Automatic rice cookers fall into two main categories: On/Off Rice Cookers, and Fuzzy Logic Rice Cookers. The first is the traditional rice cooker with an aluminum pan to contain the rice, a lid, and an exterior shell with a warmer inside to do the cooking. Most have a button on the outside to press to start the cooking. Fuzzy logic rice cookers, on the other hand, are a different breed that has become popular in recent times. Fuzzy logic rice cookers have built in computer technology to monitor the cooking and improve the quality of the end product. Most have LCD screens, basic software menus and buttons to select special settings or preferences that you may wish to enable.
On/Off Rice Cookers
The basic type of rice cooker is an ‘on-off’ rice cooker. An inexpensive way to go, an on/off rice cooker will turn off once the rice is fully cooked. You will find these in your local department store. Look for useful features such as clear glass lids, and nonstick rice pans.
Cook and Keep-Warm Rice Cookers
A step up from the basic on/off rice cooker is a ‘cook and keep warm’ automatic rice cooker. In addition to cooking the rice, this type will switch over to a ‘keep warm’ mode once the rice is fully cooked. This mode can be useful if you intend to eat the rice at a later time. You will find this type of rice cooker is very common. Additional features such as steamer baskets to steam vegetables, retractable cords, indicator lights, digital displays are also available.
For a serious rice afficionado, only a high end rice cooker will do. To you, I’d recommend a fuzzy logic rice cooker. This rice cooker uses computer technology to monitor the rice at every stage of the cooking process and adjust the temperature for perfect consistency and taste. These will be more expensive but are programmable and are capable of cooking different varieties of rice, as well as oats, polenta, even beef stew. Zojirushi, and Sanyo are the leaders in this area. You will find the most capable fuzzy logic rice cookers from these two appliance makers.
Induction Heating
Some high end rice cookers feature induction heating which improves the uniformity of the heat applied to the contents of the rice cooker. This is done through a magnetic field which emanates from an electro-magnet underneath the rice bowl. The magnetic field induces an electric current in the rice bowl causing heat. This technology create a more uniform heat in the rice bowl offering improved cooking times and improved texture and consistency.
For a more detailed buyer’s guide, visit our Automatic Rice Cooker Buyer’s Guide. For rice cooker tips and suggestions, you will find additional posts on our Automatic Rice Cooking Tips page.
