Rice cooker
Rice cooker is an automated kitchen appliance designed for boiling or steaming rice. It consists of a heat source, a cooking bowl, and a thermostat. The thermostat measures the temperature of the cooking bowl and controls the heat. Complex rice cookers may have many more sensors and other components, and may be multipurpose.
History[edit | edit source]
The development of the rice cooker began in Japan, where the first electric commercial rice cooker was invented by Toshiba in 1955. This invention was a significant advancement in cooking technology and has since spread worldwide, becoming an essential appliance in many households, especially in countries where rice is a staple food.
Function[edit | edit source]
A rice cooker works by heating water in an inner pot to a boil, at which point the water is absorbed by the rice until it becomes cooked. Once the cooking process is completed, the rice cooker automatically switches to a "keep warm" mode, which maintains the temperature of the rice at an edible level without overcooking it.
Types[edit | edit source]
There are several types of rice cookers, including standard electric rice cookers, microwave rice cookers, and advanced rice cookers with multiple settings for different types of rice and dishes. Some advanced models also feature settings for cooking porridge, steaming vegetables, and even baking.
Standard Electric Rice Cookers[edit | edit source]
These are the most common type and work by simply turning on the power and letting the cooker do its job. They often have a single switch that flips to "warm" once cooking is complete.
Microwave Rice Cookers[edit | edit source]
These are designed to be used inside a microwave and are typically made from plastic. They are a quicker alternative but may not produce the same quality of rice as electric rice cookers.
Advanced Rice Cookers[edit | edit source]
Advanced rice cookers come with multiple settings for cooking different types of rice, such as white, brown, sushi, or porridge. They may also have a delay timer and keep warm functions.
Benefits[edit | edit source]
Rice cookers offer several benefits, including convenience, consistency in cooking rice, and freeing up stove space. They are particularly useful for those who eat rice regularly and wish to save time and effort in the kitchen.
Buying Considerations[edit | edit source]
When purchasing a rice cooker, factors to consider include capacity, type, features, and price. The choice depends on the user's needs, the size of the household, and the budget.
Maintenance[edit | edit source]
To ensure longevity and performance, it is important to clean the rice cooker regularly, including the inner pot, lid, and steam vent. Users should also ensure that the electrical components are kept dry and clean.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD