Are you looking for the easiest and most modern way to cook rice? If so, you came to the right place. With its origins rooted in Japan, rice cookers have made their way on many kitchen counters. Since cooking rice is a fairly easy task, there seems to be a dividing love hate opinion of these nifty devices.
Most find cooking rice in a saucepan to be one of the easiest basic cooking steps, that they may not find the use of a rice cooker taking up valuable counter-top space. Others feel that rice is a staple in most of their dishes that its essential appliance to have in that kitchen. Those on that end also like that it frees up a stove burner, it enhances the flavor of their rice and it makes rice cooking fool-proof.
Rice cookers are multi-taskers and has a variety of use in the kitchen. Other grains such as barley and steel cut oats can be cooked in the rice cooker. They can also be used as slow cookers. Some come with special settings that cater to different grains and styles of cooking.
Maybe you’re on the dividing line and trying to figure out if a rice cooker is a good fit for you or which one would be best for your needs. This article will give details on the top rice cookers based on various cooking requirements: simplicity, durability, efficiency and nutritional value. It will cover the top rice cooker models and assist in helping you decide which model is best for your needs.
Lets check them out…
Rating
Product
Our RatinG
Pricing
Contents
- Who should buy this?
- What is Fuzzy-Logic?
- 1. Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT Micom 3-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
- Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
- Panasonic SR-DF101 5-Cup “Fuzzy Logic” Rice Cooker
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
- Tiger JNP-S10U-HU 5.5-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker and Warmer
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
- Cuckoo Electric Heating Rice Cooker CR-0631F
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
- Aroma Housewares 20 Cup Cooked (10 cup uncooked) Digital Rice Cooker, Slow Cooker, Food Steamer, SS Exterior
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
- Hamilton Beach Rice and Cereal Cooker
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
- Care and maintenance
- Conclusion
Who should buy this?
Although rice cookers are popular for many different Asian cuisines, they are frequently used by many different cooks where rice the staple for their prepared dish. Rice cookers do a great job at improving the flavor and quality of rice. Its arguably the best way to make rice for the simple fact that is extremely delicious. In addition, its easy to make!
If you’re looking for an easy one-step process with phenomenal results, then a rice cooker will be a good purchase for you. The rice cooker will allow you to prep your other foods while not having to spend time watching your rice. Your rice is unburnable! Therefore, you won’t ever have to deal with the smell and clean up of burnt rice. Depending on the brand you choose, all you have to do is add the correct measurement of cold water and rice.
Having a rice cooker takes the guessing out of cooking rice. There are sensors that adapts to the temperature in order to yield the best results. Cooking rice on the stove can become mushy and starchy, which can raise blood sugar.
If you don’t make rice frequently, then a cheaper rice cooker will do the trick for you. However, if you cook rice often and plan to cook brown rice and experiment with different grains of rice, then a more advanced cooker will cater more to your needs.
Many people many think you can only use rice cookers for cooking rice. That’s understandable because of its name. However, rice cookers are multi-functional and can offer variety in the kitchen. If you don’t really enjoy cooking or have a busy life where you can only afford to make quick and simply meals, then a rice cooker can save you a lot of time. You can make full meals by combining meats and vegetables in your rice. Rice cookers can also steam foods.
What is Fuzzy-Logic?
In the many descriptions of rice cookers, you may have seen the term Fuzzy-Logic thrown around. Fuzzy-logic rice cookers include computer chips that help the rice cooker adjust temperature and cooking times. Adjusting cooking parameters will yield the best results. Standard cookers will not include this feature because the basic function is just on and off. Fuzzy logic ultimately gives the appliance the ability to make judgment calls. Similar judgment calls that someone standing over a stove stirring a pot of rice would make.
Quality
Price
Our Rating
The Zorjirushi 3-Cup Rice Cooker is stylish, sturdy and also has a reasonable price tag attached to it. Its capacity is sufficient enough for a meal, holding 3 cups of uncooked rice and 6 cups of cooked rice. Its exceptionally durable due to its stainless steel exterior. It is portable and lightweight. The inner pot is detachable and easily cleaned.
This rice cook have multiple menu settings and come with a fuzzy logic technology that helps take care of your cooking requirements. It thinks on its own with this Fuzzy Logic technology and will adjust the temperature and time that results in perfectly cooked rice. You will be able to check the status of your food with the digital controls and LCD display. An additional feature is that this model comes with an extended keep warm feature, while most models don’t. This cooker will simplify making oatmeal, brown rice and various grains.
The cooker comes with a variety of cooking functions such as quick cooking, white/mixed, brown, sushi and porridge. The removable inner cooking pan provides even cooking and makes cleanup easier. The pot is marked with measure lines for control of ingredients. The inner lid of the pot is also removable. A delayed timer is a helpful feature. With a delayed timer, you are able to start cooking your rice at a later time in the day, perhaps right before you arrive home from work. Additional features include easy to read LCD panel, extended keep warm setting, and a retractable cord.
