As someone who loves cooking, I know the appeal of having a rice cooker. It doesn’t matter whether you’re eating at home or going out for lunch; a rice cooker is an indispensable kitchen appliance. However, the biggest question on the minds of many consumers when shopping for a rice cooker is whether it’s worth it. It’s hard to know for sure, because not all rice cookers are created equal. So how do you decide Are Rice Cookers Worth It?
Let’s take a look at a few things to consider when buying a rice cooker:
Does the Model Offer Features You Need?
You may be wondering what features you really need when buying a rice cooker, but a lot of people end up getting more than they need. As it turns out, there are a few features that you should definitely keep in mind when buying a rice cooker.
First, make sure the rice cooker is large enough to accommodate your family’s rice making needs. A 5-quart capacity is perfect for most families, while a 7-quart capacity is better for larger families and those who love rice.
Next, look at the color of the machine itself. Brown and green rice cookers are best for those who don’t want to see the food they’re cooking. On the other hand, stainless steel rice cookers and black and white models are the best for those who would like to keep their kitchen looking clean.
Finally, you’ll want to be sure the rice cooker has an anti-burn function, especially if you’ll be using it at night. A burn indicator light will make it easier to notice if there’s an issue, so you won’t have to use your stove as well.
Does the Rice Cooker Have a Good Warranty?
Some rice cookers are equipped with warranties that last from two years to the manufacturer’s entire lifetime, while others are simply warrantied for one year.
It’s important to note that some rice cookers have multiple-year warranties, so you may want to check out the specific warranty information on each model you’re considering.
What Are the Features You Need?
Now that you know the rice cooker itself is more than just a pretty face, you’ll need to think about the functions and accessories it comes with.
There are many different types of accessories, so you’ll want to be sure you can find them if you need them later on. For example, there are different types of bowls you can use for different occasions.
Are There Any Accessories Included?
You’ll also want to pay attention to the rice cooker’s accessories if you’re going to use it on a daily basis. If you need to buy rice bowl storage boxes, or you want to have your rice cooker ready for the next meal, you’ll need to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting.
What Type of Cooking Does the Rice Cooker Do?
This may sound like a silly question, but I’ve seen it come up a number of times, so I thought I’d mention it. One of the first things you’ll want to think about when buying a rice cooker is the type of cooking you’ll be doing. In general, you’ll want to pick a model that will allow you to cook grains and rice (like white and brown) as well as different types of veggies and proteins. 
Also, you’ll want to think about whether the rice cooker will heat water for making rice. Many models will also include settings for cooking porridge and desserts.
