Gas Rice Cooker: Our 2023 Top 4 Picks

Gas rice cookers are a highly productive and efficient appliance commonly used in commercial kitchens for preparing large quantities of rice.

These cookers are powered by natural gas, a cost-effective, eco-friendly option for busy kitchens.

They are designed to cook rice evenly and quickly while keeping it warm for extended periods.

With their large capacity and precise temperature control, gas rice cookers are essential for food service establishments, restaurants, catering companies, etc., preparing rice in bulk.

In this article, the benefit of using gas rice cookers in commercial kitchens will be discussed extensively.

Also, what characteristic features to look for when choosing the appliance for your business will be discussed extensively. 

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Advantages of Using Gas Rice Cookers Over Electric Rice Cookers

Gas rice cookers are productive commercial appliances offering various advantages over electric rice cookers, including:

1. Faster Cooking Time

Gas rice cookers heat up faster than electric rice cookers. This makes them ideal for commercial kitchens where time is of the essence. 

The heat generated by gas stoves is instant and can be controlled easily, resulting in faster cooking times.

2. Lower Operating Costs

Natural gas is often less expensive than electricity, so gas rice cookers can help you save on your energy bills. 

They are also more energy-efficient than electric rice cookers, as gas is a more efficient fuel source.

3. Even Heating

Gas rice cookers distribute heat evenly throughout the pot, ensuring rice is cooked evenly and thoroughly. 

This eliminates the risk of burnt rice, which can happen when using electric rice cookers.

4. Large Capacity

Gas rice cookers are available in large capacities, making them ideal for commercial kitchens where large quantities of rice must be cooked at once.

They are also perfect for catering events, restaurants, or cafeterias.

5. Easy to Clean

Most gas rice cookers come with a non-stick inner pot that is easy to clean. 

This saves time and effort in cleaning, making it easier for busy kitchens to maintain hygiene standards.

Potential Drawbacks of Using A Gas Rice Cooker

Despite the many advantages of gas rice cookers, there are some downsides to using these types of rice cookers:

1. Installation

Gas rice cookers require proper installation and connection to a gas line, which can be costly and time-consuming.

2. Maintenance

Gas rice cookers require regular maintenance to ensure they function safely and correctly. This can be an additional expense for businesses.

3. Limited mobility

Since gas rice cookers require a gas line, they cannot easily move around the kitchen or to different locations.

4. Safety concerns

Gas rice cookers can pose a safety hazard to those needing help maintaining them regularly. Gas leaks or other malfunctions can cause fires or explosions.

5. Cost

Gas rice cookers can be more expensive to purchase than electric rice cookers and may also be more expensive to operate, depending on the cost of natural gas around you.

Gas Rice Cooker: Our Top Picks 

Here are our top recommended gas rice cookers in no particular order:

1. Pantin (Natural Gas) Rice Cooker/Warmer 110 Cup (55 Cup Raw)

The Pantin Natural Gas Rice Cooker/Warmer is a high-capacity commercial-grade appliance designed to warm rice in large quantities. 

It has a capacity of 110 cups cooked (55 cups uncooked) and is powered by natural gas. It boasts a powerful 35,000 BTU output and is NSF and UL listed.

This rice cooker is popular in the Tri-State Area, particularly for Asian cuisines. Its non-stick inner pot is durable, easy to remove, and clean, making it a reliable and reputable product. 

It also features a water reservoir system that keeps rice warm and fresh for extended periods.

The appliance is designed for maximum heating efficiency with a piezo ignition and gas safety system, offering precise temperature control and an automatic built-in flame extinguisher. 

With two handles and high-quality, durable materials, this rice cooker is a practical choice for commercial kitchens.

However, it is essential to keep the outer pot bottom dry before cooking and to allow the rice to sit for a bit after cooking and mix it well. 

Overall, the Pantin Natural Gas Rice Cooker/Warmer is a reliable and efficient appliance that can handle large quantities of rice and keep it warm and fresh for extended periods.

Key Features

• Capacity: The rice cooker can hold up to 110 cups of cooked (55 cups uncooked) rice.
• Non-stick inner pot: The non-stick inner pot is durable, easy to remove, and clean.
• Water reservoir system: The water reservoir system keeps rice warm and fresh for extended periods.
• Powerful heating: The rice cooker boasts a powerful 35,000 BTU output.
• Temperature control: The appliance offers precise temperature control.
• Safety features: The rice cooker has a piezo ignition and gas safety system, which ensures maximum heating efficiency. It also has an automatic built-in flame extinguisher.

Pros

• The non-stick inner pot is durable, easy to remove, and clean, making it ideal for busy commercial kitchens.
• The water reservoir system keeps rice warm and fresh for extended periods, ensuring it is always ready to serve.
• The rice cooker boasts a powerful 35,000 BTU output, which allows it to cook rice quickly and efficiently.
• The appliance offers precise temperature control, allowing chefs to cook rice to their desired texture.
• The rice cooker has a piezo ignition and gas safety system, which ensures maximum heating efficiency without safety concerns.
• It also has an automatic built-in flame extinguisher.

Cons

• The appliance weighs around 40 pounds, making it challenging to move around and handle.
• The appliance is relatively expensive, which may be a barrier to entry for smaller or newer restaurants.

2. Rinnai 55 Cup Gas Rice Cooker/Natural Gas

The Rinnai 55 Cup Gas Rice Cooker/Natural Gas, is the perfect addition to any busy commercial kitchen. 

With its large capacity of 55 cups, this appliance is designed for cooking rice in large quantities, making it ideal for catering events, cafeterias, or restaurants. 

Its natural gas-powered heating system is cost-effective and highly efficient, ensuring your kitchen can meet high demand during peak hours.