The NS-LAC05XT packs power with its 610-watt motor. Accessories include a measuring cup, spatula and a steam tray. This appliance will take up minimal counter space. You can feel secure with your purchase with the included 1-year warranty.
If you’re looking for quality, power and effortless rice cooker, then Zojirushi is the leader amongst its competitor. This will provide you with the top technology and efficient cooking. Where some rice cooking have limitations such as not being able to cook brown rice. The sky is the limit here.
Quality
Price
Our Rating
With its Fuzzy Logic technology, this is one smart cooker! It automatically adjusts the cooking time along with temperature in order to get perfectly cooked rice. The cooker has a white, modern design and comes in a 1.0 and 1.8 liter size and can hold 5 ½ cups of water.
The spherical aluminum cooking pot is found to be most effective in evenly cooking rice. It has a non-stick surface and comes with measurement marks. A comfortable easy grip is what can be expected from the handles. They are also cool to the touch. With a removable inner lid, it makes clean up a breeze.
The multi-menu selections has many options from automatic keep-warm, extended keep-warm and reheat cycles. In addition, an LCD (liquid crystal display) clock and timer is included. The timer has delay start setting that can be set to start cooking your rice moments before you arrive home from a long day. The cord is retractable for storage. Accessories included are two measuring cups, a rice scooper, a holder for the rice scooper and a recipe book.
This rice cooker doesn’t limit itself to just cooking rice. You can also cook steel cut oats, grits, pasta, risotto and much more. The settings allow rice to be made at a soft or firm texture. When using, avoid metal utensils and be sure to hand wash both the inner pot and lid.
The cooker weighs approximately 9 pounds and have the following dimensions (W x D x H): 10-1/8 x 13 x 8-1/8 inches. A standard 1-year warranty is included.
Quality
Price
Our Rating
If you want a good rice cooker that gets it right everytime, than this is a good chose. It is a smart rice cooker that has a micro-computer that will adjust its settings based on the amount of rice being cooked. So whether you’re cooking for yourself, or cooking for your whole family, this rice cooker will perfect your rice every time.
The Panasonic is very easy to use with icons included on the buttons. You can easily select between white rice, brown rice, soup and porridge. For safety, it includes an auto shut off feature. If its not the easy to use buttons that you’ll love the most, then it will have to be its affordability. This rice cooker gives you the most bang for your buck. Or maybe it’s the easy cleanup you’ll enjoy the most. The nonstick inner pot is removable and hand washing is recommended.
The Panasonic SR-DF101 has a 5-cup capacity which is measured in uncooked rice. This will double to 10 cups of cooked rice. This capacity is suitable for a medium sized family. Its important to note that you can also cook smaller cups of rice. With it fuzzy logic technology, this cooker will yield perfectly cooked rice. It appropriately adjust temperatures and timer as would do if you were cooking rice on a stovetop.
This cooker requires minimal space, the dimension are as following: 9-5/8 (D) x 13-3/8 (W) x 7-13/16 (H) and it weighs 6.6 pounds. Accessories that are included are a rice spatula, measuring cup and a steaming basket.
The SR-DF101 shines in affordability. The cooker is where advanced technology meets simplicity. It is great for someone that is looking for a quality rice cooker that is budget friendly.
Quality
Price
Our Rating
The Tiger JNP-S10U 5.5 Rice Cooker will effortlessly allow you to cook rice to perfection. Get back to the basics of rice cooking with this model. If you’re searching for a cooker that will make sure your rice is kept ready to serve, then look no further. This appliance has a warmer function that will set up to 12 hours.
Since the Fuzzy Logic technology is not included, heating and warming is intuitive and straightforward. The casing of the rice cooker houses the inner pot and a sensor located at the bottom of the casing heats the inner pot. There is a “Keep Warm function that will ensure that rice stays warm and ready to serve for up to 12 hours. In this setting, your rice will not burn or dry out.
This rice cooker includes a steaming function that will allow you to steam foods from vegetables to seafood. In order to get the best use from this feature, you will want to buy a stream tray, as it is currently not included.
Cleanup is a breeze with the Tiger Rice Cooker. It comes with a removable aluminum non-stick inner pot, along with a washable steam vent and lid. The cooker also can be used as a steamer, allowing you to steam anything from vegetables to seafood.
The stainless steel finish gives it a sleek design that will compliment many kitchens. It has a retractable cord for neat and tidy storage. Accessories include a spatula and a rice measuring cup. Make sure that rice is only measured with the included cup. An LCD (liquid crystal display) and timer are features included that have the settings of “Cook” and “Keep Warm”. The menu settings allows for white rice and steaming. Therefore, optimal results may not be received when cooking brown or other types of rice.
Tiger brand rice cookers are known for their durability and can last 20 plus years. The 5.5 cup capacity is great for medium sized families. This device is great for someone that’s looking for longevity, simplicity and has more capacity to feed larger families.
