Rice cooker is one of the indispensable kitchen appliances in modern homes, such as cooking porridge, soup, steaming vegetables, etc. However, there are many brands and models of rice cookers on the market, and the price ranges from a few hundred yuan to several thousand yuan, how to choose a rice cooker that suits you?
As a home blogger, I have twice the experience of renovation and have also bought different grades of rice cookers,
Here, I would like to share with you my experience in choosing and buying rice cookers, hoping to help friends in need.
1. Capacity
The capacity of a rice cooker determines how much rice it can cook, generally measured in liters (L). When choosing the capacity of a rice cooker, determine it according to the number of people in your family and eating habits. If you buy too small, it may lead to insufficient meals; If you buy too much, it may cause waste and take up space.
Generally speaking, you can refer to the following formula: rice cooker capacity = number of people eating x 0.75L!
That is, each person needs an average capacity of 0.75L to cook rice. Of course, this formula is only a reference value, depending on the actual situation of the individual. For example, if you have children or elderly people in your home, you may need a smaller capacity; If you have frequent guests in your home coming to eat, you may need a larger capacity.
Second, the heating method
The heating method is an important factor affecting the performance and price of a rice cooker.
At present, there are three common heating methods on the market: chassis heating, IH electromagnetic heating and 3D stereoscopic heating.
Chassis heating: This is a more traditional and common heating method, its principle is to conduct heat into the inner tank through the heating plate at the bottom, thereby heating water and rice. The advantages of this heating method are low cost and cheap price; The disadvantages are uneven heating, imprecise temperature control, and average taste of rice.
IH electromagnetic heating: This is a relatively advanced and high-end heating method, its principle is to directly heat the inner tank through the electromagnetic coil connected to the alternating current around the inner tank, eliminating the step of conduction through the chassis. The advantages of this heating method are fast heating, uniform heating, accurate temperature control, and good taste of rice; The disadvantage is that it is expensive and expensive.
3D three-dimensional heating: This is a heating method further optimized on the basis of IH electromagnetic heating, and its principle is to achieve all-round heating of the entire inner tank by setting electromagnetic coils at the bottom, side and top of the inner tank. The advantages of this heating method are that the heating is more even, the rice grains are more fully heated and tumbled, and the rice tastes better; The disadvantage is that it costs more and is more expensive.
Generally speaking, if the budget is sufficient, you can choose IH electromagnetic heating or 3D three-dimensional heating, which can enjoy a better taste of rice; If you have a limited budget, you can choose chassis heating, which can also meet basic needs.
3. Inner tank material
The inner tank is the core component of the rice cooker, and it comes into direct contact with the rice, affecting the taste, nutrition and safety of the rice. At present, the common inner tank materials on the market are as follows:
Aluminum: This is the most common inner tank material, which has the advantages of uniform thermal conductivity and low cost; The disadvantage is that it is easy to scratch, oxidize, corrode, and affect the service life and safety.
Stainless steel: This is a relatively durable and safe inner tank material, which has the advantages of anti-corrosion, no heavy metals, and no odor absorption; The disadvantage is that the thermal conductivity is poor and the cleaning is more troublesome.
Tao Jing: This is a relatively high-grade and beautiful inner tank material, which has the advantages of non-stick pan, easy cleaning and good heat preservation effect; The disadvantage is that it is expensive and fragile.
Glass: This is a relatively new and environmentally friendly inner tank material, which has the advantages of wear resistance and high temperature resistance, no heavy metals, colorless and odorless; The disadvantage is that it is expensive and fragile.
When choosing the material of the inner tank, decide according to how much you value the taste, nutrition and safety of the rice.
Generally speaking, if you pursue the taste and nutrition of rice, you can choose Tao Jing; If you focus on safety and durability, you can choose stainless steel or glass; If you consider cost-effectiveness and practicality, you can choose aluminum.
IV. Functions
In addition to being able to cook delicious rice, rice cookers also have a variety of functions, such as timing, reservation, quick cooking, soup, porridge, etc. Some rice cookers can also be used to make cheesecake, cheese, and hot spring eggs.
When choosing a function, you should decide according to your own living habits and needs. Generally speaking, if you are often busy with work or going out, you can choose the timing and appointment function, so that you can set the time in advance and let the rice cooker start working automatically; If you like a variety of cuisines or want to try new tricks, you can choose a multi-function rice cooker, which can achieve a variety of dishes; If you are concerned about health or have special needs, you can choose a sugar-reducing rice cooker, which can effectively reduce the sugar in rice and is suitable for people who need to control blood sugar and weight.
Superman Jr. Summary:
The above is my rice cooker purchase experience after installing two apartments, I hope it will be helpful to everyone. Of course, everyone's needs and preferences for rice cookers are different, so in the end, you must choose the right rice cooker according to your actual situation. I wish you all a smooth shopping and enjoyable taste!