Introduction: Rice Cookers: A Must-Have for Every Home

With lives becoming busier and time available for cooking shorter, appliances that help quicken processes in the kitchen are everyone’s new favourite. One appliance that has cemented its place on many kitchen counters is the humble rice cooker. Known for its ease of use, efficiency and versatility, the electric rice cooker has come a long way, with people initially seeing it as a too-specialised gadget to it now being called a fundamental kitchen classic.

With rice being the staple food in East Asia, it’s no surprise that this is where this appliance was first developed. The need for this gadget arose from the hours spent in painstakingly cooking rice in pots and pressure cookers, involving unwavering attention and precise timing. With the Prestige rice cooker, you can make fluffy, perfectly textured rice with the push of a button. 

The Right Size Rice Cooker: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Home

The best rice cooker makes the correct quantity for your home. Only being able to make an excess of rice or multiple batches can be frustrating. If you find the perfect size of rice cooker, all of this will be taken care of. Some things to keep in mind while looking at different options are:-

Do you usually make two cups of rice? If yes, you’d be better suited to one that accommodates around two to three cups of rice. Having a gigantic appliance that cooks four to five cups would be useless to you. The best size for most households is one that fits three to five cups of rice, with the capacity of roughly about 2 to 3 litres.

Do you host gatherings and dinner parties often? If you find yourself cooking large batches of rice usually (but not every day), then a bigger rice cooker will be a great option. Even if you don’t find yourself using it daily, you’ll get good use out of it every time you host an event.

If you happen to live in a house that doesn’t grant you a lot of counter or storage space, then opt for a small electric cooker as the bigger ones can be quite bulky. Keeping a rice cooker on a countertop without a lot of space can make it look quite cluttered.

Are you planning on taking the rice cooker with you on trips? You might be better off with a smaller one that is easily packed. There are a lot of lightweight options available with Prestige.

Cooking Techniques: The Different Ways to Use Rice Cookers

One of the advantages of rice cookers is that you can use them for more than just cooking rice. Some of the ways you can use a rice cooker are:

  1. One-Pot Dinners: Tossing all your ingredients into the rice cooker, will help you make flavourful dishes all in one go. Imagine dishes like pulao, kheer and even pasta made in just one piece of kitchenware. This also makes cleaning also a lot easier.
  2. Other Pulses: The delightful Indian delicacy dal can also be made in a rice cooker, and once you’ve mastered that, why not give the good old khichdi a try? Grains can be easily made in it, making it one of the top benefits of a rice cooker.
  3. Different Rice: From brown rice to sona masoori, basmati and others, you can make a plethora of rice types in your electric rice cooker. The ones with precise controls ensure that all of these are perfectly cooked just as you like them.
  4. Steamed Vegetables & Soup: Another way to make the most of the appliance is to steam vegetables and make hearty soups. Vegetables are quickly steamed and can then be pureed to make healthy soups straight from the comfort of your kitchen.

For more information you can also read Rice Cooker vs Pressure Cooker

The Ideal Inner Pot: Durability and Material Quality

What your rice cooker is made of is almost as important as its different features. Some things to consider while choosing a material for the appliance are:

  1. Aluminium, Stainless Steel: You will find a lot of options, but a trusted stainless steel rice cooker is always a good choice. 
  2. Heating Matters: You should also take into account how the thickness of the pan matters. A thick, bottom-heavy pan will allow the heat to spread in a more desired way around the food. 
  3. Tarnish Resistant: To keep your rice cooker looking new for a long time, choose a material which isn’t affected by scratches and corrosion. 

User-Friendly Features of Rice Cookers for Seamless Cooking

Simple rice cooker features can significantly enhance your time in the kitchen. Some of the ones you can use to make your cooking experience easier are:-

Keep Warm Functions to Preserve Taste

Most electric rice cookers come with a ‘Keep Warm’ function that keeps the food at the optimal temperature even after cooking. It makes sure that the food doesn’t dry out or get too sticky; preserves the food in the best possible state.

Detachable Power Cord for Convenience

The detachable power cord adds another layer of convenience to your cooking journey. You can remove the cord whenever required, making it easier to store. It also helps give the rice cooker a more thorough cleaning. You'll also be able to manoeuvre the cord easily if it’s not fixed.

Advanced Features of Rice Cookers for Next-Level Cooking

Apart from the previously mentioned features, some high-end models come with specialised advanced options to take your rice cooker experience to the next level. Some of the ones you can expect from brands like Prestige are:-

1. Non-Stick Cooking Pan

Prestige rice cookers come equipped with a high-quality non-stick cooking dish that prevents rice from sticking to the bottom, ensuring even cooking and easy serving. This feature not only saves time on scrubbing and cleaning but also helps in preparing tasty and well-cooked rice with minimal oil.

2. Detachable Power Cord

The detachable power cord in Prestige rice cookers adds a layer of convenience and safety. It allows for easy storage and portability, reducing the risk of accidental trips and tangles. The detachable design also makes the cooker more compact, fitting neatly into your kitchen cabinet when not in use. Additionally, it simplifies the cleaning process, as you can easily wipe down the cooker without the cord getting in the way.

3. Steaming Tray for Healthy Cooking

For those who prioritize healthy eating, Prestige rice cookers come with a steaming tray that allows you to steam vegetables, fish, or meat while cooking rice. This dual-functionality makes it possible to prepare a complete meal in one go, saving time and energy. Steaming is a healthy cooking method that preserves the nutrients in your food, making this feature an excellent addition for health-conscious individuals.

4. Steam Vent

The steam vent in Prestige rice cookers is a crucial feature that ensures safe and effective cooking. It allows excess steam to escape during the cooking process, preventing pressure build-up inside the cooker. This feature not only enhances safety by reducing the risk of steam burns but also helps maintain the texture and flavor of the rice by preventing it from becoming too moist. 

5. Condensation Cup

The condensation cup in Prestige rice cookers is designed to collect excess moisture that accumulates during the cooking process. This helps prevent water from dripping back into the rice, which can affect its texture and taste. The removable condensation cup is easy to clean and ensures that your rice remains fluffy and perfectly cooked. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining the overall cleanliness of the cooker and ensuring hassle-free maintenance.

Conclusion: Discover the Perfect Rice Cooker

At the end of the day, choosing the perfect rice cooker is more than just finding the cheapest one. You have to consider factors like size, material, durability, features, energy efficiency and more. But you can be sure of one thing, whatever your needs are, Prestige has a rice cooker that matches them. Explore the range with your requirements in mind to select the one that will last you for years.