Sarah stared at the notification on her phone: “Your multi-cooker has finished preheating!” She walked into the kitchen, glanced at the massive black cube taking up half her counter, and realized she’d forgotten what she was planning to cook. The machine hummed quietly, displaying nine different cooking modes on its bright touchscreen. Just six months ago, she’d been convinced this $300 gadget would revolutionize her cooking.
Now, surrounded by her regular pots and pans, Sarah couldn’t shake the feeling she’d been sold a very expensive lie. The air fryer era might be ending, but the promises sound eerily familiar.
Her story isn’t unique. Across social media, the same pattern repeats: initial excitement, Instagram-worthy results, then gradual abandonment as the novelty wears off and real life takes over.
The Nine-Function Fantasy Meets Kitchen Reality
These new multi-cookers promise everything: air frying, steaming, grilling, baking, roasting, dehydrating, slow cooking, reheating, and pressure cooking. Marketing materials show families gathered around perfectly cooked meals, all made in one magical machine. The reality? Most people end up using two or three functions at most.
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“I’ve tested dozens of these multi-function appliances,” says kitchen equipment specialist Maria Rodriguez. “The marketing is brilliant, but the execution rarely lives up to the hype. You’re paying premium prices for mediocre performance across multiple cooking methods.”
The air fryer era taught us this lesson already. Remember when every kitchen needed one? Now they sit unused, their non-stick baskets scratched and forgotten. The same cycle is beginning with these nine-function machines.
What makes this trend particularly frustrating is how it preys on our desire for convenience. We want to believe one gadget can replace our entire kitchen. But cooking isn’t that simple, and neither are our needs.
Breaking Down the Multi-Cooker Myths
Let’s examine what these machines actually deliver versus what they promise:
| Promised Feature | Reality Check | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Professional grilling results | Lacks proper searing heat | Cast iron pan or outdoor grill |
| Perfect baking performance | Uneven heat distribution | Conventional oven |
| Restaurant-quality steaming | Limited capacity and control | Simple steamer basket |
| Energy-efficient cooking | High power draw during preheating | Targeted single-purpose tools |
| Space-saving design | Takes up significant counter space | Stackable traditional cookware |
The numbers tell a stark story. These machines typically cost between $200-400, yet perform most functions worse than dedicated appliances costing a fraction of the price. A good steamer costs $20. A quality cast iron pan costs $30 and lasts decades.
“You’re essentially paying for convenience that doesn’t actually exist,” explains chef and cookbook author David Chen. “These machines require just as much prep work, monitoring, and cleanup as traditional cooking methods. Sometimes more.”
Here’s what experts consistently find problematic:
- Complex controls that confuse more than help
- Mediocre performance across all functions
- Difficult cleaning requirements
- Large footprint despite space-saving claims
- Shortened lifespan due to electronic complexity
- Limited capacity for larger families
Why We Keep Falling for Kitchen Gadget Hype
The pattern is predictable yet irresistible. A new kitchen gadget appears, promising to solve all our cooking problems. Early adopters share glowing reviews. Social media fills with perfect-looking results. Then reality sets in.
Tom Williams, a consumer psychology researcher, sees this cycle repeating endlessly. “These products tap into our fantasy of effortless perfection. We imagine ourselves as the kind of person who makes homemade yogurt and perfectly dehydrated fruit. But fantasy and daily reality rarely align.”
The air fryer era followed this exact script. Initial enthusiasm gave way to occasional use, then neglect. Now manufacturers are pushing the same narrative with bigger, more expensive machines.
What’s particularly concerning is how these gadgets target busy families who can least afford to waste money. Parents see advertisements showing quick, healthy meals and imagine solving their daily dinner struggles. Instead, they often end up with another expensive appliance gathering dust.
The environmental impact shouldn’t be ignored either. These complex machines have shorter lifespans than traditional cookware. When they break, they’re typically unrepairable and head straight to landfills. Meanwhile, a well-maintained cast iron pan can last generations.
Smart shoppers are starting to recognize the pattern. Instead of chasing the latest multi-function marvel, they’re investing in quality basics: good knives, reliable pans, and proven techniques. These fundamentals consistently deliver better results at lower costs.
Making Better Kitchen Investments
Before the next wave of kitchen gadget hype arrives, consider what actually improves your cooking experience. Most culinary experts recommend focusing on fundamentals rather than flashy multi-function devices.
“The best kitchen investment is learning proper technique with basic tools,” says culinary instructor Janet Park. “A sharp knife and good pan will serve you better than any nine-function machine.”
Real cooking improvements come from understanding heat, timing, and ingredients. No gadget can replace these skills, though many claim to eliminate the need for them.
The air fryer era is ending because people realized they already had ovens. The multi-cooker era will likely end the same way, once users remember they already have stoves, ovens, and steamer baskets that work just fine.
Save your money and counter space. Master the basics first. Then, if you still crave convenience, invest in one or two high-quality, single-purpose tools that excel at specific tasks. Your future self will thank you when you’re not staring at another expensive, unused gadget wondering where you went wrong.
FAQs
Are multi-function cookers worth buying?
Most experts say no, as they perform multiple functions poorly rather than excelling at one specific task.
What happened to the air fryer craze?
Many people realized their regular ovens could achieve similar results, leading to decreased usage and interest.
How much do nine-function cookers typically cost?
These devices usually range from $200-400, significantly more than dedicated single-purpose appliances.
What kitchen tools should I invest in instead?
Focus on quality basics like sharp knives, good pans, and reliable measuring tools that last for years.
Do multi-cookers actually save counter space?
Despite marketing claims, these machines are typically bulky and take up significant counter space.
Why do people keep buying overhyped kitchen gadgets?
They appeal to our desire for convenience and tap into fantasies about effortless cooking perfection.