A massive portion of the world’s human population consumes rice extensively. It has been a staple food for thousands of years in many parts of Asia and Africa. Many people like to enjoy a bowl of rice along with other side dishes. Though cooking rice is not a difficult task, perfectly cooked rice needs a lot of maintenance.
Rice is an affordable and straightforward food to make. Preparing food in an ordinary pot on the traditional stove-top takes time and requires proper attention to cooking nicely. The right temperature with an accurate water measurement is also a considerable matter while cooking rice on a stove top. Otherwise, you may get undercooked mush, half-done grains, crunchy or overcooked rice.
Thanks to advanced technology, you no longer have to worry about these issues. Best brand for rice cookers with a high quality have come with several great settings that allow a pleasant cooking experience.
A Rice Cooker
A rice cooker is an automated countertop apparatus designed to steam or boil rice with the least amount of observation. Originally made in Japan, where they are acquainted as Suihanki. A heating source, a non-stick inner bowl, and a thermostat control are the basic structure of this fantastic item.
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A rice cooker monitors the heating temperature and cooking time mechanically or electronically. So, the whole process of cooking or steaming rice has quickly become an easy and convenient affair. It simplifies your workload and is also capable of cooking large quantities of rice daily. In a word, a perfect rice-cooker could be a good inclusion as your kitchen appliance.
Different Types of Rice Cookers
A huge variety of rice cookers are obtainable in today’s market. These types have different but several stunning features that will give you some impactful benefits. Based on various properties, the available rice cookers are-
1. Induction Heat Rice Cooker: An induction rice cooker generates a magnetic field surrounding the cooking pot. When this attractive area contacts the cooker, it warms the pot intensely. Therefore, the steady and more consistent warmth flourishes the rice condition.
2. Standard Rice Cooker: When all the water in the rice cooker evaporates, a thermal sensor in the pot can identify it and then shift it to warming mode. It’s comparatively simple to use.
3. Programmable Rice Cooker: It’s also known as a micro-computerized rice cooker. This digital rice cooker uses microchip computer technology and gives full control over the cooking procedure.
4. Microwave Rice Cooker: A lightweight and small product but good at hydrating.
5. Improved Rice Cooker: Some additional features include delay timers, individual settings for brown rice, and digital readout. A better version than a standard rice cooker.
Why Should We Use a Rice Cooker?
A rice cooker has some advantageous attributes over other slow cookers. If you are a culinary artist, you can’t overlook the amenities of a rice cooker. It doesn’t require too much endeavor to maintain since it is entirely operated at an automatic process. That’s why the cookers don’t over-cook or under-cook the food and never creates chaos like cooking on a stove-top. All you have to do is give the right amount of water to match the quantity of rice. Your rice cooker will handle the rest.
A rice cooker is not just meant for preparing rice. This excellent product has multi-functional settings. You can also utilize it for steaming meat or vegetables, cooking pasta, sauces, soups, lentils, or different types of grains, etc. Moreover, they don’t spoil the minerals and vitamins of food and offer a perfectly cooked and healthy meal.
The rice cookers give an uncompromised efficient performance. The construction material is durable enough to use for an extended period without any concern. Most importantly, it keeps the food warm until it serves to the plate. Better to comply that food should not be left overnight, as it can be harmful to health. A micron technology allows the advanced rice cooker to control the time and temperature appropriately while cooking. A built-in thermal sensor calculates the temperature and this auto unit switches to the “stay warm” cycle when the rice is thoroughly cooked. Also, it distributes the heat evenly throughout the meal and keeps the grain separately for a flawless operation.
It’s relatively convenient to clean the rice cooker. You can use soapy water to wash the stove, and after cleaning it, a damp cloth can be used to dehydrate the cooker. Every time a good rice cooker will give you a perfect texture, moist enough, fluffy, slightly sticky, and tasty meal. The best brand for a rice cooker is compatible to provide you with all these excellent features at a budget-friendly price. If you want hassle-free cooking or want to reduce your trouble, then choose the best one available in the market.
Selecting a suitable rice cooker might be too daunting for you as there are plenty of models in the market. We have analyzed the market and chose the best brands of rice cookers to aid you in making the right decision. Without further ado, let’s jump right in!
Best 7 Brands for Rice Cookers
1. Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5-1/2-Cup Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer
Description:
Zojirushi computerized rice cooker holds up to 5-1/2-cup rice. This is one of the most top-notch rice cookers among its competitors based on its multi-menu selections. The advanced fuzzy technology accommodates the rice cooker to control the heating time and temperature perfectly.
Design & Quality:
Stainless steel and non-stick interior pot offer consistent heating. This programmable rice cooker has some excellent features, such as an incorporated contractible cord, re-heating option, auto-shift to keep warm, extended stay warm, delay timers, etc.
