Rice cooker?

[ajb92504]

I've been thinking of getting a rice cooker. I can never get my rice to turn out properly using a saucepan without babysitting it and adding more water here and there, etc. I've never used a rice cooker before though (or even see one be used!). Are they really helpful or would I be better off just doing what I currently do

Comments

[bandicoot]

I got a rice cooker primarily for making brown rice because I thought it would be easier. I didn't like the results. The heater was too hot (overlawyered) and left an overcooked layer on the bottom. By using the right ratio of water to rice (I use 2:1 with rice that I've soaked, so the results are on the wet side), I've found a covered pan is far easier because I can turn heat down after it boils. Then when it's close to ready, if it's too wet, I just turn the heat off and give it time to absorb the excess water. And no overcooked layer. Plus it's one less appliance I have to deal with.

[ajb92504]

Thanks for the input!

[amiyuy]

We have a really cheap 3 cup one made by Salton that does both white and brown rice. I love it to death as I can let it sit and forget (I'd never cook rice otherwise). We can also technically steam veggies in it, although I have not tried. As long as you use the rice cup (instead of a regular measuring cup as the rice one is smaller) provided with it it works perfect (I tried cooking Quinoa in it once and the measurements aren't quite the same and it overflowed some).

[ajb92504]

Thank you!

[randomstasis]

A) Rice cookers are wonderful and worth it. Brown rice takes a little longer to cook, so just soak it longer after rinsing, and let it steam a little longer before you open the lid and serve. YOu might need just a little extra water, since it cooks longer.

B)perfect rice, the finger method- in a saucepan with a good lid, put rice up to the first knuckle , water to the second knuckle, bring to a boil for a minute, cover with a well fitting lid, turn down to simmer/low and DO NOT DISTURB for 20 minutes. No peeking, stirring, adding, shaking- just leave it alone- the steam holes from the boiling phase is what cooks it all the way through. Turn off heat and let rest a few extra minutes, remove lid, fluff and serve.

[cupcake_qu33n]

second nuckle?

[randomstasis]

on your finger

[ajb92504]

Thanks for the tips!

[unkle_social]

I'm not one to endorse overpriced stupid fancy kitchen gadgets. I have an inherited kitchenaid mixer and I'm not impressed with it, the fancy knives I got for a wedding gift go dull just like cheap ones, and I hate any kind of super specialised gimmicky thing.

However, I am completely in love with my fuzzy logic rice cooker and if it ever breaks I'd order a new one tomorrow: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00007J5U7?ie=UTF8&&&camp=1789

It came with the husband, we've had it about seven years and it replaced my cheap $30 rice cooker that I never used. Now we eat rice, and oatmeal, and quinoa ALL THE TIME.

[pirate_nami]

This is exactly the one I have, and I love it to pieces. I don't think I'd make rice without it.

[dandelion_diva]

That's the one I've got. It's the best thing *Ever*. I suck at rice and this machine makes it perfectly.

[ajb92504]

Thanks for the link!

[ipsafictura]

I have a zojirushi fuzzy logic rice cooker and it is without a doubt the easiest way to make brown rice. I've tried cheaper rice cookers with various soaking methods and I have found them to be really dicey, with the zojirushi I just dump the brown rice and water in, and it does the hard part.

[ajb92504]

Thank you!