Tower multi-cooker review: T14003 vs T16001 vs T16006 vs T16007
This article, flowing from the previous post about the Tower T16006, focuses on four different types of Digital Multi-cooker. In the last post I said Cookpot may drop a review comparing the T16006 Tower Digital Multi-cooker with the T16007 model; however we at Cookpot have decided to do more than that, in this post we would be reviewing four (instead of two) different multi-cookers, all of which are products of Tower.
All these Tower Multi Cookers are no longer available in the market [Dec 2020]
Tower is a leading business in the UK for small home appliances. If you are in need of new kitchen appliances (cookers) I’d say you should look no further than the selection offered by Tower. With high quality and a variety of products and models you are sure to find your preference.
I’ll give a brief introduction to the four multi-cookers starting from the earliest model to the latest, and then I would make comparisons and identify the differences in the multi-cookers ranging from their specifications to their distinct features. But before I do so, let’s answer some very basic questions;
What is a Multi-cooker? Why Should I Buy One?
A multi-cooker is an electric kitchen appliance that carries out automated cooking using a timer and a set of programs like Bake, Boil, Fry, Simmer, Grill, Roast, Stew, Steam etc. You should buy a digital multi-cooker because it carries out the functions of multiple cookers thereby reducing the need for many kitchen appliances/cookers, creating space in the kitchen and consequently reducing costs that would have ordinarily been incurred when shopping for multiple kitchen appliances/cookers.
The next question is; Which Multi-cooker to buy?
Now that’s the tricky part, but not to worry I’ll let you make the decision yourselves. All I’ll do would be to outline the similarities and differences between the multi-cookers and you can make your choice based on the ones that suit your needs and preferences.
Are you interested in a Tower electric Pressure Cooker? The Tower T16005 and Tower T16008 are great options
The Four Multi-cookers
Tower T14003 8 in 1 Multi-Function Cooker:
This is the earliest model of the four tower multi-cookers discussed here today.
Tower T16001 Digital Multi-cooker.
This is the second earliest model, released on the 23rd of February, 2015.
The Tower T16006 Digital Multi-cooker
The Tower T16006 Digital Multi-cooker was an improvement on the T16001 especially with the addition of features like the stirring paddle and the reheat option/program in the multi-cooker’s control panel.
Tower T16007 Digital Multi-cooker
The Tower T16007 Digital Multi-cooker is currently the latest model in the market of all the Tower multi-cookers and many improvements have been imputed into it making it more digital and lighter.
Tower Multi-Cooker Review – Comparison
To compare the multi-cookers we would identify their distinguishing features and functions. Here they are;
| SPECIFICATIONS | T14003 | T16001 | T16006 | T16007 |
| Type | Multi-cooker | Multi-cooker | Multi-cooker | Multi-cooker |
| Capacity | 5 liters | 5 liters | 5 liters | 5 liters |
| Power | 1300W | 700W | 700W | 700W |
| Material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | ||
| Color | Black | Silver | Black and Stainless steel | Silver |
| Dimensions | Height: 36.0 cm
Width: 33.0 cm Depth: 24.0 cm | Height:24.8 cm
Weight: 33.0 cm Diameter: 32.7cm | Height: 30.5
Width: 30.5 Depth: 22.7 | Height: 22.7 cm
Width: 30.5 cm Depth: 30.5 cm |
| Weight | 5.9 kg | 2.93 kg | 3.6kg | 4.4 kg |
| Guarantee | 3 years | 2 years | 1 year | 3 years |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| FEATURES | T14003 | T16001 | T16006 | T16007 |
| Controls | Dial feature | Touch feature | Touch and dial feature | Touch feature |
| LED Digital Display | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cooking options |
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| Other Programs | Temperature Control” Adjustable 60-190C | Reheat | Reheat | |
| Functions | Multiple cooking | Multiple cooking | Multiple cooking | Multiple cooking |
| Delay Timer | No | 24hour | 24 hour | 24 hour |
| Power Cord | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BOX CONTENTS | T14003 | T16001 | T16006 | T16007 |
| Multi-cooker | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stirring paddle | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Measuring cup | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rice spoon | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Steam tray | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Steam pot | No | No | No | Yes |
| Cooking pot | No | No | No | Yes |
| Steam rack | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glass lid | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Recipe book | Yes | In the manual | In the manual | In the manual |
| Stirring paddle | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| CUSTOMER REVIEW | T14003 | T16001 | T16006 | T16007 |
| Positive | Good size and easy to clean.
| The timing is good. | The functions are clear and are so easy to use.
It Looks stylish. One customer said ‘I have used most of the pre-set function for daily cooking, very pleased with the outcome especially rice, roasting and the slow cook which I mainly use’. | Positive: The control panel is very easy to use. |
| Negative | Temperature control is calibrated very high so to avoid burning you would have to turn it down a bit. The settings are unreliable. The instructions are based on a more digital version of the multi-cooker. | The stirrer at the bottom keeps the rice moving. The comments of current users have been largely positive however a few complaints still arise.
There is no simple starter guide of recipes. The spinning paddle on the inside gets in the way when not making risotto. | The stirring paddle spoils easily. One cannot use an extension lead. The instruction manual is not very clear. |
WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU PURCHASE?
The 14003 model is quite outdated due to the many features it lacks ranging from the Stirring paddle, the measuring cup, the rice spoon, the steam tray and the cooking pot which are available in the later models. Unlike the rest this model has a separate booklet for the recipes which is quite unnecessary. Other models have accompanying digital pictures of the recipes with comprehensive instructions. So I will not recommend the T14003 model to be purchased.
The T16001 model is also an old model but so far it is the lightest model of the Tower multi-cookers with a weight of 2.93 kg. It is an improvement on the T14003 older model which weighs more than 5kg, making it a better choice. Unlike the older model the box contains a measuring cup and a rice spoon and the recipes are contained in its manual unlike the older one that has two different booklets. It has an extra feature of a 24 hour delay timer which helps to monitor, control and adjust the cooking time according to your schedule.
The T16006 model comes with a stirring paddle with an automated stirring action. However this stirring paddle feature has not been received very well by customers who either complain that it gets in the way of cooking or that it spoils very easily especially when cooking rice. This model also comes with an added touch and dial feature for the control panel making for easy use.
The T16007 model also has the stirring paddle which comes with the same complaint, but in the event that the paddle spoils, it can be replaced for free under the warranty. This model got rid of the dial feature and stuck to just the touch feature on its LED display control panel making it fully digital.
The T16006 and the T16007 models both come with a Reheat option which is very important for cooking especially for people who have busy schedules. So my recommendation would be that either models (T16006 and T16007) are good enough to purchase this year, their stylish look, portability being big bonuses.
