Rice Cookers: The Ultimate Buyer's Guide
Having a rice cooker makes preparing meals super convenient. But, choosing the right cooker can often be an overwhelming task thanks to the wide variety of appliances out there to choose from. To make a smart purchase, there are several things that you need to take into consideration. So, to help you out, we have prepared a comprehensive guide that highlights some essential things you should keep in mind before purchasing a rice cooker.
Serving Size
Before anything else, you need to carefully consider the number of people you'll be serving with your rice cooker. Generally speaking, the number of cups a rice cooker can serve should be the same as the number of people you are serving, unless you are cooking for a lot of small children or big eaters. If you have a small family, then getting a cooker that can prepare a few cups of rice at a time is more than sufficient. A large family, on the other hand, will require a rice cooker that can manage at least six cups of rice at a time. Try to avoid buying a cooker with a larger serving size than you need, since it’ll only end up taking up more counter space and use up extra energy.
Type of Food
Contrary to their name, rice cookers can be used to cook a variety of different foods. A cooker that can cook fish, vegetables, and porridge can be a great help, especially for people who don’t have the time to prepare everything all the time. Plus, most modern cookers come with a steam option that allows you to simeutaneiously cook meals.
Materials
Rice cooker materials should always be chosen carefully. A BPA-free interior and utensils will make sure that the cooker has no health side effects. Plus, a non-stick pot makes all the difference when it comes to cleaning your rice cooker conveniently. It’s also great if the cap of your rice cooker is made of stainless steel. It not only looks nice in the kitchen, but it's also incredibly durable.
Types of Rice Cookers
Different rice cookers cater to a vast array of cooking needs. Basic rice cookers are the cheapest option when it comes to cookers since they don’t have any extra functionalities apart from cooking perfectly fluffy rice. They’re great for people who don’t have any extra use for a rice cooker. Multi-functional rice cookers come with a variety of cooking functions beyond just rice. They may have settings for cooking other grains, steaming vegetables, making soups, or even baking cakes. Induction cookers use electromagnetic induction to heat the cooking pot, providing more precise temperature control. They are known for producing high-quality rice with even cooking. Pressure cookers will cook your rice quickly by increasing the pressure inside the cooking pot. They are especially suitable for busy individuals who are looking for fast cooking times.
