Cooking rice is easy. But it can be effortless with the help of a microwave rice cooker. Microwaving the rice saves up a lot of time than the conventional stovetop method and makes doing the dishes a breeze. Besides, you’ll never have to scrape off the bottom of the pot or deal with the trashy stove of a rental house.
If, however, you want to reap the maximum benefits, you need the best microwave rice cooker. Throughout this article, you’ll figure out whether microwaving rice is safe and how you can utilize this convenient process. And more importantly, we’ll look at some of the best microwavable rice cookers that you can start using today!
Contents
- Are Plastic Microwave Rice Cookers Safe?
- How to Cook Rice in the Microwave?
- List of Best Microwave Rice Cooker
- 9 Best Microwave Rice Cooker in 2022
- 1. Editor’s Choice: Sistema Microwave Collection Rice Cooker
- 2. Best Overall: Prep Solutions Microwave Rice Cooker
- 3. Best Value for Money: Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine Microwave Rice Cooker
- 4. Best Versatile: Handy Gourmet Microwave Pressure Cooker
- 5. Best for Large Families: Pampered Chef Rice Cooker Plus
- 6. Quickest Method: Rapid Rice Cooker
- 7. Best Compact Design: Lekue Microwave Rice Cooker
- 8. Best Outlook: Zwippy Microwave Rice Cooker
- 9. Best Budget: Home-X Microwave Rice Cooker
- Are Microwave Rice Cookers Worth It?
- Frequently Asked Question
- Conclusion
Are Plastic Microwave Rice Cookers Safe?
Plastic microwave rice cookers are safe, but not all of them.
A recent scientific study shows that not all plastic components are suitable as rice cooker material, especially BPA and phthalates. BPA or Bisphenol-A is an additive that makes plastic sturdier, while phthalates promote flexibility and long-lasting effect. But is plastic cookware safe for our health?
Both these chemicals are endocrine disruptors. When exposed to heat or microwave, these substances break down and mix with food items placed on the container. In the worst-case scenario, BPA and phthalates can lead to metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunction, infertility, obesity, and an array of cancers. So, does that mean you should avoid plastic microwave rice cookers for good?
Not at all! Many manufacturers now produce BPA-free plastic rice cookers that are entirely safe to microwave. Type-5 polypropylene plastic is considered safe for this purpose as it doesn’t have harmful additives and resists heat decently. However, You should avoid using type-7 and polycarbonate plastic to microwave rice or even for storage.
Furthermore, the FDA strictly regulates all plastic cookware to ensure user safety. To know if a plastic rice cooker is safe to microwave, simply look for the “Microwave Safe” label or symbol on the container surface.
How to Cook Rice in the Microwave?
Microwaved rice looks, tastes, smells and fluffs the same as boiled rice. Nonetheless, cooking rice in the microwave requires less clean-up and time than the counterpart stovetop method. Then why not give it a try!
Required Ingredients:
- A microwavable rice cooker
- Regular long or short-grain rice, jasmine, basmati rice, etc.
- Water for both cooking and rinsing the rice
- A microwave
Here’s how you can cook rice in the microwave.
Step-1: Take 1 ½ cup of white grain rice in a bowl.
Step-2: Thoroughly rinse the rice with running tap water.
Step-3: Repeat the cleaning process a couple of times.
Step-4: Take the rice in a microwavable cooker and add 2 ¼ cups of drinking water. The rice to water ratio should be about 1:1 ½.
Step-5: Put a clean cotton towel over the microwave surface. This helps absorb the excess water.
Step-6: Keep the microwave running for at least 5 minutes at 100% power or 15 mins at 50% power. However, the setting ultimately depends on your microwave.
Step-7: Keep the lid closed for at least five more minutes. And you should also keep your face at a safe distance as the hot steam may burn your skin.
List of Best Microwave Rice Cooker
- Editor’s Choice: Sistema Microwave Collection Rice Cooker
- Best Overall: Prep Solutions Microwave Rice Cooker
- Best Value-For-Money: Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine Microwave Rice Cooker
- Best Versatile: Handy Gourmet Microwave Pressure Cooker
- Best for Large Families: Pampered Chef Rice Cooker Plus
- Quickest Method: Rapid Rice Cooker
- Best Compact Design: Lekue Microwave Rice Cooker
- Best Outlook: Zwippy Microwave Rice Cooker
- Best Budget: Home-X Microwave Rice Cooker
9 Best Microwave Rice Cooker in 2022
Investing in a microwave rice cooker is a fruitful choice. But from all the products available in the market, you need the best microwave rice cooker, like the ones listed below.
1. Editor’s Choice: Sistema Microwave Collection Rice Cooker
Any cookware that goes inside a microwave should be free of phthalates and BPA. And that’s what exactly Sistema offers, climbing all the way to becoming the best microwave rice cooker.
