Having a good rice cooker can make a huge difference in how perfectly cooked your rice comes out. Whether you’re making sushi, traditional pilaf, or a stir-fry, the right rice cooker can make the difference between sticky or overcooked rice and perfectly prepared and seasoned grains. If you’re in the market for a new rice cooker, here are five of the best you can buy.

What to Look for When Choosing a Rice Cooker

When purchasing a new rice cooker, it helps to have an idea of what features are important. It’s generally best to stick with an electric model since the heating elements are more precise and even – gas cookers may not always cook evenly. Most electric models also have insulated metal bodies that hold the heat in better. You’ll also want to look for a large capacity – small cookers won’t do well if you intend to cook for large groups of people. Check how long the cooking cycle is, as some may be very speedy while others may take awhile longer.

Multi-cookers are another great choice. These models may perform all kinds of tasks, from slow cooking and steaming to soup-making and even baking. Many of these devices come with settings and recipes specifically for rice making. Heat retention is also important, as rice will lose its flavor and nutritional value if not adequately insulated after it’s cooked.

How to Use a Rice Cooker for Perfectly Steamed Rice

Once you have the right cooker for your needs, you should also know how to use it properly. After measuring out the desired amount of rice, give it a preliminary rinse in cold water to remove debris, starch, and any unwanted particles. Next, add your desired amount of liquid – as a general rule, it should be equal or just a bit more than the amount of rice you’re using. When you place the pot on the heating element, let it heat up for a few minutes before adding in the rice, as this will help ensure even cooking.

Once the pot is on and the timer is set, cover it with its lid and let it cook for the allotted time. Once the timer has gone off, give it an extra few minutes so that all the liquid is absorbed – this will keep your rice from becoming too soggy. After that, take off the lid and fluff the rice with a fork – this will help prevent stickiness.

Benefits of Owning a Rice Cooker

There are plenty of benefits to owning a rice cooker – for one, it can save you time if you’re frequently preparing large quantities of food. You’ll no longer need to keep an eye on your pot while it’s cooking, as the timer in most electric cookers prevents overcooking. Additionally, using a rice cooker allows you to spend your time prepping other food items while your rice cooks on its own.

Rice cookers can also save you money – since they use one pot and one heating element, they’re much more energy-efficient than using a stovetop to cook multiple dishes at once. They’re also very easy to clean afterwards – just give them a quick rinse with some vinegar or baking soda and they’ll be sparkling again in no time. Finally, depending on model, many rice cookers can be used for other dishes such as soups and even hot cereals.

Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Rice Cooker

Cleaning your rice cooker is easy and hassle-free as long as you take care of it properly. Be sure to rinse your pot with cold water before every use, as this will help remove debris and keep it from sticking. After every use, let it cool before attempting to clean it. If it has been in use for some time and includes a buildup of hardened or stuck-on food particles, use some baking soda or vinegar on its surface to make it easier to wipe away.

Keep your lid clean and tidy by regularly wiping it off with a damp cloth. If odors emanating from it become unbearable, make sure to soak it in warm water with some soap or baking soda. Additionally, periodically run the empty pot with just water and some vinegar or baking soda to keep residue from building up.

Alternatives to a Rice Cooker

Of course, not everyone needs an electric rice cooker. The most common way to cook your grains is stovetop cooking – this method involves placing the ingredients in an already-boiling pot and controlling the heat for the perfect finished product. To do this properly, you may need to adjust the temperature as needed by lowering or else raising the heat. Boiling is best for washing large quantities of rice, but as it’s difficult to control an even temperature from top to bottom with this method, you may end up with either burnt or undercooked fields.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for something simpler or more budget-friendly, you can also try “rice cooking in a bag”. All you do is place your ingredients inside a sealed plastic bag and then place that bag in boiling water. Allow the water to continue boiling until all the liquid is absorbed, then take it out carefully with tongs or kitchen utensils and voila – perfect cooked rice!