Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Although this versatile appliance will steam and boil as well as deep fry, it was its frying ability that caught my interest and convinced me to buy it. And am I glad I did for last night we enjoyed some of the best fried chicken ever to come out of my kitchen. And yes, that's saying something. While we don't overindulge in fried foods, through the years I've fried my share of chicken, most of it to positive reviews. This batch was particularly moist and juicy, yet crisp on the outside, a fact which I attribute, at least in part, to the adjustable temperature gauge on the Multicooker. None of my other deep fryers had that feature. With the others, I was forced to rely on the manufacturers' preset temperature which I suspect wasn't really hot enough to prevent the chicken from absorbing some of the oil and becoming somewhat soggy. The Multicooker allows a range of 250° to 375 ° F. I set it at 375° as the manual suggests and the results were mouthwatering.
As for capacity, it's generous. The basket measures roughly 8" long by 7" wide and 3 1/2" deep. I was able to fit 4 large chicken thighs per batch with room to spare. I'm sure I could have added two more but I preferred to err on the side of caution to avoid overcrowding. Because the chicken was boneless and skinless, each batch only took about 10 minutes and was perfectly done. I fried three batches back-to-back and had no problems with the fryer overheating.
Deep frying is usually messy no matter how careful you try to be but my experience in that department was pretty positive too. The cooker is solidly built and simple to assemble. The lid fits the pot securely and the basket is easy to raise and lower with the lid in place, which greatly reduces spattering and the risk of burns.
I have no doubt that I'll use the Multicooker for boiling and steaming at some point but if all it ever did was deep fry, I'd still consider it money well spent.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Hamilton Beach 35135 Meal Maker Multicooker, Stainless Steel
Housed in attractive stainless steel, this versatile cooker prepares a variety of foods and makes it easy to get dinner on the table quickly. The all-in-one appliance operates as a deep fryer, a steamer, and a slow cooker. Steaming and boiling retain foods' moisture, while frying sears food, making it crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. When frying, the unit's roomy basket and deep oil level combine to accommodate a 2-pound bag of frozen fries or an entire 4-1/2-pound chicken. A complete chicken can be fried in about 35 minutes, quicker than oven roasting or rotisserie, making it a perfect choice for hectic weeknight meals. For added convenience, the basket can be raised and lowered with the lid in place, avoiding messy splatter and protecting the hands. The basket contains a hook to hold it above the liquid, which allows oil or water to drain off the food. Other details include a 5-quart liquid capacity, a digital timer, adjustable temperature control, ready lights, and a breakaway cord, which helps prevent the cooker from tipping over if the cord gets snagged. The unit assembles in no time and disassembles easily, making cleanup a snap. The multi-cooker appliance measures approximately 15 by 15 by 17 inches and carries a one-year warranty.
Click here for more information about Hamilton Beach 35135 Meal Maker Multicooker, Stainless Steel
