The Cooks' Den » Rice Cookers http://www.thecooksden.com Cooking Tools - Gear for Cooks and Chefs Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:49:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Zojirushi Rice Cooker, Vegatable Steamer & Warmer | White 6 Cup NHS-10 http://www.thecooksden.com/zojirushi-rice-cooker-vegatable-steamer-warmer-white-6-cup-nhs-10/ http://www.thecooksden.com/zojirushi-rice-cooker-vegatable-steamer-warmer-white-6-cup-nhs-10/#comments Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:23:06 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8961 Zojirushi Rice Cooker, VegatableThis perfect marriage of rice cooker and steamer means fantastic results for your waistline and any healthy eating plan This is the Asian equivalent of a Crock Pot, or one pot meal. Meat, seafood, eggs, veggies, or tofu can go inside along with your rice. The rice cooks without monitoring and comes out perfect no matter which type you prefer. Thanks to the nonstick pan, cleanup is simple and easy. There's never a burned mess in the bottom of the pan like you see from stovetop rice.

I could eat rice for every meal. It is that versatile a food. Healthier than pasta and potatoes, I can enjoy it by itself, create a saucy risotto, top it with quick fried vegetables, or use it to prepare desserts. With the extensive availability of various grains and types, rice consumption never has to be boring.

The pot size is perfect for two or three people. The process is simple and adjustable. Variations in the amount of liquid used can fine-tune the rice to your ideal texture. Add some bouillon and herbs for a flavorful burst. For a cool summer treat and salad alternative, prepare the rice, allow it to cool, and toss in a variety of finely chopped fresh herbs and vegetables.

If you prefer to do your vegetable steaming via stovetop, here's a nice Calphalon steamer set.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/zojirushi-rice-cooker-vegatable-steamer-warmer-white-6-cup-nhs-10/feed/ 1 Cuisinart Rice Cooker w/ Steamer | Stainless Steel 4 Cup CRC-400 http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-rice-cooker-w-steamer-stainless-steel-4-cup-crc-400/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-rice-cooker-w-steamer-stainless-steel-4-cup-crc-400/#comments Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:39:10 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8344 Cuisinart Rice Cooker w/ Steamer This highly functional smaller unit is perfect for anyone who needs to make smaller batches of rice or to make fresh rice on a frequent
basis. The nicest feature is the included steaming basket. It allows items to cook more gently and expands on the possibilities for the pot. Everything except the base is dishwasher safe.

I must say the look is a bit retro for my taste, but I like that the features are pared down to the basics. A Zojirushi is great if you need
help creating precise specialty rice, but if you're like me and can adjust your own liquid-to-rice ratios, there isn't necessarily a need for all the extra features and cost.

A rice cooker can be used for far more occasions than just to prepare rice. It makes a handy steamer for vegetables, prepares other grains, and can cook seafood and eggs. Cuisinart really goes out of their way to be sure you get the maximum use from their product, loading the user manual with recipes, suggestions, and tips, many of which are quite creative. They try to show that the cooker is able to prepare a whole meal, just as a crock pot can.

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Cuisinart FRC 800 15 Cup Rice Cooker Cuisinart FRC 800 15 Cup Rice Cooker
US $89.99   Paypal
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Cuisinart CRC 400 4 Cup Rice Cooker Steamer Cuisinart CRC 400 4 Cup Rice Cooker Steamer
US $44.95   Paypal
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Cuisinart Rice Plus Multi Cooker w Fuzzy Logic FRC 800 Cuisinart Rice Plus Multi Cooker w Fuzzy Logic FRC 800
US $89.95   Paypal
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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-rice-cooker-w-steamer-stainless-steel-4-cup-crc-400/feed/ 0 Zojirushi Rice Cooker | Vegetable Steamer Warmer 10 Cup NHS-18 http://www.thecooksden.com/zojirushi-rice-cooker-vegetable-steamer-warmer-10-cup-nhs-18/ http://www.thecooksden.com/zojirushi-rice-cooker-vegetable-steamer-warmer-10-cup-nhs-18/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:26:32 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=7807 Zojirushi Rice Cooker Zojirushi has been manufacturing rice cookers since the '80s, and is known as a leader in the field of commercial and home rice preparation. With this model, you have a simplified method of producing a large quantity of white or brown rice consistently.

