Whether it uses fancy “fuzzy” technology or is a simple one-button type like mine, a rice cooker will rock your world! Say goodbye to burnt on the bottom, dry or undercooked rice. No more watching the pot or stove!  The rice cooker is to Asians as the microwave is to Americans -  a must-have in the kitchen.  Most Chinese families use it daily.  I use it every week.

There are many different brands and dozens of models out there now. Traditional favorites are Datung, Zojirushi, National. Zojirushi is a quality brand and on the high end. Several Korean companies have come out with fashionable and affordable models.  I have not tested them all (and don’t plan to) so I can only tell you based on information from myself, friends and family.

I had an old Oster one that cooked fine but sputtered hot, messy steam from the lid’s edges.  Friends have complained about Sunbeam and one raved about her 10 year-old Panasonic model (even though the non-stick inner pot has started peeling). Some of the smaller sizes may not perform as well or may be designed differently than the medium and larger sizes, especially if it’s a loose fitting lid versus the click-close type. Even if you are cooking for one, I recommend getting a size larger for more versatility in cooking volume and quantity.

Please share your experience and recommendations with rice cookers here! It would be a helpful shoppers forum…