Do you love rice? Rice is a delicious, versatile and affordable food that can be enjoyed by everyone. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal or can be made into a main course. With a rice cooker and steamer, you can make perfect rice every time – without worrying about it burning or sticking to the pot.
There are many different types of rice cookers and steamers on the market, so it can be challenging to know which one is right for you. In this blog post, we will discuss the different features of the best rice cooker and steamer models available and help you decide which one is right for you.
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What are Rice Cooker And Steamer?
A rice cooker and steamer is a kitchen appliance that is used for cooking rice. It typically consists of a heating element, a cooking pot and a steam basket. The heating element cooks the rice by boiling water which is then absorbed by the rice grains. The steam basket steams the rice, making it more fluffy and tender.
5 Best Rice Cooker And Steamer
1. Aroma Housewares ARC-954SBD
The Aroma Housewares ARC-954SBD Rice Cooker is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It is a multifunctional appliance that can be used to cook rice, grains, stews, oatmeal, steamed veggies, and even cake. The eight preset digital functions and automatic Keep Warm mode make it user-friendly and easy to use.
The Simultaneous Steaming function allows you to steam food above while rice or any other meal cooks below, saving you time without sacrificing quality. The Sauté-then-Simmer function will enable you to sauté and brown foods at high heat, and then once the liquid is added, the cooker will automatically switch to simmer mode.
The 15-hour Delay Timer is great for families on the go, delivering delicious meals ready when they’re needed, up to 15 hours in advance. The compact 8-cup capacity is perfect for preparing small individual meals or delicious side dishes. Aroma Housewares ARC-954SBD Rice Cooker comes with a steam tray, rice measuring cup, and serving spatula. It has a power consumption of 120V/60Hz 500W and is BPA-free.
Overall, the Aroma Housewares ARC-954SBD Rice Cooker is a versatile and user-friendly appliance that is perfect for any kitchen. It is multifunctional, has various convenient features, and comes with everything you need to make delicious rice dishes.
2. TIGER JBV-A10U
The TIGER JBV-A10U 5.5-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker with Food Steamer Basket is an excellent product that can help you cook your rice and other food items perfectly. It has four different cooking menu settings, which include synchrony-cooking, plain rice, brown rice and slow cooking.
This product also has a non-stick coating inner pan that is easy to clean. Additionally, it includes a non-stick spatula, cooking plate, measuring cup and cookbook for using the synchrony-cooking function. This rice cooker is definitely an excellent choice for those who want to have perfectly cooked rice and other food items.
And with its unique tacook function, it can even cook the main dishes and rice simultaneously.
Overall, we highly recommend the TIGER JBV-A10U 5.5-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker with Food Steamer Basket. It is a great product that can help cook your rice and other food items perfectly.
3. Zojirushi NHS-06
The Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup Rice Cooker is a reliable and easy-to-use appliance that is perfect for small households or anyone who loves eating rice. It has a single switch control for ease of use, and the see-through glass lid lets you monitor the cooking process. The stay-cool knob and handles make it easy to transport, and the durable nonstick inner cooking pan ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
This rice cooker comes with a plastic measuring cup with a capacity of 6-ounces, making it simple to measure the right amount of rice for your needs. One 6-ounce cup of raw rice makes about 2 to 3 6-ounce cups of cooked rice, so you can easily make enough for a small group. Whether you are cooking for yourself or others, the Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup Rice Cooker is a great choice.
Overall, I really like this rice cooker. It’s straightforward to use – add rice and water, push a button, and it does the rest. The see-through lid is also excellent, so you can check on the cooking progress without having to remove the lid (which can let heat escape).
4. CUCKOO CR-0655F
The CUCKOO CR-0655F 6-cup (uncooked) Micom rice cooker is a versatile and easy-to-use appliance that is perfect for small to medium-sized families. With 11 menu options, including white rice, brown rice, porridge, and steam, this rice cooker can handle any meal with ease. The intelligent cooking algorithm is designed to cook delicious rice every time automatically so that you can enjoy effortless cooking.
With the My Mode feature, you can take control of your cooking and choose from 16 different rice flavors and textures. The removable nonstick inner pot and detachable inner lid make cleanup a breeze, while the auto-clean function and excess water drainage dish keep your rice cooker clean and your rice taste fresh.
This rice cooker is the perfect way to enjoy delicious, healthy meals with minimal effort.
Overall, we think the CUCKOO CR-0655F is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use rice cooker. With 11 menu options, innovative cooking technology, and a variety of customizations, this rice cooker can handle any meal with ease.
5. Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable
The Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer is a versatile and convenient addition to any kitchen. With the ability to cook 2-14 cups of rice or other grains, as well as steam seafood, poultry, or vegetables, this rice cooker/food steamer combo is perfect for meal planning and entertaining.
The six pre-programmed settings take the guesswork out of cooking, while the delay start feature allows you to program cooking up to 11 hours in advance. When cooking is complete, the rice cooker automatically shifts to warm, keeping food ready to serve.
The included steam basket doubles as a rice rinser, making it easy to prepare rice without clumping. With its sleek stainless steel design, the Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer is an attractive and functional addition to any kitchen.
Overall, we were really pleased with the Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer. It is a versatile and convenient appliance that would be great for any kitchen. We love the six preprogrammed settings and the delay starts feature.