The company has been improving the capabilities of the humble rice cooker over the years until some models truly can be called thinking units, due to their advanced microprocessors. These command prices worthy of their expansive brains as well, so are out of the financial reach of most consumers seeking only a reliable method of cooking a pot of rice for dinner. Thankfully, Zojirushi hasn't forgotten their roots and continues to manufacture simple one-button rice cookers in a variety of sizes, such as this model which can prepare up to 10 cups of cooked rice and keep it warm for five hours of service.

Also included is a steamer basket for cooking vegetables and such, and even cooking eggs in the shell, which would be enlightening for me as I always seem to overcook my morning eggs on the stove. There are instructions for cooking custards and rice pudding as well, which is a great way to use up yesterday's rice in the cooker. The only issues that users have commented on center around the mess made when the rice isn't rinsed off well before cooking -- Yes, rinse it until the water runs clear. Also, brown rice requires a bit more of a learning curve to cook it just right. If the first batch isn't the way you like, then try, try again.

Compare this with Panasonic's digital rice cooker.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/zojirushi-rice-cooker-vegetable-steamer-warmer-10-cup-nhs-18/feed/ 0 Sanyo Pressure Rice Cooker | Micro Computerized 5 Cup ECJ-PX50S http://www.thecooksden.com/sanyo-pressure-rice-cooker-micro-computerized-5-cup-ecj-px50s/ http://www.thecooksden.com/sanyo-pressure-rice-cooker-micro-computerized-5-cup-ecj-px50s/#comments Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:37:14 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=7696 Sanyo Pressure Rice Cooker You don't have to make rice daily to enjoy the use of a good rice cooker, but if you do, this is the pot to consider. The device has both menu and texture selections which reflect the fantastic variety of rice types available. Most of the world already understands that polished white is the least exciting and flavorful of the rices and related wild grass seeds. Americans are still getting acquainted with the idea. Because we have less experience in preparing this staple, it is even more important for us to look to cookers which can make the fine adjustments for us.

The Sanyo cooker adds many more options for use beyond excellent rice each time, no matter which variety you prefer. This unit combines a little bit of crock pot with a little bit of pressure cooker to expand the machine into a multi cooker, capable of making soup, stew, hot cereals, steamed vegetables, eggs... This means you can make entire healthy meals using only the cooker as a resource. Make a hot breakfast. Cook your rice, then steam some veggies to top it.

I have to also mention the sleep function. It is a long-term keep warm which also provides energy savings. The nonstick titanium-coated rounded bottom pot is laughably simple to clean, no matter what you cooked inside. The days of the single function appliance are rapidly coming to an end.

Here's another small rice cooker to consider by Zojirushi.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/sanyo-pressure-rice-cooker-micro-computerized-5-cup-ecj-px50s/feed/ 0 Zojirushi Digital Rice Cooker | Stainless Steel Induction 10 Cup NP-HBC18 http://www.thecooksden.com/zojirushi-digital-rice-cooker-stainless-steel-induction-10-cup-np-hbc18/ http://www.thecooksden.com/zojirushi-digital-rice-cooker-stainless-steel-induction-10-cup-np-hbc18/#comments Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:44:34 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4877 Zojirushi Digital Rice Cooker The Zojirushi 10-cup model is a large capacity rice maker for families who eat rice regularly or homes where parties or gatherings require a big batch. Smaller families can use the pot to prepare several days' worth of rice for meals throughout the week.

This pot allows preparation of every type of rice to perfection. One of the most interesting current styles of rice is GABA Brown. Not a new variety, it is a new method of cooking which is said to increase the gamma-aminobutyric acid, which has several positive effects on health. The activation of the acid is accomplished by soaking the rice for two hours at one-hundred-four degrees, then cooking it.

This model uses induction heating. Coils in the bottom of the cooker cause the rice pan itself to become the heat source as a magnetic field is generated. This creates heat quickly and evenly moves it through the pan.

The inner lid detaches for cleaning. The timer allows the cooker to complete cooking at a specific time or in a preset number of hours, then automatically keeps the rice warm without overcooking. The vent and gasket combination truly reduce the volume of steam (and the mess). The Zojirushi instruction manual has precise instructions and detailed information focused on giving you the best possible finished rice.

