Table of contents
Rice is a blank canvas with unlimited possibilities. It isn’t easy to cook rice that is soft tender and firm, yet retains the individual grains. Before the advent of gas ranges and electric stoves the rice would be cooked using stone pots on a charcoalor wood-powered stove that occupies some area called the k amado. The cooking process in the stove known as a kamado requires an expert understanding of how to handle the fire so that your food isn’t burned. Like the process of amadocooking and k amadocooking, using steel pots that are used on a gas stove requires heat control to ensure that the rice does not burn. The typical method for cook rice on the stove is to use medium-high heat and enough water. Bring it to a boil. Then, lower the heat to low, and cook for between 10 and 15 minutes before turning off the heat so that the rest of the moisture evaporate or be evaporated or steam off. This sounds simple until you test it.
Today, thanks to the invention of the rice cooker that is electric, the process of cooking rice is now easier than ever. Just mix the correct quantity of rice and water while the rice cooker will take care of the rest of the job. Another benefit to making use of a rice cooker is it makes the space needed to cook your meal to serve it with the rice. The rice cookers we tried have an option to warm the rice and ensure that your rice is kept warm (at an appropriate temperature for food) for a couple of hours.
It is important to note that purchasing the rice cooker isn’t just about how the rice is made out, based on the water and rice ratio. You can alter how much water you use used each time you cook rice in you rice cooker to ensure you get it just right. For instance, if you prefer rice that is drier, use 1/4 cup less water the next time. When you have the right ratio, the enjoyment with the rice cooker will become more valuable. We selected our top overall pick based on its many cooking functions, its efficient design, user-friendly and the way it cooks rice without burning the top layer. Check out our other top rice cookers.
It has been re-evaluated since the date of its initial publication for accuracy, pricing, and availability. We are confident in our list of the top rice cookers.
How to make use of a rice cooker
All rice cookers we tested had the same steps in the use of the cooker.
Clean what you can prior to the first time use. If it’s the first time you’ve used the machine, you can gently wash the inside of the container, the lid (if it’s not connected to the body) and an rice spoon, steamer basket and the rice measuring cup.
Use the measurements provided in the cooker. Measure out the amount of rice you’d like to boil (1 Cup of supplied measuring cup typically yields two servings once it’s cooked) and then place it in the inner pot, which is separate from the body. The pot is filled about half-way with hot water. Rub some rice with your fingers to swiftly remove the excess starch and take it out. Repeat the process at least two more instances until your water is clear. Drain as much of the water as you can. The rice cooker should be filled with enough water to fill the appropriate water line (i.e. 1 cup measuring cup supplied to the first water line, (or “water line 1”) or as much as you want.
Different ratios create various texture. The desired amount of rice-to-water can come taken from “trial and error” or the way was taught. For instance, some claim that enough water is when the level of water “reaches your knuckles when you put your entire hand onto the surface of the rice” or “the first line of your index finger”. (The finger or hand method of measuring water level originates from Asian families and is handed down through generations, as our parents did not measure anything. They always be the first to say “measure by eye.”)
Clean the outside of the pot, and then check the vent prior to pressing the start button. Before placing the pot in your cooker’s main body, be sure you clean the exterior of the pot as any dirt , water or particles can affect heat source. Put the clean inner pot inside the main body, and seal it by closing the lid. Use the appropriate buttons to begin cooking the rice. It doesn’t matter if it’s one button or a “menu” button to cook according to the proper kind of rice. After the rice cooker has been beginning to cook, ensure that the vents on the lid of the cooker is free of obstructions. You are able to cook your dish for serving with the perfect rice
Rice Cooker Accessories for the Rice Cooker
A lot of rice cookers have an assortment of accessories. The basic ones include rice paddles steamer basket, measuring cup.
Rice Paddle
Certain recipes to cook rice need you to fluff up the rice with the help of a fork. A fork inside the rice cooker isn’t a good idea since most inner pots come with an nonstick coating. The rice paddle that comes with it is designed to help fluff up the rice without scratching the inside of the pot’s nonstick coating. There are paddles that comprise silicon or wood; it’s all about your preference. Some paddle designs include beads that can help in preventing rice from sticking while you take the rice out of the inside pot. When you aren’t equipped with beads that are on your paddle just lightly dampen the paddle prior to you begin to fluffing the rice to stop the sticky rice. Certain rice cookers feature an additional attachment to keep the rice paddle on the countertop or connected to the machine, ensuring that it doesn’t get soiled on your countertop.
