“I’ve been using this specific multicooker for about two months, but I got it to replace an earlier generation, which I used for more than five years,” Quint explains. “I only upgraded from my old one, which I gave to a neighbor, so I could test this one. I would absolutely recommend it. It’s terrific and lasts forever.”
When I asked if it was easy to use, she said it’s basically foolproof. “There’s really no assembly required; just plug it in and go!” Quint raves. “I love how versatile and idiot-proof it is. There’s a lot you can do with it, but only three main settings, which helps it feel manageable. I primarily use the slow cook function—mostly for soups and to cook meat for pulling (that’s my go-to taco hack). I’ve never used the steam function on this new model (I should!) but the sauté function is great for browning meat before slow cooking it. And fun fact: When I lost use of my kitchen for four months during a renovation, I also used the sauté function to make scrambled eggs.”
Once the fun part, aka the cooking, is done, getting the cooker back to mint condition is just as simple. “The interior basin pops out and wipes down extremely quickly, no matter how much chili you’ve got crusted on there,” Quint attests.
The one downside? It’s a bit hefty, like most slow cookers and multicookers on the market. “I think it’s only fine from a design perspective,” Quint says, “and it’s a big, clunky beast that I wouldn’t want to store on my counter. I’m lucky enough to have big upper cabinets I can store it away in.”
The Bottom Line
This is a long-lasting, durable, versatile appliance that even newbie cooks will master on their first go. If you want to invest in a multicooker that won’t die on you after a few uses—and you have enough room to store it away between uses or ample counterspace—the Cuisinart Cook Central is certainly worth adding to your cart.
