About Rice Cookers & Steamers
Rice cookers and rice steamers are a useful tool in the kitchen. A rice cooker produces perfectly cooked rice with ease and can keep it warm for hours. There are several options to consider when shopping for a rice cooker, including size, features and price. Depending upon your cooking style, a rice cooker can save you time and effort in the kitchen, making it easier to prepare healthy and delicious meals for your family. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Attempts at creating a successful and practical electric rice cooker began in the 1920s. These early rice cookers took constant monitoring and were not practical or efficient. In 1956, Toshiba introduced a well made and practical rice cooker. This item would soon become standard in the Japanese kitchen, making cooking easier and simpler for the Japanese housewife.
Types
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There are two basic types of rice cooker. The most basic rice cooker is an on-off rice cooker. These may also have a warming option; however, they do not have automated temperature changes. This type of rice cooker is both more available and less expensive. The costlier, but more versatile fuzzy logic rice cooker is ideal if you eat rice daily. It takes a bit longer to cook the rice; however, you can simply leave rice in the cooker and it will remain warm and fresh for a day to a day and a half.
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Function
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Rice cookers can be used for more than just rice. Even basic rice cookers typically include a steamer tray you can use to steam vegetables. With a simple sauce, you can prepare an entire meal in even a basic rice cooker. You can also prepare other grains in a rice steamer, including quinoa, polenta and oats.
Size
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Rice cookers and rice steamers are available in a variety of sizes. They are sold by cup size; however, they do not use a standard Western measuring cup. A "cup" is typically approximately 3/4 cup. Choose a rice cooker that makes enough rice for your needs. If you are purchasing a fuzzy logic rice cooker, choose one that makes enough rice for a day to day and a half.
Benefits
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Rice cookers produce perfectly cooked rice every time and most manage white rice, brown rice, jasmine or basmati rice without difficulty. While this is their greatest benefit, they are also easy to clean. Fuzzy logic cookers can allow you to have rice ready when you get home or you can opt for an on-off rice cooker with a timer. This can speed dinner preparation on busy nights.
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