Among the numerous kitchen gadgets, many housewives prefer a device called a multicooker. This is a kind of electric pan in which you can cook the same dishes as on the stove, but without the need to control them. Especially indispensable multicooker for baby food, since the lack of free time in young mothers is observed without exception. Despite the fact that there are a huge number of models in stores that differ in brand and price, choosing a multicooker with a focus on cooking for a child is not difficult.
What unites the functions of multicookers for adults and children
The most important thing is the ability to cook a dish in a given mode without the need for control by the hostess. That is, in fact, it does not matter which model is chosen, since food in any of them is prepared according to pre-selected programs.
The delayed start function is also present in most units, which allows you to set the required cooking time and get fresh soup by the time you return from a walk.
An additional advantage of multicookers is that they combine the functions of double boilers, allowing you to steam vegetables and meat.
What is the difference between models of multicookers
First of all, this is a list of possible functions, since baking, frying and cooking are by no means available for all models and manufacturers.
It can be immediately noted that the presence of these functions significantly increases the cost.
But if a multicooker is selected for baby food, then the frying function is not needed, since such dishes are not very useful for children, but you can bake a cake with no less success in the oven.
As for the possibility of making yogurt, it is up to the mother herself to decide whether this product so popular in the family that the multicooker must have the function of its preparation.
Multicookers also differ in the volume of the bowl, and here it makes sense to stop at one in which you can cook dinner for the whole family. Indeed, even if a multicooker is selected for cooking a child, in a large bowl with a volume of at least 3 liters, you can always cook the same soup not only for children, but also for their parents.
Otherwise, when choosing a model, it is worth focusing on the amount that you plan to spend, as well as on the reviews of consumers who have already tested it.
Today, the Redmond company is practically the leader in the multicooker market, although similar models from other manufacturers, sometimes much cheaper, work just as well.
If you have experience cooking for children in a multicooker of a certain model, leave your feedback in the comments form.
Every housewife knows that a slow cooker is a great helper in the kitchen. It helps to cook your favorite dishes, does not require constant attention and mixing, and the food is very tasty. Is it possible to cook food for a child in a slow cooker and will it be useful?
The benefits of multicooker dishes for children
Cooked meals in a slow cooker for children retain all the benefits of food, trace elements and vitamins to the maximum. This is due to the fact that the moisture contained in the products does not evaporate, but remains inside. Using recipes for children in a slow cooker, you do not need oil (or you need a minimum), but the food will not taste dry. This is very important for baby food, because any fatty food is contraindicated for babies, and oil should be added only to the finished dish. Thus, using children's recipes in a slow cooker, you will get tasty, healthy and juicy food that will delight your children, while not harming their tummies.
About children's recipes for a slow cooker
Dishes in a slow cooker for a child can be prepared from the very early age even if you have just started introducing complementary foods. For a couple, you will quickly cook any vegetables for, all that remains is to grind them and give them to the baby. In the same place, you can easily heat store-bought mashed potatoes from a jar: unlike the microwave and oven, the mashed potatoes will heat up evenly from all sides, which will prevent your baby from getting burned.
As the baby grows, the recipes for the child in the slow cooker expand significantly: rich and nutritious milk (or dairy-free) cereals, natural yogurt, soups, cereals for garnish, delicious steamed meat or fish, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese casserole, biscuit, meat broth, compote and much more.
The functions of any multicooker are so diverse that they allow you to cook almost all dishes from the children's menu. Moreover, cooking read on the Internet, you can always adjust to your multicooker. It will replace your stove, oven, steamer, and even a deep fryer.
Save time for mommy
The slow cooker not only allows you to cook delicious and healthy meals, but also saves mom much-needed free time. You don’t need your supervision to cook dishes in a slow cooker, it will cook everything by itself. In addition, you can use the "Delayed Start" mode and sleep longer in the morning, and breakfast will be prepared by itself and will wait for your baby in a hot form for as long as necessary. Or you can go for a walk with the child, and upon arrival have a delicious lunch together.
In this section, children's recipes for a multicooker, tested on their own experience, are periodically posted.
