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Rice cookers are, in my opinion, just about the most useful device anybody could have in their kitchen. However, there are still many people who have never used a rice cooker, nor do they see why they should ever start. But on the opposite side of that coin there are many others who have used rice cookers and swear that they will never go back to the pot-on-the-stove technique.
With ever-rising fuel costs equating to rising costs of food, and with healthier eating habits becoming a larger part of many households these days, rice is rapidly becoming a larger part of many people's diets. Using a rice cooker makes the act of cooking rice incredibly simple, easy and practically mistake-proof.
When you cook your rice in a rice cooker, not only is it easy, but it comes out perfect each and every time. Once you start cooking with rice cookers you will save a lot of time and energy in the kitchen, allowing you to do more important stuff, like taking a nap.
What to look for when looking for your perfect rice cooker:
1) Cost of rice cookers
There is a huge difference in price between the low-end, basic rice cookers and the premium ones. In fact the cheaper rice cookers tend to cost right around $15-$30 whereas the high-end cookers will run you $150-$200 or even more. For those who are simply interested in cooking plain rice and that's it, generally speaking the less expensive rice cookers will suffice. But for those who need to be able to cook a wide variety of types of rice, and cook them well, and who want all the different options available, only the higher priced ones will do.
Spending a bit more on your rice cooker will get you a lot of extra options. Many more expensive rice cookers come with extras such as a timer, the ability to cook various types of rice, all to perfection, or a warmer to keep your rice hot long after it's finished cooking, without drying it out.
2) How much rice you're planning on cooking
Some people never cook more than a couple cups of rice at a time, however others need to be able to make enough for a large family and will need 10 cups or more. There are rice cookers to fit any size family or occasion.
Normally, if you're single then I would recommend a 5 cup rice cooker, I personally don't like the 3 cup sizes as you never know when more rice my be necessary. The 10 cup sizes are perfect for that larger family or the small family that cooks for two meals at a time.
3) More options
Some other options that you might want to consider when buying a rice cooker include:
A removable inner-lid for sanitation purposes
A non-stick bowl (very important)
Support for different types of rice, including brown, mixed, sushi, etc...
Measuring lines on the inside of the cooking bowl, this allows you to always add the perfect amount of water, even after having washed or rinsed your rice
Rice cookers make a wonderful addition to any kitchen that rice is cooked in. Definitely pick one up if you don't already own one, it'll be one of the best kitchen item purchases you'll ever make.
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