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Rice is a staple in many countries. It is affordable and filling. Unfortunately, cooking it without burning it can take a lot of practice. Jasmine rice has a delicate taste and is perfect for use in Asian cuisine. However, it can be harder to get right than standard rice.
Which is why so many people make use of rice cookers to ensure that their Jasmine rice always comes out fluffy and perfect.
You may have considered getting one yourself. But with the number of models and makes out there, where do you start looking? We have reviewed countless models on the market to bring you the top three models. Ready to see who the winners are?
Comparison Table
| Warranty | Cost | User-Friendly? | Capacity | Versatile? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1. Cuckoo Our Best Pick  Check Price | 1-Year Limited | Mid-High | Mostly | 6 cups uncooked rice | Yes |
#2. Zojirushi Check Price | 1-Year Limited | High | Yes | 5.5 cups uncooked rice | Yes |
#3. Hamilton Beach Check Price | 1-Year Limited | Reasonable | Yes | 7 cups uncooked rice | Yes |
How Does a Rice Cooker Work?
We’ll get to the nitty gritty for each model in a minute, but it is useful for you to know something about these cookers before we get started.
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The most common types operate via fuzzy logic or induction cooking. Fuzzy logic is a type of tech that is a step above your basic on/ off settings. This type is able to sense whether or not the temperature or cooking time needs to be adjusted. As a result, you always get the perfect bowl of rice.
Induction cooking is usually reserved for the more expensive models. This is precision tech at its best. It precisely measures the temperature and adjusts it as necessary. The whole pot heats up so that the rice cooks evenly. This is the best way to ensure even heat distribution.
The Best Rice Cookers For You!
#1. Cuckoo Rice Maker
This is not your cheapest option, but you know that you will get perfect rice every time you use it. It is a high-quality option and versatile as well.
It operates through fuzzy logic and has several settings that allow you to adjust cooking times for different types of rice. This can come in handy if you eat a range of rice types.
The next two winning features unique to this model are the detachable inner lid and the excellent timer. More simple models of rice maker don’t have a timer, and this can be a nuisance. With this model, set the timer and it will switch off automatically when the time expires.
It’s a handy feature if you want to pop out to the shops quickly while the rice is being prepared.
Because the lid is detachable, it is also a lot easier to clean the whole thing. Another handy feature is that it uses pressure cooking, so the rice is done in half the time. It can hold six cups of uncooked rice so is suitable for cooking for larger groups as well.
- Cooking time is reduced due to pressure feature
- Easy to use
- Simple to clean
- Efficient
- High quality
- Holds six cups of uncooked rice
- Non-stick coating
- Color choices are limited
- Pricey
#2. The Zojirushi
This works on the same principle of fuzzy logic technology and is similar to the Cuckoo in many respects.
It does, however, come in at a higher price. It does have a much more contemporary finish in terms of looks – it has a brushed stainless-steel exterior which looks quite smart.
It has a non-stick coating that makes it simple to clean and also has a retractable power cable so that you can keep the area neat and tidy.
The downside is that rice does take longer to cook in this machine. This is not a big deal if you plan a little better, though.
#3. Hamilton Beach Digital Simplicity Rice Cooker
If your budget just won’t allow you to buy one of the previous two options, this one is more cost-effective.
We believe that it offers the best value for money. It is a little simpler than the other two models, but it does have some nice features as well.
There are a built-in time and a function that will help to keep your food warm. It also has the largest capacity out of the three – it will take up to seven cups of uncooked rice.
You can also cook a range of different kinds of rice, grains, lentils, beans, porridge, and pasta in the machine. This for us makes it the best value and most versatile option. You can also choose to heat or simmer food in it.
It’s finished in stainless steel that has a dull luster to it. The overall design we felt was a little old-fashioned when compared to the other two, but it is highly functional.
- The price is very competitive
- Works well
- Has a steamer tray that you can use while the rice is cooking
- Easy to use
- Enough functions for most users
- Best capacity
- More difficult to clean because the lid is not detachable
- Looks a little old-fashioned
Conclusion
If you are serious about the rice that you serve, or completely hopeless at preparing rice, these cookers will all be good for you. They take the guesswork out of rice production – just adjust the settings, hit the timer and you are good to go.
They will all switch off when the timer expires, so there is no need to be concerned about the bottom of the rice burning again.
When it comes to choosing the best model overall, the Cuckoo took the leader position. It is more expensive, but it does cook the rice perfectly every time and faster than either of the others.
The Hamilton is the best budget option and is versatile enough that even more inexperienced cooks will get a lot of use out of it.
