Rice cookers are one of the widely used kitchen appliances in our household. We can’t imagine cooking rice without it. It saves our precious hours and makes rice cooking seem effortless. Without the need to monitor this uni-tasking device, you can easily slip off to performing another of your important activities. It won’t keep you away from multitasking at all. Again, it frees up stove space, is very lightweight, and takes up less area on the kitchen counter. 

Pressure cooker, on the other hand, is just as predominant. They are special cooking devices that are sealed airtight to allow pressure to build up inside. It cooks food faster, assists to sterilize goods, and even retains the vitamins and minerals in the food. It is an extremely healthy appliance to use for cooking. At higher altitudes where the boiling point is lower, pressure cookers help to cook. Both of these devices allow cooking to be super easy and convenient and allow effortless cooking. Yet we occasionally ask ourselves are rice cookers better than pressure cookers? After you decide, make sure to check our full list of differences between rice cookers and pressure cookers.

WHAT IS A RICE COOKER?

The rice cooker or rice steamer is a kitchen gadget that enables rice to steam or cook. It also supports the cooking of several other grains. A rice cooker can cook all types of rice including white rice, black rice, red rice, brown rice, wild rice, etc. It can be utilized for multi-purpose cooking, to make pancakes, eggs, soups, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, etc. since the inner pot of the rice cooker acts as a pan.

The Best Rice Cookers of 2020

Some of the popular rice cookers are mentioned below, check here for our full list:

1. Oster 6-Cup Rice Cooker with Steamer (B001KBY9M8)

The Oster compact rice cooker has a one-touch operation system and can cook up to 6 cups of rice in one go. It is able to cook other dishes such as soup, noodles, fondue, cakes, and many more. It comprises a 1liter steamer tray to cook fish, vegetables, etc. This cooker has automatic warm and shut-off properties; thus, saves energy. A power indicator light is present to show whether the unit is turned on or off. It is sold in two colors (black and red), has a dimension of 9.25 x 10.25 x 9.5 inches, and costs $20.15.

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Link: Check here

2. Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5-1/2-Cup Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer (B00007J5U7)

The micro computerized rice cooker is incorporated with Neuro Fuzzy logic technology. It has a power of 680 Watt and is able to cook about 10 cups of rice. It cooks multiple items like sushi, porridge, etc. The rice cooker is equipped with a spherical non-stick stainless-steel inner pot that uniformly distributes heat while cooking. It has an LCD clock and timer, beep audio indicator, automatic and extended keep warm functions, reheating cycle, retractable power cord, and a handle for easy transportation. The product has a dimension of
13 x 8.13 x 10.13 inches and is priced at $170.99.

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Link: Check here

3. Aroma Housewares ARC-6206C Professional Digital Rice Cooker & Multicooker (B077SM6TMT)

Aroma Housewares ARC-6206C Professional Digital Rice Cooker & Multicooker comes with a non-stick coated ceramic inner pot and supports 12 different functions. It has cool-touch technology that enables the exterior of the device to remain cool and prevents injuries that would otherwise be caused by hot appliances. This leaves the kitchen counter safe and clean as well since the counter no longer heats up when the cooker is used. The cooker offers endless options of dishes from veggies, soup to tarts, and yogurts. It also has a programmable digital setting, automatic keep warm feature, high and low slow cook controls, and much more. The device is easy to use and wash. It has a volume of 11.25 x 14.75 x 9.5 inches and a value of $113.76.

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Link: Check here

WHAT IS A PRESSURE COOKER?

A pressure cooker is a steamed container that cooks food submerged in water or other kinds of liquid. Because of its lid lock mechanism, a pressure cooker requires less time and water to prepare the food than cooking traditionally in an open bowl. Pressure cookers are perfect for tenderizing large chunks of tough meat. It is also capable of preparing a roast, stew, squash, corn on the cob, and so on.

Types of Pressure Cooker

Pressure cookers are of two types: the electric pressure cooker and stovetop pressure cooker.

