Both rice cookers and multi-cookers come with a variety of features and make meal prep easier, so it is important to consider all aspects before making a purchase. To help you decide, let’s take a closer look at rice cookers and multi-cookers, and decide which one is better for you.
A rice cooker is used to boil or steam rice automatically, while a multi-cooker is used for boiling, baking, frying, stewing, and more. Both kitchen appliances include a cooking bowl, a top lid, and an electric heating element with temperature sensors. You can adjust the heating program and timer settings in the control panel. Make sure you know the difference between a rice cooker and vs multi-cooker to buy the right model.
Rice Cooker Vs Multi cooker: Pros of Rice Cooker
Cooks Rice Automatically
The top-rated rice cooker offers an easy way of cooking or boiling rice automatically. You just need to set the right quantity of rice and water. This cooker will shut off the heating source once your rice is cooked. It eliminates the need to monitor your rice after every few minutes.
Keeps Rice Warm
Many models also have a low-heat option that provides you with a warming feature. You can take benefit of this feature to get warm rice, every time. This cooker also has an enclosed lid that keeps the temperature of the inner cooking bowl hot.
Easy to Clean
Rice cookers have a simple design that makes them easy to clean and maintain. Many variants also have dishwasher-safe parts that allow you to put them directly in the dishwasher. You do not need heavy chemical agents to rid of dirt and stains.
Rice Cooker Vs Multi Cooker: Cons of Rice Cooker
Uses Non-Stick Technologies
Many rice cookers have non-stick cooking surfaces that are prone to scratches when you use metal utensils. That is why you should use non-stick utensils to scoop out rice from the cooking bowl.
May Not Turn Off
Some of the rice cooker variants may not come with an auto shut-off feature. This means you will have to unplug your cooker from the power source after turning it off. Such models will stay ON if it is still plugged in with the power source.
Rice Cooker Vs Multi Cooker: Pros of Multi-Cooker
Healthy & Fast Cooking
Multicooker is perfect for your healthy and fast cooking. You can boil, stew, and bake your food items in just some minutes. You do not need to wait for long hours for boiling your veggies. It helps you prepare your food without affecting the overall nutritional value of food ingredients.
Smaller Portions
The top-reviewed multi-cooker is a handy, everyday kitchen appliance that allows you to cook even smaller portions of food. You can adjust the temperature settings and timer controls as per your food requirements. This makes it possible for you to even use an 8-quart cooker to steam a bowl of brown rice.
Easy to Use
The multi-cooker is an easy-to-use kitchen item with automated controls and convenient temperature settings. This appliance comes with an intuitive control panel that you can use to adjust between different cooking programs.
Rice Cooker Vs Multi Cooker: Cons of Multi-Cooker
Doesn’t Slow Cook
Muti cookers may not be an ideal option to slow-cook your food items perfectly. You can lower the internal temperature, but still, slow-cooked foods don’t come with the perfect flavor and appearance. You can rather use top slow-cookers to get perfectly slow-cooked meals.
Can be Difficult to Clean
You can face some difficulties while cleaning multi-cookers. This is because you will have to remove the components separately and then assemble them back after cleaning. You will also have to clean valves and seals thoroughly to prevent seal blockage.
Needs Supervision
One of the major drawbacks of using a multi cooker is that it requires careful supervision. This is because multi-cookers cook food at very high temperatures, which can lead to a greater risk of burning and overcooking. This can be especially true for those who are less experienced in the kitchen and not familiar with the specific settings and instructions for their multi-cooker.
Buy The Best Rice Cookers and Multi-Cookers
Zojirushi Rice Cooker
The Zojirushi Rice Cooker is a 5.5-cup capacity rice cooker that is made in Japan. It is made of premium white stainless steel and has a capacity of 1 liter. It comes with a brand new neuro-fuzzy logic technology that allows the rice cooker to think for itself, making sure that ensures the rice is cooked perfectly every time. The rice cooker also has a keep-warm function that will keep the rice warm for up to 12 hours. It also has a delay timer function that allows you to delay the cooking time by up to 15 minutes.
BLACK & DECKER RC516 16-Cup Rice Cooker
The premium white BLACK & DECKER RC516 Rice Cooker is ideal for cooking 3 to 16 cups of rice. It features fuzzy logic technology for perfectly cooked rice every time, as well as a keep-warm function to keep your rice at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to eat. The stainless steel construction is durable and easy to clean, and the unit comes with a measuring cup and spatula for added convenience.
Ninja FD401 Foodi 8-Quart 9-in-1 Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker
The Ninja FD401 is a superb choice for those who want a reliable and easy-to-use multi-cooker. It features tender-crisp technology that makes the cooker lock in juices while offering a crispy finish. The 12 programmable cooking functions can be selected according to the cooking requirement. This multi-cooker is a great addition to any kitchen.
Hamilton Beach 37523 Pressure Cooker
The Hamilton Beach 37523 Pressure Cooker offers versatile cooking as the functions include white rice, brown rice, hot cereal, steam, soup, saute, and slow cooking. This model comes with a glass lid that allows you to monitor your food as the cooking cycle progresses. It has a capacity of 4.5 quarts and you can prepare up to 20 cups of cooked rice at a time.
Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH Rice Cooker
The Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH Rice Cooker is the perfect kitchen appliance for the home cook who loves to be prepared. It comes with a 1-liter capacity. It has a built-in orange LCD control panel that makes it easy and simple to operate. This model has induction heating technology that efficiently provides high heat and cooks flawless rice. The rice cooker also has a keep-warm function, so your food will stay hot until you’re ready to serve.
SEDONA Hard Anodized Multi Cooker
SEDONA Hard Anodized Multi Cooker includes a 4-qt. pot, lid, and a steam tray insert that allows you to make different dishes. This model comes with a tempered glass lid with a steam vent that lets you see your food as it cooks. It has a nonstick interior for healthier cooking and easier cleanup. This model is compatible with gas, and electric stovetops as well as oven safe to 300°F.
Ninja OP401 8-Qt. Foodi All-in-One Multi-Cooker
The Ninja OP401 Foodi 8-Qt. All-in-One Multi-Cooker is the perfect kitchen appliance for those who want to cook delicious meals with little effort. This multi-cooker can do it all–from slow cooking and pressure cooking to air frying as well as dehydrating. With its large capacity and variety of cooking functions, the Ninja OP401 is perfect for large families or those who like to entertain.
Air fryer pressure cooker combos offer versatility and convenience. Read through our blog to know the top 5 air fryer pressure cooker combos.
Rice Cooker Vs Multi cooker- Final Verdict
Rice cookers and multi-cookers, both are beneficial addition to any kitchen space. These appliances have almost similar functions, but they differ in their use, application, and benefits. Knowing the difference between a slow cooker vs pressure-cooker will help you select the right kitchen appliance.
Globalideas helps you find the best electric pressure cookers on the market by rating and reviewing them on the basis of quality, convenience, and durability. Get unbiased, honest reviews of products before you buy.
