s still worth waiting an hour after baking. It is best to place the bread to cool on a grill rack from the microwave, then the bottom of the loaf will also “breathe” and will not become soggy.

We prepared 4 types of bread using different programs: Italian bread with rosemary, onion bread, wheat bread with pumpkin seeds, Darnitsa bread. Programs differ in the time and speed of kneading, the number of kneading, the combination of kneading and proofing. According to our observations, bread made from wheat flour without adding dark flour (for example, rye) turns out better in this bread machine. Dark bread comes out quite heavy, not very well baked inside. The bread with the seeds was well baked, but the paddle in the bowl ground the pumpkin seeds into particles invisible to the tooth.

Additional ingredients must be placed in the mold after the second kneading - a sound signal indicates the onset of this time, but we did not find any information about this in the instructions or in the recipe book. In the Polaris 1601D bread machine mode, you can select the weight of the loaf (700 or 900 g) and the crust (3 levels). At the first level the crust is barely noticeable, but even at the third it is quite pale. That is, our experimental subject does not create the oven effect as convincingly as a regular bread maker. This is probably due to the power of the tubular encircling heating element and the distribution of heat throughout the volume of the internal space of the device.

During cooking, we made two typical mistakes of novice bakers: we forgot to remove the protective screen (the bread was damp on top and did not rise well) and we left the bread on the heater overnight (the bread was damp on the bottom).

Multicooker care

The inner bowl, bread pan and steam container can be placed in the dishwasher, this is clearly stated in the instructions. This is good news, because often with different models you have to guess about this by studying information on the Internet about the material of the bowl. The manual also warns that after some time after the start of use, the coating of the bowl may change color, and this is normal.

The steam valve can be easily removed and washed under running water. The protective screen (also known as the inner cover) snaps on and off easily. It's easiest to wash by hand, and the instructions don't mention putting it in the dishwasher.

But there are problems with the container for collecting condensate. It's easy to install on the back panel and easy to remove, but for some reason it doesn't do its job. At the end of the cooking process, we find that the container is empty and condensation is pouring from the lid. Reinstalling the container according to the manual and common sense does not save you from this bug.

Ease of management

Since the programs for the two functional parts of the model are different, it is worth describing them separately.

Multicooker mode

The multicooker has touch controls; the panel with the display is located on the front body. The display at the top shows the temperature and cooking time, as well as the cooking stage for the Multicook Plus program. The rest of the display is reserved for the list of programs; there are 19 of them, excluding “Multi-cook Plus” (there is a separate button for it). There is a color indicator for the power-on sensor with a single signal and a “Heat/Cancel” sensor indicator that lights up after cooking is complete.

The controls are intuitive, with the exception of programming the stages, all in the same “Multi-cook Plus” mode. The point here is not even the complexity of the interface, but the fact that the user’s actions go beyond the “autopilot” behavior, so it’s worth checking the instructions at least for the first time. The “Start/Cancel” button is protected from accidental clicks and children’s experiments: the sensor must be held for 2 seconds. However, as practice shows, it is children who are primarily interested in what will happen if they hold their finger on this button with a flashing light for a long time.

The following modes are available:

• Multicook
• Multicook Plus
• Warming up
• Double boiler
• Frying
• Yogurt
• Extinguishing
• Baking
• Deep frying
• Groats
• Oatmeal
• Paste
• Languor
• Sausages/dumplings
• Cottage cheese
• Pizza
• Milk porridge

All programs have the ability to adjust time in different steps. There are no temperature compliance tables for automatic programs. The ability to change both the cooking time and temperature from automatic programs is given only by “Frying”; the primacy of the will of the owner over the technical mind is possible in the range from 100 to 160 degrees and from 10 to 40 minutes in 5-minute increments. In the “Multi-cook” and “Multi-cook Plus” programs, time adjustment is carried out in the range from 1 minute to 12 hours in increments of up to 45 minutes - 1 minute, from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours - 5 minutes, from 1.5 to 3 hours - 10 minutes, from 3 to 12 - 20 minutes.

The temperature changes as follows: general range - 35°-160°, 5° increments from 35° to 90°, 2° - from 90° to 110°, 10° - from 110° to 160°. For temperatures below 80°, switching to the “Heating” mode is not provided. The maximum number of stages in Multicook Plus is 9. The transition between stages is automatic. The number of the current stage is shown on the scoreboard.

Bread machine mode

When the bread pan is installed in the device, it automatically switches the interface to the “Bread Maker” mode. The display shows cooking time and temperature, loaf size, selected crust color (numbered 1 to 3) and a list of programs. In bread machine mode, the device has 12 automatic programs and a “Multi-cook bread” mode for independent programming of the stages of kneading, proofing and baking. After the program is turned off, the bread maker goes to heat up. There are separate buttons on the panel to select the crust and loaf size.

The following modes are available in this version:

• Multicook bread
• Sweet bread
• Traditional bread
• French bread
• Whole white bread
• Gluten free bread
• Whole rye bread
• Accelerated baking
• Italian bread
• Milk bread
• Jam
• Dough

All programs except “Multi-cook bread” are automatic and do not allow you to select the temperature and cooking time. There is a delayed start.

The interface in bread machine mode is even simpler than in multicooker mode. The most important thing is to follow the recipe and the sequence of placing the ingredients in the mold. After this, you need to select the size of the loaf and the color of the crust (by default, 900 grams and 2 are set, respectively) and select the desired program. The order of products for the test is indicated in the table of each recipe from the book. The instructions tell you about the basic principles of interaction with the future test and warn against the most common mistakes; it will be worth reading this section.

In bread machine mode, the appliance prepares jam. The user puts fruits or berries, water and sugar into a container according to the recipe, and the magic pan itself heats and stirs. Each bread machine has the same functionality, being equipped with a stirring blade and heating element.

Instructions and recipe book

The manual is quite good, although far from perfect. Items related to the interface, management skills, and cleaning methods are described in some detail. There is a summary table of programs for the “Multi-cooker” mode, indicating the range of parameter adjustment for each program. There is a table of the most common mistakes in making bread. But it’s a dry and difficult read, with blurry eyes, no interesting facts about the temperature limits of automatic programs and the material of the bowls, as usual, no pictures or conversations. However, it is recommended to study before using the multicooker for the first time.

The recipe book is large and beautiful. In fact, only the part that describes the preparation of different breads is useful. There are tables with the amount of ingredients per serving of 700 and 900 grams, the products are listed in the order in which they should be put. In the section with recipes for multicookers, there are many dishes with interesting names, which are mostly stewed meats.