Sarah stares at her kitchen counter, counting the gadgets. The air fryer that promised to change her life sits next to a bread maker she used twice. Behind them, a juicer collects dust while a slow cooker hides in the cupboard. Now, her phone buzzes with ads for the latest “revolutionary” kitchen device – a nine-in-one cooking machine that claims to replace everything.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Millions of households are caught in the same cycle, chasing the next kitchen miracle only to watch enthusiasm fade faster than a TikTok trend.
The air fryer craze swept through homes worldwide, promising crispy perfection without the guilt. But as the novelty wears off, a new player has entered the game. Multi-function cooking machines are being marketed as the ultimate kitchen upgrade, boasting capabilities that would make a professional chef jealous.
The Multi-Cooker Hype Machine
These new kitchen giants promise to steam, grill, bake, roast, sear, reheat, dehydrate, slow cook, and yes – air fry too. Marketing videos showcase golden chicken, bubbling lasagnas, and perfectly dehydrated banana chips. The pitch is irresistible: one machine to rule them all.
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But experts are sounding the alarm. “We’re seeing the exact same pattern that happened with air fryers,” says kitchen equipment specialist David Martinez. “Initial excitement, heavy usage for a few weeks, then it becomes another expensive countertop ornament.”
The reality check comes from real users. Take Sophie, a 37-year-old marketing manager who bought her nine-function cooker after her air fryer “changed her life” during lockdown. Week one was magical – salmon on Monday, banana chips Tuesday, whole chicken Wednesday.
Three months later? “I use air fry and reheat,” she admits with a laugh. “The rest? I’ve forgotten the settings. I still bake cakes in my oven and boil pasta on the stove.”
Why These Gadgets Often Disappoint
The fundamental problem isn’t the technology – it’s human behavior. Most families develop cooking routines around a handful of reliable methods. Nobody really needs nine different cooking options on a busy weeknight when getting dinner on the table is already a challenge.
Here’s what experts warn about these multi-function machines:
- They often duplicate appliances you already own
- Nine functions usually means nine things done adequately, not excellently
- Complex controls can be overwhelming for daily use
- Repair costs are high when multiple systems break down
- They take up significant counter space
- Energy efficiency claims are often exaggerated
“When something tries to do everything, it rarely excels at anything,” explains culinary consultant Rebecca Chen. “A dedicated rice cooker will always make better rice than a multi-cooker’s rice function.”
| Feature | Multi-Cooker Promise | Reality Check |
|---|---|---|
| Nine cooking methods | Ultimate versatility | Most people use 2-3 functions regularly |
| Space-saving design | Replaces multiple appliances | Often larger than air fryer, still need other tools |
| Professional results | Restaurant-quality food | Good results, but not better than specialized tools |
| Easy operation | One-touch cooking | Multiple settings can be confusing |
| Cost-effective | Replaces buying separate appliances | Expensive upfront, shorter lifespan than basic tools |
The Air Fryer Reality Check
Before jumping on the next trend, it’s worth examining what happened with air fryers. The initial promise was revolutionary – crispy food without oil, healthier cooking, faster results. Sales exploded, with millions of units flying off shelves.
Fast forward two years, and many air fryers sit unused more days than not. The reality? They’re essentially small convection ovens. They work well for reheating and crisping small portions, but they can’t replace traditional cooking methods for most meals.
“The air fryer taught us that kitchen gadgets succeed when they do one thing really well,” notes home economist Lisa Thompson. “These new multi-cookers are making the opposite bet – that more functions equal more value.”
Consumer data suggests otherwise. Surveys show that 68% of air fryer owners use their device less than twice per week after the first six months. The pattern is even more pronounced with multi-function devices, where complexity often leads to abandonment.
What Your Money Could Buy Instead
Before spending £250-400 on a nine-function cooker, consider what else that money could purchase. A quality chef’s knife, a cast iron pan, and a reliable food processor will serve you better for decades. These basic tools never go out of style and actually improve your cooking skills.
The hidden cost of gadget addiction goes beyond money. Kitchen counters have limited space, and every new appliance pushes out something potentially more useful. Storage becomes a nightmare when cabinets fill up with single-use devices.
“I tell clients to master three basic cooking methods before buying any gadgets,” says cookbook author James Wright. “Pan-frying, roasting, and steaming will cover 90% of your needs. Everything else is luxury.”
Making Smarter Kitchen Investments
Smart shoppers are taking a different approach. Instead of chasing the latest multi-function marvel, they’re investing in quality basics. A good oven that actually maintains temperature. Sharp knives that make prep enjoyable. Sturdy pans that distribute heat evenly.
If you’re genuinely interested in a multi-cooker, experts recommend waiting six months after launch. Early reviews are often influenced by novelty bias. Real user feedback emerges once the excitement fades and people discover which functions they actually use.
Consider renting or borrowing one first. Many people discover they prefer their existing cooking methods after trying the “upgrade.” There’s wisdom in the old saying: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
The kitchen gadget industry thrives on promising revolutionary changes to daily routines. But the best cooking often happens with simple tools, basic techniques, and ingredients that don’t need nine different preparation methods.
Your future self – and your bank account – will thank you for resisting the hype and focusing on what actually improves your daily cooking experience.
FAQs
Are multi-function cookers worth the money?
For most people, no. They’re expensive, take up significant space, and most users only utilize 2-3 functions regularly, making them poor value compared to basic kitchen tools.
How long do air fryers typically last?
Most air fryers last 2-3 years with regular use. The heating elements and fans are the most common failure points, and repairs often cost more than replacement.
What should I buy instead of a multi-cooker?
Invest in quality basics: a sharp chef’s knife, cast iron pan, reliable cutting board, and good oven thermometer. These tools last decades and genuinely improve your cooking.
Do nine-in-one cookers actually save energy?
Claims are often exaggerated. While they may use less energy than a full oven for small portions, the energy savings disappear when you factor in their shorter lifespan compared to traditional appliances.
Should I keep my air fryer or upgrade to a multi-cooker?
If you use your air fryer regularly and it works well, keep it. Adding more functions doesn’t necessarily mean better results, and you’ll likely end up using the same air fry function anyway.
What percentage of people actually use all functions on multi-cookers?
Studies suggest fewer than 15% of owners regularly use more than three functions. Most people gravitate toward familiar cooking methods regardless of available options.
