If you are looking for one of the most versatile kitchen appliances that you can find, look no further than the rice cooker. Rice cookers do several other things besides just cook rice and are useful appliances in both kitchens and dorm rooms.
Of course you can use a rice cooker to make excellent rice every time, but they also can be used to cook other hot cereals, soups, stews, steamed vegetables and even deserts. Be sure that you choose a rice cooker that has the features that you will use.
The top rice cookers come from the country where they originated, Japan. You will find several less expensive rice cookers from other places, but the Japanese make the best rice cookers by far.
Rice cookers come in several sizes, some cooking over fourteen cups of rice at one time. You should choose the cooker that corresponds to the amount of rice you normally would cook. Large cookers can be used to cook smaller amounts, but they work best when three quarters to all the way full. Be careful not to overfill a rice cooker.
You should also know that the Japanese cup is only six ounces and the American cup is eight ounces. This may mean that you will need to make some adjustments for recipes. Just remember that if you are using rice cooker cups, they are only three-quarters of the American cup.
The Japanese home prefers a five cup rice cooker.
If you want easy clean up from your rice cooker, choose the one with a non-stick pan. This non-stick pan is great for rice. Rice just does not stick to it and slides out leaving a clean pan. A quick rinse and you are ready to cook again.
When shopping for rice cookers, you will find that there are four basic choices in the type of cooker you choose.
Some models are either on or off. The good thing is that they automatically turn off. They may not have an indicator light, but simply turn off when all the water is absorbed into the rice. These cookers are very versatile and can do a good job at cooking rice.
The next in price range of rice cookers both cook the rice and then turn to a keep warm setting. They do not have an off setting so be sure to unplug the unit after use so that you do not create a fire hazard.
Some of the rice cookers also offer fuzzy logic. This means that they have differing settings for soups or rice texture. Some even have a setting for sushi rice.
The most expensive (over two hundred dollars) rice cookers offer induction heating. These rice cookers make perfect rice every time. They can compensate for variations in measurements in rice or water.
If you like steamed vegetables, be sure that you buy a rice cooker that has the plastic steamer basket. You can even steam the vegetables as you cook your rice.
For a college student living in the dorms, a rice cooker is a perfect gift. Be sure that you get the smallest cooker so the student doesn't have to deal with leftovers. In addition to rice and vegetables, the student can always throw in a package of Top Ramen noodles for a quick lunch.
John McKain writes rice cooker reviews. His rice cooker blog contains everything readers want to know about sanyo rice cooker, panasonic rice cooker, and zojirushi rice cooker.
Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Cooking Articles Via RSS!
