Multicooker or steamer: how to choose and buy well
Multicooker, pressure cooker or steamer
These appliances look alike but cook differently, so first decide what you actually need.
- A multicooker stews, boils, bakes, and makes porridge and yoghurt using programmes. It suits everyday cooking.
- A multicooker with a pressure function works under pressure, so dishes that take long, such as meat on the bone or lentils, are ready faster.
- A steamer cooks with steam and suits diet and baby food; it usually has several tiers.
- A multi-oven is a general name for a few functions, combining an oven with other modes.
Bowl, capacity and coating
For 1–2 people 3 l is enough, for a family with a child people usually take 4–5 l. For a big group, weekend batch cooking and large pots of meat, you need 6 l or more.
Bowl coating: non-stick is the most common, but scratches ruin it, so never cut with a knife in the bowl. Ceramic is tougher and many consider it safer, but it is more brittle when knocked. Ask whether a spare bowl can be bought separately: it helps if the coating gets damaged.
If you take a pressure cooker, ask about the levels of protection: a pressure-release valve, a lid lock under pressure and a temperature sensor. For a steamer, the number of tiers matters, and whether you can add water during cooking without lifting them off.
What to put in your request
- Type — multicooker, pressure cooker, steamer or multi-oven.
- Model — for example, Philips HD2151.
- Bowl capacity — in litres.
- Functions — pressure, number of programmes, bowl coating, yoghurt and baking modes, app.
- New or used.
- Warranty.
- Delivery — courier and your city.
- Budget.
Example: “I need a new 5 l multicooker with a pressure function, a ceramic bowl and a yoghurt mode. Brand warranty, courier delivery to Cape Town. Budget up to R 1,600.”
How to compare offers
Look at what is in the box: measuring cup, spoon, steaming basket, recipe book. These are small things, but some sellers include a bowl or a rack and some don't. Also ask about the cable and warranty service in your city.
Choose carefully with used ones: ask for photos of the bowl inside and of the valve, and ask whether the lid and the seal are in good order. For pressure cookers a working safety valve and sealing ring are especially important.
How BlaBlaPrice helps
You describe your wishes in a request, and sellers reply in chat with the model, price, what is included and the delivery terms. The platform compares the answers and shows the best-value one first, and you see seller reviews. Your phone stays hidden until you decide to share it. Read also How it works.
To complete your kitchen set, you can add a bread maker or a food processor.