Comparison Between Stove Top Pressure Cookers and Electric Pressure Cookers

The difference between the stovetop pressure cookers and electric pressure cookers are discussed below:

1. Cooking Speed

The stovetop pressure cooker cooks more rapidly than the electric pressure cooker; it releases pressure quickly. 

2. Pressure Adjustments

In a stovetop pressure cooker, the pressure can be adjusted to high pressure, low pressure, and standard pressure ranges. The electric pressure cooker or Instant pot operates at a fixed maximum pressure following the models and manufacturers of the pressure cooker.

3. Automatic

The stovetop pressure cooker needs to be adjusted to lower the heat when the pressure escalates and reaches the peak point. The electric pressure cooker is automatic so there is no need for it to be adjusted in between cooking; thus, it’s completely hassle-free. 

4. Timer

Stovetop pressure cookers don’t have a timer but electric pressure cookers have a timer which aids to keep track during cooking.

5. Efficiency

In terms of productivity, the stovetop pressure cooker is relatively cheaper to use than its electric counterpart. Electric pressure cookers use electricity which is more expensive than gas.

6. Multi-functional

The stovetop cooker vessel acts as a cooking device for slow cooking when the lid is open. Nonetheless, an electric pressure cooker cannot be used for regular cooking practices. Many recent electric pressure cookers allow features like sauté, simmer, etc.

The Best Pressure Cookers of 2020

Few of the top pressure cookers are listed below:

1. Instant Pot DUO50 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker (B00FQ6VEKS)

The multi-cooker supports the functionality of seven kitchen devices together: Pressure Cooker, Rice Cooker, Slow Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, and Warmer. It cooks various types of dishes extremely fast. Equipped with modern 3rd generation technology, the microprocessor checks the temperature, pressure, time, and heating intensity for best cooking. It is made of stainless steel (18/8) inner cooking pot that ensures healthy cooking. The pot is completely sealed and traps flavors, nutrients, aromas, etc. The product is UL and ULC certified. It is 13 x 11.8 x 12.2 inches and worth $106.58.

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Link: Check here

2. Cuisinart CPC-600N1 6-Quart Electric Pressure Cooker, Silver

It’s easy to make entire meals or side dishes fast with the 6-Quart Pressure Cooker! Just toss ingredients into the pot, close the lid, and let the pressure cooker do the work. Brown, simmer or sauté food right in the pot before cooking, and keep it warm when done! Food retains more vitamins and minerals than with traditional cooking methods, it stays moist and flavors stay true. 

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Link: Check here

3. Fagor 670041930 Premium Electric Pressure and Rice Cooker (B00ULHPZW0)

The Flagor Electric Pressure and Rice Cooker is manufactured from sleek stainless steel. This device operates at 110 – 120V with 1000 watts of power and cooks very fast. It comprises a non-stick cooking pot and a self-locking lid. The touch screen LED display has soft buttons. The cooker is programmable up to 99 minutes and the time delay can be set to 6 hours. The volume of the product is 11 x 11 x 15 inches and it costs $87.03.

Rating: 3.8/5.0

Link: Check here

THE COOKING MECHANISM

The pattern of cooking for both the cookers have been mentioned below: 

Rice Cooker

A rice cooker comprises an external casing with the heating pad or coil, an inner pot, and a lid. Some rice cookers are equipped with a steaming basket or an ordinary tofu maker. The thermostat directs the heat source and assesses the cooking pot’s heat temperature. Inside the rice cooker, the heating element heats up the rice and the liquid used to boil the rice; some of it evaporates and turns to steam. The rest of the hot liquid is then absorbed into the rice, making it soft and fluffy. Therefore, you will clearly notice that the liquid that was originally added to the rice disappears when the rice is prepared.

