Are stainless steel rice cookers any better than conventional non-stick cookware? And most importantly, does stainless steel have any adverse side effects on our body? These are among the many questions any adult would ask before buying the best rice cooker.
Stainless steel inner pot in a rice cooker is indeed the icing on the cake. But not all rice cookers are worth the money even if they come with an inner pot made of steel. Therefore, a precise study on what makes a rice cooker stand out from the crowd will help you to make your decision.
Throughout this guide, we will find the best rice cooker with a stainless steel inner pot with you pointing out what makes each of the listed products unique and the best deal ever. For your convenience, factors you need to consider to confirm your investment is not a waste of money are covered as well. Let’s dive in!
Is Stainless Steel Pot Good for Rice?
Stainless steel is an excellent material for cooking rice. Rice cookers generally boil the rice instead of steaming it, and stainless steel serves perfectly in that matter. However, stainless steel is not as thermal conductive compared to hard-anodized aluminum or copper.
Thermal conduction refers to the transfer of heat from one high-temperature source to a low-temperature object. However, low conductivity doesn’t pose any issue while cooking rice, as stainless steel distributes heat evenly throughout the pot surface. Based on that, we can say that stainless steel pots cook rice more effortlessly and faster than any other metal. Last but not the least, cooking rice in a stainless steel inner pot is safe for health.
Is stainless steel reactive and responsible for sticky rice?
Many stainless steel rice cooker users complain about rice sticking on the bottom or being all mushy. It is debatable though!
But in all honesty, stainless steel has very little to do with the issue. The situation may be a result of adding insufficient water or pouring too much. Moreover, the material is non-reactive to acidic food and preserves the genuine flavor of rice. Stainless steel is also easy to clean, scratch-resistant, and ensures a life span that goes on for decades. Many manufacturers design their cookware to overcome these issues. So, you need to make sure you are buying the best rice cooker available.
Why Use a Rice Cooker with a Stainless Steel Inner Pot?
It’s no secret that there are quite a few materials that perform exceptionally well to cook rice. The most popular ones are-
- Teflon or PTFE
- Hard-Anodized Aluminum
- Ceramic Pot
- Copper
- Stainless Steel
So, why is a stainless steel rice cooker better?
Stainless steel has the upper hand in terms of durability, price, lightweight, and easy maintenance. What’s more impressive is that steel is far better corrosion-resistant than Teflon or aluminum in high temperatures. And unlike copper or cast iron, it doesn’t require seasoning every once in a while.
It is true that a stainless steel rice cooker inner pot may take some extra time to cook rice. But it distributes heat better than Teflon or aluminum, which helps boil rice evenly. Besides, stainless steel is an eco-friendly option as it can be recycled at the end of its lifespan.Last but not least, non-stick Tefnol has been linked to cancer in the past! Though the International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC, is yet to recognize Teflon (specifically PFOA) as harmful, the evidence and research are still limited. So it’s best to be on the safe side and use a non-harmful alternative like stainless steel.
Best Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Inner Pot Reviews 2021
Finding the best rice cooker with a stainless steel inner bowl isn’t easy. But, here, we have narrowed down a list of stainless steel rice cookers so that you can choose yours easily.
1. Editor’s Choice: Aroma Housewares Select Rice Cooker
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. And you just can’t look away from the blend of simple operation, affordable price, and delicious rice Aroma offers in this rice cooker.
Specifications
| Aroma Housewares Select Rice Cooker | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 8.2 x 8.1 x 10.3 inches |
| Weight | 4.1 pounds |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 3-cup uncooked rice |
| Wattage | 300 watts |
| Can Cook | White rice, Brown rice, Grain, Pasta, Soup |
Why You Should Buy It
With over 40 years of experience, Aroma has delivered quite a few popular rice cookers for US consumers. And this highly functional and easy-to-use Aroma Housewares Select is just one example of that. It comes with a simple one-touch operation where you just pour the rice and water, push down the lever, and wait for the rice cooker to do its magic.
This is a 3-cup stainless steel rice cooker, which means you can make 6 cups of cooked rice in one go. Besides, you can monitor the process through a durable tempered glass lid. Don’t worry about keeping your food warm, as the unit has a “keep warm” feature preinstalled that automatically switches on after cooking is done.
The packaging includes a 304-grade food-grade stainless steel inner pot, BPA-free measuring cups, and a bamboo spatula. If you have a bigger family, you can choose the Aroma stainless steel rice cooker 14-cup model. One other variant also includes a vegetable steaming tray,
Aroma Housewares Select may not offer anything too fancy. Yet, we find this simplistic design best suited for small families, beginners, and people living busy lives.
