Do you love rice, and want to make sure your rice is just perfect? With all of its versatility, a rice cooker would be a great addition to your kitchen. A rice cooker, often times known as a rice steamer, is an electrical appliance that reduces the time and attention needed to cook rice well, by making this process more automatic. A rice cooker ensures the timing and heat so that you will have delicious rice. The only thing you will have to do is to put the correct amount of water to the cooker.

Types of Rice Cookers

The differences among electric rice cookers is mainly based on capacity and special features. Usually, rice cookers consist of an outer container that is insulated. The heating element is within this container. A removable bowl is contained inside the insulated container and that is where the rice is placed. 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 allows you to add fragrance to the rice.

Designs

Rice cookers are often round or elongated, but will differ in size, materials, colors and features. Some rice cookers will have clear lids so you can check on the rice. Some expensive cookers with extra features will appear “space age” in design.

Price

Rice cookers can be relatively inexpensive, starting at about $20. However, there are Rice cookers in the $200 range that feature computerized cooking. Many well reviewed rice cookers can be bought from between $40 and $100.

Ratings

Because rice cookers differ in features and design, it is smart to read ratings and reviews of these appliances. Wize.com has a rating system, that shows you an overall score for each item based on numerous individual 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 may include a glass lid. It can cook very consistent rice. On the other hand, a $78 rice cooker may have a few programmable cooking modes, an automatic timer and warmer, be stainless steel, a safe-to-touch locking lid, a condensation collector, and a 10-cup capacity. If you want something really high tech, there is a model for $180 that has computerization, and has menu settings for white, sushi, porridge, sweet, semi-brown, brown and quick cooking rice.

Where to shop

You can find rice cookers in major department or appliance stores, and especially in stores specializing Asian goods. However, it is best begin searching on the internet where you can easily compare sizes, prices and features.

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