Ever burned rice in a pot? It’s a cooking tragedy we’ve all faced! Perfectly cooked rice is the foundation of so many delicious meals. But getting it right every time can feel like a gamble. Luckily, America’s Test Kitchen has put in the work to find the best rice cookers. They test and test until they find the winners.
Choosing a rice cooker can be overwhelming. There are so many brands, sizes, and features. How do you know which one will actually cook rice well? Many cookers promise fluffy rice, but some leave you with mush or undercooked grains. This guide will help you avoid those cooking nightmares! We will explore the best rice cookers tested by America’s Test Kitchen. We’ll look at what makes them stand out.
By reading on, you’ll discover the top-rated rice cookers. You will learn what to look for when you buy one. You’ll also find out which features matter most. Get ready to say goodbye to cooking fails and hello to perfect rice every time. Let’s dive into the world of fluffy, delicious rice!
Our Top 5 Rice Cooker America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rice Cooker America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. Bowls: Vibrant Recipes with Endless Possibilities
Rating: 8.6/10
“Bowls: Vibrant Recipes with Endless Possibilities” is a cookbook. It’s all about making delicious meals in bowls. This book gives you lots of ideas for food. You can make breakfast bowls, lunch bowls, and dinner bowls. The recipes are easy to follow. You can find many different flavors. The book helps you make tasty and healthy meals.
What We Like:
- The book has colorful pictures.
- It offers many different recipes.
- Recipes are easy to understand.
- It helps you eat healthy.
- It encourages you to try new foods.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some recipes might need special ingredients.
- The book could have more simple recipes for beginners.
The “Bowls: Vibrant Recipes with Endless Possibilities” cookbook is a great choice for anyone who enjoys cooking. This book is filled with creative ideas and will help you eat well.
2. The Complete Beans and Grains Cookbook: A Comprehensive Guide with 450+ Recipes
Rating: 9.5/10
Are you ready to cook with beans and grains? “The Complete Beans and Grains Cookbook” is a huge book. It has over 450 recipes! This cookbook helps anyone learn to cook with beans and grains. You can find lots of different recipes in this book. It is a guide for all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, this cookbook can help you.
What We Like:
- This cookbook has many recipes.
- It teaches you all about beans and grains.
- The recipes are easy to understand.
- There are recipes for everyone.
What Could Be Improved:
- N/A
This cookbook is a great resource for anyone who wants to cook with beans and grains. It offers a wide variety of recipes. This cookbook is a must-have for your kitchen.
3. Zavor LUX 8 Quart Multi-cooker with America’s Test Kitchen Multicooker Perfection Cookbook
Rating: 8.7/10
The Zavor LUX 8 Quart Multi-cooker is a kitchen workhorse! It comes with America’s Test Kitchen’s Multicooker Perfection Cookbook. This multi-cooker helps you cook many meals. It was even named a “runner-up best” by America’s Test Kitchen! It has several functions, like pressure cooking and slow cooking. You can also cook rice, make yogurt, and more. The stainless steel design is sleek and easy to clean.
What We Like:
- The multi-cooker has many cooking functions. You can pressure cook and slow cook.
- It includes a highly-rated America’s Test Kitchen cookbook.
- The stainless steel pot is dishwasher safe.
- It has a safety feature that prevents it from opening while under pressure.
- You can brown and sauté food in the pot before cooking.
- It has a keep-warm function.
What Could Be Improved:
- No cons listed
This Zavor LUX multi-cooker is a great addition to any kitchen. It is a good choice for busy families or anyone who loves to cook.
4. The Side Dish Bible: 1001 Perfect Recipes for Every Vegetable
Rating: 9.1/10
Do you need amazing side dishes? “The Side Dish Bible” gives you 1001 recipes. It has recipes for vegetables, rice, grains, and beans. This cookbook helps you make the perfect side dish for every meal. It is a great resource for cooks of all skill levels.
What We Like:
- The huge number of recipes! You will never run out of ideas.
- Recipes cover many different ingredients.
- The book teaches you about cooking techniques.
What Could Be Improved:
- N/A
This cookbook offers many recipes. It is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. “The Side Dish Bible” is a must-have for anyone who loves to cook.
