The article will provide an overview of the top mini rice cookers on the market, including their features, pros, and cons. We will consider factors such as capacity, cooking time, durability, and ease of use. We will also include customer reviews and ratings to help readers make an informed decision.
Our Top Picks
-
Best Overall: Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom
-
Best for Travel: Dash DRCM200GBAQ04
-
Best for Small Kitchens: Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1
-
Best for Person: TIGER JBV-A10U 5.5-Cup
-
Best Budget: Aroma Housewares ARC-753SG
Buying Guide
1. Capacity
Mini rice cookers typically cook 1-2 cups of rice. Make sure the capacity meets your typical rice cooking needs. Some can cook a bit more for steaming vegetables as well.
2. Browning control
Some mini rice cookers allow you to adjust the browning control to get the level of rice char you want. More browning leads to rice with more crisp, nut-like bits along the edges. Less browning results in lighter, fluffier rice.
3. Keeper plate
A few mini rice cookers come with a plate or divider that can be used to keep cooked rice warm before serving. This helps retain moisture and keeps the rice separated from the cooking chamber.
4. Additional features
-
Ease of use – Look for a rice cooker that is simple to operate with an easy to use control panel. Many have just a cook/warm dial or button. This allows for one-touch cooking of rice.
-
Safe and durable – Choose a mini rice cooker that is made of high quality, food-grade materials that can withstand frequent use. Look for strain resistant inner pots and lids.
-
Consider other useful features like a timer, ready/keep warm indicator, automatic switch to warm, non-stick lid, steaming basket, etc. depending on your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are mini rice cookers difficult to use?
No, mini rice cookers are very simple to operate. Simply rinse the rice, combine with a ratio of 1 1/4 cups of water to 1 cup of rice, put in the rice cooker, cover and turn it on. Most have a cooking timer or auto warm setting to shut off properly. They are very hands-free and hard to mess up.
2. Can I cook other foods besides rice?
Yes, many foods can be cooked in a mini rice cooker besides rice. You can cook oatmeal, quinoa, dried beans, steamed vegetables, scrambled eggs, etc. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts for the food you want to cook.
3. Can I make soup or stew?
It is not recommended to make soups or stews in a mini rice cooker. They are designed primarily for cooking grains and smaller foods where excess moisture can cause overcooking or spills. Soup kettles or stovetop pots are better options for soups and stews.
Final Thought
In conclusion, a mini rice cooker is an excellent investment for those who want to cook small portions of rice without the hassle of using a full-sized cooker. By considering the features and factors we have discussed, you can find the best mini rice cooker that meets your needs and budget.