Features:
- Measures 13 x 8.13 x 10.13 inches
- Removable aluminum lid
- Spherical cooking pot
- A lightweight product weights at three pounds
- Two functional settings with delay timer
Pros:
- A great versatile product
- Convenient cleaning
- Side handles are cool to hold
- Ensures quick and rinse-free cooking
- Folding handle assures portability
Cons:
- A little bit expensive
- The trouble with the product quality
Verdict:
A highly efficient and versatile product could be an excellent choice for cooking regular rice, porridge, sweet. or steaming vegetables, meat, etc. Moreover, you can cook 10 cups of rice conveniently in this cooker.
2. Tiger JNP-S10U-HU 5.5-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker and Warmer
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Description:
Japanese brand Tiger has been involved in delivering daily necessary household products for years. This cooker can retain up to 5.5 cups of dry rice for cooking. It appears in three different soothing colors with a simple and qualified appearance. This rice cooker also offers a versatile character meaning you can use it for multi-purpose functions.
Design & Quality:
The construction materials are plastic and stainless steel which ensure durability. The non-stick inner pan prevents the rice from sticking to the pot. A contractible power cord is incorporated for flexible cooking. It supports a warm function for up to 12 hours.
Features:
- An available rice measuring cup
- Needs 30 minutes for steaming
- Manageable steam vent in the lid
- The overall dimension of the product is 9.80 x 10.80 x 10.30 inches
- Weighs 7.57 pounds
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- 1-year warranty opportunity
- Simple to use
- An awesome steam system
Cons:
- Bad customer service
- Customers complained about product receiving quality
Verdict:
An excellent qualified product. Best for giving as a present for different special occasions to family members or newly married couples.
3. Aroma Housewares Select Stainless Rice Cooker & Warmer
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Description:
This efficient rice cooker appears in a full-proof mechanical design with 6-cup rice holding capacity. Compatible enough for preparing rice, soups, pasta, eggs, oatmeal, etc. It automatically detects the time when food is completely ready, then it shifts to warm mode.
Design & Quality:
The product is manufactured with 100% surgical-grade stainless steel that ensures durability. It’s a dishwasher-safe item which allows a convenient cleaning procedure. An internal thermal sensor suitably warms the food and always offer delicious food. One inner pot, a spatula, and one rice measuring cup are available with the package.
Features:
- Easy one-button press design
- Give a clean and hygiene cooking experience
- BPA free spatula
- A spatula can be hung on the handle
- Two side handles and three feet regions
Pros:
- Comfortable to store
- No need for extra maintenance
- Superior quality
- Food doesn’t stick at the cooker’s bottom
- Long-lasting product
Cons:
- Hot water tends to spill
Verdict:
The product is perfect for cooking or steaming different items. However, care must be taken while working on it.
4. Cuckoo CR-0631F Multifunctional Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer
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Description:
South Korean brand Cuckoo has manufactured a professional quality rice cooker that features fuzzy technology. It can correctly detect temperature and cooking time. Moreover, every time it will give you a quicker and energy-saving cooking experience. Also includes reheating options and adjustable stay warm temperatures.
Design & Quality:
Best for cooking all types of grains, porridge, etc. The ten available menu options for a perfect viscid, taste, and soft texture of foods. It holds up to a maximum of six cups of rice. The inner pot conducts a favorable temperature and delivers appropriate heat throughout your meal.
Features:
- Overall measurement is 10.00 x 13.00 x 9.00 inches
- The weight stands at 6.8 pounds
- The whole structure is made of aluminum
- Comes in a stylish design with two different colors
Pros:
- Ample durable
- Easy one-touch appearance
- Provides safety
- Auto pressure release and heat monitoring
- Trouble-free washing
Cons:
- No complications
Verdict:
If you want a safe buy with a perfect performance, this one is the best for you. Its exceptional features with an intelligent cooking algorithm inspires you to choose it.
5. Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer
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Description:
This Hamilton rice cooker comes in a versatile option with pre-programmed settings. This cooker is not just for preparing rice. Besides cooking whole grains, it also steams veggies, meat, seafood, etc. By pressing a simple button, it starts to simmer or cook the food.
Design & Quality:
The maximum rice holding capacity is 2 to 8 cups. One basket can be used for both purposes- steamer and rice cooker. It requires less effort to prepare nutritious and delicious foods, and it’s relatively convenient to place the ingredients in the bowl.
Features:
- The interior part is stainless steel
- Compact and lightweight design
- The auto on-off process is facile
- A built-in countdown timer
Pros:
- Quick and simple to cook
- Distributes heat consistently
- Easy to store
- Non-sticky cooking pan
- Simple to wash-up as the item is dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Displays slower performance than other models
Verdict:
Suitable for quick and easy serving. However, for daily cooking, it’s preferable to choose another rice cooker.
6. Black & Decker Rice Cooker and Steamer
Description:
Black & Decker brand offers a standard quality rice cooker with a simple design. You can put up to three cups of uncooked rice and it will give you a maximum of six cups of cooked rice. Two built-in side handles for easy holding. You can also hang your spatula on it for convenient storage. “Cook” and “Warm” indicator lights are available.
Design & Quality:
The interior pot is designed in such a way that it prevents your meal from sticking at the bottom. Also, dishwasher safe quality offers an easy clean-up process. A plastic steamer basket is included. It can be used for steaming veggies, meats, or fish.
