How to Use a Multi-Cooker
Multi-cookers are versatile kitchen appliances that have become increasingly popular in recent years. There are several reasons for this, including the fact that they simplify meal preparation, provide a huge range of functions, help cook healthy meals and support everyday nutritional wellbeing without compromising on flavour.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about using a multi-cooker, including the setup process, the range of uses they provide, how to operate one, and how to clean and maintain the unit to extend its longevity.
Setting Up Your Multi-Cooker
Before you start using a multi-cooker, it’s important to get to grips with its components and functions.
Although many of these units are similar, there are subtle differences to take note of. For example, Panasonic’s models, such as the NF-GM400 (4 trays) and NF-GM600 (6 trays), both come with stackable trays for multi-level cooking, a drip tray, a lid, and other removable inner accessories.
How to set up a multi-cooker:
- Always place your multi-cooker on a flat, stable surface with plenty of ventilation.
- Clean appropriate removable parts, such as trays, lid, and drip tray, in warm soapy water before first use.
- Assemble the trays according to your model’s manual.
- Plug in the unit and familiarise yourself with the digital control panel, which will provide easy access to pre-set programmes and manual cooking options.
Understanding What Multi-Cookers Can Be Used For
One of the best things about multi-cookers is how versatile they are. Panasonic’s models are designed to deliver a wide range of cooking techniques while saving valuable kitchen space and reducing the need to purchase multiple appliances.
Common Multi-cooker Uses:
- Steaming : Tiered trays make it easy to steam multiple foods at the same time, including fish, vegetables, dim sum, and gyozas.
- Grilling : Specially designed grill plates make it easy to cook steaks, hamburgers, kebabs, and even BBQ.
- Slow Cooking: Deeper pots provide a fantastic way to make stews, soups , curries, and more.
- Flat Plate Cooking: Ideal for pancakes, eggs, naan bread, and so on.
- Roasting and Baking: Some models can roast meats and bake bread or desserts.
Operating Your Multi-Cooker
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut and season your food as required. It’s worth noting that foods that cook faster, such as vegetables or fish, tend to be placed on higher trays, while meat and denser foods are positioned lower.
- Prepare Specialised Trays: If you’re planning to use a specialised tray, it’s important to ensure it’s prepared correctly before use. For example, if you’re steaming, ensure the water reservoir is filled to the recommended level.
- Select Cooking Programme: Use the digital control panel to select from pre-set functions or set a manual temperature and cooking time.
- Monitor: Multi-cookers don’t tend to require a lot of intervention once running, but you might want to check progress if using manual settings.
- End Cycle: The appliance will beep to notify you when the programme is complete. Be careful when removing trays because steam can escape when opening the lid.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Ensuring your multi-cooker is cleaned regularly and maintained to manufacturer standards not only extends the life of the unit but also ensures your meals will remain fresh and free from any unwanted, lingering scents and flavours.
How to clean a multi-cooker:
- Unplug and Cool Down: You should always wait for your multi-cooker to completely cool before cleaning.
- Remove and Wash Components: Trays, drip trays, and lids are detachable and can be washed in warm soapy water. Some parts may also be dishwasher safe, but it’s important to check your model’s guide beforehand.
- Wipe Main Unit: Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the exterior and control panel. Do not immerse the unit in water.
Benefits of Panasonic Multi-Cookers
Multi-cookers come in plenty of shapes and sizes, with many of them sharing a wide range of common traits. However, the Panasonic range has been designed to make cooking easier and more enjoyable than ever before.
Some of the main benefits of Panasonic multi-cookers include:
- Smoke extractor for more enjoyable cooking
- Up to 6 easy-switch cooking plates
- High temperature range of 40°C to 250°C
- 9 automatic cooking programmes
- Manual cooking operation
- Keep-warm function
- Easy-to-store design
Other Multi-Cooker Tips
Although multi-cookers are versatile, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of your unit, including:
- Follow the Manual: Every unit is slightly different, so it’s important to refer to the manual for correct use.
- Don’t Overfill: Leaving enough space for steam circulation will lead to even cooking and better results.
- Consider Your Layering: Placing denser foods on lower trays and delicate foods on higher trays is advisable.
- Experiment: Make the most of your multi-cooker by experimenting with a range of cooking techniques. You can also prepare entire meals simultaneously, such as fish, vegetables, and rice. Discover our recommendations for international multi-cooker recipes to explore the possibilities.