PROS
- Compact but durable design
- Food-grade stainless steel
- Simple one-touch operation
- Dishwasher-safe inner pot and components
- Budget-friendly
CONS
- The glass lid has no locking mechanism
- Limited programs
FAQ For Aroma Housewares
Q. Does the stainless steel pot have any non-stick coating?
Ans: No, it doesn’t. Stainless steel is more durable, shiny, and healthier than a Teflon-coated surface.
Q. What is the minimum amount of rice required for a cycle?
Ans: The rice cooker can cook a minimum of 1 cup of uncooked rice.
Q. My rice cooker is boiling over the edges. What should I do?
Ans: This can happen at maximum capacity as the cooker doesn’t have a lid-locking mechanism. So you should measure the amount of rice and water using the measuring cup included to avoid a mess.
2. Best for Warmth: Oyama CFS-F12B Rice Cooker
An issue with conventional stovetop cooking is that you have to reheat the rice every time before you eat. Oyama CFS-F12B offers the best ‘keep-warm’ technology if that’s what you’re looking for.
Specifications
| Oyama Stainless Rice Cooker | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 10 x 10 x 10 inches |
| Weight | 5 pounds |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 7-cup uncooked rice |
| Wattage | 500 watts |
| Can Cook | Rice, Grain, Veggies |
Why You Should Buy It
Rice cookers with high capacity need to have some mechanism to keep the food hot for a prolonged period. The Oyama CFS-F12B rice cooker is designed in such a way that it can get heat from all sides. Its 3-dimensional heating technology keeps the rice warm from the base, the lid, and the sides of the cooker.
Most conventional rice cookers run a maximum of 18 hours of keep-warm mode. But due to its triple-layered bottom plating, this rice cooker provides this feature for up to 24 hours. As you know, stainless steel is not the fastest heat conductor. So, Oyama introduced an inner layer of aluminum between two layers of stainless steel to facilitate the cooking process.
You will also have a removable steam vent that collects excess water and stores it in the side-mounted moisture collector. A cooking pot, steaming tray, a measuring cup, and a serving spoon come inside the box as well. Both the inner pot and steaming pot are grade-304 stainless steel. The cooking capability is up to 14-cup cooked rice, and it features an automatic cooking mode.
PROS
- Triple-layer surface with aluminum mid-layer
- Three-dimensional keep warm feature
- Food stays warm for up to 24 hours
- Strong lid-locking mechanism with a silicone grommet
- Washable steam vent and moisture collector
CONS
- The keep-warm feature is a bit too intense
- Cleanup is tricky and takes some extra time
FAQ For Oyama CFS-F12B
Q. Are the stainless inserts dishwasher-safe?
Ans: Yes, both the cooking and steaming insert are dishwasher-safe. However, you may have to scrub off some rice from the moisture collecting lid and wash it separately.
Q. Can I use this just to steam vegetables?
Ans: Yes, you can. But make sure you’re following a proper timetable to avoid overcooking.
Q. Does this unit come with a user manual?
Ans: Yes, it does. In the manual, you can find out how much water you need to pour for different types of rice or grain.
3. Best Overall: Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Rice Cooker
Cooking rice is all good, but what if your rice cooker could do more? If you’re looking for the best versatile rice cooker, your search ends here. But there’s a catch!
Specifications
| Aroma Housewares Digital Rice Cooker | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 8.25 x 9 x 8.5 inches |
| Weight | 3.6 pounds |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 8 cups of cooked rice |
| Wattage | 350 watts |
| Can Cook | White Rice, Brown Rice, Veggies, Chicken, Meat |
Why You Should Buy It
Unlike the previous Aroma housewares rice cooker, this one is way more versatile. But the programmable functions are super easy to use. First of all, this rice cooker can cook all types of rice, white and brown, steam tons of recipes from veggies to meat, and all that happens inside a 2-quart stainless steel housing.
However, the inner pot is not stainless steel. Instead, Aroma uses a PFOA-free Bonded Granite 5-layer pot that is 8x durable than conventional non-stick material. The material is completely safe to use and doesn’t leach any chemicals into the food.
This multifunctional appliance also comes with two distinctive features- delay time and flash rice. The delay-timer button allows you to set a time up to 15 hours in advance. And the flash rice feature helps cook long-grain white rice a few minutes faster than usual.
Sometimes while running late, you can still have a warm meal as this rice cooker has the automatic keep-warm feature. It also consists of two lids; top and inner. A condensation collector is there on the lid, and it helps to prevent the water from coming out. The rice cooker is easy to clean as the inner pot is dishwasher-safe.
