Rice Cooker

Factors to consider when buying rice cookers and steamers

Determine the kind you need

The market is flooded with various options when it comes to rice cookers. One can find a rice cooker that suits all kinds of requirements. The different kinds of rice cookers include the specialized models that cook risotto, pan, porridge, rice steamers, and paella pan. Initially when rice cookers came out, they were of the ceramic kind. But now, with the fast paced technology and advancement, rice cookers are of the electrical kind. Some are large, while some are extremely small. Electric rice cookers help one save time and energy, since they have an automatic switch on and off mode. The more recent and advanced heat induction rice cookers distribute the heat evenly throughout the mass, resulting in a fast and delicious meal.

Some of the rice cooker models vary in features according to their price. Other rice cookers come with features such as warming up the rice from time to time if the rice is still in the pot on an automatic basis, while some come with a faster cooking time or specific cooking mode for different rice consistencies (cooks the rice to the ideal texture for sushi, for example). A normal and standard rice cooker takes up to 30 minutes to cook the rice, but with some of the more advanced models – like pressure rice cookers –, the time has been reduced to about half. There are a number of models which offer these specific features; but if you and your family only eat rice occasionally, a regular basic rice cooker should suffice.

Take size into consideration

Some of the rice cookers come in a large size, while some are fairly small and can be carried around quite easily. If you are a college student, or a working professional who does not live in a large house, then you might want to go for something that can be easily installed, and would not consume much space or even power.

Non-stick material preference

Some rice cookers come with an aluminum coating inside which is non-stick, while some come with a charcoal or clay interior. While both of these are non-stick, there are some people who prefer it without the artificial coating, which happens to be in the case of the aluminum kind. Rice cookers that have a stainless steel are easier to clean, and therefore the most bought – since practicality is the main appeal behind these products in the first place.

Steamers

Food steamers are the best alternative to establish a healthier and more nutritious diet, since steamed food locks in all the nutrients; provides the flavor intact; and helps one control calories. Some of the popular foods are cooked using steamers, such as steamed, fish, chicken, vegetables, and even helps make soups and sauces. Steamers are relatively inexpensive, and can be bought for extremely good deals, especially online. Not every food item can be boiled, since boiling food at times makes us get rid of the flavor accidentally in the process. Steamers ensure that the food gets cooked in minimal time, while keeping the flavor in place. There are 4 types of steamers:

Metal

These are usually 1 or 2 tiered, and can be easily cleaned and kept without any hassle. One does not have to carefully separate the food when placing it in the steamer, since there are individual compartments available for that.

Microwave

These are made out of plastic and can be placed inside a microwave. Such steamers help in multitasking, and are fairly easy to use and clean.

Electric

These kind are extremely popular since they can be used anytime and anywhere. They are ideal for college students and people who are constantly on the go or travelling.