Factors You Should Know Before Buying the best Rice Cooker And Steamer:
When it comes to buying the best rice cooker and steamer, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are some factors to consider before making your purchase:
Capacity:
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a rice cooker is the capacity. How many people will you be cooking for? If you have a large family, you’ll need a cooker that can accommodate a larger volume of rice. Conversely, if you’re cooking for one or two people, a smaller capacity cooker will suffice.
Features:
Rice cookers come with a variety of features, from simple on/off switches to more complex digital controls. Consider what features are most important to you and choose a cooker that has the functions you need.
Easy to use:
Another essential factor to consider is how easy the cooker is to use. Some cookers have more complex controls than others. If you’re uncomfortable using a complicated machine, choose a simpler model.
Easy to clean:
One of the worst things about cooking rice is the cleanup. Luckily, many rice cookers come with removable pot liners or non-stick surfaces that make cleanup a breeze. Choose a range that is easy to clean so you can spend less time scrubbing pots and more time enjoying your meal.
Price:
Of course, price is always a factor to consider when making a purchase. Rice cookers range in price from around $30 to $200. Choose the cooker that fits your budget and has the features you need.
Quality:
Another essential factor to consider is the quality of the rice cooker. Some cookers are made with cheaper materials that may not withstand regular use. If you plan on using your cooker frequently, make sure to choose a high-quality model that will last.
Durability:
Finally, you’ll want to ensure that your rice cooker is durable and will stand up to repeated use. Choose a model made from high-quality materials that will last for years to come.
Benefits of a rice cooker and steamer combo unit?
There are many benefits to using a rice cooker and steamer combo unit. Here are just a few:
Convenience:
A rice cooker and steamer combo unit are very convenient. It allows you to cook rice and steam vegetables or seafood at the same time, all in one appliance. This saves you time and hassle in the kitchen.
Versatility:
Another great benefit of a rice cooker and steamer combo unit is its versatility. With one appliance, you can cook a variety of foods, from rice and vegetables to seafood and chicken. This is perfect for those who like to experiment with new recipes or who have a large family to feed.
Affordable:
The Rice cooker and steamer combo unit are also very affordable. It’s an excellent investment for any kitchen, as it can be used for multiple purposes. Plus, it’s usually less expensive than buying two separate appliances.
Easy to use:
Another great thing about a rice cooker and steamer combo unit is its straightforward use. Even if you’ve never used a rice cooker before, you’ll find it very simple to operate. Add the ingredients, set the timer, and let it do its job.
Easy to clean:
Another benefit of a rice cooker and steamer combo unit is that it’s straightforward to clean. Most units have removable pot liners or non-stick surfaces that make cleanup a breeze.
Compact:
Another great benefit of a rice cooker and steamer combo unit is its compactness. It doesn’t take up much counter space, which is perfect for small kitchens. Plus, it’s straightforward to store away when not in use.
Safe:
A rice cooker and steamer combo unit are also very safe to use. It has a variety of safety features, such as an automatic shut-off function, that make it safe for even the most inexperienced cook.
Energy-efficient:
A rice cooker and steamer combo unit is also very energy efficient. It uses less electricity than a stovetop rice cooker, so it’s an excellent choice for those who are looking to save money on their energy bill.
Tips for cooking perfect rice in a rice cooker:
- Rinse the rice: Before cooking, rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any impurities. This will also help to prevent the rice from sticking together during cooking.
- Add the right amount of water: Be sure to add the correct amount of water for the type of rice you’re cooking. If you add too much water, the rice will be mushy. If you add too little, the rice will be dry and crumbly.
- Bring the water to a boil: Before adding the rice, bring the water to a boil in the pot. This will help to ensure that the rice cooks evenly.
- Add the rice: Once the water is boiling, add the rice and stir to combine.
- Cook the rice: Cover the pot with a lid and cook the rice according to the package directions. Be sure to remove the pot from the heat when the rice is cooked through.
FAQ’S Rice Cooker And Steamer
Q: Which is better, rice cooker or steamer?
A: Both have their own advantages. Rice cookers are great for cooking rice perfectly every time, while steamers can be used to cook other foods such as vegetables or fish.
Q: Can you use a rice cooker as a steamer?
A: Yes, you can use a rice cooker as a steamer. Just make sure to add water to the pot before adding the food you want to steam.
Q: Which rice steamer is best?
A: There are many great rice steamers on the market. Some of our favorites include the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Steamer, the Aroma ARC-150SB 20-Cup (Uncooked) Digital Rice Cooker and Food Steamer, and the Cuckoo CRP-G1015F 10-Cup (Uncooked) IH Pressure Rice Cooker.
Q: Can you steam rice in a microwave?
A: Yes, you can steam rice in a microwave. Just add water to the pot before adding the rice, and then cook on high for 2-3 minutes.
Q: Is a rice steamer worth it?
A: If you frequently cook rice or other foods that benefit from steaming, then a rice steamer can be an excellent investment. They are relatively inexpensive and can make cooking much more accessible.
Q: Can I steam broccoli while cooking rice?
A: Yes, you can steam broccoli while cooking rice. Just add water to the pot before adding the rice and broccoli. The broccoli will be done when the rice is finished cooking.
Wrap Up!
We hope you enjoyed our article on the best rice cooker and steamer combos. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact us. And be sure to check out our other articles on kitchen appliances and gadgets. Thanks for reading!