5. Multicooker Perfection: Cook It Fast or Cook It Slow-You Decide
Rating: 8.9/10
The “Multicooker Perfection: Cook It Fast or Cook It Slow-You Decide” promises to be a versatile kitchen helper. It wants to make cooking easier. This multicooker gives you choices. You can cook quickly or slowly. It aims to simplify meal preparation. It allows you to decide how you want to cook your food.
What We Like:
- It offers both fast and slow cooking options.
- It is a convenient kitchen appliance.
- It helps you cook different types of food.
- You can save time.
What Could Be Improved:
- There is not enough information to list cons.
Overall, this multicooker looks promising. It could be a useful addition to any kitchen.
Rice Cooker America’s Test Kitchen: Your Guide to Perfect Rice
Are you tired of sticky, undercooked, or burnt rice? America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) rice cookers are popular. This guide will help you decide if one is right for you. We’ll cover what to look for, what to avoid, and how to get the best results.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for an ATK rice cooker, keep an eye out for these features:
- Multiple Cooking Functions: Look for cookers that can cook more than just white rice. Many cookers can also handle brown rice, quinoa, and even oatmeal.
- Keep-Warm Function: This keeps your rice warm after cooking. This is super handy for serving rice later.
- Delay Timer: Want rice ready when you get home? A delay timer lets you set the cooking time in advance.
- Easy-to-Read Controls: Simple buttons and clear displays make cooking easy. You don’t want to be confused by complicated settings.
- Removable Inner Pot: This makes cleaning easier. You can take the pot out and wash it.
- Measuring Cup and Rice Paddle: These are usually included. They help you measure the rice and serve it.
Important Materials
The materials used in a rice cooker matter. They affect how well it cooks and how long it lasts.
- Inner Pot: Most inner pots are made of nonstick material. This helps prevent rice from sticking. They are usually made of aluminum.
- Exterior: The outside of the cooker can be plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel is often more durable.
- Lid: Look for a lid that fits tightly. This helps trap steam for even cooking. Some have a vent to release excess steam.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a rice cooker better, and some make it worse.
- Good Quality:
- Even Heating: Good rice cookers heat evenly. This cooks the rice properly.
- Durable Materials: Strong materials mean the cooker will last longer.
- Easy Cleaning: Easy-to-clean parts save you time.
- Accurate Cooking: The cooker should cook rice consistently well.
- Poor Quality:
- Uneven Heating: This can lead to burnt or undercooked rice.
- Cheap Materials: These can break down quickly.
- Difficult Cleaning: Sticky pots and hard-to-clean parts are a pain.
- Inconsistent Results: The rice might be perfect sometimes, and bad other times.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the rice cooker.
- How often will you cook rice? If you cook rice often, you will want a durable cooker.
- How much rice do you need? Choose a size that fits your needs. If you cook for one or two, a small one is fine. If you have a family, you’ll need a larger one.
- What types of rice do you eat? If you eat different types of rice, choose a cooker with multiple settings.
- Do you need to keep the rice warm? If you need warm rice later, get a cooker with a keep-warm function.
This ATK rice cooker guide will help you find the right cooker for your kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best size rice cooker to buy?
A: It depends on how much rice you cook. For one or two people, a small cooker is fine. For a family, get a larger one.
Q: What types of rice can I cook in an ATK rice cooker?
A: Most ATK rice cookers can cook white rice, brown rice, and other grains. Some can also cook quinoa and oatmeal.
Q: How do I clean the rice cooker?
A: Remove the inner pot and wash it with soap and water. Wipe down the outside of the cooker with a damp cloth.
Q: What is the keep-warm function?
A: The keep-warm function keeps the rice warm after it is cooked. This is great for serving rice later.
Q: What is the delay timer?
A: The delay timer lets you set the cooker to start cooking at a later time. This helps you have rice ready when you need it.
Q: Are ATK rice cookers easy to use?
A: Yes, ATK rice cookers are designed to be user-friendly. They usually have simple buttons and clear displays.
Q: Do I need to use the measuring cup that comes with the cooker?
A: Yes, it’s best to use the measuring cup. It measures rice properly for the cooker.
Q: What happens if I use too much water?
A: If you use too much water, the rice may be mushy. Always follow the instructions.
Q: Can I cook other things in the rice cooker?
A: Some cookers can cook other grains and even steam vegetables. Always check the manual.
Q: How long does a rice cooker last?
A: A good quality rice cooker can last for many years. Proper care and use will help it last longer.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.