Specifications
| Sistema Microwave Rice Cooker | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 8.5 x 7.67 x 6.33 inches |
| Weight | 10.9 ounces |
| Material | 100% Virgin Plastic |
| Capacity | 2.6 L, 1.5 Cups |
| Can Cook | Rice, Polenta, Couscous |
Why Do We Love It
The Sistema microwave collection rice cooker is an excellent choice if you do not like the hassle of cleanup and daily maintenance. Its 100% virgin plastic is free of any harmful additives and prevents rice from sticking.
If you’re familiar with rice cookers, you already know how annoying the steam build-up can be. In order to prevent that issue, the rice cooker features multiple vents and a pressure chamber plate. The chamber collects the overflow and then drains it back into the container.
In addition, the plastic lid is transparent and cool-to-touch, and it comes with easy-lift tabs. All the components and the non-stick rice spoon are dishwasher-safe when placed on the top rack.
However, it’s not as versatile as many other items on the list. So, steaming veggies along with rice is not applicable. But its convenient design is capable of cooking rice, polenta, and couscous.
Who Should Use It
Cook, serve, store, reheat the Sistema microwave rice cooker does it all! It is our top pick because of how efficient the steamer is and its high functionality at an affordable price.
Moreover, this minimalistic steamer is freezer-safe which makes storing cooked goods a lot easier. You can also put it in the dishwasher (top rack) to hasten the cleanup process.
The rice cooker is best suited for a family of four, as the 2.6-liter container can cook 1.5 cups of rice at a time. Also, no need to worry about spills as it consists of four lid lock mechanisms.
Pros
- The plastic is BPA and Phthalate free.
- Easy cleanup and dishwasher-safe.
- The plastic lid has vent holes.
- Pressure chamber for efficient steaming.
Cons
- Not usable for steaming vegetables
2. Best Overall: Prep Solutions Microwave Rice Cooker
If cooking is your favorite thing to do, you will enjoy cooking on Prep Solutions microwave rice cooker. It is multifunctional and offers excellent build quality.
Specifications
| Prep Solutions Microwave Rice Cooker | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 10.75 x 6.5 x 9 inches |
| Weight | 32.96 ounces |
| Material | Plastic |
| Capacity | 12 Cups |
| Can Cook | All Types of Rice, Pasta |
Why We Love It
The rice cooker is a 17-piece set, consisting of a steaming insert, pasta draining insert, pasta measurer and 6 measuring cups, and 4 measuring spoons. Cleaning only takes seconds as the surface is non-stick, and the set includes a plastic rice paddle.
This microwave rice steamer comes with a locking lid. So, whether rice, pasta, or veggies, the food inside won’t spill and make a mess. Besides, the rice cooker is BPA-free, and it has a top-rack dishwasher-safe feature. You do not have to worry about the chemical mix-up with your rice.
The rice cooker can compete easily with other alternatives. As several accessories are included with this rice cooker, your investment would be worthy enough. It is one of the best microwave rice cookers available in the market.
Who Should Use It
The Prep solutions microwave rice cooker gives you a convenient means of rice cooking. Modern microwave technology is used along with standard features in this rice cooker. The cookware is handy, and you can cook vegetables and pasta as well.
It is perfect for people who love to eat carbohydrate meals frequently but prefer to spice things up a bit. Tired of eating rice? You can use this steamer to prepare noodles and veggies per your liking. Besides, the container is comparatively bigger than other items on the list. So you can serve guests as well.
You can cook 12 cups of rice with the rice cooker. For pasta, you have to remove the steamer tray and add approximately 6-8 cups of water (for 12 ounces of dry pasta). Also, you will have to break the noodles such as linguine and spaghetti to fit inside the cooker.
Pros
- Can cook rice, pasta, noodles, and veggies.
- Includes multiple pieces for user convenience.
- Offers a wide container.
- Comes with a draining insert.
- Highly durable and easy to clean.
Cons
- Prone to spills (cook at 70% power to avoid a mess).
Related Question(FAQ)
Can I use it to reheat my food?
Yes, you can. It is designed specifically for cooking and reheating your favorite meal.
How many cups of rice can it cook?
It has a 12 cup capacity, but as per the manual, it is instructed to cook 8 cups of rice at a time.
Does it offer any spill protection?
The cooker offers a feature of a locking lid that prevents spills and messes.
3. Best Value for Money: Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine Microwave Rice Cooker
The brand Joseph has been producing quality rice cookers over recent years. And this particular item offers an ergonomic design that cooks your rice in half the time it takes on a stove.