Most recently, I shared with you the experiences, difficulties and upcoming changes in my family and personal life. Then I mentioned that during the week I had to test the Zigmund & Shtain multicooker and cook 10 different recipes. Of course, it was very difficult for me to take step-by-step photographs, because the process of cooking doubled, or even tripled. But with each subsequent recipe, I got better and better at finding a common language with the camera and the slow cooker - thus, the process fascinated me more and more.It took me a long time to purchase a multicooker: I somehow resisted the “general trend” and thought that the “lack of control” of the cooking process was not at all for me. But over time, when my child began to switch to a common table, I began to understand that a slow cooker is an indispensable thing for mothers with small children, as well as for working mothers. The most important advantage in the multicooker for myself, I noted the possibility of a delayed start and further heating. After all, it is so convenient to load all the products, set the desired mode and start time, and you can safely, without waiting for dinner to be ready, go with your baby for a full morning walk.
In general, when Zigmund & Shtain announced the competition " Folk recipes” and selected my magazine for testing, my joy knew no bounds. After all, that turned out to be the way! I did not have to wait long for the multicooker - it was delivered to me by a courier in just a few days. And I immediately began to actively test it.
Appearance
The first thing I immediately noticed was that the Zigmund & Shtain MC-DS42IH multicooker fit perfectly into my interior! And even after the repair we planned, it will look harmonious. She has a very laconic design, pleasant and unobtrusive color, which is combined with almost all colors in the interior. The multicooker is quite compact, it can be easily moved in the kitchen space with the help of a handle, which you will not even notice during operation.
Heating power and features
The power of the Zigmund & Shtain MC-DS42IH multicooker is high, 1250 W, which provides a fairly quick heating of the bowl, and therefore faster cooking of the desired dish. In addition, this model has the function of induction heating, which allows you to evenly distribute the temperature over the entire surface of the bowl.
Equipment and features of care and operation
The package for this model includes a 4-liter bowl (of which 2.5 liters is a usable volume), so you should not have a question about how to feed big family. Also an indispensable element for cooking in the "Steam" mode is the container for steaming. It is especially convenient to cook meatballs and meatballs in it, as it has special cells for such dishes. The only drawback of such a stand is its small height. In this regard, it is not possible to cook two dishes at the same time (for example, cereals and steam cutlets). In addition to the bowl and steaming rack, the multicooker comes with useful accessories such as a measuring cup, spatula and spoon. What I would like to add to the multicooker package is either a handle for the bowl so that it is convenient to get it, or special potholders.
By the way, I almost forgot to express my delight about the quality of the bowl itself. It inspires great confidence, as it is made of very durable and "impressive" materials. It is easy to care for: a few minutes of soaking in warm water and all food particles are washed off in a matter of seconds. Also, the manufacturer has provided a removable lid, on which all condensate and fat accumulate during cooking - thus, it can be very easily removed and washed off all food debris.
As for the features of operation, here the multicooker did not cause any inconvenience. On the contrary, cooking various dishes in it is a pleasure. After all, you can open the lid with just one touch of your hand. In this case, the lid will open by itself, and you will only have to load the ingredients you need.
Control Panel
The control panel is easy to use and clear enough that I figured it out without instructions. Each time you cook a dish, you must select the desired mode. At the same time, for each mode, the optimal temperature and cooking time have already been selected. In the instructions, the manufacturer provided data for each mode, indicating the temperature and cooking time by default.
But this does not mean at all that the multicooker menu is not flexible. On the contrary, the manufacturer has provided the possibility of adjusting the time. Moreover, if you need to slightly adjust the temperature regime, then this model of the multicooker has a wonderful “Multipovar” function, using which you can independently set the desired cooking time and temperature. But I would like to draw attention to the fact that with the “Multi-cook” function, it will not be superfluous to focus on the table with temperatures and times for each mode given in the instructions. It's kind of like a cheat sheet.
As I noted earlier, the multicooker has the possibility of Delayed start and Preheating. You can not only postpone cooking for a maximum of 24 hours, but also heat it up for 24 hours - the multicooker will automatically switch to the "Heating" mode at the end of the set program!
I was very pleasantly surprised by the two bonuses of the control panel - a clock that shows the time in inactive mode, works even when disconnected from the network, as well as a very pleasant melody that notifies you of the completion of the cooking stage. Agree, little things, but how pleasant and convenient!
