Rice is a common food in many Asian countries and likewise widely enjoyed worldwide. While cooking rice on the stovetop is standard, an Asian rice cooker has become increasingly popular due to its convenience and ability to produce perfectly cooked rice every time.
Rice is difficult to make: even the most experienced cooks frequently need help with it. It is simple to overcook and simple to undercook.
You have probably had to throw away a portion of a pot of rice because the bottom had burned and spent some quality time scrubbing it off on the sink. Only some people can get consistent results when cooking rice on the stovetop.
You have probably also heard that using a rice cooker is the key to consistently perfecting rice. People in Japan, South Korea, China, and Thailand, where rice is a staple ingredient consumed nearly every meal, take rice cookers seriously.
Because rice is so essential in Asian cuisine, Asian rice cookers are among the best on the market. They have settings for cooking various types of rice and use cutting-edge technology to ensure high-quality results.
With a range of features and options available, the Asian rice cooker has become a must-have appliance for those who love to cook rice or other grains.
This article will examine the Asian rice cooker and why it is a valuable addition to any kitchen.
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Contents
Top Asian Rice Cookers
Below are the top Asian rice cookers currently in the market.
1. Zojirushi NP-NWC10XB Pressure Cooker and Warmer, 5.5 Cups
Zojirushi is at the top of my list with this cutting-edge rice cooker that can make multiple types of rice and porridge, soak and steam rice, and toast rice.
The Zojirushi NP-NWC10XB Induction Heating Pressure Cooker and Warmer is a high-end rice cooker with many advanced features.
Features
Some of its key features include:
Induction Heating: The rice cooker uses induction heating technology to create an even and precise heat distribution, which allows for better cooking results.
Pressure Cooking: The cooker also has a pressure cooking feature, which allows for faster cooking times and a better texture of the rice.
Multiple Cooking Settings: The NP-NWC10XB has a range of cooking settings, including white rice, brown rice, mixed rice, sushi rice, porridge, sweet rice, and quick cooking.
Keep Warm Function: Once the rice has finished cooking, the cooker automatically switches to a keep warm function to maintain the temperature of the rice until it's ready to be served.
LCD Control Panel: The rice cooker has an easy-to-use LCD control panel, which displays the cooking settings and timer.
Detachable Inner Lid: The inner lid is detachable, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Built-in Timer: The cooker has a built-in timer, which allows you to set the cooking time up to 13 hours in advance.
Stainless Steel Exterior: The NP-NWC10XB has a sleek and modern stainless steel exterior that is durable and easy to clean.
Automatic Shut-off: The cooker has an automatic shut-off feature, which prevents the rice from burning or overcooking.
Extended Keep-Warm Function: The cooker also has an extended keep-warm function, which can keep the rice warm for up to 12 hours without compromising the quality or texture of the rice.
Fuzzy technology: This cooker remembers your previous setting choices and attempts to cook foods according to your preferences to ensure you get perfect food every time.
Pros and Cons of the Zojirushi NP-NWC10XB Rice Cooker
2. Tiger JAX-T18U-K 10-Cup Micom Rice Cooker with Food Steamer & Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel Black
With headquarters in Japan, Tiger Corporation is a household name in rice cookers. Tiger's 10-cup Micom cooker has a stainless steel and black finish.
This rice cooker uses technology similar to Zojirushi's "fuzzy logic," which constantly monitors your food to ensure it cooks at the proper temperature.
It cooks rice and has a slow cooker function that allows you to make soups, stews, porridge, and risotto. Just watching their video makes me hungry!
What distinguishes this rice cooker from others is its synchronized "tacook" cooking function which ensures that all of these features and operations work together to produce your entire meal.
Features
The Tiger 10-Cup Micom Rice Cooker with Food Steamer & Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel Black, has several features, including:
10-cup Capacity: The rice cooker can hold up to 10 cups of uncooked rice, making it suitable for families and large gatherings.
Multifunctional Cooking: The Tiger rice cooker can steam food and slow-cook meals in addition to cooking rice.
4-in-1 Control Panel: The control panel allows you to choose between cooking rice, steaming, slow cooking, or keeping food warm.
Tacook Plate: The rice cooker comes with a Tacook plate that allows you to cook rice and a main dish simultaneously.
Automatic Cooking Logic: The rice cooker has a built-in microcomputer that adjusts cooking time and temperature for perfect results every time.
Easy to Clean: The inner pot is made of a non-stick material that is easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
Advanced Cooking Technology: The rice cooker features advanced cooking technology, including a 3-layer metal inner pot and a far-infrared ray coating for even heating and better-tasting rice.
Programmable Delay Timer: You can set the rice cooker to start cooking at a specific time, up to 24 hours in advance.
Automatic Keep Warm: Once the cooking cycle is complete, the rice cooker automatically switches to the keep warm setting to keep your food warm and ready to serve.
Pros and Cons of the Tiger JAX-T18U-K 10-Cup Rice Cooker
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3. Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5 ½-cup Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer
Zojirushi makes our list again with this Japanese-made cooker that is just the right size for a couple or small family. This cooker can hold 5 12 cups of uncooked rice and produce approximately 10 cups of cooked rice.
This rice cooker produces sushi, brown, mixed, and porridge rice. It also has a steam function, allowing you to steam foods such as fish and vegetables while cooking rice (or on their own).
