Rice cookers and rice steamers make it easier to make rice in an effective and efficient way. What should you know when shopping for these appliances to make the right choice for your busy kitchen?
Steamers
Steamers have a simple primary function. They steam foods, preserving many of the nutrients. Some food steamers may offer a bowl attachment for rice cooking. Steamers with multiple tiers are helpful to allow you to cook several different foods and to cook more food in a single steamer.
Rice Cookers
Rice Cookers provide you with perfectly cooked rice every time. The convenience of this cannot be underestimated. A rice cooker prepares rice by boiling water placed inside the machine, which heats up and becomes absorbed by the rice. Unlike a traditional stovetop, which may cause water to boil over, rice cookers are powered by electricity and turns off automatically once the rice has been cooked to the proper temperature and consistency.
There are three basic types of rice cookers. A basic rice cooker typically includes only an off and on switch, and a slightly more advanced rice cooker will have a better quality nonstick finish to make clean-up easier and may have a steamer tray. A rice cooker can keep your rice warm and ready to eat for hours. Generally, a rice cooker will finish rice in somewhere around 30 minutes, although exact cook times will vary depending on the machine.
Rice Warmer
Rice warmers are able to heat rice and keep rice warm for long periods of time. It is not recommended to cook rice in a rice warmers because it was not made to be a rice cooker and usually does not get hot enough to boil water.
Your Options
Between a rice cooker and a steamer based upon the primary function in your kitchen. If rice is your priority, choose a rice cooker with a steamer tray. If you expect to make rice only occasionally, you should opt for an electric steamer and possibly a rice warmer. You may even find it helpful to own both a rice cooker and a steamer.