Rice Measuring Cup
The measuring cup for rice included with the rice cooker may be the most confusing piece of all the equipment, since when you see “place 1 cup of uncooked rice into the inner pot” typically, that refers to a leveled scoop made with the measuring cup included. The measuring cup that is provided is actually a standard 3/4 cup measurement, which means that 1 scoop of rice using the measuring cup, or 3/4 cups standard measurement is equal to “water line 1” on the inside of the pot to get the most efficient outcomes. If you’re making use of the measurement standard water line, it will not be applicable for the same ratio. If you’re using a 1 cup as the standard measurement, the water that is until line 1 on the inside pot would result in dry rice.
Steamer Basket
It is possible to use a rice cooker to cook more than rice. Each rice cooker we tried had steamer baskets that can be used to cook your meals. The majority of manuals have recipes for a side dish that you steam which you can cook along alongside the rice. It is often referred to as to be a “one pot meal”. My preferred method for making use of it is cooking Chinese sausage (as as a side dish) along with the rice and dumplings frozen in the basket of steamers. Sauté some vegetables once your rice cooker has been set in the warm setting and it’s an easy dinner for two or three people. A word of caution: if you’re cooking more that 3 cups of rice that isn’t cooked it is not recommended to utilize the steamer basket since after the rice has been done cooking, the surface layer of the rice will adhere against the base of the pot and, even more detrimentally, it will affect the way the rice cooks.
How do I clean a Rice Cooker
After your rice has been cooked and all of the rice has been removed from the inside pot, it’s the time to scrub and wash the cooker. If you’ve emptied all of the rice and desire to eat your meal, let the rice cooker soak in an inch of water to keep any leftover starch inside the inside of the pot from becoming sticky and stuck to the dish. To wash your rice cooker swipe a soft sponge along all the sides of the pot to let the starches out along with a little water. The starchy water should be removed and wash the pot with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry the exterior and the interior of the inside pot using a soft cloth. Place the pot inside the body of the rice cooker and then clean the lid and outside inside the primary body using that same towel. If you’re able then, let the rice cooker sit with the lid off for a few hours in order to dry completely.
What We Tested
The 10 machines all have gone through the same process. Start by taking everything out in the box. We then begin washing the inside of the pot and lid (if it’s not connected with the cooktop’s body) steamer basket, rice paddle, and measuring cup. We go through each manual prior to beginning to check if the rice cooker comes with an overall procedure (or ratio) to cook brown and white rice. To test this we decided to even our playing fields by taking one cup (from the measurement cup for rice which equals 3/4 cup in the standard measurement) cleaned white rice, and adding cold water to one “water line” that is typically inscribed within the interior of the pot. Certain water lines are designed for certain types of grain or rice and we decided to use them accordingly. Certain rice cookers don’t have water lines specifically designed for brown rice because it requires more water to cook fully and we used what the manual states regarding the amount of water is needed to be added to the cleaned brown rice. Additionally, to ensure it’s even by using the same method for rice as well as water levels and water level, we also allowed the rice to sit for 10 minutes following the time when the rice cooker switched on the warming feature.
