Goodbye air fryer: In recent years, if there’s one kitchen gadget that has gained immense popularity, it’s the air fryer. Its gentle hum can now be heard in almost every home, where this machine uses hot air to make French fries, samosas, nuggets, and a variety of other crispy. When people buy an air fryer, they have one dream in mind—delicious and healthy food with less oil. Initially, this dream seems to come true. Chicken wings, fries, and many other snacks start being made at home.
But as time passes, a reality sets in. Most people end up making the same few recipes repeatedly in their air fryer. Gradually, the machine becomes limited to simply heating frozen food or occasionally frying snacks. This is where a new shift in kitchen technology begins, one that is changing not just convenience but the entire way we cook.
From Single-Task Gadgets to Multi-Function Cooking
Today, most people live in small flats or apartments where kitchen space is extremely limited. In such homes, you often see multiple machines cluttering the kitchen counter—an air fryer here, a rice cooker there, a blender, and a microwave. These appliances are all excellent at their specific tasks, but each performs only one function.
Initially, these gadgets promise to make life easier, but over time, their usage decreases. This is where multi-function cookers come into their own. These modern machines offer multiple cooking modes in a single unit, such as frying, steaming, slow cooking, grilling, roasting, baking, sautéing, reheating, and even food dehydrating. Having so many options in one machine is a boon for small kitchens.
Great Convenience for Small Homes
In today’s small homes, multi-function cookers are essentially acting as mini-kitchens. These appliances feature a heating system, convection fan, steam system, and precise temperature control—all in one. The biggest advantage is that it changes the way we think about cooking.
Previously, people would think, “What can I cook in an air fryer?”, but now they think, “What do I feel like eating today?”. This shift is significant. Now, cooking is not limited by the machine’s capabilities, but rather by our preferences and needs. In a single machine, you can simmer lentils on low heat, roast vegetables at high temperature, or crisp food with hot air.
Easy Cooking in Everyday Life
The real benefit of multi-function cookers becomes apparent in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. These machines are proving incredibly helpful, especially for working professionals and busy families. For example, you can sauté onions and garlic in the sauté mode. Then, in the same pot, you can add rice, lentils, or vegetables and set it to slow cook or pressure cook mode.
The entire meal is ready in a short time. If desired, you can use the air fry or grill mode at the end to give the food a slightly crispy texture. This way, the entire meal is prepared in a single machine and a single pot, saving time, effort, and dishes.
Why Proper Use is Important
It’s often observed that people don’t use all the features of a new kitchen appliance after buying it. For example, people who buy air fryers mostly limit themselves to frying, and those who buy slow cookers only make soups or stews.
To get the most out of multi-function cookers, it’s essential to try a new mode every week. One week steaming, the next week baking or roasting. Gradually adopting new cooking styles eliminates the boredom of cooking the same food every day and keeps the excitement of trying something new in the kitchen alive.
Reduced Time and Mental Stress
The biggest advantage of these modern kitchen gadgets is that they reduce both time and mental burden. In today’s fast-paced life, people often order food because cooking seems like a hassle. But when an entire meal can be easily prepared in a single machine, home-cooked meals become easy and appealing again.
Many cooking experts believe that these machines don’t stifle creativity, but rather eliminate excuses. When roasting, steaming, and frying can all be done in one place, the time and effort required for cooking are significantly reduced.
Most Frequently Used Cooking Modes
Although multi-function cookers have many features, some modes are typically used more often than others. The air fry or convection mode is popular for making crispy food. The slow cook mode is extremely useful for soups, dals, and curries. The steam mode is preferred for items like fish, vegetables, and momos. The bake or roast mode is used for making small cakes and roasted dishes. The dehydrate mode is used for drying fruits, herbs, and bread.
A New Perspective on Home Cooking
When a single machine in the kitchen can perform multiple tasks, the approach to cooking also changes. Now, people don’t cook according to the machine’s capabilities, but rather choose recipes based on their preferences and health needs. This leads to more healthy, balanced, and diverse meals being prepared at home.
These machines are proving especially beneficial for small families, joint families, and working professionals. They also help in keeping the kitchen more organized and clean.
Conclusion: A Step Towards a Smart Kitchen
Today, 9-in-1 multi-function cookers are more than just a kitchen gadget; they represent a step towards a smarter kitchen. They have become more than just appliances; they are becoming smart solutions for modern kitchens. These machines save time, space, and effort. From fries to steamed fish and baked dishes, everything can be prepared in a single pot with a single lid.
While people are increasingly seeking a healthy and convenient lifestyle, these multi-functional appliances are making kitchens smarter and more organized. They are gradually replacing single-function machines, such as air fryers, and completely transforming the home cooking experience.
FAQs
Q. What is replacing the air fryer in modern kitchens?
A. Multi-function cookers are becoming more popular because they offer several cooking modes in one device.
Q. Why are multi-function cookers preferred today?
A. They save space, time, and effort by combining multiple appliances into one machine.
Q. What cooking modes are available in a multi-function cooker?
A. Common modes include air fry, steam, slow cook, bake, roast, grill, sauté, and dehydrate.