If you want something simpler, compare with Black & Decker's rice cooker.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/zojirushi-digital-rice-cooker-stainless-steel-induction-10-cup-np-hbc18/feed/ 0 Black & Decker Rice Cooker | Stainless Steel 20 Cup RC866 http://www.thecooksden.com/black-decker-rice-cooker-stainless-steel-20-cup-rc866/ http://www.thecooksden.com/black-decker-rice-cooker-stainless-steel-20-cup-rc866/#comments Sat, 01 Aug 2009 08:07:00 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4993 Black & Decker Rice Cooker The Black & Decker Rice Cooker is the simple sort of machine I enjoy. It doesn't have a lot of fancy features. You add the rice, water and seasonings to the pot, press a button, and a few minutes later you have hot rice. No need to stir or monitor a pan. The cooker then keeps the rice warm until you're ready to eat.

The lid has a steam vent/condensation catcher. These can be messy at times, so you'll want to locate the device away from overhanging cabinets. It does spit a bit. Every rice cooker of this style I've seen does this.

The lid is made to hang on the side of the pot when not in use- interesting, but I usually store mine on the pot, inverted, so I can stack other things on top. The cooking bowl is removable and nonstick. The pot makes up to twenty cups of rice per batch, plenty for guests, but also prepares smaller portions.

The set comes with a steamer basket for making fish or vegetables, which you can do with or without rice. The user guide offers a chart for rice cook times and liquid ratios, but I've found you'll need to experiment just a little to get the consistency you prefer. Hey, that's part of the joy of cooking.

Compare this with Zojirushi's rice cooker.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/black-decker-rice-cooker-stainless-steel-20-cup-rc866/feed/ 1 Sanyo Micro Computerized Rice Pot | Slow Cooker 5 1/2 Cup ECJ-HC55S http://www.thecooksden.com/sanyo-micro-computerized-rice-pot-slow-cooker-5-12-cup-ecj-hc55s/ http://www.thecooksden.com/sanyo-micro-computerized-rice-pot-slow-cooker-5-12-cup-ecj-hc55s/#comments Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:12:11 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4828 Sanyo Micro Computerized Rice Pot On my first visit to a real Asian home kitchen years ago I was immediately disappointed to find that it ran on a Sanyo electric rice cooker and a propane fired wok. Then I ate the food and I was happy.

Carefree efficiency, easy cleaning, and dependability made the original popular in Asia. Sanyo has improved this mainstay appliance of Asian homes considerably over the years, and the simple electric rice cook pot I brought home that summer has evolved into the ECJ-HC55S 5 1/2 Cup Micro Computerized Rice and Slow Cooker. It's very much better.

This machine comes from a country where people care about rice and want it done right. In the half of the world where there are more than two kinds of rice, this machine will cook them all to perfection. Select from a list of pre-programmed one touch functions to prepare white, brown, mixed, sushi, haiga, and more. The cooker's micro computer automatically adjusts temperature and cooking times. A cookbook and instruction manual with advice from Chef Martin Yan brings American chefs up to speed.

Two titanium coated pots allow other uses including vegetable steaming cycles of up to 58 minutes and slow cooking of soups and stews up to 12 hours. If you're really adventurous and can spare a day, there's even a special program for using this cooker for producing delicious and nutritious homemade tofu. But don't expect that on the first try. Tofu takes some practice.

Here's a simpler model for comparison:  the Sanyo Electric Rice Cooker.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/sanyo-micro-computerized-rice-pot-slow-cooker-5-12-cup-ecj-hc55s/feed/ 2 Zojirushi Rice Cooker | Electric 6 Cup Steamer NHS-10 http://www.thecooksden.com/zojirushi-rice-cooker-electric-6-cup-steamer-nhs-10/ http://www.thecooksden.com/zojirushi-rice-cooker-electric-6-cup-steamer-nhs-10/#comments Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:12:00 +0000 Cheyenne http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3473 Zojirushi Rice Cooker This rice cooker is a busy working cook's best friend. Ditto for the healthy cook. I eat twice as much rice now that I have a rice cooker. And I probably cook more at home in general, too. This little cooker just makes it so easy and convenient.

I set the timer/warmer to ensure that the rice is cooked and at the perfect temperature when I get home from work. I eat a lot more rice-based dishes now- stir fry chicken and rice with steamed vegetables, for example. It even inspired me to try my hand at sushi because the sushi rice setting made it easy to make sticky sushi rice. And the 6-cup capacity is perfect for us. It's enough for dinner plus leftovers.

