So, if you want to buy the best rice cooker in Australia, you are probably going to need some help. Fortunately for you, you can find all the assistance that you need right here.
The Top 5 Rice Cookers in Australia
Here are the best makes and models on the market:
- Kogan 9-in-1 Multifunction Pressure Cooker – Overall Best Rice Cooker
- Kambrook Rice Master – Best Budget Cooker
- Xiaomi Mi Induction Heating Rice Cooker – Best Modern Cooker
- Russell Hobbs RHRC1 Rice Cooker – Best Non-Stick Cooking Pot
- Kogan 12-in-1 Multifunction Pressure Cooker – Best Mutifunction Pressure Cooker
1. Kogan 9-in-1 Multifunction Pressure Cooker
Yes, this is technically a pressure cooker, but it also performs beautifully as a rice cooker.
Why waste money on a rice cooker when you can spend just a little bit more and get a multifunction cooker that can make 100x more.
There are 9 pre-programmed functions, so choosing the rice cooker function is rather simple. At the same time, there can be a bit of a learning curve, since there are so many programs and settings to select from.
You can guarantee that the rice will be cooked to perfection each and every time, though. This is thanks to the timer and the temperature function. Thanks to these, you will never have to worry about burning your rice again.
If you have a large family or tend to cook in bulk, you will enjoy the fact that this cooker can hold up to 6 litres. And, the cooking pan is non-stick. Not only are you able to scoop out the rice without any trouble, you will also be able to clean out the pan easily.
2. Kambrook Rice Master
If you want a straightforward rice cooker, then you will find that this Kambrook cooker fits the bill. As such, it is incredibly easy to use. All you have to do is measure out the rice, add water, and press down the button. When the rice is done cooking, the cooker will switch over to the Keep Warm function.
Speaking of which, the Keep Warm function ensures that your rice stays nice and warm until you are ready to eat. The Rice Master is a well-deserved name. The cooker manages to produce delicious and fluffy rice with minimal effort on your part. This is largely due to the locking jar-style lid design that locks in the steam.
The cooker has a 5 cup capacity which means that you can make up to 10 cups of rice. Needless to say, this should be enough for most families. The only thing to watch out for with this cooker is that it can spew liquid while working, leaving you with a bit of a mess to clean up.
3. Xiaomi Mi Induction Heating Rice Cooker
Looking for a sleek, modern addition to your kitchen? Then look no further than this Xiaomi Mi rice cooker. In fact, it is so sophisticated that you will have a hard time believing that it is a kitchen appliance! Of course, there is quite a learning curve involved with this cooker.
What sets this cooker apart from the rest is that it uses IH electromagnetic heating. This ensures that the rice is cooked evenly, resulting in perfectly cooked, fluffy rice throughout. In addition to being more thermally stable, the interior pan is also non-stick. This prevents the rice from getting stuck to the pan.
What’s really impressive though is that there is the smart temperature control. Simply scan the barcode of the rice that you are using and the cooker will adjust the temperature according to the hardness or softness of the rice. You can also control the cooker via a smartphone app and even get notifications when your rice is done.
4. Russell Hobbs RHRC1 Rice Cooker
If you have a large family, then you will not have to look any further than this rice cooker. It is able to produce up to 20 cups of cooked rice at one time. This means that you can cook for everyone in one go – no need to take turns.
There is also the fact that the cooker is quite easy to work. Just add rice and water and press on a button. When the rice is done, the cooker will automatically stop the cooking process. Instead, it will switch over to Keep Warm so that your rice continues to remain at the ideal temperature.
Due to the non-stick cooking pot, there is no need to worry about the bottom of your rice getting burned or sticking to the pot. The one issue is that due to the design of the cooker, it can be a little tricky to clean out the interior.
5. Kogan 12-in-1 Multifunction Pressure Cooker
If you are looking for even more options, along with a larger cooking pot, then this cooker will fit your needs quite easily. Once again, this is a pressure cooker, but it is great for whipping up a batch of perfectly cooked, fluffy rice. It can cook up to 8L of rice, making it a good option for most households.
With 12 functions and 20 different settings, you are spoilt for choice here. You can make plain rice, savory rice, and even risotto! Of course, all of these options mean that it can take you some time to learn how to make rice with this cooker.
The overall durability of this cooker is impressive as well. The inner pot is made from aluminum, making it tough and non-stick. The outer housing is stainless steel and will hold up well to use, even if you rely on it on a daily basis.
How to Pick the Best Rice Cooker
Here are the guidelines for picking out the top rice cooker for your needs:
Specialised Rice Cookers vs. Multi-Use Pressure Cookers
One of the first things that you will need to decide on is whether to opt for a specialised rice cooker or to get a pressure cooker that also functions as a rice cooker.