PROS
- Highly multifunctional and easy-to-use
- Features a condensation collector
- Can steam veggies, beans, protein, and meat
- A cooking timer can be set up to 15 hours
- Flash-rice feature help cook rice faster
- The non-stick material is not Teflon
CONS
- The inner pot is an alternative to stainless steel
- The lid is not transparent or removable
FAQ For Aroma Housewares
Q. What to do if the rice starts to burn in the bottom?
Ans: Although the cooking is automatic, you can try taking off the plug as soon as it finishes. Also, let the rice sit for at least 10 minutes before opening the lid.
Q. How much water do I need to add to cook rice?
Ans: It entirely depends on what types of rice you’re cooking. The packaging comes with a detailed user’s manual that is crucial to gain this information.
Q. How big is the steaming tray?
Ans: The BPA-free plastic steaming tray is 6.5 inches in diameter and 1.75 inches deep. However, you should avoid steaming veggies or other food and cooking rice simultaneously.
4. Best for Easy Cleanup: Zojirushi NHS-10 Stainless Steel Rice Cooker
If you’ve been using automated kitchen appliances for years, it’s hard not to know about Zojirushi. The company delivers the best quality products, and this rice cooker is no different.
Specifications
| Zojirushi NHS-10 Rice Cooker | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 8.5 x 10.5 x 8.5 inches |
| Weight | 6 pounds |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 6-cup uncooked rice |
| Wattage | 300 watts |
| Can Cook | Rice, Grain, Veggies, Egg, Fish |
Why You Should Buy It
It looks pretty similar to Aroma Housewares Select, doesn’t it? Well, what sets Zojirushi NHS-10 apart is its high capacity and versatility. Zojirushi has an excellent reputation for delivering the best build quality since it started. And even though the housing is plastic-built, this rice cooker comes with a stainless steel steam insert.
However, both the spatula and aluminum cooking pot have a non-stick coating. Don’t worry, as this Zojirushi rice cooker makes sure these materials won’t leach any harmful chemicals into your food.
The operating system of this device is simple. Just push the on button, and it will start cooking. It will automatically keep the food warm by turning on the keep-warm mode. Besides, you can monitor the progress of cooking by its see-through glass lid. There are also two stay-cool handles on the rice cooker’s sides to help you carry the cooker.
Although there are three different sizes, 3 cups, 6 cups, and 10 cups, we recommend you go for at least the 6-cup model. Both 6-cup and 10-cup models are cost-effective choices with a stainless steaming insert and an automatic keep-warm feature.
PROS
- Single-switch offer cooking/steaming functionality
- Transparent lid and cool-to-touch handles
- Automatic shut-off and keep-warm feature
- Detachable power cord
- Can steam veggies and protein-based food
CONS
- No lid-locking mechanism
- Measurement is limited to the included measuring cup
FAQ For Zojirushi NHS-10
Q. Can I use a different measuring cup?
Ans: Unfortunately, no. Unlike standard US cups, Zojirushi measures a cup of rice as 6 oz/180 ml. So you need to stick to the included measuring cup.
Q. Does this rice cooker make a mess?
Ans: It depends. As the cooking pot is Teflon-coated aluminum, it gets fast quite quickly. To prevent a mess, you can add a little olive oil, follow the instructions correctly, and place a paper towel underneath the cooker just in case.
Q. How fast does this cook?
Ans: 2-3 cups of rice usually takes around 30 minutes to cook. And it will take a few minutes more for 6 or 10 cups of uncooked rice. However, you’ll have to keep the cooked rice inside the pot for at least 10 minutes before opening the lid.
5. Best for Durability: Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker
This stainless steel rice cooker from the famous brand Cuisinart is easy to use and works as an excellent steamer. This rice cooker with stainless steel inner bowl is one of the best in the price range you can find.
Specifications
| Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 10.7 x 10.1 x 9.9 inches |
| Weight | 5.4 pounds |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 4 cups of uncooked rice |
| Wattage | 450 watts |
| Can Cook | White Rice, Brown Rice, Veggies, Meat |
Why You Should Buy It
Make the perfect fluffy rice using the Cuisinart 4-Cup Rice Cooker and steam all types of food per your need. Its built-in tray combined with the stainless steel steamer pot helps you make delicious dishes. And you can even keep the rice boiling in the inner chamber simultaneously.
Most of the rice cookers are available in round shapes. But if you are looking for something different, you may look into the Cuisinart CRC-400 rice cooker. The premium-looking cubic-shaped stainless steel design not only appeals to aesthetics but also makes the rice cooker long-lasting.
