Whenever you see an online article featuring a list of must have kitchen appliances, an electric rice cooker is almost always somewhere to be found. But what exactly is a rice cooker? What can they do besides cook rice? Do you really need one and, if you do, which one should you buy?

It all comes down to your lifestyle and cooking habits.

Electric Rice Cookers 101

In brief, a rice cooker is an electric kitchen appliance designed to boil or steam rice. It consists of a heating element, a cooking bowl and a thermostat to measure the temperature of the cooking bowl and control the heat. Some rice cookers are simple and have a singular function, while others are more complex and multifunctional. The come in a variety of sizes, from small compact units to large industrial-size devices.

Originally developed in Japan in the early 20^th Century, modern electric rice cookers have gained popularity across the world for their convenience and ease of use. Many household now use multifunction rice cookers regularly for cooking rice, steaming vegetables, making soups, porridges and more.

Do I Need a Rice Cooker?

There are several reasons to buy a rice cooker. If you have trouble making rice using conventional methods, ie: on the stove, or need to make rice regularly or in large quantities, then it might be worth your while. Rice Cookers come in a variety or sizes and capabilities, so it’s worth doing some research and finding the model that suits your circumstances.

Size Does Matter

If you live alone and only make rice now and again, a huge 10-cup capacity rice cooker would be an unnecessary and bulky choice. A smaller, more compact model that can be easily stored away when not in use would be a better selection. Conversely, a bigger capacity model might take up some kitchen bench space, but would be worth it for families that regularly cook larger quantities of rice on a regular basis.

Basic vs Multifunction

A basic rice cooker, a unit that just cooks rice, is cheap, simple and easy to use and clean. They come in a variety of sizes and have various capabilities including auto-cook and keep warm functions. Some come with accessories, such as a measuring cup and rice paddle, while high end models come with multiple cooking programs and additional functions. Basic rice cookers are perfect for those who make rice regularly or those who struggle with cooking rice on a stove.

Multifunctional units are worth considering if you want to reclaim some kitchen space by replacing multiple appliances. Some multifunction rice cookers are capable of cooking various types of rice, steaming vegetables, simmering and braising food and even basic slow cooker functions.

While these devices lack the pressure cooking and full slow cooking capabilities of true Multicookers, such as the Instapot, these multifunctional rice cookers are excellent value for money and a good choice for cooks with limited kitchen space or those who aren’t interested in pressure cooking.

Cleaning

Rice cookers are surprisingly easy to clean and maintain. The cooking bowl itself is removable and can usually be put in the dishwasher, as can any included accessories such as measuring cups and rice paddles. The appliance usually only needs a quick wipe down after use. Some devices have a removable pressure valve that should be rinsed and dried after each use. The cooking element itself should be kept dry and clean. In short, rice cookers are low-fuss and easy to clean.

Do Your Research

When it comes to most kitchen appliances, it’s worth doing some research before making a purchase. Once you have decided on what type of rice cooker you are interested in, specifically size and function, shop around and compare models. Read online reviews and even search video platforms like YouTube for reviews of specific models that put the appliances to the test. I have found that many of these video reviews have been invaluable in making a final decision on which appliance to purchase.

Buyer Beware

Beware of appliances that seem a little too cheap. Snagging a bargain is one thing, but a price that seems a little too low could be a warning that the appliance you are considering is a dodgy device.

Ultra cheap kitchen appliances, including rice cookers, have been flooding the market for decades. They are often of inferior quality, poorly constructed and dubious in reliability. I strongly recommend avoiding super cheap appliances.

That doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive model available, but do your research and avoid wasting money on a cheap, unreliable bit of rubbish that will inevitably need to be replaced far sooner than necessary.

One Pot Chef Recommends:

Basic Rice Cooker: MOOSUM 3 Cup Rice Cooker

Easy to use basic unit featuring one-touch operation, ceramic-coated removable cooking bowl, included accessories (measuring cup and rice paddle) and automatic keep warm function. Perfect for everyday use.

Amazon Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4bDly0X

Multifunction Rice Cooker: Tefal Easy Rice & Slow RK7321

Super easy to use appliance with multiple cooking programs, including a quick cook mode, keep warm option and slow cooker function. 10 cup rice cooking capacity. Comes with a steaming basket, measuring cup and rice paddle.

Amazon Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4qr7ICG

In Conclusion

If you are in the market for an electric rice cooker, there is a wide variety of options available to you, depending on your needs and kitchen space. Do your research and keep an eye out for ultra cheap appliances that might not be the bargain they appear to be.

Ultimately, I recommend a rice cooker for anyone who wants to easily cook rice on a regular basis but wants to avoid fiddly stove-top cooking methods.