There isn’t a right or wrong answer here. Rather, it is about making the selection that makes the most sense to you. If you need a pressure cooker as well as a rice cooker, then it would make more sense to buy an appliance that can handle a wider variety of cooking.
On the other hand, if you will not use a pressure cooker that much or want a simple machine, then a traditional rice cooker will fit the bill. Most standard rice cookers also tend to be easier and more efficient to operate as well.
Find the Right Kind
There are actually different kinds of rice cookers on the market. Thus, your first order of business is to learn what these are and then determine which one is right for you.
The cheapest rice cookers are the ON/OFF cookers. As the name suggests, they turn off once the rice is done cooking without any indication that the cycle is completed. Since they are rather basic models, they aren’t usually equipped with non-stick pans either.
Then, there are the Cook and Keep Warm rice cookers. These are now the norm. Once the rice has been cooked, the cooker switches over to the Keep Warm phase. The more expensive models can keep rice warm for up to 12 hours at a time.
Finally, there is the latest type – the induction rice cooker. These are more sophisticated as they can counteract and adjust for human error. Thus, even if you add too much water to the rice, for instance, you can still ensure that it comes out cooked perfectly.
Pay Attention to Lid Type
Another thing to be aware of is the lid type. Traditionally, there are two types of lids for rice cookers – sealed and unsealed.
The unsealed kind simply consists of a glass lid sitting on top of a rice cooker. This allows to check in on the rice and have a better idea of when it is done. These tend to be easier to clean as well. At the same time, these lids can cause liquid to spatter and will also rattle during the cooking process.
Unsealed rice cookers, on the other hand, can be locked in. As such, there is no mess and no noise either. The main issue with these cookers, though, is that the internal components can be a bit trickier to clean.
Cup vs. Yield Capacity
It is important to appreciate the difference between cup capacity and yield capacity of your rice cooker. When rice cookers mention cup capacity – they are typically referring to rice in its uncooked form. However, as rice is cooked in water, it begins to swell in size.
Due to this, you should check how much yield a particular rice cooker is capable of holding. This will give you a better idea of just how much it is that you can make with that model.
Speaking of capacity, it is important to pick a model that is in line with your daily cooking. If there are only one or two people in your household, a smaller cooker is a better choice as it allows you to cook your rice faster. If you are a bigger family, then look for a higher capacity accordingly.
What Features to Look For
Here are the features that you should look for when selecting a rice cooker:
Non-Stick Pan
At this point, non-stick pans are non-negotiable. If you want to be able to scoop out your rice with minimal hassle, then you should look for this feature. Non-stick pans are also great because they make clean-up so much easier. The rice can be gently washed off the surface.
Despite its seeming prevalence, though, not all rice cookers have non-stick pans. Thus, you do have to read the fine-print here. You should also be aware that the non-stick surfaces on cheaper models may not work as well as those on better known brands.
Multi-grain Capabilities
As you are aware, different types of rice have to be cooked differently. If you are someone who does switch things up in terms of the kind of rice that you prepare, then you should look for rice cookers that have this function. This will allow you to cook any kind of rice to perfection.
Nevertheless, you should know that manufacturers can mean different things by the term “multi-grain”. Some refer to the different graded mixtures of rice. Others are referring to grains other than rice. So, this is something that you will need to check on before you make your purchase.
Ease of Use Features
If you are going to be using a rice cooker day in and day out, then it must be easy and efficient to use. Thus, look for features like easy to see and use controls. You should be able to get your rice cooking just by punching in a few buttons. At the same time, you should be able to leave it to its own devices and not have to intervene.
Another thing to look for is sturdy handles that don’t heat up. This will let you lift the pan out of the cooker without burning yourself. On a similar note, check whether any of the cords can be removed. This way, you will have a much easier time of moving around the entire cooker and even storing it.
Accessories
It is a good idea to look for a rice cooker that comes with accessories. This is especially true for the measuring cup. Keep in mind that each brand will have its own idea of what a cup means. As such, their rice cooker will be designed and programmed to accept their version of a cup.
If you want to avoid adding more rice and water than the cooker can handle, it is best to use the cups that have been provided by the manufacturer. There will then be less room for error.
And, if you want, you can also look for a steamer that comes along with the cooker. This will let you steam veggies while your rice is cooking. Such a feature can cut down on your overall meal preparation times.
Conclusion
This concludes your search for the best rice cooker. Here, you can find suggestions for the top models as well as tips on how to make your own selection. So, follow these guidelines and you will end up with the perfect rice cooker for you.