The only significant drawback, rather, a disadvantage more for "beginners", is the lack of basic recipes and recommendations on the basics of preparing simple dishes (milk porridge, cereals, steamed cutlets, yogurt, etc.) in the instructions. As someone who has had a slow cooker for the first time, it was a little difficult for me at first, as I had to intuitively determine the amount of ingredients to load and spend a little time looking for approximate recipes in order to understand the approximate cooking technique. But the period of "lapping" was very short-lived. On the contrary, every day I was more and more glad that I got this particular brand of multicooker. Compared to other multicookers that I have occasionally worked with (with my immediate family), the Zigmund & Shtain multicooker has proven to be the most powerful and easy to use. If you have had experience of cooking in a slow cooker before, then this drawback will most likely not even bother you, or you simply won’t notice it. Moreover, such a multicooker can serve as an excellent replacement for any other multicooker in your kitchen.
Available modes
In addition to the Multicooker mode, this multicooker model has a rather extensive menu pre-installed, namely 14 more automatic programs, which will greatly facilitate your choice of cooking method. Each program, of course, has its own set default cooking time. It is worth noting that the cooking time is immediately indicated on the control panel, which you can easily adjust using the "Timer" button. Moreover, the cooking time range is so wide and flexible that you can even slightly adjust the cooking time: for example, by ten or even five minutes. For me, this is a significant advantage, since on other models, in my experience, it was possible to adjust the time only in increments of at least 15 or even 30 minutes.
Milk porridge
If you decide to cook porridge in this mode, then literally in thirty minutes, which you can carelessly spend with your family, you will get very tasty, tender and rich porridge for the whole family. This function saves me a lot on weekends, if there is not enough time to cook something special, but I want to feed men hearty, healthy and tasty. At the same time, you can simultaneously load not only milk and cereals, but also all kinds of additives, vegetables (for example, pumpkin) or fruits. Coconut milk porridge is also very tasty here, I recommend it.
Stewing, Soup
Perhaps the most popular, in addition to the “Cereals / Pilaf” mode for me, is the mode in which I often cook soups or stew vegetables with meat. My household has already noted more than once that it is in the slow cooker that soups and vegetables turn out tastier and richer.
frying
Since I try to stick healthy eating, I use this mode to a minimum - only for quick frying of meat or sauteing onions, carrots before stewing. But we can definitely say that this mode is still necessary and convenient.
For a couple
Thanks to this mode, I have not taken out my double boiler for quite a long time, because I now have a slow cooker! Now I quite often steam meatballs and vegetables for my baby. The only thing, at first, I was a little confused by the lack of any instructions on the amount of water that needs to be poured into the bowl. But since I had experience with a double boiler before, I acted intuitively: I poured it just below the 0.5 mark - this, as it turned out, was the ideal water level.
Languor
We can say that this mode was the second reason why I really wanted a slow cooker. After all, in the “Simmering” mode, you can cook not only baked milk, but wonderful meat and poultry. Thus, this multicooker model can successfully replace a slow cooker.
Baking, Pizza
This mode allows you to get quite fragrant, tender and juicy pies at the output. Only here there is one caveat: since I prefer to follow the process of baking the dough and the degree of its readiness, it seemed to me that the default time should be trusted, but with caution. Anyway, I checked the doneness to make sure the cake was done. And of course, the baking time depends on the number of ingredients and its composition. So a whole wheat cake with coconut milk I baked for a little over an hour and a half.
Pilaf, Cereals
Finally, I can forget what it's like to stand by the stove! This mode is my second most popular. After all, it's not a secret for anyone that pilaf in a slow cooker turns out to be excellent! The cereals turn out to be no less tasty: the right consistency and not at all overcooked, as I was afraid of.
Yogurt
After I read several girls' reviews that yogurt in the Zigmung & Shtain slow cooker turns out tender, without lumps and the perfect consistency, I could not resist and decided to see for myself. To say that yogurt is good is to say nothing! He is perfect! The multicooker does a great job of this. But before this, my relationship with the yogurt maker didn’t work out at all: I experimented with it more than once both in terms of cooking time and in terms of the concentration of the starter, but every time the yogurt curtailed, or it turned out to be too liquid. With a multicooker, you should forget about it!