Quality
Price
Our Rating
Cuckoo rice cookers are some of the most sought after rice cookers on the market. Possibly due to its rigorous product testing, trendy design and the approximate 40 years that Cuckoo has been making durable and trustworthy products. The CR-0631F includes fuzzy-logic technology that will adjust temperatures and cooking times.
The cooker comes in pink and white which may not be a great color match for all kitchens. However, with the Cuckoo advanced technology and features, you’ll soon forget that it doesn’t match. The cooker has a removable aluminum inner pot. It has a non-stick Teflon coating that allows for easy clean up. The pot can hold 6 cups of dry rice and can cook a minimum of 1 cup. The spherical shape of the pot helps cook rice evenly and perfect every time. Accessories included are a nonstick rice scooper and one measuring cup. This product is lightweight weighting 6.8 pounds with dimensions as following: 9.3- x 12.5- x 8.4-inches.
This cooker is designed to cook various types of rice from white, brown, basmati, and jasmine. It has 6 cooking features that will allow you to have versatility in the kitchen while not limiting yourself to just cooking rice. You will be able to cook oats, grains and steam vegetables.
The perfect consumer of this product would be someone that is looking for versatility, want advance computerized technology that will make the process effortless, and one that is looking for a durable long lasting machine.
Quality
Price
Our Rating
Do you have a large family or have a significant number of people you cook for? Then this would be the perfect rice cooker for you? The Aroma Housewares rice cooker can make a staggering 20 cups of cooked rice. This beats the capacity of all rice cookers on our list.
This cooker will not limit you to just cooking white rice. You can make brown rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice, steel-cut oats, grains, and many more. The cooker can also steam anything from vegetables and seafood.
The Aroma rice cooker adds a sleek look to any kitchen with its stainless steel vessel. Accessories that come with the cooker include a steam tray, serving spoon, measuring cup, a soup ladle and a recipe book. This rice cook has an impressive 15 hour delayed timer. This will enable you to delay the start time eliminating the need to stand alert in the kitchen. Now you can come home from work with fresh warm rice. The added SensorLogic technology aids in getting perfectly cooked rice each time by allowing the appliance to adjust its temperature and cooking time.
Cleanup will be easy with the removable nonstick inner pot. Since this model has more added capacity, it means more storage is required. Dimensions are as following: 10.8 x 10.8 x 11.2 inches.
Ultimately, if rice is a staple in your household and apart of your everyday use, then this Aroma rice cooker will be a great addition.
Quality
Price
Our Rating
Hamilton Beach brand is a recognizable brand that has been the leaders in producing budget-friendly quality small appliances. This Hamilton Beach Rice cooker is extremely affordable and is the perfect fit if you looking for some bells and whistles with the right price tag.
The control panel has a LCD panel light that has 6 different settings to choose from: white rice, quick rice, whole grain, hot cereals, steam cook and heat and simmer. This will give you variety and options for cooking. Delayed start is a feature that allows you to delay the start of the cooking process for up to 15 hours. This makes it unnecessary to remain alert in the kitchen. You can enjoy other activities and come back to pot of food waiting for you. After the cooking has stopped, it will beep and will automatically change to the warm mode.
There are many different options and varieties for dishes that this cooker offers. You can steam vegetable and meats. You cook white rice, brown rice, oats, grits and more. Pastas, soups and beans are amongst many dishes that can be made with this. It even comes with a steam basket that will allow you to make some of your favorite one-pot meals. Accessories includes a measuring cup and a rice paddle.
The machine itself is lightweight with the dimensions as following: 11.06-inches high x 10.75-inches wide x 10.75-inches deep and weighs about 4.8 pounds.
A 1-year warranty is included with your purchase. This will allow you to feel comfortable and secure with your purchase. We feel this is ideal for a budget friendly consumer who wants to get the most variety and use from a rice cooker.
Care and maintenance
Rice cookers are fairly easy to clean and prep. Before use, take out the inner pot and lid if it’s detachable, and wash both. Also be sure to clean both the measuring cup and rice paddle if you use the ones that come with the machine. It is necessary to read the instructions to be sure these parts are dishwasher-safe. That can vary by brands and models. The exterior layer can simply be wiped down while the inside pot has a non-stick coat that can be cleaned with hot soapy water.
Many rice cookers come with steam trays that can get moldy if left uncleansed. After each use, drain the device which can sit on either the side or top of your device. Never use metal utensils or anything that can scratch the surface.
Conclusion
If you made it this far, I’ll take it that you are definitely in the market to buy the best rice cooker that will meet your needs. Hopefully, this article has made that decision easier for you. If you still are undecided on the perfect rice cooker for you, be sure to look at some customer reviews and see what other consumers have to say about the product. When browsing products, it will be helpful to know what are must have features or what are features that might make things more complicated than you would like. Its also good to shop with a price range in mind. These tips will help you narrow down your search. Happy Shopping!
Leave a Reply