Dinner ideas

Why the multicooker is the game-changing appliance of meal prep

A look at the most versatile kitchen appliance on the block.
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While the slow cooker, pressure cooker and rice cooker all boast their own slew of merits, the multicooker is a disruptor to the kitchen appliance game realm that can do it all – and more.

What are the benefits of a multifunction cooker?

An adaptable and versatile appliance for your countertop, a multicooker (or multifunction cooker) holds an impressive suite of benefits to shake up mealtime prep, including:

  • Convenience: Simply dump in all of your ingredients, set the timer and function, and walk away; the multicooker will do the rest. (Remember to check back on the pot every so often.)

  • Versatility: From soups and stews to rice and beans to whole chickens, porridge and even yogurt – the multicooker can do it all. This makes it a great option for home cooks who want to be able to cook a variety of dishes without having to own multiple different appliances.

  • Speed: Multicookers can cook food quickly; this is especially true for pressure cooker recipes that often involve tough cuts of meat.

  • Affordability: Relatively affordable, you can find a quality multicooker around the $100 mark – making it a solid investment for budgeting households.

6 best multicookers to invest in this winter

To make mealtime all the more streamlined, we’ve researched and rounded up some of the best multicookers currently on the Australian market. Read on for our top picks.

01

Tefal Cook4Me multicooker

Tefal Cook4Me multicooker, $280 (usually $399), Myer

With 150 built-in recipes for starters, mains and desserts plus hundreds of extra recipes on the free app, the Cook4Me multicooker makes for an intuitive head chef. Cooking up to 80 per cent times faster on pressure cooking mode – as well as also having steam, brown, simmer and reheat functions – this multifunction cooker is a mealtime gamechanger.

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02

Philips All-In-One multicooker, $149 (usually $249), Amazon

Featuring upgraded power efficiency and ProCeramic+ coating, this Philips multicooker is sure to stand the test of time. Keep food warm for up to 12 hours before enjoying quality dishes with melt-in-mouth tenderness.

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03

Crock Pot Crock-Pot Express multicooker, $159, The Good Guys

With pressure cooking, slow cooking, frypan, steam and rice cooking functions, this Crock Pot multicooker is ideal for households of four to six. Featuring pre-set menu options for dishes such as risotto and yoghurt, this trusty appliance takes the guesswork out of cooking.

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04

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 multicooker, $129, Amazon

With 13 one-touch smart programs from the likes of broth, slow cook and sauté to porridge, poultry and yogurt, this advanced multicooker from Instant Pot is a handy model to have in your appliance arsenal come weekend meal prepping.

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05

GreenPan Omni cooker, $349, Myer

Heating up with haste on 10 easy presets, the Omnicooker automatically adjusts the temperature and cooking time for your dish – to take the guesswork out of dinnertime. A great alternative to classic cooking, you can make your whole meal in the same pot that has non-stick surface to make clean-up a breeze.

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06

Breville Fast Slow Pro multicooker

Breville Fast Slow Pro multicooker, $369, The Good Guys

With slow cook, pressure cook and searing functions, the Fast Slow Pro from Breville is true to its name. Sporting a stainless steel finish, it’s also a sleek addition upon any benchtop.

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