Bread
I have not tested this feature yet, but I can say with confidence that I will use it. After all, the manufacturer has provided for the nuances of proofing and the very preparation of bread. Thus, the first hour the dough is proofed at a temperature of 35 degrees, and this, as you know, is the optimal temperature for the “activation” of yeast. Then the bread is already baked at a temperature of 120 degrees for 2 hours.
desserts
This mode is designed to prepare various desserts from fruits and berries. So far I have not used it, but there are some ideas in the plans. In case of successful execution, I will definitely share the result with you.
Sterilization, Pasteurization
These two modes will undoubtedly be useful for those who make preparations, as well as for those who buy very fresh, natural products that need to be pasteurized to extend their shelf life (for example, milk).
Children food
This mode will be very relevant for cooking kids. Dishes in this mode are gently processed in order to preserve the maximum amount of vitamins and minerals. The temperature mode is close to the temperature of the "Soup / Stew" mode, but in the "Baby food" mode, the cooking time is automatically set to 30 minutes, again to save maximum number nutrients. Also, if you need to reduce the cooking time in the "Stew" mode, then you can use the "Baby food" mode.
I really hope that, talking about this multicooker model, I managed to convey the positive emotions that I experienced when such an indispensable assistant appeared in the kitchen. Now I am partly relieved from cooking for the daily menu, because the Zigmund & Shtain MC-DS42IH multicooker does an excellent job with this!
Tags: What is the mode of baby food in a slow cooker
Video recipe "Baby puree in a slow cooker steamed from carrots, cauliflower and potatoes" from ...
Top best budget multicookers | Topic author: Peter
Top best budget multicookers
REDMOND RMC-M4526
power 1000 W;
volume - 6 liters;
there is a display;
non-stick coating;
weight - 3.6 kg;
it
affordable multicooker contains all the most necessary
functions, but such bonuses as a double boiler, pressure cooker, mode
making yogurt and manual mode is not provided here. Nonetheless,
it is very easy to use and quite functional model,
who can make bread, fondue, sterilize dishes and
prepare vegetables for canning. A book of recipes, the possibility of heating
dishes and delayed start will appeal to many.
PHILIPS HD 3039
power 980 W;
volume - 4 liters;
there is a display;
there is a steamer function;
non-stick coating;
weight - 7, 4 kg;
This
the multicooker combines an ideal ratio price/quality. Here
there are many different modes for the preparation of healthy dishes, however,
manual mode is not provided. However, the bowl has a thickened
coating so that the products are heated evenly, there is a function
heating and 18 temperature settings. For ease of movement and
storage is provided with a special handle and a detachable power cord.
MOULINEX MK302E30
power 630 W;
volume - 5 liters;
there is a display;
there is a steamer function;
non-stick coating;
weight - 3.7 kg;
Compact and convenient multicooker with push-button control and
non-stick coating. The body is made of durable metal
cooking delay timer, and in the kit you will receive a special
a basket for convenient steaming, a measuring cup and a special spoon.
It is easy to care for and use - functional and budget
option.
PANASONIC SR-TMH10
power 490 W;
volume - 2.5 liters;
number of operating modes - 6;
there is a display;
there is a steamer function;
non-stick charcoal coating;
weight 2.4 kg;
One
of the most compact models that are presented in our review, it
suitable for a very small family, or if you want to cook meals
only to a child. A lot of useful and necessary modes are supported, in
including keeping cooked food hot for 12 hours. AT
the set also includes a container for steaming food, measuring
tableware.
VITEK VT-4212 BK
power 900 W;
volume - 5 liters;
the number of operating modes - 13;
there is a display;
non-stick coating;
weight 4 kg;
This
the multicooker can no doubt be called the top seller, because it does not have
nothing more, and everything is provided. Here are many possibilities for you
modes, push-button control, backlit display and features
leave the dish warm for 24 hours, and the kit comes with
many accessories. In general, it is very easy to operate, very
functional and, most importantly, inexpensive multicooker, and it is it that can be
determine as the best multicooker - not by function, but by ratio
price quality.
