Introduction
Cookers are essential for any home chef who wants to make fuss-free meals that are sure to impress. Depending on your kitchen space and fuel supply, you can choose from freestanding, built-in, single, double, and range cookers. You’ll also have to consider the type of hob, oven, and grill that suit your cooking style. To help you find the best cooker for your budget and preferences, we’ve tried and tested models and selected of the best cookers for frying, baking, roasting, and grilling.
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Crockpot Turbo Express 14-in-1 Pressure Multi-Cooker
This multi-cooker offers 14 functions in one appliance, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, searing, sautéing, steaming, roasting, baking, and more. It has a large 6-litre capacity that can feed up to eight people, and a digital display that lets you easily adjust the settings and timer. It also comes with a recipe book and accessories such as a steaming rack and a serving spoon. Whether you want to make soups, stews, curries, cakes, or yoghurt, this multi-cooker can do it all.
2. Best Budget: Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1
If you’re looking for a value-for-money cooker that can save you time and energy, this pressure cooker is a great option. It has 12 pre-set functions that let you cook rice, pasta, meat, fish, vegetables, and more in minutes. It also has a keep-warm function that keeps your food hot until you’re ready to serve. It has a generous 5.7-litre capacity that can feed up to six people, and a non-stick inner pot that’s easy to clean.
3. Best Rice Cooker: Wolf Gourmet Programmable
This multi-cooker is ideal for rice lovers who want to cook perfect fluffy rice every time. It has a dedicated rice function that automatically adjusts the pressure and temperature to suit different types of rice. It also has other functions such as pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, searing, steaming, and reducing. It has a 6-litre capacity that can serve up to eight people, and a LCD display that shows the progress of your cooking.
4. Best Large Cooker: Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid
This cooker is perfect for large families or parties who want to cook large batches of food with ease. It has two lids that transform it into different appliances: one lid for pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, sous vide cooking; and another lid for air frying, roasting, baking, broiling and dehydrating. It has an 8-litre capacity that can fit a whole chicken or roast beef. It also has smart programs that take the guesswork out of cooking.
5. Best Gas Cooker: Rinnai Rice Cooker 55 Cups NSF
This gas cooker is a classic choice for those who prefer gas over electric. It has a double oven with a combined capacity of 83 litres that lets you cook multiple dishes at different temperatures. It also has a four-burner gas hob with enamel pan supports that are easy to clean. It has a catalytic liner in the main oven that absorbs grease and dirt and burns them off at high temperatures. It also has a glass lid that acts as a splashback when open and shuts off the gas when closed.
Buying Guide
If you love cooking, you might be interested in finding the best cookers for your kitchen. Cookers are appliances that can cook various types of food using different methods, such as baking, roasting, steaming, frying, or grilling. They can save you time, energy, and space by combining multiple functions in one device. But how do you choose the best cookers for your needs? Here are some things to consider:
- Size and capacity: You should measure the space available in your kitchen and the amount of food you usually cook. Cookers come in different sizes and capacities, ranging from small and compact to large and spacious. You should pick a cooker that fits your space and can accommodate your cooking needs.
- Features and functions: You should also check the features and functions of the cookers you are considering. Some cookers have more options and settings than others, such as temperature control, timer, delay start, keep warm, or self-cleaning. You should look for a cooker that has the features and functions that suit your cooking style and preferences.
- Price and quality: Of course, you should also consider your budget and the quality of the cookers you are interested in. Cookers vary in price and quality, depending on the brand, model, materials, and performance. You should compare the prices and reviews of different cookers and find the best value for your money.
FAQs
You might also have some questions about cookers before buying one. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
1. What is the difference between a cooker and an oven?
A cooker is a general term for an appliance that can cook food using different methods, such as baking, roasting, steaming, frying, or grilling. An oven is a specific type of cooker that uses hot air to cook food by baking or roasting.
2. How do I clean my cooker?
The best way to clean your cooker depends on the type and model of your cooker. Some cookers have a self-cleaning function that uses high heat to burn off any grease or food residue. Other cookers require manual cleaning with a damp cloth, soap, and water. You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean your cooker properly and safely.
3. How long do cookers last?
The lifespan of a cooker depends on several factors, such as the quality, usage, maintenance, and care of your cooker. Generally speaking, a good-quality cooker can last for 10 to 15 years or more if you use it regularly and take good care of it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best cookers for your kitchen can be easy if you know what to look for. You should consider the size and capacity, features and functions, price and quality of the cookers you are interested in. You should also do some research and read some reviews to find out more about the cookers you are considering. By doing so, you can enjoy cooking delicious meals with your new cooker.