The Rinnai Gas Rice Cooker has a cooking sensor that monitors the temperature and cooking process, ensuring perfect results every time. 

Its voltage of 120 Volts makes it incredibly easy to use with standard electrical outlets, further simplifying the cooking process.

With its large capacity, cost-effectiveness, and efficient performance, this appliance is a must-have for any busy commercial kitchen.

Key Features

• It has a capacity of 55 cups
• Powered by natural gas
• The cooking sensor ensures precise cooking temperatures
• A voltage of 120 Volts

Pros

• The cooking sensor ensures precise cooking temperatures for perfect results.
• It can be used with standard electrical outlets

Cons

• The initial cost may be higher compared to electric rice cookers

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3. RiceMaster Commercial Gas Rice Cooker

The RiceMaster Commercial Gas Rice Cooker is an excellent choice for any commercial kitchen, thanks to its user-friendly design and high capacity. 

This automatic gas rice cooker is highly reliable and requires minimal maintenance. It can even cook various foods, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.

One of the standout features of this rice cooker is the bimetallic temperature sensor, which is located in the base of the rice pot. 

This sensor ensures the rice is always perfectly cooked, with optimum control and temperature accuracy. After cooking, the rice is kept hot thanks to the internal pilot burner.

The RiceMaster's cast aluminum rice pot is thick-walled, and features plated steel drop handles, ensuring even cooking and maximum durability. 

The unit also includes a standard rear gas feed, allowing easy connection and eliminating stress on the gas valve body.

A gas pressure regulator is also included with the unit, making setup and installation relatively easy.

With a diameter of 22" and a height of 17", the RiceMaster is a substantial piece of equipment, weighing in at 45 lbs. 

Its uncooked capacity of 55 cups makes it perfect for large-scale cooking. The unit also includes non-skid rubber feet for stability during use.

Overall, the RiceMaster Commercial Gas Rice Cooker is an excellent investment for any commercial kitchen. 

Its reliable performance, ease of use, and high capacity make it an indispensable workhorse in any busy kitchen.

Key Features

• Bimetallic temperature sensor for temperature control.
• Internal pilot burner.
• Thick-walled cast aluminum rice pot with plated steel drop handles.
• Standard rear gas feed
• The gas pressure regulator included
• Rubber non-skid feet

Pros

• The RiceMaster Commercial Gas Rice Cooker is reliable and easy to maintain.
• It has a bimetallic temperature sensor for precise temperature control.
• The internal pilot burner keeps the rice hot after cooking.
• The thick-walled cast aluminum rice pot ensures even cooking and is highly durable.
• The standard rear gas feed allows for easy connection and eliminates stress on the gas valve body.
• The gas pressure regulator is included with the unit.
• The non-skid rubber feet provide stability.

Cons

• No significant cons have been reported for this product.

4. Avantco GRCNAT Natural Gas 110 Cup (55 Cup Raw) Gas Rice Cooker - 14,000 BTU

The Avantco GRCNAT Natural Gas Rice Cooker is a reliable and efficient appliance that can make up to 110 cups of cooked rice in 30 minutes, perfect for busy commercial kitchens.

This gas-powered cooker has a 14,000 BTU heating capacity, ensuring the rice is cooked evenly and quickly. 

The non-stick aluminum interior pot is removable, making it easy to clean, and it can also cook various other foods such as grits, oatmeal, macaroni, and cheese. 

The unit has an automatic temperature regulation system. However, the regulation system switches from cooking to "keep warm" mode, ensuring the rice is always at the perfect serving temperature. 

The unit automatically shuts off for added safety if the flame goes out. The cooker is also portable and easy to transport thanks to its two steel drop handles. 

This Avantco GRCNAT natural gas rice cooker is an excellent investment for any commercial kitchen that needs to make large quantities of rice quickly and reliably.

Key Features

• Capacity: This rice cooker can make up to 110 cups of cooked rice in 30 minutes.
• Non-stick aluminum inner pot: It has a removable non-stick aluminum inner pot.
• Automatic temperature regulation:  The rice cooker automatically switches from cooking to "keep warm" mode.
• Automatic shut-off valve: The unit will automatically shut off if the flame.
• Versatility: Besides cooking rice, this unit can also cook grits, oatmeal, macaroni and cheese, and other foods.
• Portability: The rice cooker has two steel drop handles, making it easy to transport and move around.
• Includes accessories: It comes with a measuring cup and rice paddle.
• High BTU rating: The rice cooker boasts 14,000 BTU of power to quickly cook large quantities of rice.

Pros

• The removable non-stick aluminum pot makes cleaning up after cooking easy.
• The rice cooker automatically switches from cooking to "keep warm" mode, ensuring perfectly cooked rice every time without constant monitoring.
• If the flame goes out, the rice cooker has an automatic shut-off valve for safety.
• This rice cooker is for more than just cooking rice. It can also cook grits, oatmeal, macaroni and cheese, and other foods.
• The steel drop handles transport the rice cooker to wherever is most convenient.

Cons

• The cost of the Avantco GRCNAT Rice Cooker is higher than some other rice cookers on the market.
• The large capacity of the rice cooker means it takes up significant space in the kitchen.

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Wrapping Up

Gas rice cookers are a highly productive and efficient commercial appliance. Their large capacity, fast cooking times, and cost-effective fuel source make them popular with restaurants, caterers, and other food service establishments. 

There are some drawbacks to using gas rice cookers, such as the need for ventilation and potential safety concerns. But, these can be mitigated with proper installation and maintenance.

Overall, gas rice cookers are a valuable addition to any commercial kitchen looking to streamline its rice cooking process and improve its overall efficiency.

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