So my test conclusions.
Multicooker Panasonic SR-TMZ550 was a continuation of the first multicooker that appeared in Russia - Panasonic SR-TMH18. TMZ inherited the virtues of TMH, but at the same time modernized. TMZ just like the first TMH, produced in Thailand.
The TMZ body is shaped like a "barrel", which makes it as compact as possible... A feature of this model is no carrying handle... 550 has light weightso it is easy to carry without a handle. The case, although it has steel colorbut it's dyed plasticwith texture. It looks very impressive.
The advantage of this multicooker is the presence of a drip tray, which the collects condensate properly from the cover. Feature valve designs is that he is a little condenses steam and collects it in the cavity inside, therefore, it must be periodically emptied so that the liquid in it does not squelch when steam comes out.
Plate with silicone seal in the lid TMZ is the same as TMH, non-removable... This, of course, makes it difficult to clean. But it is not often required, since TMZ has quiet temperif you use the modes as intended. Of course, after highly aromatic dishes, the silicone sealant absorbs odors. But a constantly open lid and self-cleaning modes or steamed (you can also with lemon) will help get rid of them.
The TMZ-550 bowl has small handles... They make it easier to remove the bowl from the body... However heat up during the operation of the multicooker. Itself bowl thin-walled, light... As I said in the first review, its weight 561 g. Non-stick coating, smooth, resistant (at least 2 weeks of testing did not change in any way). The scale is extruded inward on both sides of the bowl - it's convenient - no matter how you put the bowl in the case, the scale is always visible.
SR-TMZ550 comes with a collapsible double beaker steam basket with two depth settings, a flat steam rack for adding a layer in the steam basket (if set to the maximum depth) or, together with a ladle rack, it can be used as a steam rack in a bowl, ladle with silicone scoop. 6 plastic cups for yogurt.
The control panel is located on the side of the case... Offline and standby display shows the current time... The panel is easy to use. Menu and time buttons allow you to scroll through lists in both directions... However, the temperature on the multi-cook is scrolled only upward, and then in a circle. Conveniently, multi-cook is placed on a separate button... Although, to be honest, I never figured out what to use it for - the multicooker menu offers a wide range of possibilities even without a multi-cook. The menu contains 22 modes. The display only shows the number of the selected mode without a word for it. Mode names are indicated on the cover... Yes, this is not as convenient as if the display showed the names, but after 2 weeks of use, I memorized the numbers of the main modes.
1. Porridge. This mode auto. Lasts 1 hour 10 minutes. At first I decided that it was sensory, but also porridge from 1 measuring glass of cereal, and from 1/2, and from 1/3 the measuring cup was prepared for the same amount of time. Optimal proportion while it turned out 1:6... The minimum amount of porridge that can be cooked in this multicooker is 1/2 measuring cup of cereal. If 1 hour 10 minutes is a lot, then you can use modes No. 2 or No. 3.
2. Quenching. The mode is intended for stewing meat, vegetables, etc. The default time is 1 hour. But it is possible to adjust from 1 hour to 12 in steps of 5 minutes from an hour to two, and then for 30 minutes. Boiling on this mode softhardly noticeable. Terminated when the cover is opened.
3. Soup. The mode is intended for cooking soups. The default time is 1 hour. But it is possible to adjust from 1 hour to 12 in steps of 5 minutes from an hour to two, and then for 30 minutes. Boiling on this mode softhardly noticeable. Terminated when the cover is opened. Mode # 3 is similar to mode # 2 with the program algorithm.
4. Steak. The mode is intended for roasting meat. By default, the mode lasts 10 minutes. But it is possible to set from 1 minute to 30 in 1 minute increments. Touch mode - the countdown starts after the multicooker reaches the set temperature, and a sound signal sounds. Optimal temperature for steak cooking - does not overcook, but also does not put out the meat, therefore it does not lose juices.
5. Baking. The default mode is 40 minutes, but the range is 20 to 95 minutes in 5 minute increments. Cupcake and yeast baked goods in 40 minutes perfectly blush from below and baked. Compared to the TMH models, in my opinion, TMZ has become more active in baking.
6. Express. In this mode, you can cook pasta with complete evaporation of the liquid and fry, fry eggs, sauté vegetables. The mode lasts 40 minutes by default. But you can set from 1 minute to 65 minutes in 1 minute increments in the range of 1-20 minutes and then in 5 minute increments.
7. Browning. The mode is intended for frying. The default time is 20 minutes, but the range is from 1 minute to 60 minutes in 1 minute increments from 1 to 20 minutes and further in 5 minute increments. Delicate mode, roasted gently without burning.
8. Omelet. The mode is intended for cooking omelets. The default time is 20 minutes. It is possible to set from 1 minute to 30 minutes in 1 minute increments. The omelet is slightly ruddy at the bottom, but remains tender.
9. Pilaf. This touch mode, the time on it is not regulated, it depends on the volume of liquid in the bowl. The mode lasts about 30-35 minutes. The program algorithm includes complete evaporation of the liquid with further light frying of the bottom... My usual proportion for pilaf 1 (Kuban rice): 1.3 (hot water) did not fit - the rice remained dry, the optimal ratio was 1: 12/3... The mode can also be used for cooking vegetables with meat or navy pasta.
