A rice cooker is an essential kitchen appliance for any home cook who enjoys rice as part of their regular diet. Not only does a rice cooker make it quick and easy to cook perfectly fluffy rice, but it also keeps the rice warm until it is time to eat.
In terms of appearance, they have a sizable cooking pot with a heat source, a thermometer that measures and regulates the temperature inside the pot, a tight lid, a few strong handles, and a set of controls on the front of the pot.
For those who like to meal prep, a rice cooker can be a real lifesaver. Simply add the desired amount of rice and water to the pot, set the timer, and let the machine do its work. They can also be used to reheat food or keep food warm. Some rice cookers come with additional features, such as a timer or a steamer basket.
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How To Use A Rice Cooker?
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Read The Rice Package
You should carefully study the instructions on the rice box to establish how much dry rice and water are required to make the necessary amount of cooked rice, as the water-to-rice ratio may vary depending on the type of rice you choose (brown rice typically requires more water than white rice).
Additionally, examine if the rice you select has to be rinsed before cooking. Rinsing the rice will get rid of any extra starch that might make it sticky or cause the pot to overflow. While certain vitamin-enriched rice may be eaten without rinsing, most white rice, especially sushi rice, must be washed before consumption. Brown rice often simply needs to be cleansed of production-related debris.
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Rice, Water, And More Rinsing Should Be Added To The Saucepan
Add the appropriate amount of dried rice to the rice cooker pot after measuring the rice in accordance with the directions on the box. If your rice doesn’t need to be rinsed, fill the pot exactly with the water recommended per the packaging instructions. Put a cover on the rice and let it soak in the water for approximately a minute if you do need to rinse it.
Next, swirl the rice in the water to remove extra starch using your (clean) hands or a rubber frying tool. The starch should foul the water. After taking out the inner pot and filtering the water, add more water and repeat the procedure. When you swish the water, be sure it doesn’t become cloudy. After straining out the remaining water, add the exact amount specified per the box instructions.
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Close The Lid
Close the cover after placing the saucepan into the cooker. Before tightening the cover, season the dish with salt, pepper, oil, butter, and other ingredients.
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Switch On The Electricity
At this stage, the electricity must be switched on and the stove plugged in. The device has a power button on the front that may be either a switch or a button. As the cooker heats, a light ought to come on.
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Let The Rice Cool Once It Has Been Boiled
Depending on the type and quantity of rice you’re cooking, the cooking time may vary, but most rice is ready in 15 to 35 minutes. When the rice is finished cooking, the rice cooker will make a sound, return the on/off switch to the on position, and/or turn off the cooking light.
Once the rice is done cooking, many rice cookers will automatically switch to the warming mode. It is often safe to leave the warming setting on for up to 12 hours. Before opening the pot, give the rice at least 15 minutes to settle so that any additional moisture may be absorbed.
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Serve After Removing The Lid
Use the included rice paddle or serving spoons made of plastic or rubber to scoop up the rice if the inner pot of your rice cooker is nonstick. By doing this, the pot’s nonstick coating is protected.
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Sanitize The Stovetop
Wipe away any more dirt using a sponge or cloth after allowing the lid to hang open to let the pot dry. To keep the nonstick coating on the cooking pot intact, avoid using metal brushes or utensils with it. You may clean the rice cooker pot in the dishwasher if it is dishwasher safe.
What To Look For In Rice Cookware?
Along with technological improvements, producers have increased the number of features on rice cookers to enhance their fundamental capabilities. How would you decide which of these new brands and models is the best option is the question. Here is a summary of some of the things to consider when choosing a rice cooker to aid in your decision.
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Size And Capacity
To select a rice cooker with the right capacity, take your family’s size into account. Standard sizes for rice cookers are 3 cups, 5 cups, or 10 cups. A 3-cup rice cooker is appropriate for a small family of one to three people, while a 5-cup rice cooker is appropriate for a home with four to six people. Use of a rice cooker larger than what you need is not recommended.
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Types Of Uses
You only need to add rice and water to a standard rice cooker; the rest will be handled by the machine. On the other hand, a multipurpose rice cooker enables you to cook a variety of dishes besides rice, such as steamed vegetables or slow-cooked soups.
Before making a purchase, consider a rice cooker’s features and adaptability to your family’s demands. -
Durability And Excellence
Above all else, you need to be sure that your rice cooker is durable. Read the label to determine the materials used and locate the finest rice cooker in Singapore. Cooking utensils made of aluminum, stainless steel, and ceramic are all renowned for their durability and inherent non-stick qualities. To discover reliable rice cooker companies, examine internet reviews. Leading brands including Philips, Tefal, Hitachi, and others are sold at Harvey Norman Singapore.
