Main Content
Rice Cooker Buying Guide
A comprehensive guide that will give you all the information you need on how to buy a rice cooker.
Get Started to Buying the Perfect Rice Cooker
A rice cooker can be a very useful and versatile kitchen appliance. If you are a rice lover and like to make it a lot, this is one of the must have appliances to be in your kitchen. A rice cooker can be used to cook rice, hot cereal, desserts and even steam vegetables and cooking soups and stews. Not all rice cookers have the same features, so make sure that you find the one that will satisfy your needs.
Rice Cooker Features
Rice Cooker Sizes & Capacity
The cup measures the size of the rice cooker and they range from 3 to 10 cups. Don't buy a larger unit than you need because the rice cooker is designed to operate properly with a specific amount of rice and water.
Automatic Shut-Off
All rice cookers have an automatic shut off. When rice is done the unit automatically changes to the "warm" temperature. There is no light that indicates that the rice is done. If you want to turn off the "warm" feature you have to unplug the unit. There are some rice cookers that have "electronic cook" and "keep warm" feature. In this case the unit keeps rice warm for up to 12 hours. If you are family that eats rice during the long period of time these rice cookers might be the ones for you.
Steaming Trays
Some rice cookers offer steaming trays. You are able to steam your vegetables while you are cooking rice. You can also steam your vegetables before or after the rice is done. Even though they cost more than a basic model, these machines are a great choice if you are looking for something more flexible and sturdy.
Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning you should choose a model with a non-stick pan. Non-stick pans, as the name suggests are non-stick, which means that you won't have to work hard to clean the pan.
Q&A Summary
Is a rice cooker worth it?
If you or your family eat rice on a regular basis, yes. Rice cookers do the work for you and cook rice with the perfect consistency.
How do you use a rice cooker?
1. Rinse your rice. 2. Add your rice to the cooker. 3. Add the appropriate amount of water. 4. Add salt, if desired. 5. Stir with the rice paddle to combine the water and rice. 6. Close the cooker and choose the correct setting.
How long does a rice cooker take?
On average, it takes a rice cooker 25 to 35 minutes to cook rice. Times can vary based on the cooker you're using and the rice you're making.
How much is a rice cooker?
You can find reliable cookers for under $100. Of course, if you want something with more features or a more sophisticated design, you can easily spend $500 on a rice cooker.
Can you cook quinoa in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can cook quinoa in a rice cooker. You will need to adjust the amount of water compared to making rice.
