Ever wish you could whip up a delicious meal with just one pot? That’s the magic of a multi-cooker! But with so many models out there, finding the perfect one can feel overwhelming. You want a kitchen helper that’s reliable, easy to use, and actually makes cooking fun, not frustrating.
America’s Test Kitchen is known for its super-thorough testing. They put products through the wringer to find the absolute best. So, when they recommend a multi-cooker, you know it’s a good one. If you’re tired of cluttered countertops and complicated recipes, this post is for you. We’ll dive into what makes a great multi-cooker and highlight the top picks from America’s Test Kitchen.
By the end of this post, you’ll understand which multi-cookers passed their rigorous tests and why. Get ready to discover the kitchen companion that will simplify your cooking and bring delicious meals to your table with less fuss!
Our Top 5 Multi Cooker America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Multi Cooker America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. Multicooker Perfection: Cook It Fast or Cook It Slow-You Decide
Rating: 9.3/10
The Multicooker Perfection: Cook It Fast or Cook It Slow-You Decide is a kitchen game-changer. This amazing appliance helps you whip up delicious meals in no time, or lets you simmer them for hours. It’s designed for busy people who want great food without the fuss. This multicooker makes cooking simple and fun for everyone.
What We Like:
- It cooks food super fast when you’re in a hurry.
- You can also cook food slowly for tender, flavorful results.
- It’s very easy to clean up after cooking.
- It saves you space in your kitchen by doing the job of many appliances.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction manual could be a little clearer for beginners.
- More recipe ideas would be helpful to get started.
This multicooker truly lives up to its name, offering incredible flexibility for any cooking style. It’s an excellent addition to any kitchen, making meal prep a breeze.
2. Zavor LUX 8 Quart Multi-cooker with America’s Test Kitchen Multicooker Perfection Cookbook
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the Zavor LUX 8 Quart Multi-cooker, your new kitchen superhero! This bundle isn’t just about a powerful cooker; it’s a complete package for home cooks. America’s Test Kitchen, a name you trust for reliable testing, named this 8-quart multi-cooker a “runner-up best.” Plus, it comes with one of their top-rated multicooker cookbooks. This means you get expert-approved tools and guidance to make delicious meals.
What We Like:
- Versatile cooking: Pressure cook (high/low), slow cook (high/low), cook rice (white, brown, risotto), and make yogurt.
- Smart cooking features: Sauté and brown directly in the pot, simmer to deepen flavors, steam for healthy cooking, and use a time delay to start meals later.
- Convenient: Yogurt making is a simple two-step process. Keep Warm automatically keeps food ready to eat.
- Safe and efficient: ETL approved for safety, it won’t open under pressure. The powerful 1300-watt heating element cooks food faster.
- Easy cleanup: The stainless steel pot is dishwasher-safe and free of harmful chemicals.
- Great value bundle: Includes the cooker, a cookbook, quick guide, user manual, and over 120 digital recipes.
- Backed by a warranty: Comes with a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could offer more detailed troubleshooting tips for beginners.
- While the digital recipe book is a nice bonus, some users might prefer a physical copy in addition to it.
This Zavor LUX multi-cooker bundle is an excellent choice for anyone looking to simplify their cooking and explore new recipes. It offers a great blend of performance, safety, and convenience.
3. Zavor LUX LCD 6 Quart Multi-cooker with America’s Test Kitchen Multicooker Perfection Cookbook
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to transform your kitchen with the Zavor LUX LCD 6 Quart Multi-cooker. This bundle includes the highly-rated 6-quart multi-cooker, recognized by America’s Test Kitchen as the best in the market. You also get their top-rated multicooker cookbook, packed with delicious recipes. It’s like having a professional chef guiding you every step of the way.
What We Like:
- It offers a huge variety of cooking functions, like pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, and even making yogurt.
- The “Flex” function is amazing. You can use it like a pressure cooker or a regular pot.
- There are over 33 programmable settings for different foods, making cooking super easy.
- The white rice setting cooks rice perfectly, just like a traditional rice cooker.
- You can brown your food right in the pot before you start cooking.
- The “Keep Warm” feature is handy. It keeps your food warm until you’re ready to eat.
- You can even program it to start cooking up to 6 hours in advance with the Time Delay.
- Helpful icons on the panel tell you what the cooker is doing.
- It comes with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction manual could be a bit clearer in some sections.
- Some users have found the initial setup slightly confusing.
This Zavor LUX Multi-cooker bundle is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It simplifies cooking and opens up a world of delicious possibilities.
4. America’s Test Kitchen Twentieth Anniversary TV Show Cookbook: Best-Ever Recipes from the Most Successful Cooking Show on TV (Complete ATK TV Show Cookbook)
Rating: 9.4/10
Celebrate two decades of kitchen triumphs with the America’s Test Kitchen Twentieth Anniversary TV Show Cookbook. This book brings you the best recipes from the most popular cooking show on television. It’s your complete guide to making those amazing dishes you’ve seen on screen.
What We Like:
- It features tried-and-true recipes that really work.
- You get a huge collection of popular dishes from the show.
- The instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for beginners.
- You’ll learn cooking techniques from the experts at America’s Test Kitchen.
- It’s a great way to impress friends and family with restaurant-quality meals at home.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some recipes might require special equipment you don’t already own.
- The sheer number of recipes could feel a bit overwhelming at first.
This cookbook is an excellent resource for anyone who loves America’s Test Kitchen and wants to recreate its fantastic recipes. It’s a valuable addition to any home cook’s library.