The steam vent hosed in the transparent glass lid helps prevent splattering. The cooker also comes with chrome-plated handles that stay cool while functional. The only issue is, the inner pot consists of anodized aluminum, but it’s completely safe to use. And the non-stick coating makes cleanup a breeze.
PROS
- Elegant and durable design
- Detachable power cord
- Cool-to-touch chromium-plated handles
- Transparent glass lid with steam vent
- Anodized-aluminum pot is safe to use
- Automatically switches on to keep-warm mode
CONS
- The steaming basket remain outside the cooker
- Always require the included measuring cup
FAQ For Cuisinart CRC-400
Q. Will this work cooker work with brown rice?
Ans: Yes, absolutely! Though you should follow the instructions for perfect cooking.
Q. Is the inner pot Teflon-coated?
Ans: No. The inner pot is made of anodized aluminum, which is chemically stable, non-toxic, and distributes heat evenly.
Q. Is the steaming basket safe to use?
Ans: The steaming basket and pot are stainless steel and completely safe to use. However, as the pot stays outside the housing, you need to be extra careful while handling it after steaming.
6. Best Versatile Cooker: GoWISE 4th-Generation Electric Pressure Cooker
If you’re willing to extend your budget, you can introduce one of the most versatile cookware into your kitchen. Let’s find out more about the GoWise 4th- Gen electric pressure cooker.
Specifications
| GoWise 4th-Gen Pressure Cooker | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 13 x 13 x 16.5 inches |
| Weight | 10.5 pounds |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 6-quarts, |
| Wattage | 1000 watts |
| Can Cook | 12 pre-set food items |
Why You Should Buy It
A pressure cooker that can cook rice may be an excellent addition to your kitchen, given it is way faster than the conventional stovetop method. And this heavy-duty GoWise pressure cooker can help you prepare an array of dishes, including rice, multigrain, soup, porridge, bean/chili, meat/stew, poultry, egg, yogurt, and saute. What’s more impressive is that all these functions are accessible through a one-touch panel.
In addition, the panel features a delay-timer, slow cook, and keep-warm ON/OFF button. The delay-timer goes up to 24 hours and slow-cook up to 20 hours, and you can adjust the pressure and time per your need. So, start making delicious meals any time you want following the 50 beginner pressure cooker recipes included in the box.
Other accessories include a stainless steel inner pot and rack, a non-stick rice spoon, and a measuring cup. The plastic lid automatically locks itself, and you can freely adjust the pressure release gauge. However, due to its high capacity and multiple preset functions, this rice cooker will consume more energy than other items on the list.
PROS
- Cooks or steams faster than stovetop
- Pressure release gauge for safety
- Durable stainless steel built and inner accessories
- Offers 12 pre-set cooking programs
- Both delay-time and slow-cook is easily adjustable
CONS
- The power consumption rate is high
- Clean up is tricky
FAQ For GoWISE 4th
Q. How can I cook recipes other than rice?
Ans: As this is a versatile kitchen appliance, you can cook tons of dishes. All you have to do is take a look at the user manual that comes inside the box.
Q. What type of rice can I cook with it?
Ans: almost all types of rice from short or long-grain white rice, brown rice, basmati, sticky rice, etc. Make sure to follow the instructions to avoid sticking or burning.
Q. Do all the variants have a stainless steel inner pot?
Ans: No, only the 6-quart and 8-quart models. The 3-quart uses Teflon coating, and others come with ceramic coating.
7. Best Pressure Cooker: Cuckoo Q5 Superior Multi-Pressure Cooker
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a smart pressure cooker that does all the work by itself? What sets apart this Korean rice/pressure cooker is its intuitive navigation and safety measures.
Specifications
| Cuckoo Q5 Pressure Cooker | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 18 x 14 x 13 inches |
| Weight | 17 pounds |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 5 quarts |
| Wattage | 1100 watts |
| Can Cook | 8-preset food items |
Why You Should Buy It
Cuckoo is a renowned Korean brand that introduces revolutionary techs in kitchenware. For example, this single multicooker can replace eight different kitchen appliances, including a pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and warmer. It also works as a slow cooker, yogurt, and soup maker, and sauté pan at any time. We can’t say it’s compact but compared to having different appliances for each of these tasks, having the Cuckoo Q5 Multicooker is a blessing.
It has a super user-friendly interface with a clean outlook where an LED screen and voice navigation will tell you what functions are in use. You can also pre-set the timer up to 12 hours and choose from 9 heating levels (95℉ to 257℉). Keeping the food warm is now more intense with this unit as it features third-dimensional heating technology.