Best Overall: Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy 5.5-Cup Rice Cooker
- 5-1/2-cup computerized rice cooker and warmer with advanced Neuro Fuzzy logic technology. Wall mountable
- Multi-menu selections; automatic keep-warm, extended keep-warm, and reheat cycles. Electrical Rating - 120 volts / 680 watts
- Spherical, nonstick inner pan allows for uniform heating; LCD clock and timer; retractable cord
- Menu settings include white (regular/sushi, softer or harder), mixed, porridge, sweet, semi-brown, brown, rinse-free and quick cooking
- Measures approximately 14 by 8 by 9 inches; 1-year limited warranty, Dimensions (W x D x H) : 10-1/8 x 13 x 8-1/8 inches
The machine is equipped with every one of the “bells and whistles.” It features nine cooking functions that cook various types of grains and rice. It also comes with the prewashed rice which is fairly new and doesn’t require to be rinsed prior to cooking. The rice cooker was built to be efficient: It comes with a nonstick interior pot that has clearly marked water lines, two handles placed on opposite sides of the inner pot, to aid in lifting the pot up and keep the inside of the pot from spinning and retractable cords for less space when it is stored and the rice paddle holder connects to the sides of the cooker to keep the countertops from becoming sticky and a tune that plays as the rice cooks cooking. The rice cooker is to be large for a home appliance with a dimension of 10 inches wide , 14 inches in length and 8 inches tall. The rice takes an extended time for cooking (white rice cooked for 41 minutes and brown rice took 1 hour) because of a soaking process that ensures that the rice is able to absorb the water. This process, however, yields perfect, soft, fluffy individual grains, without the crisp rice that is in the middle. The process was the same every time. After your meal your rice cooker will be simple to clean because of the nonstick coating that covers the inside of the cooker; starches that remain on the base of the pot can be removed easily. The manual advises against clean the inner cooker in dishwasher due to the nonstick coating. Therefore, you should wash it with soapy water, rinse , and dry it immediately prior to storage.
Best for Beginners: Zojirushi 3-Cup Rice Cooker
- Multi-menu cooking functions: Special settings for white/mixed riced, sushi rice, brown rice, GABA brown rice, long grain white rice, steel cut oatmeal and quick cooking
- Triple heater (bottom, side and lid) generate heat all around for even heating.Up to 3 cups / 0.54 liter. Capacity is measured in the approx. 6 oz. / 180mL rice measuring cup, using raw short grain white rice. Other grains may vary
- Dimensions (W x D x H):9-1/8 x 11-7/8 x 7-1/2 inches. Detachable and washable inner lid
- Easy to store retractable cord.Interchangeable melody and beep signal
- Removable steam vent cap allows for high-temperature cooking without messy overflows. Electrical rating : 120 Volts or 450 Watts.Micro computer automatically adjusts cooking temperature and time
It is great for those who are new to cooking because of simple designs. The user just has to clean then drain their rice. Then then add enough water, hit the button to let the rice begin to cook. Brown and white rice cooked in just 41 hours and 38 minutes respectively. Brown rice has an incredibly thin layer of crispy rice, but it was not so evident. With a 9-inch diameter and a capacity of 3 cups it’s perfect for families with up to six persons. While it’s smaller and less compact than our top model but the design doesn’t suffer. The cooker is still easy to remove from its body and rice is scoopable. The rice cooker comes complete with steamer basket so cooking a complete dish can be simple and fast.
Ideal for small spaces The Dash Mini Rice Cooker
- MORE THAN RICE: Oatmeal, stew, soup, quinoa, rice, and pasta. The 2-cup capacity allows for healthier portion control, or individual, quick and easy breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, or sides.
- QUICK plus EASY: Set it and forget it. Prep time is minutes (simply add water and your uncooked rice, pasta, or veggies), and press the cook button. Your steamed meal (or side) is ready in less than 20 minutes, with less clean up.
- KEEP WARM FUNCTION: Updated with a keep warm function and indicator light - never overheat or overcook ingredients again, making for a healthy, perfect meal each and every time.
- PORTABLE plus COMPACT: The Dash Rice Cooker is your MUST-HAVE for that first apartment, smaller kitchen, college dorm life, or camper/RV traveling. Plus, the fun color options will match any kitchen décor (add to your registry now.).
- INCLUDES: The 200-Watt Dash Mini Rice Cooker is backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty and includes a rice paddle, measuring cup, removable pot with PFOA-free nonstick coating, recipe book and recipe database access
Its Dash Mini Rice Cooker is an ideal choice for those who are new to cooking and works great for smaller spaces like dorms and AirBnBs. It has an 8.5-inch size and 6.5-inch height the rice can be cooked everywhere you travel. White rice was cooked for 35 minutes, however the water level was a little too high as the rice was lumpy and sticky. With less water it would be more fluffy and soft. However brown rice was cooked for 55 minutes and was soft and fluffy as well as a light layer crisp rice at the middle. Due to its small dimensions and the capacity of 2 cups this recipe is an easy choice for college students looking to cook at home in their small apartments or dorms.