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Accessory And Style
A measuring cup for the uncooked rice and a spatula to scoop the cooked rice is frequently included with rice cookers. The design is yet another crucial element that you must take into account. Compact rice cookers are made to conserve space in addition to looking nice. Some fashionable versions have touch-sensors, which also make them easier to use.
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Cost
You may get a simple rice cooker that does the essential tasks of cooking rice and keeping it warm for a reasonable price.
A premium rice cooker, on the other hand, is quite adaptable and can be used to quickly prepare a number of aromatic recipes while also saving you a tonne of time in the kitchen. If you intend to use any of its numerous features, it is unquestionably a great purchase for your home.
The 10 Best Rice Cookers In 2024
Best Overall: Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker
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Best In Budget: DASH Mini Rice Cooker
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Best With Triple Heater: Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Rice Cooker
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Best In Capacity: Instant Pot Duo Electric Pressure Cooker
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Best Design: CUCKOO CR-0655F Micom Rice Cooker
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Best Stainless: Breville BPR700BSS Cooker
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Best Digital Functions: Hamilton Beach Digital Rice Cooker
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Best In Performance: Tiger JBV-A18U-W Micom Rice Cooker
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Best Portable: Toshiba Rice Cooker
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Best Square Shape: Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker
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Best Overall: Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker
This rice cooker can accommodate up to 8 cups of rice. It features a stainless steel inner pot that is durable and easy to clean.
It comes with a steam tray, rice measuring cup, and serving spatula. It is made of BPA-free materials.
The rice cooker also has a steamer basket, so you can steam vegetables or seafood while the rice is cooking. The steamer basket fits snugly into the pot, and the lid seals tight to prevent any steam from escaping.
With 8 preset digital functions, it can easily cook a variety of rice types, including white, brown, and sushi.
The 15-hour delay timer allows you to cook the rice ahead of time, so it’s ready when you are.
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Cons
Best In Budget: DASH Mini Rice Cooker
The DASH mini rice cooker is the perfect solution for small batch cooking. It can cook up to 2 cups of rice at a time.
This compact rice cooker can steam a meal in less than 20 minutes, and it features a keep warm function and indicator light to prevent overcooking.
This compact and portable rice cooker can easily fit on any countertop or even in a small cabinet.
It comes with everything you need to cook rice, including a mixing paddle, measuring cup, serving spoon, and removable nonstick pot.
Pros
Cons
Best With Triple Heater: Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Rice Cooker
It has 9-1/8 x 11-7/8 x 7-1/2 inches dimensions. It also has a capacity of 3 cups, making it perfect for small families or couples.
It comes with a triple heater that generates heat all around and a removable steam vent cap. It has multi-menu cooking functions, making it perfect for those who like to experiment with different recipes.
The detachable and washable inner lid makes it easy to keep clean, and the stay-cool exterior ensures that it won’t get too hot to the touch. The retractable cord makes it easy to store
Additionally, the built-in warming function keeps rice at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to eat.
The handy carrying handle makes it easy to transport from the kitchen to the dining room table.
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Best In Capacity: Instant Pot Duo Electric Pressure Cooker
This versatile 9-in-1 functionality cooker can be used as a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and more, making it perfect for busy families or those who love to entertain.
With a large 8-quart capacity, it’s big enough to feed a crowd, and the one-touch 15 customizable cooking programs make it easy to get the perfect results every time.
Additionally, it features an automatic keep-warm function that kicks in when your food is done cooking, keeping it warm and fresh until you’re ready to eat.
It includes a stainless-steel cooking pot that is durable and easy to clean. It is also a finger-print resistant and dishwasher-safe lid.
It also features a pressure cooker function that can cook food up to 70% faster than traditional methods.
Pros
Cons
Best Design: CUCKOO CR-0655F Micom Rice Cooker
The CUCKOO micom rice cooker not only has a 6-cup capacity but also 11 menu options that make it a versatile addition to any kitchen.
The sleek design is perfect for small spaces, and the removable inner pot makes cleanup a breeze.
With 16 unique rice flavor and texture options, it takes the guesswork out of cooking rice and makes it easy to get the perfect results.
It also features a keep warm function that will keep your rice at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to serve it with its user-friendly controls and foolproof performance.
Pros
Cons
Best Stainless: Breville BPR700BSS Cooker
This unit has a 6-liter capacity, making it large enough to cook meals for a family or small group.
With 12.5 x 13.5 x 14 inches dimensions and the 3-way safety system ensures that your food will be cooked properly every time.
This slow cooker also comes with a variety of other features, including a removable pot for easy cleaning, an LCD display, and adjustable temperature settings.
The 11 pressure cook settings allow you to customize the cooking time and pressure to suit your needs, while the keep warm function ensures that food stays at the ideal temperature until it’s time to eat.
The PTFE and PFOA-free ceramic pot is non-stick for easy cleaning, and the stainless steel exterior looks great in any kitchen.
