Does your rice cooker take too long to cook?

If your rice cooker takes too much time and you cannot tell the difference in the quality of rice, you should read this article before buying a new rice cooker.

• Which rice cookers work faster?
• Longer cooking time produce better results?
• What you need is the most important factor

Cooking time is the most common complaint about modern multifunction rice cookers. It is common to hear such complaints in the West but not in Asia. This is because Japanese and Korean customers know that modern rice cookers take 30 to 60 minutes to cook, whereas western customers have different expectations.

In my previous article about Tiger vs Zojirushi vs Cuckoo, we recommended that you not choose the most expensive model, but rather ask yourself what you need. This includes cooking time. What do you need more, a fast performance or high quality results?

Why do conventional rice cookers work faster?

Actually, the cheaper conventional rice cooker takes the shortest time to cook rice. Rice cookers of this type cook white or brown rice in about 15 minutes. However, you need to soak your brown rice for at least an hour before cooking.

Traditional rice cookers have the same simple design as the original ones invented by the Japanese many years ago. Inside there is a temperature measurement unit. Once all the water has been absorbed by the rice, the rice cooker reaches 100 degrees. Then it switches from cooking mode to warming mode. The process takes about 15 minutes to complete.

For a rice cooker, does a longer cooking time produce better results?

For a rice cooker, does a longer cooking time produce better results? Basically, yes. Every customer has his or her own preferences, though. Most modern multifunctional rice cookers are computer-programmed. Heating takes place gradually. With induction heating and pressure functions, some heating methods are even more complicated.

The cooking time will be around 45 minutes, but the results will be exceptional. This is especially true if you enjoy cooking different kinds of rice at the same time. Most modern rice cookers have a quick cook feature. However, it is still not as fast as conventional rice cookers. For example, Tiger 4-in-1 multifunctional rice cooker takes 45 to 55 minutes to cook white rice, while its quick cook function takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Rice cookers with multiple functions also offer a better warming mode that does not affect the taste of the rice. Some rice cooker models by Cuckoo even allow you to adjust the temperature for the warming mode.

It is more important to have the model you need

I stress again that it is more important to have the model you need. I myself use an IH multifunctional rice cooker, and I am very happy with the results. Even after keeping warm for hours, the rice still tastes good. As I have a large family, rice is eaten at different times by different people. For us, the warming mode is very important.

Nevertheless, everyone has his or her own tastes, so the trick is to find out what appeals to you and the other members of your household. Some customers are able to taste the difference in the cooking results while others cannot.

If you cannot tell the difference or if you prioritise speed over quality, then a conventional rice cooker is the best choice. In contrast, if the quality of the rice is most important, choose a multifunctional rice cooker and understand the wait is worth it.

We have a helpful team at My Cookware Australia®

If you would like to discuss what kind of rice cooker you need, feel free to contact us at any time. We will provide you with individualised advice based on your needs. 

Remeber that the most expensive option is not always the best option for you. You should get what you want based on your budget and your specific needs.

If you have any additional questions, you can email us at hello@mycookware.com.au or use the chat box in the right lower corner of the page. Our friendly team will respond as soon as possible.

Click here to see all rice cookers.

• The article is written by Kai, our product specialist. 

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