Moreover, the 5-quart stainless steel inner pot allows for even heat distribution in itself and can withstand extreme pressure and steam. Excess steam is automatically released through the 2-layer “soft steam cap” which eliminates any chances of leakage and high-pressure buildup. There’s also a “steam-cleaning” button that makes maintenance a breeze.
PROS
- Eliminates any chance of high-pressure buildup
- Replaces multiple kitchen appliances
- Features an auto steam-cleaning feature
- Delay time can be pre set up to 12 hours
- 3D-heating technology with numerous heating options
- Voice navigation for easy command
CONS
- A bit pricier than other items
- Contradictory instructions with delay-time
FAQ For Cuckoo Q5 Superior Multi
Q. How many cups of rice can this fit?
Ans: It can cook up to 10 cups of cooked rice, equivalent to 5 cups of uncooked rice.
Q. Is this a rice cooker with stainless steel inner pot?
Ans: Yes, it is. The multicooker comes with food-grade stainless steel 304 [18/10].
Q. What is the difference between a rice cooker and this multi-cooker?
Ans: A rice cooker can only cook different types of rice, whereas the Cuckoo CMC-QSN501S multi-cooker serves eight other functions. And instead of boiling, this unit uses the pressure rice cooking method for even heat distribution.
8. Best for Large Families: Tatung TAC-11KN Rice Cooker
Tatung’s TAC-11KN (UL) is a multi-functional cookware that’s both a rice cooker and a steamer. With the holiday season coming up, you may want to own one of these rice cookers as they are excellent for social gatherings.
Specifications
| Tatung TAC-11KN Rice Cooker | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 12.3 x 12.3 x 11.7 inches |
| Weight | 9.5 pounds |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 11 cups of uncooked rice |
| Wattage | 700 watts |
| Can Cook | Rice, Veggies, Stew |
Why You Should Buy It
Prepare hot fluffy rice and steam veggies and seafood with this Tatung’s 22-cup rice capacity. The exterior is made of durable stainless steel with an easy-to-use control panel at the front. And due to its food-grade stainless steel (grade-304, 18/8) inner pot and outer pot, it heats the food evenly. In that way, every dish gets cooked deeply and becomes tastier.
The cooker comes with a “Keep Warm” feature that you can control With an On/Off switch. Other features include four cooking modes. Tatung’s TAC-11KN works as a rice cooker, steamer, braiser, and stew maker at the same time. While the stew mode helps you make soup in winter, its braise mode will make sure you enjoy a gently fried meal in summer as well.
Even with such capacity, the rice cooker is relatively compact and easily stored inside a cabinet. Accessories include stainless steel inner pot and steam plate, lid, rice spatula, and measuring cup. This can be a great addition to large families as well as groups hosting family dinners.
PROS
- Four cooking modes
- Food-grade stainless steel inner pot
- Keep-warm On/Off switch
- Cool-to-touch handles
- Ideal for large families and social gatherings
CONS
- A bit pricier than other rice cookers
- No lid-locking mechanism
FAQ For Tatung TAC
Q. Why does the control panel smell when the pot is hot?
Ans: This can happen when the product is new. But the smell goes away after a couple of times of use and does not return. This rice cooker is UL certified, so you don’t need to worry about electric hazards.
Q. Is the dishwasher safe?
Ans: The stainless steel inner pot and steaming pot are dishwasher-safe. But you may need to clean the lid and housing after each use.
Q. How much soup can I make with this one?
Ans: About 3-quartz. With this rice cooker/steamer, you can make vegetable soup, Moroccan lamb stew, and other liquid dishes.
9. Best Budget: Elite Gourmet Electric Rice Cooker
Elite Gourmet is famous for presenting some of the best budget cookware in modern times. Most of these kitchen appliances are incredibly functional, just like this ERC-2020 rice cooker.
Specifications
| Elite Gourmet Electric Rice Cooker | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 12.28 x 8.11 x 10.67 inches |
| Weight | 5.31 pounds |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 10 cups of uncooked rice |
| Wattage | 300 watts |
| Can Cook | Rice, Grain, Pasta, Soup |
Why You Should Buy It
Elite Gourmet ERC-2020 Pro is the best budget rice cooker with stainless steel inner pot featured in this list. With this electric rice cooker, you can cook fluffy and true-to-flavor rice every single time. Besides, it can cook all types of rice from white, brown, basmati, jasmine, and more!
Due to its 304-grade stainless steel insert and 3-layer encapsulated bottom, the rice cooker evenly cooks your rice. An automatic “Keep Warm” function makes sure that your serving stays fresh and warm for hours. Also, the BPA-free plastic housing remains cool after each cycle. It has handles on both sides to help you maneuver the cooker more conveniently.