Beyond being a great rice cooker, I like to use this appliance as a steamer. And I'm learning how to healthfully steam a lot more foods. It's a great cooking method if you're busy: You can place your food in it, set the timer, and walk away with no chance of burning or overcooking your food.

It makes really nice steel-cut oats on the Porridge setting. You can set it at night and wake up to a bowl of perfectly cooked, steaming-hot porridge.

Compare this with Sanyo's rice cooker.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/zojirushi-rice-cooker-electric-6-cup-steamer-nhs-10/feed/ 1 Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker | White Digital Nonstick 5 1/2 Cup NS-ZCC10 http://www.thecooksden.com/zojirushi-neuro-fuzzy-rice-cooker-white-digital-nonstick-5-12-cup-ns-zcc10/ http://www.thecooksden.com/zojirushi-neuro-fuzzy-rice-cooker-white-digital-nonstick-5-12-cup-ns-zcc10/#comments Fri, 27 Mar 2009 22:18:21 +0000 Lora http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3654 Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker I don't know about you, but I'm not looking for fuzzy rice. Fluffy, yes. Fuzzy, no.

When I think of fuzz on food, I think mold. But I don't think the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 will cook you up moldy rice. No, I think it's just an unfortunate misnomer. But perhaps we can put a new spin on the name; perhaps it simply means that with the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 you'll feel warm and fuzzy eating all that perfectly-cooked rice.

The 5 1/2 cup computerized rice cooker and warmer boasts advanced Neuro Fuzzy logic technology (not that I want fuzzy technology either, but...). The Multi-menu selection allows you to automatically keep the rice warm, keep it warm for an extended amount of time, or reheat it. There are also different settings depending on whether you're cooking white rice, brown rice, sushi rice, on congee.

The spherical, nonstick pan (with easy to read measuring lines) allows for spherical heating. The rice cooker also has an LCD clock and timer, and a retractable cord (always a plus for easy storage and to keep those counters clear).

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 comes with 2 measuring cups, a nonstick rice spoon, rice spoon holder, and recipes. It also comes with a 1-year limited warranty (also always a plus).

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 is a sizable machine, however. Please be forewarned that at 14 by 8 by 9 inches this appliance will take up a lot of counter space and possibly storage space if you don't keep it out all the time. Any rice cooker will take up a lot of space, though, and not any rice cooker will give you such fuzzy, I mean fluffy, rice.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/zojirushi-neuro-fuzzy-rice-cooker-white-digital-nonstick-5-12-cup-ns-zcc10/feed/ 0 Sanyo Rice Cooker | Digital Crock Pot 10 Cup ECJ-HC100S http://www.thecooksden.com/sanyo-rice-cooker-digital-crock-pot-10-cup-ecj-hc100s/ http://www.thecooksden.com/sanyo-rice-cooker-digital-crock-pot-10-cup-ecj-hc100s/#comments Sat, 14 Mar 2009 22:29:13 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3633 Sanyo Rice Cooker With rice being the number one food eaten worldwide, it's no surprise that there are many high tech devices for preparing the perfect pot of starchy goodness. Even if rice isn't a part of your daily meals, this machine really raises the bar for what a rice cooker can help you accomplish with meal preparation.

The first thing that gets your attention is the name. How many other kitchen appliances advertise being micro-computerized? The list of features and foods this Sanyo cooker can handle is truly impressive. It has built-in settings for not just rice, but many rice varieties. Add to that timed slow cooking, vegetable steaming, egg cooking and even making tofu. There are a number of included components such as two separate inner pots with lids for multi-part meal preparation, a vegetable steaming tray and a tofu holder, as well as a measuring cup, rice paddle and a recipe booklet.

The inner rice pot is titanium coated and nonstick for easy rice removal. The digital display allows precise control and timer/keep warm setting, and also features a clock. The steam vent comes out for cleaning, and the cord is retractable. There is also a fold down handle for toting the unit around with you and bringing right to the table for serving.

I like the simple modern style of the unit, although with the control panel it looks as suited to a computer desk as a kitchen counter. Since arriving on the scene, this rice cooker has been getting rave reviews from users, so it seems that Sanyo has learned a thing or two in over 50 years of making kitchen appliances.

Here's a similar Sanyo rice cooker with a smaller, 5-cup capacity.

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