Best Value: Aroma Rice Cooker
- Multi-Functional Use – Whether you're in the mood for a hearty jambalaya, steamed veggies and rice, or even a delectable cake, you can accomplish it all with your rice cooker. The possibilities are as creative as you are.
- User-Friendly Programming – Easy-to-use with 4 preset digital functions and automatic Keep Warm mode when the cooking is finished.
- Nutritious & Delicious – The built-in Steam function allows for nutrient-rich meals to be prepared above while rice, soup, or any other meal simultaneously cooks below, allowing you to save time without sacrificing quality.
- 15-Hour Delay Timer – The programmable delay timer is great for families on the go, delivering delicious meals ready when they're needed, up to 15 hours in advance.
- Compact Capacity: 4-Cup (Uncooked)/8-Cup (Cooked). Its compact capacity is perfect for preparing small individual meals or delicious side dishes.
We were able to find that our Aroma Rice Cooker worked surprisingly effectively despite its cost. It cooked white rice extremely well, and produced soft, fluffy, and distinct grain of rice. However the brown rice was too soft and undercooked, with some starchy water leaking out of the vent. We suggest using less water while cooking brown rice in order to prevent water from that escapes from the vent, and soft rice. The cooker includes steamer basket and measuring cup and a rice paddle. The labels on the inside of the pot are difficult to read due to the black interior, however it’s a plus that the inside of the pot is dishwasher safe. Along with easy cooking, the included tools and price the rice cooker is able to cook 4 cups of cooked rice that can be served up to eight people.
Best for Brown Rice: Tiger Micom 5.5-Cup Rice Cooker
- Syncro-cooking function "tacook" makes it possible to cook main dish and rice at the same time
- One push operation. Dimensions (inches) : W 10.6 x D 13.9 x H 8.4
- 4 cooking menu settings (Synchrony-cooking/Plain rice/Brown rice/Slow cooking)
- Easy to clean non-stick coating inner pan.Electric Rating: cook 672W
- Includes Non-stick spatula, Cooking plate, Measuring cup and Cookbook for using "Synchrony-cooking" function
Its Tiger Rice Cooker has been an additional top choice, however it was beaten out by Zojirushi. Zojirushi due to the fact that the white rice cooked in the Tiger cooker was slightly dry (perfect for frying rice) It has only 4 cooking functions, and it’s got the largest footprint. Tiger cooks the most delicious brown rice in comparison to all the rice cookers that we’ve tried. Thanks to the unique brown rice cooking function it took about an hour to cook, and yielded soft and distinct grains. If you’re someone who loves brown rice and want to cook it, this rice cooker is the one the one for you. The rice cooker comes with the ability to cook with synchro-cooking and is that cook the main dish along with the rice in the same. Check out the instruction manual and Tiger’s site for more recipes.
The Best Alternativeto Instant Pot Duo
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer.
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more.
- COOK FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook delicious one-pot meals up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or slow cook your favorite traditional recipes – just like grandma used to make.
- QUICK AND EASY CLEAN UP: Finger-print resistant, stainless-steel sides and dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and accessories.
- PROVEN SAFETY FEATURES: Includes over 10 safety features, plus overheat protection and safe-locking lid.
This Instant Pot Duo can be a great substitute for rice cookers that are solely dependent on the quality of the rice. But if you’re intending to cook rice then we recommend one of our other options. The manual has an approximate ratio of water to rice, however it doesn’t provide any specific instructions regarding”rice” “rice” cooking function. We tried four different methods to cook brown and white rice together. We tried the white and brown rice in separate batches following the recipe from the manual as well as the two cooks utilized”rice” as the “rice” function. The cooking time for all rice is considerably faster than the others rice cookers’ cooked times white rice is about 10 minutes when using an natural release and brown rice approximately 20 minutes using the release of a natural. (Always ensure that you have an natural release, as this is when you can allow the rice to soak up all of the water.) If you intend to make use of your Instant Pot for anything other than rice, we believe it’s an investment worth making. investment.