The rice cooker has a durable tempered glass lid with a steam vent. Out of the box, you’ll get access to one handy rice measuring cup and a serving spatula in addition to the 20-cup rice cooker. ERC-2020 also comes in a 6-cup model, which is more suitable for small families. So, give you and your rice-loving family a treat with the Elite Gourmet rice cooker.
PROS
- Grade-304 stainless steel inner pot
- Automatic keep-warm feature
- Extremely cost-effective choice
- Suitable for large families
- Tempered glass lid come with vent and handle
- 3-ply stainless steel bottom
CONS
- No programmable time or color variation
- No lid-locking mechanism
FAQ For Elite Gourmet
Q. Does the inner pot have a non-stick coating?
Ans: No, the inner pot is grade-304 stainless steel with 3-ply encapsulated bottom. However, the 6-cup model has a non-stick coating.
Q. Does this unit come with a steamer tray?
Ans: The 20-cup model does not. But the 6-cup model features a BPA-free plastic steamer tray and non-stick inner pot.
Q. Does it automatically shut off after cooking?
Ans: Yes, it does. But you need to keep the lid closed for an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure the rice doesn’t get mushy.
10. Best Value for Money: Cuckoo IH Pressure Rice Cooker
Next, we have an all-metal pressure rice cooker from Cuckoo. This rice cooker is a treat for anyone who seeks perfection while cooking rice, as well as a healthy diet.
Specifications
| Cuckoo 6-Cup Pressure Rice Cooker | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 14.9 x 10 x 10.5 inches |
| Weight | 13 pounds |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 6 cups of uncooked rice |
| Can Cook | 19 Pre-Programmed Recipes |
Why You Should Buy It
Within their 40 years of experience, Cuckoo has mastered the art of kitchenware. The Cuckoo CRP-DHSR0609F is an excellent example of that due to its industry-standard use of food-grade stainless steel, easy maintenance, and smart IH tech. The whole body consists of stainless steel, from the inner pot, lid, to the exterior. At the front, a LED touch panel gives you access to tons of features that make cooking more convenient than ever before.
The Cuckoo Induction Heating (bottom, side, and lid) generates heat from all three sides. Due to double-layered rubber packing, the inner chamber stays wholly sealed. Thus, the pressure cooking method preserves nutrients in food more efficiently as no steam escapes through the lid.
Moreover, it has 19 pre-programmed multicooker functions that you can check out from the detailed instruction manual. Besides, the smart interface allows voice navigation too. The stainless steel inner pot comes with a heat-responsive aluminum core base. And you can detach all the stainless steel interior components and throw them into the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
PROS
- Sealed pressure chamber promotes perfection of taste
- All the interiors are made of 304-grade stainless steel
- Innovative IH features allow multiple cooking purposes
- Inner pot and lid is detachable and dishwasher-safe
- Automatically saves energy in different modes
- Voice guide helps you navigate through cooking
CONS
- Too many features are difficult to follow
- The price is higher than other items
FAQ For Cuckoo IH
Q. What is the size of the measuring cup?
Ans: Korean induction rice cookers sometimes tend to have diverse measuring numbers. Fortunately, this unit comes with a cup of 180 ml in capacity.
Q. For how long does the “keep warm” feature work?
Ans: Up to 12 hours. You can reheat your food after the preset time ends.
Q. Does this model allow slow cooking?
Ans: Yes, it does. However, you can not cook rice and steam another item simultaneously.
11. Best Outlook: Sonya Smart 4 Electric Stew Pot
The Sonya 4-in-1 Electric Stew Pot can cook up to 4 different items at the same time. If you’re willing to spend more than a hundred bucks, this cooker can ensure you a complete meal in one go.
Specifications
| Sonya Smart 4 Electric Stew Pot | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 13.25 x 11 x 10.5 inches |
| Weight | 19.8 pounds |
| Material | Stainless Steel, Ceramic |
| Capacity | 3.2 liter |
| Wattage | 600 watts |
| Can Cook | Rice, Stew, Beans, Meat, Porridge |
Why You Should Buy It
This multifunctional cooker works as a stew pot, rice cooker, slow cooker, soup maker, steamer, and warmer at the same time. The cooker uses a water-heating method to cook an array of dishes. It features 15 different smart programs with fancy names, but the bottom line is it can cook rice, beans, porridge, stew, etc.