Pressure Cooker

A pressure cooker has similar parts as a rice cooker but is somewhat different. It contains a pressure sensor and a lockable lid with a rubber lining to stop heat from going away. Hence, the cooker can raise and maintain the pressure inside the cooker. As the heat rises, the steam pressure inside the pot goes above the atmospheric pressure; this leads the temperatures to rise beyond the boiling point. The mixture of heat and pressure enables rapid cooking to take place inside a pressure cooker pot and saves energy and resources. Additionally, a very small amount of steam escapes between the pot and the lid, hence less water is required to cook.

SIMILAR YET NOT THE SAME

No matter how similar a rice cooker and a pressure cooker appear to be, they are still different in terms of functionalities. When purchasing these products, many people have trouble deciding between the two. This mainly because they look alike. Specifically, this factor raises confusion among people with a tight budget and a small cooking area. 

IS RICE COOKER BETTER THAN PRESSURE COOKER?

Now, we can cook multiple items with both rice and pressure cookers. While some items cook better in a pressure cooker, others cook well in a rice cooker. 

Which Cooker Makes Better Rice?

These cookers cook rice well and incredibly fast as compared to the conventional methods. Yet there is a huge difference between them, one that will make you think over and over again of using a rice cooker. When it comes to cooking healthy, rice pressure cooker outperforms rice cooker.

Rice cookers are ideal for making several types of rice with rich and consistent texture.  Rice varies in terms of grain, flavor, texture, and aroma. No matter what type of rice it is, the rice cooker will cook them all perfectly. The rice cooker’s automatic shut off feature makes it an energy-saving and convenient device to use.

The multi-functional pressure cookers can be utilized as slow cookers for cooking rice. They always cook faster and require far less liquid during cooking. Therefore, it is able to cook rice way faster than a rice cooker. The pressure cooker destroys the microorganisms in the rice and helps you to enjoy clean and hygienic rice. This is due to the rise in temperature inside the pot above the normal boiling point of water. They can retain flavors more efficiently in the sealed cooking pot; thus, the food can be lightly seasoned and flavored. Pressure cookers are versatile and are able to cook better rice than rice cookers.

Comparison Through Functions

A single function rice cooker is unable to cook anything but rice. Is it really worth it? When you can spend on a multi-functional rice cooker to make several dishes, why not buy it instead? This device acts like a pan and can be used to make porridge, eggs, steamed vegetables, cakes, pizza, and so on. However, they are not ideal to tenderize meat or make any dishes that require high temperatures. Rice cookers are quite lightweight and take up moderate space.

Pressure cookers are bulky, heavy, and more expensive than rice cookers. They are able to cook various dishes quickly. The high temperature and pressure inside the cooker help kill bacteria and toxins to prepare healthy food. Nevertheless, pressure cookers are hard to clean due to their weight and rubber seal. Pressure cookers should be handled with caution at all times otherwise it might lead to accidents.

Safety

Rice cookers are pretty safe to use as compared to a pressure cooker. In a rice cooker, you only need to be extra careful while washing, cleaning, or ensuring that the inner pot remains dry at all times. But when it comes to a pressure cooker you need to be even more cautious. You have to ensure that the safety valve and regulators are working perfectly and you have to let the pressure escape fully before opening the lid. Appropriate use of both the devices by following all the instructions properly will only benefit you from using it without worrying at all.

Which One to Buy?

Ultimately, one is only better than the other in terms of necessity. This decision lies entirely on your preferences, needs, budget, and the amount of space you can allocate for the product. By taking your desired features and functions into consideration, you can easily choose between a rice cooker and a pressure cooker after knowing the differences.

CONCLUSION

The question remains, is rice cooker better than pressure cooker? A pressure cooker is indeed better than a rice cooker from a broader perspective. Although both of these devices have their unique functionalities, the advantages provided by pressure cookers outnumbers those provided by the rice cooker.  Yet, we still need a pressure cooker and a rice cooker in our kitchen to carry out cooking. If your budget is high consider keeping both otherwise choose the one that you need.