Features:
- Measures 8.66 x 8.66 x 7.4 inches
- One-touch operating switch
- Two separate portions in a bowl
- Side handles and lid handle have a cool-touch
- Steam vent glass lid
Pros:
- Facile maintenance
- Multi-purpose activity
- Reasonable cost
- Lightweight and compact design
Cons:
- No particular settings for cooking different types of rice
Verdict:
If you think of getting a fundamental and straightforward rice cooker, this may be an appropriate selection for you.
7. Panasonic Rice Cooker & Multi-Cooker SR-G06FGL
Link: Click Here
Description:
Panasonic rice cooker is a one-step automatic cooker that allows you to make six cups of rice. It’s a feasible cooker for bachelors, busy workers, and students. It gives you a highly efficient and fast performance in a most comfortable way. This cooker takes approximately 30 minutes to cook with a perfect texture and maximum fluffiness.
Design & Quality:
The aluminum-coated inner pan comes with a non-sticky appearance. It distributes heat evenly throughout the meal and provides adequately cooked rice. It’s a durable one that ensures long time functional capability. A tempered glass lid provides a securely monitoring facility. Automatic shut-off function activates when the meal is correctly done.
Features:
- A measuring cup and one rice scoop as accessories
- The overall dimensions are 9.45 x 7.80 x 8.27 inches
- The weight is about 2.6 pounds
- Suitable for preparing numerous types of rice
- Maximum energy is 110/120 Volt
Pros:
- Easy to purify
- One-year limited warranty
- Budget-friendly price
- Reliable and portable
- Made with safe materials
Cons:
- No steam basket comes with it
- A problem with water leaking
Verdict:
It provides easy controls and can be cleaned spontaneously. Moreover, an affordable product with great versatility.
Things to Consider Before Choosing the Best Rice Cooker
There are some critical issues you have to consider before purchasing a rice cooker as your kitchen appliance. Because the wrong decision of yours can create a mess in your kitchen and also be dangerous in some way. Buying without knowing the facts can cost you a lot of money. We have listed some buying guides that you should remind yourself before buying a rice cooker.
1. Cooker’s Size
This one is the first considerable matter. The rice cookers come in different sizes and shapes, just from 2 cups holding capacity to 16 cups. If your family consists of a large number of members, you should buy an appropriate size which will cope with your requirements. A small cooker is perfect for families of one or two members.
2. Durability
Make sure that you buy something that comes with a firm structure with enough longevity. Since you are investing money in it, you shouldn’t buy a weak one. You should choose something which you can use for an extended period without any concern.
3. Advanced Settings
The best brand for rice cookers has some intelligent built-in settings. Auto-switch to the warm mode and re-heating functions are really necessary for protecting your food from being overcooked or undercooked. Multiple grain detecting settings and a quick-cook option are also a great addition to a perfect rice cooker. You can’t overlook these features if you want a wonderful cooking experience.
4. Gears
Measuring cup, spatula, and steaming basket- these come with most of the rice cookers. Stainless steel or aluminum materials are used for making the frame. And a non-stick stainless-steel bowl gives you a fabulous texture of food. It offers a convenient cooking process as a non-sticky appearance prevents the food from sticking at the bottom part of your pot. In a word, these characteristics will give you flexible operating amenities.
5. Price & Warranty
The price of a rice cooker varies from brand to brand and also according to their sizes. The best brand of rice cookers delivers the right quality product with all additional features. So, the price may be a little higher than the others. But if you desire to have a powerful rice cooker, then it’s not a bad idea to spend some money on it. Warranty of the product should also be considered before making a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Should you purchase a rice cooker?
Okay, the decision depends on you. If you want to reduce your workload and want perfectly cooked rice, you should obviously buy this. But, indeed, the best brand for a rice cooker will never upset you.
2. Which brand is best for versatility?
Aroma Housewares Select Stainless Rice Cooker & Warmer is best for multi-functional activities. Also, you can get it at a reasonable cost with a maximum capacity of 20 cups.
3. How to get a perfect taste of rice?
You don’t have to do much. Just measure the right amount of water and mix it properly with rice. For a good taste and fluffy look, you can add one tablespoon coconut oil or ghee.
4. Which model can you get at a budget-friendly price?
Oster Rice Cookers are the best for its efficient features. You can get it at an affordable price but don’t think that the low price affects the overall performance.
5. Are rice cookers good for health?
Most people think that it causes hamper to health since high pressure and temperature are used to process it but that’s not entirely true. Pressure and temperature make the food more delicious, fluffy, and nutritious than a stove-top cook.
Conclusion
Rice cookers are gaining much popularity among both experienced and amateurs. If you are one who doesn’t get proper time to cook food because of a busy schedule but wants to have a good meal without giving too much effort, then the best brand for a rice cooker can be a great assistant for you. Each rice cooker has various characteristics according to their structure. Pick something that fits your needs perfectly.
In this article, we have compiled some best brands of rice cookers available in the current market. We have also added a buying guide and FAQ section to help you make the right choice when buying one. Hope you will have a great time with your rice cooker!
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