A Guide To Purchasing a Rice Steamer
Do you love rice, and want to make sure your rice is just perfect? With all of its versatility, a rice cooker may be a great addition to your kitchen. A rice cooker, also known as a rice steamer, is an electrical appliance that reduces the time and attention needed to cook rice well, by making the entire process more automatic. A rice cooker controls the timing and heat so that you will have perfect rice. The only thing you will need to do is to put the right amount of water to the cooker.
Types of Rice Cookers
The differences among electric rice cookers is based on capacity and special features. Generally, rice cookers include an outer container that is insulated. The heating element is inside this container. A removable bowl is contained within the insulated container and that is you put the rice. The bowl also has markings indicating the cups of rice, and may be made of a non-stick material. Beyond these basic features, rice cookers can have many features, such as timers, “keep warm” features, programmable cooking modes, and a feature that lets you to add fragrance to the rice.
Ratings
Due to the fact that rice cookers differ in features and style, it is a good idea to look into ratings and reviews of these appliances. Wize.com has a ranking system, that gives an overall score for each item based on numerous user and expert reviews. You can also read the individual reviews that create the score.
Technical Specifications
Technical specifications can vary widely among rice cookers of different sizes and prices. A $30 rice cooker can have an 8 cup capacity and a power of 600 watts. It could include a glass lid. It can cook very good rice. On the other hand, a $78 rice cooker may have three programmable cooking modes, an automatic timer and warmer, be stainless steel, a locking lid, a condensation collector, and a 10-cup capacity. If you want something really high tech, there is a model for $180 that uses computerization, and has individual settings for white, sushi, porridge, sweet, semi-brown, brown and quick cooking rice.
Where to shop
You can buy rice cookers in major department or appliance stores, and particularly in stores focused Asian goods. However, it is best begin searching on the internet where you can easily compare sizes, prices and features.
Designs
Rice cookers are often round or elongated, but will differ in size, materials, colors and features. Some rice cookers will have glass lids for viewing the rice. Some expensive cookers with extra features will appear “space age” in design.
Price
Rice cookers can be relatively low cost, starting at about $20. However, there are Rice cookers in the $200 range that feature computerized cooking. Many excellent rice cookers can be purchased from between $40 and $100.