5. America’s Test Kitchen Potatoes 20 Ways: Baked
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to transform your potato game with “America’s Test Kitchen Potatoes 20 Ways: Baked, Fried, Mashed, Smashed, and more.” This cookbook is your ultimate guide to mastering every potato preparation imaginable. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this book offers clear, tested recipes that guarantee delicious results every time. You’ll discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable.
What We Like:
- Offers 20 distinct and tasty potato recipes.
- Recipes are tested and reliable, ensuring success.
- Covers a wide range of cooking methods, from baking to frying.
- Appeals to all skill levels in the kitchen.
- Helps you unlock the full potential of potatoes.
What Could Be Improved:
- No specific mention of dietary adaptations (like vegan or gluten-free options) within the core recipe descriptions.
- Could benefit from more visual aids like step-by-step photos for complex techniques.
This cookbook is an excellent investment for anyone who loves potatoes. It’s packed with dependable recipes that will become family favorites.
Choosing Your Next Kitchen Hero: The America’s Test Kitchen Multi-Cooker
Are you ready to simplify your cooking and unlock a world of delicious possibilities? A multi-cooker can be your new best friend in the kitchen. America’s Test Kitchen, known for its thorough testing and honest reviews, has helped countless home cooks find the right tools. This guide will help you understand what makes a great multi-cooker and how to pick the one that’s perfect for you.
What Makes a Multi-Cooker a Multi-Cooker?
A multi-cooker is like a kitchen superhero. It can do the jobs of many appliances. Think of it as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, and sometimes even a sauté pan, all in one. This means less clutter on your counter and more time to enjoy your meals.
Key Features to Look For
What are the most important things to consider when buying?
- Versatility: Does it offer many cooking functions? The more functions, the more recipes you can try.
- Size: How many people do you usually cook for? Multi-cookers come in different sizes, from small ones for one or two people to larger ones for families.
- Ease of Use: Is the control panel easy to understand? Simple buttons and clear displays make cooking much less stressful.
- Safety Features: Pressure cooking can be tricky. Look for models with good safety locks and vents.
- Durability: Will it last a long time? A well-built multi-cooker is a good investment.
Important Materials
What materials should I look for in a multi-cooker?
The inner pot is usually the part you’ll interact with the most. Many good multi-cookers have inner pots made of stainless steel or non-stick materials.
- Stainless Steel: This is a very durable and easy-to-clean material. It’s also great for searing meats before pressure cooking.
- Non-stick: This makes cleanup a breeze, especially for sticky foods like rice or certain stews. However, be careful not to scratch the non-stick coating.
The outer body is typically made of sturdy plastic or stainless steel. Both can be good, but stainless steel often feels more premium and lasts longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a multi-cooker great, and what makes it not so great?
America’s Test Kitchen always looks for performance. A high-quality multi-cooker will cook food evenly and consistently.
What makes a multi-cooker better?
- Consistent Cooking: Food should be cooked perfectly every time.
- Fast Cooking Times: Especially with pressure cooking, you want it to be quick.
- Easy Cleaning: Nobody likes scrubbing pots for hours.
- Intuitive Controls: Simple is best.
What makes a multi-cooker worse?
- Uneven Cooking: Some parts of your food might be burnt while others are undercooked.
- Long Cooking Times: If it takes too long, it defeats the purpose.
- Difficult Cleaning: Stubborn food stuck to the pot is frustrating.
- Confusing Controls: A complicated panel can make you want to give up.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will a multi-cooker make my life easier?
A multi-cooker can truly transform your kitchen routine. Imagine coming home after a long day and having a delicious meal ready in under an hour. That’s the power of a multi-cooker!
Great for Busy Weeknights:
Pressure cooking is super fast. You can make pulled pork or tender beef stew in a fraction of the time it used to take. This is perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a home-cooked meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep:
Slow cooker functions are ideal for preparing large batches of grains, soups, or chilis. You can cook a big pot on Sunday and have healthy lunches ready for the whole week.
Versatile for Different Diets:
Whether you’re cooking for one, a family, or have specific dietary needs, a multi-cooker can handle it. You can steam vegetables, cook perfect rice, or even make homemade yogurt. It’s a tool that grows with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main functions of a multi-cooker?
A: Common functions include pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, and yogurt making.
Q: Are America’s Test Kitchen multi-cookers easy to use?
A: Generally, yes. They focus on user-friendly designs with clear controls.
Q: How do I clean a multi-cooker?
A: The inner pot is usually dishwasher safe. The exterior can be wiped down with a damp cloth.
Q: Can I cook frozen food in a multi-cooker?
A: Yes, many multi-cookers can cook food directly from frozen, though cooking times may be longer.
Q: What size multi-cooker do I need?
A: Consider how many people you typically cook for. 3-quart for 1-2 people, 6-quart for families, and 8-quart for larger gatherings.
Q: Is pressure cooking safe in a multi-cooker?
A: Modern multi-cookers have multiple safety features to make pressure cooking safe.
Q: Can I sauté in a multi-cooker?
A: Yes, many models have a sauté function that allows you to brown meats or vegetables before other cooking methods.
Q: What is the difference between a multi-cooker and an Instant Pot?
A: Instant Pot is a popular brand of multi-cooker. A multi-cooker is the general term for the appliance.
Q: How long do multi-cookers usually last?
A: With proper care, a good quality multi-cooker can last for many years.
Q: Can I use my own recipes with a multi-cooker?
A: Absolutely! Once you understand how your multi-cooker works, you can adapt many of your favorite recipes.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!