This model has a special place in the Cuckoo range: on the one hand, it has all the most firm Cuckoo technologies and features – a fast and economical induction heating element, 3D heating, a bowl with a titanium 5-layer non-stick coating and nonheating handles, the voice guide, a wide choice of automatic and adjustable programs, steam cleaning function and much more.
Cuckoo CMC-HJXT0804F Multicooker
On the other hand – it is a compact device: the volume of the bowl is 4 liters, the dimensions of the multicooker allow you to place it even in a very limited space. Our test took place almost in the field: in the countryside in summer, where almost every day there are guests, and the family consists of 4 people – also vegetarians, which means that a lot of vegetables and cereals are cooked every day. So we were worried: what if the bowl doesn’t have enough volume?? In case the guests don’t like our diet cooking?
PROGRAMS AND MODES
The multicooker has several automatic programs the device itself determines the time and temperature of cooking within a set program , several customizable programs, including “Multi-cook” mode, giving the user the greatest freedom of choice of time and temperature.
Automatic programs: Stew, Pilaf, rice you can select the expansion: regular rice, sushi rice , soup vegetable soup, meat soup – it cooks longer , porridge in water, milk – cooked longer at lower temperatures , side dishes buckwheat, legumes , pasta, casserole, heating reheating, steam cleaning. Adjustable programs: Multicooker 10-90 minutes , Yogurt 1-12 hours – which means you can proof dough, not just cook homemade dairy products , Steamer 20-90 minutes – suitable for the fanciest meat , Roasting 5-30 minutes , Oven 10-90 minutes , Slow Cooker 1-12 hours . Heating is switched off. Some of the buttons start, cancel, preheat/preheat timer are placed on the upper surface, which makes control easier.
IMPRESSIONS ON ERGONOMICS
I have a lot of experience testing appliances, but every time I use the menu of any new appliance, I have to peek at the manual: “what does this mean? And this?” But not here. In this model, the user is guided by a “voice assistant”: it prompts all the moves and details, and it is simply impossible to make a mistake. And it’s not just convenient – it’s safe. You won’t turn the device on without the bowl, you won’t burn yourself in the steam, you won’t forget to close the lid – you are always warned by the “caring” voice guide. Volume of the voice can be adjusted.
Display text is large and clear enough to understand even those with a little farsightedness. Big buttons, all menus in American. The inner lid screen can be removed for easy care. There is a steam cleaning program – it has a separate start button. After a few days of using the device, I started it – 20 minutes and it’s done: everything is clean and no smells, and I cooked not anything, but the fish with garlic.
The pan is equipped with handles that do not heat up – it is very easy to take it out and put it on the table. The induction heating element is safe it heats the bottom of the bowl, not the bottom of the multicooker and fast. It’s just amazing how quickly the pan heats up – this can be judged by using the “broiling” program with the lid open.
The bowl volume was quite enough for my family. By the way, I did not notice a big difference – 4 or 5-liter bowl. But I noticed that the multicooker took up space in the kitchen where its 5-liter counterpart, the multicooker of the same manufacturer, was too small. This appliance is very compact.
I have only one wish. After all voice guide prompts are completed program, expansion, temperature level, time selected, lid knob turned to “closed” position the voice says, “Select function”. Practice has shown that inexperienced users husband, kids are confused by it. Better yet, duplicate the command: “press start button or timer.”. But that’s just a small point. Other than that, the Cuckoo is beautiful.
RECIPE BOOK
The sheets to the Cookbook are spring-bound, which makes it possible to fold the book so you don’t have to hold the sheets. The book contains 257 recipes, developed by professional cooks in America, and is divided into several thematic parts: “First Dishes”, “Second Dishes”, “Garnishes”, “Milk Porridge”, “Vegetables”, “Desserts”, “Drinks”, “Sauces”, “Children’s Recipes”, “Other Dishes.
Each recipe has not only the amount of ingredients and method of cooking, but also a step-by-step guide – which program and expansion to choose, what temperature level and cooking time if it’s a customizable program . With this book, both amateurs and people who simply do not have time to think with cooking, what, where and how to put or what button to press, will be able to cope with cooking, and for experienced cooks it will be a starting point for creativity.
SAFETY
The appliance has 3 pressure safety loops, a voice guide warns you when steam is released. If the pan is not installed, the induction heating element has nothing to heat. The lid locking device closes the lid securely, and a clear graphic designation prevents you from making a mistake when selecting the “closed” and “open” positions.
CONSTRUCTION
This multicooker is equipped with heating elements on the bottom, sides and lid, which provides 3D heating. Useful design features include temperature sensors to monitor the cooking process, a container to collect condensation, a removable lid screen. The patented XWall pan is completely environmentally friendly and lets you store your food, cook baby food – it’s completely safe, and you can wash it in the dishwasher with no fear.
CUCKOO COOKBOOK RECIPES
1. Milk porridge: you can’t go anywhere, you’ll fall in love and… eat it!
2. Buckwheat – the Korean algorithm for the American dish
3. Eggplant rolls in half an hour
4. Strawberry Shortcake Turns to… Apple Pie
CUCKOO RECIPES AT HOME
1. Chickpea and bean soup and hummus: the meat substitution course
2. Perlotto with mushrooms: grits almost tsar-like
3. Peppers stuffed with vegetables and bulgur with Provencal herbs: a taste of summer gone by
4. Fish under carrots and garlic: Beauty and zest
How does the Cuckoo CMC-HJXT0804F multicooker handle cooking under pressure?
How well does the multicooker Cuckoo CMC-HJXT0804F handle pressure cooking? Can it handle high pressures efficiently and consistently?