Furthermore, all four inner pots included in the packaging are ceramic, but the inner housing is 304-grade stainless steel. These ceramic pots measure at one 3.2 L large, two 0.65L medium, and one small 0.45L pot. Ceramic is completely safe to cook and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals that leach into your food.
Every dish you cook can be preset for 24 hours with the added convenience of keep-warm function. The unit cleverly prevents overheating with a buzzing and flashing of water shortage warning. The LED control panel is easy to use, and you can also see through the vented glass lid.
PROS
- Four non-reactive ceramic pot
- 24-hour preset function with keep warm feature
- An alarm goes off in case of water shortage
- One-touch multifunctional control
- Use water-bath technique for cooking
CONS
- The stainless interior is not removable
- The unit is quite heavy and takes some space
FAQ For Sonya Smart 4
Q. How can I cook different kinds of recipes?
Ans: The packaging includes a recipe guide and other necessary components such as a steam rack, stainless steel base plate, etc.
Q. Do I need to add water inside the pot?
Ans: This rice cooker uses the water-heating method. So, you need to add sufficient water inside the stainless steel shell, not the ceramic pots.
Q. Can I make rice with this cooker?
Ans: Of course you can! The cooker features a dedicated preset for cooking rice. All you need to do is follow the user manual to access the function.
12. Best for Regular Use: Tatung TAC-06KN(UL) Rice Cooker
Although almost identical to the previous Tatung rice cooker we reviewed, the 6-cup unit is suitable for small families instead of large social gatherings. But, there’s more…
Specifications
| Tatung TAC-06KN Rice Cooker | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 10.75 x 10.75 x 10.87 inches |
| Weight | 7 pounds |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 6 cups of uncooked rice |
| Wattage | 600 watts |
| Can Cook | Rice, Veggies, Stew |
Why You Should Buy It
This stainless steel rice cooker not only cooks perfect rice but also steams an array of food items. The interior and exterior are stainless steel (grade-304, 18/8), ans so are the cooking inserts. As the 6-cup model is compact in design, the rice cooks faster than the conventional method. Besides, the stainless steel inner pot distributes heat evenly throughout the rice and doesn’t rust over time.
This Tatung rice cooker uses a different approach to cooking rice. After measuring the rice and water (1:1 ratio), you have to put an additional cup of water outside the inner pot to generate a steamy effect. This helps rice cook faster and stay warm for long hours. However, the cooker features a switchable “Keep Warm” function that takes the purpose to the next level.
Just like Tatung’s 11-cup model, this unit also has four cooking modes- rice cooker, steamer, braiser, and stew maker. All the stainless steel inserts are dishwasher-safe for added convenience, and the unit comes with a detachable power cord. Accessories include stainless steel inner pot and steam plate, lid, plastic rice spatula, and measuring cup.
PROS
- Perfect for small families
- Four cooking modes
- Grade-304 stainless steel rice cooker bowl
- Keep-warm On/Off switch
- Very easy to clean
CONS
- Stainless steel lid tends to wobble
FAQ For Tatung TAC-06KN(UL)
Q. Do you have to put water in the outer pot when cooking rice?
Ans: Yes, you have to do that with this unit. This way, the rice is rarely over-cooked, and very little amount sticks on the bottom.
Q. The the lid lock in one place?
Ans: No, the stainless steel lid remains free while cooking. However, the rice cooker comes with a lid holder attached to the body for safekeeping.
Q. What power outlet does it require?
Ans: It supports 120 V ~ 60 Hz power output and takes around 600 watts of energy when operating.
How to Use a Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Inner Pot?
Let’s say you already have your rice cooker at hand. All you need to do now is cook. But before we get into how to use a rice cooker, let’s take a look at the ingredient required:
- A rice cooker with stainless steel bowl
- Any type of rice
- Water for rinsing and cooking
- Rice paddle
- Standard rice measuring cup
- Electric outlet
Step-1: Thoroughly rinse the rice.
Rinsing the rice removes any dirt or starch and prevents bubbling while cooking. However, you should not rinse pre-packed rice that comes with nutrients and vitamins.
Step-2: Pour rice inside the pot using the included measuring cup.
Although most US rice cookers share the exact measurement, some foreign-made products measure a cup of rice differently. So, you should stick to the measuring cup that comes with the packaging.
Step-3: Pour the required water.
In most modern stainless steel electric rice cookers, the rice to water ratio is 1:1. However, different types of rice require an additional amount of water. Generally, the user instructions included in the box clarify the measurements.
Step-4: Place the lid and turn on the rice cooker.
Rice cookers usually take around 20-30 minutes to cook 2-3 cups of uncooked rice.
Step-5: Keep the lid closed for an additional 10-15 minutes.