Pros
Cons
Best Digital Functions: Hamilton Beach Digital Rice Cooker
It can cook up to 64 fluid ounces of rice at a time, making it perfect for large families or entertaining.
The digital controls make it simple to choose the perfect cooking time and temperature, and there are even pre-programmed settings for white and brown rice.
Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the nonstick pot, and the compact design means it won’t take up much space on your countertop.
The digital timer ensures that your rice will be cooked to perfection, and the included steam basket makes it easy to rinse your rice before cooking.
Pros
Cons
Best In Performance: Tiger JBV-A18U-W Micom Rice Cooker
This appliance can make up to 10 cups of cooked rice. It has a one-push operation that makes it very easy to use.
Perhaps most notably, the Syncro-cooking function allows the rice cooker to adjust its cooking time based on the amount of rice and water that is added, ensuring perfectly cooked rice every time.
Additionally, the four cooking menu settings give the user flexibility to prepare their rice exactly how they like it.
Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the non-stick inner pot. The non-stick spatula and cooking plate make it easy to cook rice without sticking, and the measuring cup ensures that you can cook the perfect amount of rice every time.
Pros
Cons
Best Portable: Toshiba Rice Cooker
It has a 6-cup capacity, so it’s perfect for small to medium-sized families. The cooking process is all automated, so you just have to add the rice and water and it takes care of the rest.
The 3D cooking technology means that the heat is evenly distributed, so your rice comes out perfectly cooked every time.
There are also 7 pre-programmed settings, so you can make anything to porridge at the touch of a button.
It includes a keep-warm setting that helps to maintain the food’s temperature, as well as two delay time options that allow you to delay the cooking process by up to 12 hours.
One of the best features of this cooker is the removable large steam vent. This allows you to release steam quickly and easily, without having to open the lid and risk overcooking the rice.
Pros
Cons
Best Square Shape: Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker
It makes up to 4 cups of cooked rice which is enough for a family. This cooker also has a keep warm function so your rice will be hot and ready to eat when you are ready.
It is lightweight and very easy to operate. The square shape and stainless steel finish give it a sleek, contemporary look, and the compact size means it takes up minimal counter space.
It comes with a non-stick, stainless-steel steaming basket, glass lid, paddle, coated anodized aluminum cooking bowl, and measuring cup.
The best thing about this product is that it automatically switches to warm once the rice is done cooking.
Pros
Cons
Extra Recipes To Make In Rice Cookers
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Frittata
A frittata is fundamentally an Italian omelet. However, two particular characteristics distinguish a frittata from an ordinary omelet: Instead of being folded into the egg mixture like in an omelet, the ingredients of a frittata (such as cheese, ham, vegetables, etc.) are mixed in and cooked with the eggs.
A classic frittata, which is an Italian word that means “fried,” is often prepared in a skillet on the stovetop and then baked to perfection. Think of a frittata as the Spanish tortilla espaola’s Italian equivalent. Or even better, a quiche without a crust. But we’re breaking the first rule today. Yeah, skip the stovetop/oven combination. Our frittata is being prepared in a rice cooker.
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Steamed Fish
A rice cooker may be used to make a variety of one-pot fish dishes, even though it was made to produce fluffy, perfectly cooked rice. Fish cooks more quickly than other meats like beef, chicken, or pork. The key to cooking fish in a rice cooker properly is to add enough sauce or water to the container to completely and evenly cook the meat. To prevent overcooking, the fish must be often examined.
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Porridge
Porridge has had a resurgence in popularity despite once being thought of as bland and boring and occasionally being eaten with salt, sugar, and a splash of milk. To spice it up a touch, folks now add cinnamon, apples, blueberries, and even honey. It’s delicious and really healthy, in my opinion.
Porridge is created by boiling ground, crushed, or chopped starchy plants such as rice, barley, corn (maize), oats, and wheat. Fruit, sugar, butter, honey, or syrup can all be used as garnishes for porridge. Some of the components in porridge include quinoa, cream of wheat, Irish or rolled oats, steel-cut oats, and oatmeal.
FAQs
If you want a truly easy way to make great rice without having to work hard to heat water, stir continuously, or clean a pot, rice cookers are worth the investment. Rice cookers are simple to operate, simple to clean, and capable of cooking a variety of rice varieties to perfection.
Start the rice cooker, then leave. There may be timer settings on some rice cooker models. If that is the case, check your handbook to see when it recommends cooking various varieties of rice. While brown rice might take up to 45 minutes, white rice just needs 18 to 20 minutes.
Rice cookers typically hold 5.5 cups. The rice cooker’s capacity is always stated in terms of dry rice, not cooked rice. It is challenging to cook a small quantity of rice effectively if you buy a rice cooker that is too big. A minimal quantity of rice that should be cooked at once is sometimes suggested in the directions for a rice cooker.
