How to choose a rice cooker?

The programmable rice cookers are versatile and result in better rice than the On/Off type cookers

Usage

In an Indian Cuisine, rice is a common food. The dishes include from just plain rice to very sophisticated Biryani.

Features

Capacity

The capacity is specified in terms of total end product, the cooked rice. Note one cup of raw rice may yield 2 cups of cooked rice.

Most of the better known rice cookers are made in Japan and the capacity is specified in Japanese cups. The United States cup is 20% larger than the Japanese cup. As a rule, just remember that 6 Japanese cups equal 5 US cups.

One should not buy a rice cooker too large or too small than what is needed. For efficient operation of the rice cooker, the minimum capacity is 2/3rd of the specifications. The maximum is the specified capacity. If you cook larger than the specified capacity, it might result in boil-over. If you cook less than half the stated capacity, the rice may cook un-even.

Rice pan

The rice pan should be made of non-stick surface to aid in cleaning. Many of the rice pans have graduated marks, so that you don't have to actually measure the rice or the water. This is only useful if you are making plain rice.

The Lid

The lids have a steam escape valve. The lids may be transparent made of glass or plastics or non-transparent. My personal preference is glass, it has nothing to do with the performance of the cooker.

Types of Rice cookers

There are basically two types of Rice cookers: On/Off, and Programmable.

On/Off Type

The heating element is turned on and stays on till the water is absorbed. The boiling temperature of water is 212º F. After the water is absorbed, the temperature rise above 212º F, when sensed, it shuts off the heating element. The newer models have a 'Keep warm' feature.

Programmable Type

There are four stages of cooking rice

Pre-soaking: After the rice has been washed, it is normally presoaked in water.

Boiling water: The water and rice are boiled at high heat.

Water Absorption: The heat is turned down while the rice is absorbing water

Rest period: After most of the water is absorbed, the heat is shut off to complete the absorption.

The programmable rice cookers have a built-in microchip that controls the heating element during all these four stages depending on the type of rice and desired outcome. The pre-soaking may be skipped by the User by selecting quick cooking mode. In another mode, the onions and rice may be sautéed before cooking cycle. The result is a more versatile appliance with better end product than the On/Off type cookers.

Notes

If you are used to cooking rice on stove top, you may have to revise your recipes by reducing water.

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