This is to make sure the excess moisture seeps through the rice grains and makes them fluffy.
Step-6: Use a non-stick spatula to serve the rice.
All done! Keep in mind that almost all manufacturers add at least one instruction guide with the packaging. You need to safely store that as the manual is necessary for proper maintenance, troubleshooting, and measurements.
Buying Guide for Best Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Inner Pot
You should know some factors that play vital roles in a rice cooker. So, when you decide to purchase a stainless steel rice cooker, you need to look at these factors.
Capacity
The capacity of a rice cooker is the measurement of how much you can cook at a time. One cup of uncooked rice is equivalent to two cups of cooked rice. This is the general measurement. Nevertheless, you should purchase a rice cooker as per your consumption quantity.
A small rice cooker with a 2-cup of cooked rice capacity is enough for a single person or a couple living together. You can also use a microwave rice cooker in that case.
For a family of 3-4 members, you’ll need a 3-cup stainless steel rice cooker. But if your family size is larger or you need to serve guests very often, you should go for a bigger size 6 cup rice cooker with stainless steel insert.
Another thing is that buying a slightly bigger size rice cooker is always a good idea. So, you do not have to worry about while cooking for more people in some cases.
Materials
Considering the materials of a rice cooker is essential as it indicates the durability and efficiency of the product. For the rice cooker inner pot, stainless steel is far better than most materials. The structure consists of iron, chromium, and nickel, while titanium or manganese sometimes come into play to meet different purposes. So, you need to take a good look at the material before buying a new rice cooker, as some of them can have an allergic reaction.
Furthermore, stainless steel pot is easy to clean, dishwasher-safe, and offers a longer lifespan. It is also better for your health as no harmful chemicals leach into the food while cooking rice.
Ease of use
The main reason to buy a rice cooker is to cook rice without any hassle and cook it within a short time. There could be lots of options on the rice cookers for adjusting several things. But you should go for the simple one. Simple means that you just need to switch on it after putting in rice and other ingredients. The remaining tasks will be by the rice cooker itself.
Notice that if there is keep-warm mode available on the rice cooker. It helps to keep the food warm automatically after finishing the cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Which type of rice can I cook in a rice cooker?
You can cook most of the types of rice in a rice cooker, for example- brown rice, white rice, short and long-grain rice, basmati, jasmine, etc.
However, different types of rice require different amounts of water to cook. So, first, you have to check the user manual or recipe guide to know the exact measurements. In general, 1 cup of long-grain white rice requires 1 cup of water to cook perfectly in a rice cooker.
Q. How to clean a rice cooker?
First of all, wait until the rice cooker becomes cool. Then put some warm water into the dish tub. Mix up some amount of dishwashing soap as needed. Then rub the cooker with a sponge. Do the same for the measuring cup, the lid, and the steam basket. Take a cloth to dry up the whole set.
Additionally, you can clean the stainless steel inserts in a dishwasher if the material is graded as 304.
Q. Is it possible to cook in the rice cooker something else other than rice?
Yes, of course, it is possible. You can cook other dishes like vegetables, soups, cereals, and other steamed foods with your rice cooker.
Some multifunctional rice cookers feature some distinctive functions, such as steaming meat and chicken. You can even cook beans and chili with these rice models.
Q. How much water do I need to cook rice with my rice cooker?
It depends on what kind of rice you are cooking. Usually, it takes the same amount of water as white rice. It is better to take 1.5 measures of water for other types of rice.
However, it’s always the safest bet to follow the manufacturer’s instructions in that matter.
Q. How Long do Stainless Steel Rice Cookers Last?
Stainless Steel rice cookers are extraordinarily durable and rust-resistant. So, these can survive for decades, if not more than half a century, if they’re of high-end quality. But you have to make sure you’re using the best rice cooker with stainless steel inner pot for maximum benefit.
Furthermore, you should wash it using a soft sponge and dishwashing soap every time after cooking rice.
Additionally, avoid leaving food inside for prolonged times as it overheating can harm the stainless coating.
Final Words
To reduce your toil in choosing your best rice cooker we hardly leave any details untouched. However, if still you are not sure and want us to suggest any from the list we vote Aroma Housewares Select Stainless Steel Rice Cooker.
Knowing that people have their choice according to their needs and will, we suggest this one for its simple yet standard treatments. It comes with every option you need to cook your rice with comfort and without health risk. In fact, you will barely find rice cookers in its standard within the same price range.
In short, any one from the list has their individual advantage and signature performance. It would be better if you decide yourself taking every detail into account based on your requirement. Indeed, you will make the best deal for your money ever!
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