Rice Cookers
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
Rice cookers are "trendy" appliances popping up in kitchens all over the U.S. They've been known in Asia for many years, however, and their technology has improved tremendously from early models.
What Type is Right for You?
Most rice cookers are easy to clean, easy to use, and several have two compartments that can cook rice and vegetables or meats at the same time. Some models come with an external spout to add liquid if it begins to run low during cooking, and others come with a steaming compartment, and separate rice bowl for steaming rice. The water container can also hold wine, and herbs or spices, to add extra jest to your food.
Rice cookers are geared mainly to preparing different types of rice, porridge, and soups. Then there are the models that can both cook rice perfectly, while steaming other items in another compartment or basket. Each type of rice cooker has its own advantages and disadvantages, and as you use yours, you'll discover just what works for you.
What Do Experts Recommend?
Experts recommend these features when buying a rice cooker or steamer:
- The inner pot should be removable for easy cleaning, and coated with a non-stick surface. If the surface isn't non-stick, rice has a tendency to stick like glue to the pot, making it difficult to serve and clean.
- Oval shaped steamers hold long or irregularly shaped foods and can hold fish, too.
- Built-in timers allow you to set the unit before you leave the house, and arrive home to hot rice.
- A keep warm feature will keep your rice warm for up to 12 hours, but it won't burn.
The measuring cups that come with rice cookers all tend to be different. Be sure to read the directions when adding rice and liquid to your rice cooker.
Some steamers don't shut off automatically when the food is done. Look for a cooker with this feature, if you won't be able to keep an eye on the food as it cooks.
Fuzzy logic. A technology that allows you to program the rice to cook up to twelve hours before you want to serve it. This technology can also compensate for "minor" mistakes in measuring rice or liquid, so your rice still turns out perfectly, according to the manufacturers.
Why Do I Need One?
If you've never enjoyed rice cooked in a rice cooker, you may not understand why these handy little appliances are so wonderful. First, you can add vegetables, stock or broth, or even cooked meat to the pot, add your rice, turn on the cooker, and come back in about 20 minutes to perfectly cooked rice. The kernels are firm, never soggy, and the rice will never be gooey or runny if you follow the cooker's directions. I've had three different brands of rice cookers, and I would not be without one again. My current brand is a Zojirushi, and I'm happier with it than I've been with any other. Once you taste rice made with a rice cooker, you'll understand why they've been a staple in Asian kitchens for decades. Beyond that, rice cookers can be used to make soups, porridges, and even desserts, and there are recipe books dedicated only to rice cookers that will help you get the most out of your appliance.