PHILIPS HD 3036
power 980 W;
volume - 4 liters;
there is a display;
there is a steamer function, yogurt;
non-stick coating;
weight 4 kg;
Highly
easy-to-use multicooker in a durable steel case and with
electronic control. Caring for her will be as simple as possible, since
the bowl can be washed even in the dishwasher, and the power cord can be disconnected,
so that it will take up a minimum of space on the shelves. In addition to 12 different
modes, there is also a function of heating and maintaining the temperature.
SCARLETT IS-MC412S01
power 940 W;
volume - 4 liters;
the number of operating modes - 12;
there is a display;
there is a steamer function, yogurt;
three-layer non-stick coating;
weight 3.9 kg;
Highly
compact and inexpensive multicooker with reliable non-stick coating and
touch control. It is possible to prepare a meal according to the program
"my recipe", as well as maintain the desired temperature during the day.
The heat is distributed as evenly as possible throughout the bowl, so your food
It will always be delicious, and most importantly, quickly cooked.
UFO MCB-01
power 900 W;
volume - 5 liters;
number of operating modes - 24;
there is a display;
there is a steamer function, yogurt;
non-stick coating;
weight 3.5 kg;
Highly
A good choice, especially for the price. Just look how much
in this program model. In addition to quite standard ones, there are
jelly, dumplings, pizza, dumplings, bread, fish, preparations, compote,
mulled wine, defrosting, etc. I am also glad that the case is made of
stainless steel, and the multicooker itself turned out to be quite compact.
VITEK VT-4216CM
power 900 W;
volume - 5 liters;
number of operating modes - 20;
there is a display;
there is a steamer function, yogurt;
non-stick coating;
weight 5.5 kg;
One
of the leaders in sales in the modern market, and all this thanks to the huge
set of available modes, convenient touch control, durable
housing, the ability to maintain the temperature for 24 hours. Also
you will be pleased with the huge number of accessories included in the set, and there,
in addition to the traditional recipe book, there is also a tray for cooking on
steam, 6 cups for making yogurt, ladle, spatula, measured
cup. Without exaggeration, this multicooker can be called the dream of every
mistresses.
MOULINEX MK705132
power 750 W;
volume - 5 liters;
number of operating modes - 9;
there is a display;
there is a steamer function, yogurt;
weight 3.7 kg;
A great
option for any kitchen: the optimal number of modes, compactness and
the presence of a manual cooking mode. Heating here is carried out from above and
from below, ensuring fast and correct preparation of any product.
ZELMER ZEK 1300 V
power 820 W;
volume - 3 liters;
number of operating modes - 10;
there is a display;
there is a steamer function;
non-stick coating;
weight 2.7 kg;
Who
does not know the well-known company Zelmer? Here at the multicooker they get
very much nothing. For example, this model combines all
necessary and, according to customer reviews, is simply irreplaceable
an assistant in the kitchen, especially since she often simply displaces the stove.
MOULINEX MK105632
power 500 W;
volume - 3 liters;
number of operating modes - 8;
there is a display;
there is a steamer function;
ceramic non-stick coating;
weight 2.6 kg;
Good
option for a very small family or if you just decide
familiarize yourself with the capabilities of multicookers and look for the easiest option.
For little money you get a fairly good option with
steamer function, all necessary cooking modes, with
the presence of a manual mode, a metal case. There is a 15 hour
cooking delay timer, complete with recipe book, measured
cup, rice and soup spoons, steam tray. AT
in general, there is everything you need for an affordable price, and many modes from
those offered in more expensive devices are often simply not
used, so why pay more when quality can be obtained
already with the purchase of this multicooker.
Women often spend a lot of time preparing baby food. However, today there is a special device that can significantly speed up this process. In this article, you will learn about what a children's multicooker is.
What is a multicooker for?
Children's food should be varied and healthy. After all, the formation of a small organism depends on this. That is why manufacturers of kitchen appliances have invented a slow cooker, which is designed specifically for baby food. This device is designed to greatly facilitate the life of a young mother, who already has enough household chores.
The multicooker familiar to everyone is taken as the basis of such a device, in which pies, roasts and various side dishes are prepared. However, its functions and dimensions differ significantly from the "senior" prototype.
Multicooker for baby food - what is special?
Firstly, the children's multicooker is small in size. As a rule, the capacity of the bowl varies from 0.5 to 2.5 liters. This is enough to prepare several servings of children's meals.