10. Buckwheat. The mode is intended for cooking buckwheat for a side dish. Touch mode... The algorithm of the program includes complete evaporation of the liquid. Time is not regulated. The duration of the regime depends on the volume of liquid in the bowl. Lasts 40 minutes on average. Proportion for boiled buckwheat 1: 2 (the water is cold).Buckwheat, even without oil, does not stick to the bowl.
11. Compote. The mode is intended for cooking compotes. By default, it lasts 1 hour. But it is possible to adjust from 1 hour to 12 in 30 minute increments. Boiling on mode softhardly noticeable. It stops when the cover is opened. Apart from another time step, the algorithm of this mode is similar to modes # 2 and # 3.
12. For a couple. The mode is intended for steam cooking. The default time is 10 minutes. It is possible to set from 1 to 60 minutes in 1 minute increments. The countdown in the mode starts after the water boils, but there is no sound signal... The boiling of the liquid is quite active, but the liquid does not boil away much. Boiling is greatly reduced when the lid is opened.
13. Dumplings. The mode is intended for cooking dumplings in the traditional way. The default time is 8 minutes, it is possible to set from 1 to 20 minutes in 1 minute increments. The countdown starts from the moment the water boils.... After laying dumplings at room temperature, one at a time, boiling resumes only 8-10 minutes after laying. All this time, dumplings are rather stewed in water than boiled.
14. Warming up. The mode is intended for heating food. The default time is 40 minutes. Possible settings in the range from 1 minute to 65 minutes in 1 minute steps in the range up to 20 minutes, and then in 5 minute steps. Intensive mode boiling.
15. Yogurt. The mode is intended for preparing yoghurts. The default time is 1 hour. It is possible to set from 1 hour to 8 hours in 1 hour increments. The maximum temperature of 1 liter of water in this mode was 40.5 ° С.
16. Fig. The mode is intended for cooking rice. Touch mode, the duration depends on the amount of liquid in the bowl. The algorithm of the program includes complete evaporation of the liquid. The usual proportion for rice for side dish is 1 (Kuban rice): 1.3 (cold water) did not fit this model - the rice turned out to be harsh. The optimal ratio was 1: 1.5.
17. Aspic. This mode is intended for boiling jellied meat. The default time is 1 hour. Adjustments are possible in the range of 1-12 hours in 30 minute increments. The boiling output is embedded in the program algorithm. Boiling soft, disappears when the cover is opened. Apart from other temporary settings, this mode is similar to modes # 2, # 3, # 11.
18. Cabbage rolls. This mode is intended for cooking cabbage rolls. The default time is 1 hour. Adjustments are possible in the range of 1-12 hours in 30 minute increments. The boiling output is embedded in the program algorithm. Boiling soft, disappears when the cover is opened. Except for other temporary settings, this mode is similar to modes No. 2, No. 3, No. 11, No. 17.
19. Jam. The mode is intended for making jam. The default time is 1 hour. Adjustments are possible in the range of 1-12 hours in 30 minute increments. The boiling output is embedded in the program algorithm. However such a boil turned out to be too strong for jam - the foam rose strongly. Boiling stops completely when the lid is opened.
20. Mulled wine. The mode is intended for preparing drinks based on wine. The default time is 1 hour. It is possible to set 30 minutes - 2 hours in 30 minute increments. The temperature in the mode is close to 70 ° С.
21. Self-cleaning. The mode is intended for internal cleaning of the multicooker. Touch or automatic mode. Time on mode is not adjustable... I have not tested this mode.
22. Heating. The mode is intended for heating freshly cooked food. The mode is soft. The temperature in the mode is maintained in the region of 70-71 ° С. Countdown in live mode, up to 1 hour in minutes, and then in 1 hour increments.
Multi-cook. This mode assumes the ability to change not only the time, but also the temperature in the range from 40 ° С to 130 ° С with a step of 10 ° C. The default temperature is 130 ° C. The default time is 20 minutes. It is possible to install from 1 to 120 minutes in 1 minute steps in the range from 1 to 20 minutes, and then in 5 minute steps. Multi-cooker multicooker does not overheat... When set to 90 ° C, the actual temperature of 1 liter of water in an hour from the start of the regime was 88 ° C. A deviation of 2 ° C is insignificant for multicooker with heating element... As I said earlier, I couldn't figure out how to use this mode.
In general, I can say that the multicooker made a good impression... Yes, I had to select new proportions to get the usual result. But this in no way diminishes the capabilities of this model. She just expected from me an individual approach to her. Multicooker has multiple touch modes (for evaporation and boiling of liquid). More focused on extinguishing (most of the modes maintain a low boil). But there is also absolutely wonderful setting for steaks, you can also fry vegetables, sauté.
What was lacking in this model's use is that there is no sound signal when boiling water in the "Steam" and "Pelmeni" modes... It would be very useful - there would be no need to keep track of the starting point of time.
Highly pleased with the presence of a drip tray... This is the first multicooker in my arsenal with a drip tray. And condensation from the lid really collects in it. And if you do not slow down its opening, then the condensate does not fall into the bowl at all, but flows straight into the drip tray.
As I said above, in general, the multicooker made a positive impression.