Are all rice cookers created equal?
Growing up, there was never a more reliable appliance than the humble rice cooker. In our family of seven, rice was our daily staple so for durability the cheapest model would never cut it. I think that reputable asian brands can be trusted for that reason, after all they understand the usage needs of everyday rice eaters. I remember one time going over to my friend’s place for dinner as a teen and her mother was making rice on the stove in a metal pot. I was quite flabbergasted at this foreign way to which the end result was dry, boring and tasteless. But if you’ve only got fire to work with (so common in some countries), the whistling pressure cooker does an excellent job and retains the flavour really well! I can say this because I had lived abroad for seven years using this exact method.
Today, we have more options than ever standing in front of a wall of rice cookers (online and offline), feeling overwhelmed by the choices. Rice cookers are not all made the same. They vary widely in design, features, materials, and cooking technology. Here are some key differences.
1| The Heart of the Matter: Cooking Technology
There’s a lot of innovation surrounding this.
Basic Rice Cooker: Simplest models with an on/off switch that relies on a temperature sensor. It is a no-frills, straightforward and budget friendship option. Once the rice is cooked, it switches to "keep warm" mode automatically.
Micom (Microcomputer) Rice Cooker: Uses fuzzy logic via a microchip to adjust cooking time and temperature based on the type of rice. An upgrade from a basic model to a fuzzy logic cooker can ensure no more undercooked centers or burnt bottoms.
Induction Heating (IH) Rice Cooker: Creates a magnetic field that heats the entire cooking pot, resulting in unparalleled temperature control and consistency. It means the rice is cooked evenly with great precision and the result is better texture and flavour. The top-tier technology, crème de la crème. This is truly the game changer!
Pressure Rice Cooker: These cook rice under pressure, which helps reduce cooking time and improve the rice's texture. You can now get a high-end cooker that combines both IH and High Pressure technology, the ultimate on the market.
2 | The Inner Pot
A thick heavy duty inner pot made of a stainless steel body will most likely last longer than a thin and lightweight one.
Nonstick Coating: Most common, easy to clean, but less durable.
Stainless Steel: More durable and healthy, but rice can stick.
Clay or Ceramic: Offers natural heat distribution and is often used for traditional-style rice cooking.
Honestly, given the advancement of technology, nobody cooks rice alone in a cooker anymore. You can steam, stew, poach and even bake, how convenient. I love a multifunctional appliance because it saves you so much time! Or if you don’t enjoy cooking just set the timer and walk away, even better! Brands like Zojirushi, Tiger, Panasonic, and Cuckoo are known for high-quality rice cookers with advanced features. I’m currently using a Joyoung that has a ceramic inner pot. Mi also make quite sturdy multifunctional rice cookers too. If you had hoped for an easier pick after reading this article, sorry but there are just so many great choices out there. It really depends on your preference of colour, style, weight, size, material and technology.
