For many Indian cooks, getting the perfect fluffy texture to their rice is an essential pursuit. But the key to achieving the perfect plate of Indian rice is the perfect rice cooker. Read on for an in-depth guide to finding the best rice cooker for Indian cooking.

What to Look for When Choosing a Rice Cooker

Because Indian cuisine often involves spices, finding a cooker that is capable of stuffing portions of ingredients inside, such as garlic, ginger and onion, is important. Additionally, it is important to find a cooker which allows you to adjust the temperature and steam settings according to your desired result. While it is possible to purchase rice cookers with pre-programmed settings for rice, if you are not familiar with rice cooking, you may end up with consistently undercooked or overcooked rice.

When selecting a rice cooker, it’s also important to consider size and capacity. For example, if you only plan to cook for one or two people, a 1-2 litre capacity will probably suffice. If you’re cooking for a larger group, or if you plan to make multiple dishes with your cooker, a 5-6 litre capacity cooker would be a better choice. Additionally, if you’re buying a larger size cooker and tend to bring it with you while travelling, you may want to select one that is lightweight and easy to carry.

Evaluating Different Types of Rice Cookers

When it comes to types of rice cookers, there are essentially three different varieties. Microwaveable rice cookers are the most affordable option, and are great for those who are on a budget. They often come with pre-programmed settings and require minimal user effort. These are a great option for those who just need to quickly prepare a single bowl of rice.

The most common type of rice cooker is the electric variety. These work well for individuals who need to make larger quantities of rice at once. Electric rice cookers, while more expensive than their microwaveable counterparts, generally offer more features and settings. These are great if you tend to make multiple dishes with your cooker and need the flexibility that it can provide.

Finally, there are induction rice cookers, which are the most expensive type of rice cookers. These provide quick heat transfer and precise temperature control, making them great for those who are looking for specific types of rice results. However, due to the high cost associated with induction cookers, these are not typically recommended unless you are a serious rice-preparation expert.

Pros and Cons of Popular Rice Cooker Models

When selecting the perfect rice cooker, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of various models. Here we have outlined the pros and cons of some popular models.

Mealthy: This model is best for those looking for precise heat control. It comes equipped with pre-programmed cooking settings as well as custom settings for creating your own signature dishes. The downside of this model is that it can only produce a single bowl of cooked rice at a time.

Zojirushi: This induction model is great for those wanting to prepare multiple servings of rice simultaneously. It features precise temperature settings and its non-stick interior makes cleaning up a breeze. The downside is that it is the most expensive of all the models considered here.

Tiger: This model comes in both electric and induction varieties, making it ideal for those who are mostly aiming for convenience. Its prices are cheaper than the Zojirushi or Mealthy models, however its lack of temperature options may make its performance inconsistent.

Tips for Cooking Perfect Indian Rice

Now that you have chosen a perfect rice cooker for Indian cooking, let’s look at some tips which will help you to achieve perfectly cooked Indian rice every time.

Firstly, be sure to wash your rice before cooking. This helps to remove any excess starch and ensures that your cooked rice will have a light, fluffy texture. Additionally, it is important to make sure that your chosen rice cooker model has an appropriate capacity for your needs – if you’re cooking too much or too little rice (relative to capacity), you may end up with mushy or crunchy results.

Finally, when adjusting temperature and steam settings, it’s important to remember that cooking times can vary according to type and quantity of ingredients used. To ensure perfect results every time, try experimenting with different settings and take notes on the results to find the optimal cooking time.

Best Practices for Cleaning and Maintenance

Finally, it’s important to practice good cleaning habits when using your rice cooker. After each use, be sure to wash out any residue from the inside of the cooker and allow it to dry completely. Additionally, fork out any remaining cooked rice from the bottom of the pot before beginning another batch.

In addition to cleaning after each use, it’s important to take care of your cooker in other ways such as keeping track of when any parts need replacing. Additionally, giving your cooker periodic deep cleanings such as soaking it in vinegar can help keep it in good condition.

Following these simple steps can help ensure that your cooker will last many years and be sure to provide perfectly cooked Indian rice every time.