Those who want to recreate those perfect, restaurant styled rice dishes at home may only need the right tools to get the job done. Rice cookers take the guess work out of preparing rice. After users follow the instructions about how much rice and water to add to the appliance, it is programmed to cook the rice at the right temperature and for the appropriate amount of time. Many consumers consider rice cookers to be good value purchases because most are versatile enough to prepare other food items besides rice. Here are 10 of the top rice cooker models on the market today.
1. Instant Pot IP-DUO60 Programmable Pressure Cooker
The Instant Pot is a programmable cooker that functions as a rice cooker and much more. In fact, the appliance also serves as a slow cooker, yogurt maker, saute device, steamer, pressure cooker and warmer. The Instant Pot is designed to cook foods more efficiently than conventional ovens and stove tops; it also accommodates greater recipe variety than traditional slow cookers. The cooking process of the Instant Pot is advertised to leave more of the nutrients in the cooked food than methods using conventional cooking appliances. The device comes with pre-programmed settings for foods like rice, yogurt, beans and soups. However, home cooks can also set times manually for customized recipes.
2. Aroma Digital Rice Cooker and Food Steamer
The Aroma Rice Cooker and Food Steamer is a digitally programmable appliance that cooks up to eight cups of all types of rice efficiently. The electric cooker allows one to prepare rice as well as steam meats and vegetables simultaneously which saves time for busy home cooks. The programmable rice cooker has a 15 hour delay and automated warming features that make it easier to plan hot meals around a household’s busy schedule. The appliance has a non-stick inner canister that is simple to clean and is dishwasher safe. The Aroma cooker comes in white and silver.
3. Instant Pot IP-LUX60 Programmable Six Quart Cooker
The Instant Pot Programmable Six Quart, 1,000 Watt rice cooker prepares and steams a variety of dishes. The programmable cooker is a slow cooker, browner, warmer, pressure cooker, steamer and rice cooker in one. It is constructed of durable stainless steel and features pre-determined modes for foods like meats, rice and other vegetables. The cooker does not have a non-stick interior which may be a bonus for those who are concerned about chemicals from non-stick substances getting into their food. The Instant Pot also has numerous safety mechanisms to ensure that the appliance’s lid stays firmly shut while food is pressure cooked. Home cooks can delay cooking start times for up to 24 hours, and they get up to 120 minutes of manually programmed cooking time.
4. Aroma Digital Rice Cooker and Food Steamer ARC-150SB
The Aroma Steamer ARC-150SB is a large capacity rice cooker that prepares up to 20 cups of cooked rice. It has programmed settings for all types of rice. The appliance features a cooking timer delay of up to 15 hours and an automatic warming program that allows meals to stay ready when needed. The Aroma rice cooker and steamer has a non-stick inner cooking pot, but the appliance’s exterior is made of stainless steel.
5. Black & DeckerRC3406 Rice Cooker
The Black & Decker Rice Cooker offers a compact design that yields up to six cups of cooked rice at a time. This rice cooker comes with a measuring cup, a rice preparation and serving paddle and a steaming basket for preparing vegetables at the same time that the rice is cooking. The product comes with a tempered glass lid that helps home cooks to keep an eye on the status of their dishes.
6. Oster Rice Cooker
The Oster Rice Cooker is a compact appliance that allows home cooks to prepare a variety of dishes like soup and fondue. This cooker and the steamer tray that comes with it are durably constructed of stainless steel and other metals rather than plastic. It’s cooking surface does contain a non-stick coating that makes it easy to clean. The Oster Rice Cooker has a simple design that doesn’t feature a programmable timer. However, the cooker’s sensor automatically switches to its warming mode after the rice has been cooked and the steam vented.
7. Aroma Simply Stainless Rice Cooker ARC-753SG
The Aroma Simply Stainless ARC-753SG rice cooker’s exterior is made from quality stainless steel, and the inner cooking container is made of surgical grade stainless steel. This rice cooker produces six cups of cooked rice, and it is versatile enough to prepare soups, stews and oatmeal with a touch of a button. The steel is also dishwasher safe and relatively easy to clean.
8. Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer
The Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer uses the latest technology to cook restaurant quality rice dishes as well as other menu items. The rice cooker has two delayed timer settings, an automatic warming feature and programmable reheating cycles. It also has programmable settings for different types of rice. Home cooks can do a number of food preparation tasks that include steaming vegetables, cooking up to 10 cups of rice and even baking cakes. The stylish digital rice cooker comes with a manual and recipes to show users how to optimize the cooker’s functions.
9. Aroma Digital Rice Cooker and Food Steamer ARC-914D
The Aroma ARC-914D Digital Rice Cooker and Steamer allows home cooks to prepare up to eight cups of cooked rice at one time. The cooker comes with four different functions to cook white rice, prepare brown rice, steam vegetables and warm prepared food. This Aroma rice cooker and steamer has a 15 hour cooking start delay to facilitate better meal planning.
10. Black & Decker RC503 Rice Cooker
The Black & Decker RC503 Rice Cooker is a compact rice cooker that is designed to prepare small portions of rice for individuals or couples. The cooker yields about three cups of cooked rice at a time, and it has an automated keep warm feature just in case dinner is delayed. The Black & Decker cooking canister has a non-stick coating that makes it easy to clean. Consumers give it great reviews for its simple design and ease of use.
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