A rice cooker is an appliance that more traditionalists finally appreciate. But unfortunately, rice is a delicate cereal, and its cooking is difficult. Sometimes it is too dry and dry, others too compact and compact, and the results rarely correspond to what was hoped to get.
To avoid pitfalls in rice preparation, buy a good electric rice cooker. Many models suit all needs and all pockets on the market.
Simpler than those with advanced features that allow you to cook other types of food, such as fish and vegetables, the offer is vast. Here’s all you need to know about buying the best rice cooker according to your needs.
Table of Contents
How does a rice cooker work, and what are the main benefits
Preparing rice with an electric rice cooker is simple: putting rice in a basket with the right water. The basket is then inserted into the pot, closed the lid is, connected to the mains, and started appliance.
When water is exhausted, the cooking will end automatically, and baking will enter the ” warm ” mode to keep rice warm until it is time to serve it.
Thanks to this special pot, rice keeps its properties unchanged. The rice cooker is always perfect and homogenous; grains are grained and never shaved.
The most important aspect is the ratio between rice and water. According to instructions given by the manufacturer, the correct quantities of two elements are inserted, obtaining perfect dishes without effort.
You can prepare good sushi rice or accompany your meals with a rice cooker, as in Oriental cuisine. Many models also offer other functions and allow you to prepare real cooking or steam, including vegetables, meat, and fish, if necessary. For this type of cooking, a vaporizer remains a more specific choice.
How to Choose Rice Cooker: Types and Features
Choosing the best rice cooker is based on two fundamental factors: budget availability and special needs. First, you have to understand that use is intended to make appliances and how much you can invest in purchase. Also, we should consider some aspects regardless:
- Capacity: There are models with a variable-capacity basket on the market, generally from 1 liter to a half to 5 liters. If you have many family members opting for large baking, have a smaller basket if you are single or in pairs.
- Construction materials: Construction quality is also important and affects the final price. The best models are made of stainless steel and are designed to be heat-insulating.
- Functions: As we have seen, baking can be equipped with extra convenient functions. The simplest and most economical models allow the rice to be cooked, while more advanced ones, with a double basket, become a vaporizer or pot.
- Auto Power Off Almost all models have an auto-off function, which turns off the appliance when water is exhausted. Very useful to avoid baking errors and disappointing results.
- Removable components: To facilitate cleaning the appliance, it is important that it can remove the basket easily. Many cookies also feature washable dishwasher components making washing even more practical.
When and why buy a Rice Cooker
Rice to perfection is not as easy as believed, especially for those with no experience at the cookers. There is practical electrical cooking to simplify the life of beginners and enthusiasts. You can get perfect dishes every time in just a few steps, bringing good and healthy foods to the table at the height of a true chef.
Eastern kitchen lovers will appreciate the opportunity to easily prepare homemade Japanese or Thai dishes at home without spending the same figures. Those more attached to the tradition can delight in preparing classic meat, fish, and steamed vegetables. There is for all tastes.
Duration and Maintenance
Although it looks like a complex household appliance, Rice Cooker does not need special maintenance. However, you must follow a few simple rules to have a rice cooker with constant performance over time.
Washing the rice cooker is good for any non-abrasive sponge not to spoil the non-stick coating. If it is washable in the dishwasher, the process is even simpler. Instead, use a dry or damp cloth for a body, unplugging the plug from the power. Before cleaning, we recommend that you always consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
The best rice cookers for a perfect cooking
Depending on models and features, rice cooker prices vary between $30 for basic models at $200 for the most advanced and complete ones.
Considering the above, we list below our selection of the ten best-selling models currently on the market, chosen for value-for-money, to provide you with a comprehensive list of what you want to buy for a good rice cooker quality in large or small doses.
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Therefore, any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to purchasing any products.