Advanced Multicooker Functions Explained

Most people use only a fraction of their multicooker's capabilities. Beyond basic pressure cooking, these appliances offer advanced functions that can transform your cooking. Let's explore these features and learn how to use them effectively.

Sauté Function: Building Flavor

The sauté function turns your multicooker into a stovetop. Use it to brown meat, caramelize onions, or reduce sauces. This step adds depth of flavor before pressure cooking. Adjust the temperature (low, medium, high) based on your needs. Always deglaze the pot after sautéing to prevent burning during pressure cooking.

Slow Cook Mode: Best of Both Worlds

Many multicookers include a slow cook function, offering flexibility for different recipes. Use it for dishes that benefit from long, gentle cooking. Note that multicooker slow cook functions may cook faster than traditional slow cookers due to better heat retention. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Yogurt Making: Probiotic Perfection

The yogurt function maintains precise temperatures for culturing milk. Heat milk to 180°F, cool to 110°F, add starter culture, then incubate for 8-12 hours. The result is fresh, probiotic-rich yogurt at a fraction of store-bought prices. Strain it for Greek-style yogurt. This function alone can save hundreds of dollars annually.

Steam Function: Healthy Cooking

Steaming preserves nutrients better than boiling. Use the steam function with a steamer basket for vegetables, dumplings, or fish. The multicooker's sealed environment steams food quickly and evenly. Try steaming a whole meal - fish on top, vegetables below - for a complete, healthy dinner in minutes.

Keep Warm: Extended Holding

The keep warm function maintains food at safe serving temperatures for hours. This is perfect for potlucks or when family members eat at different times. However, don't use it for initial cooking - always cook food properly first, then switch to keep warm. Some foods may dry out if held too long.

Delay Start: Timed Convenience

Program your multicooker to start cooking at a specific time. This is great for having dinner ready when you arrive home or breakfast ready when you wake up. Important: only use delay start with recipes that don't contain perishable ingredients that could spoil at room temperature.

Pressure Levels: High vs Low

Most recipes use high pressure, but low pressure is better for delicate foods like fish, eggs, or custards. Low pressure cooks at about 6-8 PSI versus 10-12 PSI for high pressure. This gentler cooking prevents overcooking delicate ingredients while still providing the benefits of pressure cooking.

Manual/Custom Settings: Ultimate Control

Manual mode lets you set exact cooking times and pressure levels. This is essential for adapting traditional recipes or fine-tuning cooking times for your preferences. Keep notes on what works for your favorite recipes. Over time, you'll develop a personal database of perfect cooking times.

Altitude Adjustments

If you live at high altitude (above 3,000 feet), you'll need to adjust cooking times. Increase cooking time by 5% for every 1,000 feet above sea level. This compensates for lower atmospheric pressure at altitude. Some advanced multicookers have altitude adjustment settings built in.

Combining Functions: Advanced Techniques

Master cooks combine functions for complex recipes. Sauté aromatics, pressure cook the main dish, then use sauté again to reduce the sauce. Or steam vegetables while pressure cooking rice below. These techniques maximize efficiency and create restaurant-quality results at home.