A Progressive Rice Cooker is a microwave appliance that cooks rice, either brown or white, in the microwave in about half the time of cooking rice on the stove top or in a conventional electric rice cooker. The cooker can be purchased as a standalone cooker or can be purchased as part of a set that includes a basket that will cook vegetables or pasta. As of Summer 2009 the cost of the cooker alone was less than $10.00.
About the Cooker
The Progressive rice cooker is available in both a 6 and a 12 cup size. The cooker consists of two parts, the bottom part that holds the rice and water and a top specially designed to allow the steam from the water to cook the rice to perfection. Additional parts with the cooker include a measuring cup and rice paddle. The full Progressive set includes the steamer/pasta basket, measuring cups and spoons, and a pasta measuring tool.
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Cooking Rice in a Progressive Rice Cooker
For two cups rice, you will need to place in the cooker bowl 2 1/2 cups water, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1 1/2 cups of rice. Place the lid on the top of the pot and lock in place. Cook on 70 to 80 percent in the microwave for 13 to 15 minutes. Exact time will depend on the power rating of your particular microwave. For brown rice, add an additional add an additional 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the cooker from the microwave and carefully remove the lid.
Tips For Cooking In Your Cooker
Cooking the rice on high in the microwave can cause the rice water to boil over and create a mess. Cook the rice at no more than 80 percent of full power. For larger amounts of rice, add 1 to 1 1/2 cups more water than rice and add an additional 2 minutes per cup. For instance, for 6 cups of rice you would use 4 1/4 cups water to 3 cups rice and cook for approximately 20 minutes. To clean your rice cooker, separate the parts and wash by hand or on the top rack of your dishwasher.