Secondly, the children's multicooker has such functions as "Yogurt", "Cottage cheese", "Soup" and "Heating". This allows you to cook from the first days of a baby's life.
Thirdly, multicookers for children are much cheaper than their counterparts for preparing meals for adults. So, the average price for the device varies from 1000 to 4000 rubles, depending on the country of origin and the volume of the bowl.
How to choose a children's multicooker?
When choosing a device for preparing baby food, the following factors should be considered:
- Number of children in the family. For one child, a bowl with a capacity of 0.5-1 liter is quite suitable. And for you can even buy a full-fledged multicooker of 3-5 liters. After all, a set of its functions will also allow you to cook various cereals and even yogurt.
- The purpose of the multicooker. If you are going to cook exclusively milk porridges and warm up the bottle with the mixture, you can get by with the simplest model. But for a varied diet, you will need a more functional one.
- Amount for the purchase of a kitchen device. Today you can find inexpensive Chinese multicookers. They have all the necessary set of functions and a very bright and cheerful design. More solid models, for example, (for children), are more expensive. After all, the device is distinguished by an increased build quality and material, therefore it is able to last much longer.
What can be cooked in a children's multicooker?
Everything is limited only by the imagination of the hostess. This applies to both adult and children's menus. One of the most popular recipes that a multicooker for children allows you to cook is milk porridge. For it, you can use rice, millet, semolina and many other cereals. It is better to take pasteurized milk, as it does not require re-boiling. Mix in a bowl 1 part cereal, 2 parts milk, add a little sugar and butter. In 30 minutes in the "Milk porridge" mode, the dish will be ready.
Older children can cook vegetable soup in chicken broth. This requires the use of the "Cooking" mode. The sequence of actions is the same as when cooking soup in a conventional saucepan. However, due to uniform distribution If the heat is on, the dish will cook much faster.
A multicooker for children is a unique device that will not only diversify the daily diet of a child, but also facilitate the cooking process for a young mother. After all, with the help of the unit, you can not only create small culinary masterpieces for kids, but also heat up dishes and even use the delayed start function. You can set the slow cooker in such a way that the products laid in the evening will be ready for breakfast. These and many other features make the kitchen appliance indispensable in the life of a modern family.
For many modern families with small children, the children's multicooker has become an indispensable kitchen appliance. It is able not only to simplify the process of cooking for small family members, but also to save everything to the maximum. useful material in food, which is one of important points in children's nutrition. In addition, such devices have special features that are not always found in traditional multicookers.
The purpose of such devices, like conventional multicookers, is to cook food. But how then do they differ from standard models?
- Main bowl size. As a rule, its volume does not exceed 3 liters - this is. But this is enough to cook even a few servings of children's meals.
- Special. In addition to standard programs, such a device has additional modes and functions that are tailored to baby food, such as "Milk porridge", "Cottage cheese", "Yogurt", "Steam cooking", "Sterilization / pasteurization".
Of course, models with a large bowl volume, designed for a large family, can also have similar functions. But in children's models, thanks to small portions, dishes are prepared much faster, while using a minimum amount of electricity.
The benefits of multicookers for children
During cooking, you do not need to stir the dish or adjust the power of the heating element. It is enough to lay all the products in the bowl and set the desired mode. Convenient feature " delayed start» allows you to prepare fresh meals at any time. To do this, you just need to set the time by which the slow cooker should cook, for example, milk porridge or lunch soup.
Thanks to their compact size , such an assistant will not take up much space and is suitable even for a small kitchen. At the same time, the volume of the bowl allows you to cook not only a portion of porridge for a small child. Making the most of the volume, you can easily feed a full-fledged family of 3-4 people with breakfast. In addition, it is very convenient to take a children's multicooker to the country house, picnic or on a trip.
If necessary, simple meals it is quite possible to cook in the car by connecting it to the cigarette lighter through an adapter.
How to choose a children's multicooker
Children's multicooker today has become an indispensable kitchen appliance for many housewives. With its help, you can not only cook delicious and healthy dish, but also to diversify the daily menu of the child. In addition, it significantly saves time for young parents. Additional modes "Delay start" or "Auto heating" greatly simplify the cooking process.
