Multi Cooker vs Slow Cooker – Which Is Right For Your Home?

With so many new kitchen appliances available for sale nowadays we either need extra large kitchens with multiple counter tops. Or a decent way to differentiate between what we really need and what is just the “in gadget” that will ultimately find its way under the counter never to be used again. Which brings us to today’s speciality subjects: the multi cooker and the slow cooker.

What’s The Difference Between Multi Cookers And Slow Cookers?

On the surface, there’s not a great deal of difference between these two appliances. They’re both designed to sit on the counter top, both have shiny, stainless steel exteriors, both relatively easy to clean and both have the inner pot dishwasher safe. 

However, it’s when we look at the functionality of each that the differences become apparent. Let’s take a closer look at both and take it from there.

What Is A Multi Cooker

Multi cookers could be called the next generation pressure cookers. They are capable of many functions including slow cooking, rice cooking, pressure cooking, sauteing, cake making and much more. The pressure function works by heating water above boiling point and using the steam to cook.

Multi cookers make great;

• Stews
• Soups
• Roast dinners
• Curry
• Rice dishes
• Chilli
• Pasta
• Porridge (oatmeal)
• Fried food
• Yogurt
• Bread
• Desserts

What Are The Pros Of A Multi Cooker?

• As the name implies, multi cookers can make multiple dishes at the same time using pots within a pot.
• Incredibly versatile, and able to perform all of the cooking steps usually performed on the cooker top or oven.
• Easy to use, performing many hands on tasks, at the touch of a button.
• Cooks way faster than any other conventional cooking appliance.
• Great for cooking food from frozen, making breads, cooking rice, making yogurts and hard boiling eggs.

What Are The Cons Of A Multi Cooker?

• It takes quite a long time to master all of the functions and nuances of the multi cooker as there is so much that can be done with it.
• The heating element is located at the bottom of the appliance only unlike the slow cooker which has a heating band around the middle.
• During the cooking process you’re not able to see or taste the food until the process is complete.
• The multi cooker has the ability to saute, steam and sear, but it can’t replace the flavour obtained during grilling.

Interested in buying a multi cooker? Check out our multi cooker review here.

What Is A Slow Cooker

A slow cooker uses slow, even heat to cook the food over a long time period, typically 4 to 8 hours depending on what’s cooking. Once all of the ingredients are placed inside the pot and the lid is put on, you don’t touch it until it’s done.

Slow cookers work by trapping the moisture from the food, so in many cases there’s no need to add water. Plus as it is temperature controlled, you’re not supposed to remove the lid during cooking. This means you don’t need to supervise what’s going on.

Slow cookers make great;

• Stews
• Chilis
• Casseroles
• Goulash
• Curry

What Are The Pros Of A Slow Cooker?

• Slow cookers are often called the “set it and forget it” cooker, which means you don’t need to stick around to add anything or adjust the temperature etc…
• They are great for cooking recipes which take a long time at low temperatures like beans in gravy, and you don’t necessarily need to soak the beans first (unlike a multi cooker). Also great for chillis, stews etc…
• Great for keeping food warm for long periods of time.

What Are The Cons Of A Slow Cooker?

• It takes time and planning to prepare a meal, if you forget to put anything into the pot before you leave home the meal could possibly be ruined by the time you get home.
• Slow cookers have fewer functions and can perform less tasks than multi cookers.
• They are designed to be left on for multiple hours, but leaving any electrical appliance switched on and unattended for a long period of time can be worrying.

Which Is Better Multi Cooker Or Slow Cooker?

As these appliances do similar and yet such differing tasks, it’s difficult to pin down which is better. It really depends on what kinds of meals you prefer to cook. Obviously if you are a methodical person that always plans everything before starting, the slow cooker will be your best bet.

However, if you are more sporadic and like to do things last minute, then a multi cooker will probably suit you better.

Multi Cooker Vs Slow Cooker Price Comparison

To aid in your decision making process here are the approximate prices for both the multi cooker and the slow cooker.

Multi Cooker Price

Multi cookers range in price from budget models costing around £50 for a 4 litre capacity to top of the range models costing around £220 for a 9 litre capacity.

Slow Cooker Price

Slow cookers range in price from budget models costing around £15 with 1.8 litres capacity to £80 with 5 litres capacity.

Should I Buy A Multi Cooker Or A Slow Cooker?

In an ideal world, you’d buy both as they both excel at different tasks. If, however, you only have space for one, it ultimately depends on the style of foods you like to eat and your own personal choice. We would suggest buying a multi cooker as this has slow cooking functionality included.

Frequently Asked Questions