Comparison Russell Hobbs Sous Vide 25630-56 vs Profi Cook PC-SV 1112

The rated volume of the working capacity of the multicooker. The larger it is, the more food can be cooked in the device at a time. The standard indicator for modern multicookers is 4-5 L, this is enough for use in an average family of 3 — 4 people. A device with a smaller volume is useful for cooking for 1-2 people — you will not have to overpay for unnecessary capacity. If you have to cook for a large family, it makes sense to pay attention to more capacious models.

The rated power of a multicooker determines the speed at which it heats up when cooking. Manufacturers usually choose a power level that ensures efficient heating of the working capacity for its intended purpose. However, models of the same size and similar features can vary in terms of power. It's important to consider that a more powerful multicooker is generally more advanced and efficient, allowing for additional features like frying or baking. On the downside, higher power consumption is typically associated with higher costs.

Speaking about energy consumption, it is worth saying that it is relatively small in household multicookers — from 750 to 1000 W for most models. Devices with more than 1000 W are rare, relatively low power options are more common — 500 – 750 W and even less than 500 W.

The total number of cooking programs provided in the device.

The greater this number — the more extensive the possibilities of the multicooker, the wider the choice of the user. However, note that a specific set of modes may be different, this point in each case should be clarified separately. See "Programs" for details on specific modes. As for specific values, the most modest models nowadays have up to 10 programs, devices for 10 — 20 programs and even more are quite popular, and in the most multifunctional solutions this number can be more than 35.

— Thermostat. The multicooker features a temperature control regulator that allows users to set specific temperature values for the cooking container. Once the desired temperature is set, the device autonomously adjusts its operating mode to maintain a constant temperature throughout the cooking process. This function can be utilized independently or in conjunction with automatic cooking programs, providing flexibility and precision in temperature control for various cooking needs.

— Induction heating. Induction heating operates by using magnetic induction to heat the bottom of the cooking vessel. This unique method enables the working surface of the dish to reach the desired temperature within seconds. Additionally, the absence of a conventional heating element contributes to the energy efficiency of induction-based multicookers. Such models can achieve efficiency rates of 95-98%, leading to more effective energy utilization during the cooking process.

— 3D heating. The "volumetric heating" technology in multicookers incorporates additional heating elements, typically located in the lid. Another option for its implementation is the presence of a built-in fan on the inside of the lid to ensure the circulation of heated air flows. Thanks to this, the food is heated both from below and from above, which allows you to significantly speed up the cooking pr...ocess, as well as achieve maximum uniform heating. Also, 3D heating allows you to increase the number of cooking programs used.

— Auto-cooking. The presence in the device of programs for the automatic cooking of various dishes. Using such programs is often more convenient than adjusting all the parameters manually; see "Programs" above for details.

— Temperature maintaining. In the keep warm mode, the multicooker does not turn off immediately after the end of the cooking programme, but continues to operate at a low power setting, maintaining a warm temperature to keep the cooked dish hot and ready to serve.

— Auto-off timer. This function enables users to set a specific time for the multicooker to automatically turn off. This eliminates the need to manually track the cooking time, reducing the risk of overcooking or spoiling the dish. Auto-off functionality is typically available in multicooker models with auto-cooking capabilities, as mentioned earlier. However, it can also be found as a separate feature in simpler models, offering convenience and peace of mind during the cooking process.

— Delay start timer. The multicooker's programmable start function allows users to set a specific time for a cooking program to begin automatically. This feature offers the convenience of preparing dishes, such as freshly cooked porridge, for breakfast without needing to be present in the kitchen. By loading the ingredients into the multicooker the night before and setting the timer for the desired morning time, users can enjoy the luxury of sleeping a bit longer in the morning without having to manually start the multicooker.

— Remote control. The multicooker offers the convenience of remote control, typically facilitated through a dedicated application installed on a smartphone, tablet, or other compatible devices. With this feature, users can control the functions of the multicooker from a distance. In some models, this remote control capability extends to controlling the multicooker via the Internet, allowing users to manage it from anywhere in the world. The remote control feature is not only convenient for adjusting settings remotely, but also because the accompanying mobile applications often provide extensive functionality beyond what is available on the standard multicooker panel.

- Child protection. child protection in this case means the ability to lock the multicooker control panel - so that a curious small child cannot turn on the device or change the operating settings. However, for an adult, removing the lock is not a problem. Ideally, this function should be combined with a reliable lock on the lid, however, child protection alone does not guarantee the presence of such a lock - it would not hurt to clarify this point separately.

— Bowl with handles. The presence of handles on the bowl makes the multicooker more practical and convenient to use, providing a more convenient and reliable grip on the container. Handles for large-volume bowls are especially relevant. Most often, the working surface of the handles has a heat-resistant coating that quickly dissipates heat; other models can be equipped with bakelite or Teflon-coated handles — thanks to this, the bowl can be freely removed, even if it is still hot.

— Grill. A special grill that is installed in the multicooker bowl, and products for grilling are placed on it. In this mode it is possible to cook meat, fish and vegetables with an appetizing crispy crust. The cooking temperature is usually around 220 – 240 °C.

— Steamer stand. Multicooker bowl stand with characteristic perforations for steaming healthy food. As a rule, it is equipped with small legs and is placed above some water at the bottom of the multicooker bowl. Boiling water turns into steam, and passing through the holes in the stand this steam cooks the food. Steaming is considered one of the most gentle cooking modes and is widely used in dietary nutrition, including children's nutrition. — Steamer basket. The steamer basket is a hanging container with a perforated bottom, installed in the upper part of the multicooker bowl. Wat...er is poured directly into the bowl, which boils and turns into steam. This steam is forced through the holes in the container and cooks healthy food.

— Deep-frying basket. The deep-frying basket typically features a metal mesh structure, primarily employed for frying foods in a deep layer of heated oil or fat. It proves useful for preparing items like French fries, battered foods (vegetables, mushrooms, fish, etc.), chips, and similar dishes. Many deep-frying baskets come equipped with handles or a lifting mechanism for easy immersion and removal of food from the oil.

— Frying pan. Availability of own frying pan included in the delivery of the device. Multicookers with a frying pan, as a rule, have a movable heater that can be raised and the frying pan placed on it, and at the end of cooking, lowered to the standard position.

— Yogurt jars. The delivery set includes special jars for making yogurt (for more details, see “Programmes”). For a number of reasons, it is considered optimal for this product to use several small jars instead of one large container.

The type of non-stick coating used in the working container of the multicooker.

— Teflon. Teflon, also known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is a widely used non-stick coating characterized by its dark color. It offers excellent non-stick properties and is easy to clean, making it popular in various applications. However, there are specific guidelines for using Teflon. Overheating should be avoided as it can cause cracks and the release of harmful substances. Although the maximum operating temperature of Teflon is sufficient for frying, it is not extremely high. Scratches can render the coating unusable and can also lead to the release of harmful substances, so Teflon should be washed carefully, and only wooden or silicone spatulas should be used, avoiding metal utensils.

— Ceramic. Ceramic coating offers a combination of safety and reliability. It is resistant to scratches and remains usable even if scratches occur, without releasing any harmful substances. Similarly, ceramic coatings can withstand high temperatures without deteriorating or emitting harmful fumes. Cleaning ceramic-coated containers is relatively easy and straightforward. However, it's worth noting that ceramic coatings are more sensitive to shocks and temperature changes, which can lead to cracking or even chipping of the coating.