Features
The Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5 ½-cup Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer comes with the following features:
Neuro-Fuzzy logic technology: This feature allows the rice cooker to adjust the cooking time and temperature according to the type of rice used, ensuring perfectly cooked rice every time.
Multiple menu settings: The rice cooker has a variety of menu settings, including white rice/sushi, mixed rice, porridge, sweet rice, brown rice, and quick cooking.
Delay timer: The delay timer feature allows you to set the rice cooker to start cooking later, so you can have perfectly cooked rice ready when you need it.
Automatic keep warm feature: Once the rice is cooked, the rice cooker automatically switches to the keep warm mode, keeping the rice at the ideal serving temperature.
Non-stick inner cooking pan: The non-stick inner cooking pan ensures that the rice doesn't stick to the bottom, making cleaning a breeze.
LCD control panel: The easy-to-use LCD control panel allows you to navigate the various menu settings and adjust the cooking time and temperature.
Detachable inner lid: The inner cover is detachable, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Measuring cup and rice spatula included: The rice cooker comes with a measuring cup and rice spatula, ensuring that you have the necessary tools to cook perfect rice every time.
Pros and Cons of the Tiger JAX-T18U-K 10-Cup Rice Cooker
4. Cuckoo CR-0631F 6-cup Multifunctional Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer
This small Korean rice cooker is a powerful and less expensive alternative to more costly Japanese models.
It allows you to cook different types of rice, such as germinated brown rice, mixed rice, and porridge, and select the desired degree of softness and glutinosity for your rice. Like its Japanese competitors, the Cuckoo uses fuzzy logic technology to ensure perfect rice every time.
The Cuckoo's settings are simple, and while the menu does not have as many options as fancier models, the machine does an excellent job of cooking different types of rice.
Users agree that the Cuckoo is an excellent value for money, that the results are comparable to Zojirushi machines, and that they like its small size.
This rice cooker is a perfect choice for people who live alone or with small families. It is also preferable for people who live in apartments with smaller kitchens or do not frequently cook rice but still want high-quality results.
Features
The Cuckoo CR-0631F 6-cup Multifunctional Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer is a versatile appliance that comes with a range of features, including:
6-cup capacity: This rice cooker can cook up to 6 cups of uncooked rice, making it perfect for small to medium-sized families.
Multiple cooking functions: The CR-0631F can cook various rice types, including white, brown, and mixed rice. It also has different porridge, GABA rice, and quick cooking settings.
Automatic keep-warm function: Once the rice cooks, the rice cooker switches to a keep-warm function to ensure the rice stays at an optimal temperature until it's ready to be served.
Non-stick inner pot: The inner pot is made of high-quality non-stick material, making it easy to clean and preventing the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Intelligent cooking algorithms: The CR-0631F uses fuzzy logic technology to adjust the cooking time and temperature according to the type and amount of cooked rice, resulting in perfectly cooked rice every time.
Built-in safety features: The rice cooker has several safety features, including a pressure control device, temperature control device, and a locking lid, to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation.
Compact design: The CR-0631F design is compact and space-saving, making it perfect for smaller kitchens or apartments.
Accessories included: The rice cooker comes with a measuring cup, rice scoop, and a steamer basket for added versatility in cooking.
Pros and Cons of the Cuckoo CR-0631F 6-cup Multifunctional Micom Rice Cooker
Why Are Asian Rice Cookers The Best?
There are a few key differences between Korean, Japanese, and Chinese models and their simpler Western counterparts:
Technology
Rice cookers become "smart" thanks to fuzzy logic technology, which allows them to recognize what is inside, decide how to cook it and make necessary adjustments during the cooking process.
It enables the machine to control temperature and cooking time based on what is happening inside it rather than what a pre-set menu setting dictates.
This compensates for simple errors such as adding too little or too much water and controlling for environmental factors such as outside temperature and humidity, which may influence the cooking.
Warm Settings
All Asian rice cookers have a "Keep Warm" setting that keeps rice warm and prevents it from losing moisture for up to 12 hours.
This is useful for maintaining rice at an optimal temperature before serving, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria in the rice.
GABA Configuration
Brown rice can be sprouted and cooked using GABA settings. Sprouted brown rice has a high nutritional value and benefits, particularly its high content of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Research shows that GABA can benefit brain and nerve health. Brown rice sprouting is a time-consuming process that requires soaking for up to 20 hours and several rinses before cooking.
In rice cookers, the GABA setting handles the entire sprouting and cooking process in less than three hours.
Various Menu Options
Different types of rice are used for various foods and occasions in Asia. The rice used for sushi is very different from the rice used for stir-fries or the rice that becomes fried rice, and certain varieties are better for making sweets and desserts.
Asian rice cookers have various menu options to accommodate these different types of rice and their preparation.
Setting for jasmine rice, sushi rice, brown rice, glutinous rice, or black rice may be included in one model.
Many have settings for cooking other things like oatmeal, and some even have settings for making western rice dishes like risotto.
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Wrapping Up
The Asian rice cooker is a versatile and indispensable kitchen appliance for those who enjoy cooking rice or other grains. Its many features and ease of use provide a simple and convenient way to cook rice perfectly every time.
Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, an Asian rice cooker is a must-have item for any home.
With its popularity and affordability, there is no excuse not to add this handy appliance to your kitchen today!
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