Specifications
| Joseph Joseph Microwave Rice Cooker | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 8.7 x 5.3 x 7.1 inches |
| Weight | 18.88 ounces |
| Material | Plastic |
| Capacity | 2 liter, 2 Cup Uncooked Rice |
| Can Cook | Rice, Grain, Pasta, Eggs, Veggies |
Why We Love It
The Joseph Joseph microwave rice cooker is BPA-free plastic made. It makes fluffy and light rice within a short time. It can cook rice and grain and pasta, poached eggs, veggies, and soup.
In addition to the 2 L cooking pot, the set features a flat plastic lid, a colander for washing and draining the rice, and a measuring cup. The colander entirely fits inside the pot, preventing heat from reaching the outer body of the rice cooker. So, you can cook and serve the food instantly without waiting for the pot to cool off.
The minimalist design of the rice cooker is convenient. So, after finishing cooking, you can easily store it in the freezer. The size of the cooking pot is 2 liters, and it comes with a well-vented lid that you can lock using the rice paddle. You can also grip the hot cooker without breaking a sweat due to the handles on both sides.
Its compact size and multifunctional purposes make the rice cooker superior to other products within a similar budget. It also has the simplest using process accompanied by a helpful recipe guide.
Who Should Use It
Are you a college student looking for the best microwavable rice cooker? Or perhaps a member of a family of four? The Joseph rice cooker is relatively compact, and because of that, it’s the perfect choice for you.
Being in a college dorm means you’re on your own. And in that case, this easy to clean and compact rice cooker can come in handy if you have a microwave. It has an excellent loving mechanism that is pretty unbreakable, and all the materials are solid.
If you’re running a little tight on the budget, or don’t need something too big, Joseph Joseph Microwave Rice Cooker is your best bet.
Pros
- Excellent locking mechanism
- Compact design and easy to clean
- Multifunctional non-stick rice paddle
- Set includes a measuring cup and colander
Cons
- Not ideal for big families.
Related Question(FAQ)
Can I wash it with the dishwasher?
Yes, it is dishwasher safe. You can wash it with any dishwasher using a soft scrubber. However, you should avoid using metallic scrubber as it may scratch the outer surface.
Can I cook pasta on it?
Surely you can! Though you may need to go through an appropriate recipe booklet.
What type of rice can I cook on it?
You can cook any type of rice on the cooker. It does not differentiate the cooking method among specific rice types.
4. Best Versatile: Handy Gourmet Microwave Pressure Cooker
Next, we have a versatile microwave pressure cooker that can easily prepare a full course meal- rice, meat, chicken, veggies, and more!
Specifications
| Handy Gourmet Microwave Rice Cooker | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 4.75 x 8.5 x 8.25 inches |
| Weight | 19.2 ounces |
| Material | Plastic |
| Capacity | 2.3 Litre |
| Can Cook | Rice, Meat, Chicken, Vegetables |
Why We Love It
A minimalistic and compact design is perfect for almost all microwaves, all the better if you have a small one. Standing at 6-inch height and 10.5-inch overall diameter, this is an ideal fit for that purpose. And both the measurements include the large and comfortable handlebars on both sides of the pot.
On the top side, some holes help to release the steam when you are cooking. You can have some ideas of cooking from the recipe book provided with the cooker. With the guidance of the recipe book, you can make soup, pasta, and vegetable dishes.
The rice cooker with its 2 ½ quartz capacity includes an inner pot that doubles as a colander. You can also use the measuring cup for pitch-perfect measurements. The lockable lid helps the device to stay securely in place. It also prevents spills or splatters.
Who Should Use It
If you are looking for a mini microwave rice cooker, Handy Gourmet’s microwave pressure cooker would be good.
The instructions and recipes given with the product are suitable for an 800-watt microwave. So, if you do not have an 800-watt microwave, you will have to make some adjustments.
The pressure cooker is eye-catching due to its premium-looking design. Its dishwasher-safe feature makes it easy to clean if you’re in a hurry. Although not ideal for big families or family dinners, this stylish is an excellent help for any culinary enthusiast.
Pros
- Cooks an array of different meals
- Dishwasher-safe for fast cleanup
- Features vent holes to prevent steam buildup
- Large handles for easy maneuver
Cons
- The included recipe book is limited
Related Question(FAQ)
Can I cook veggies on it?
Indeed, you can! As it functions as a mini cooker, you can cook rice, veggies, or even chicken if you follow the instructions and recipe.
What number of cups of rice does it cook at a time?
As per the instructions, you can cook up to 2 cups of rice, serving 4-6 people at most.
Does it come with any cookbook?
Unfortunately No. It doesn’t come with any cookbook, but it does provide instructions for the users.
5. Best for Large Families: Pampered Chef Rice Cooker Plus
Till now, we talked about rice cookers that are suitable for 2-3 people. But the Pampered Chef Microwave Rice Cooker is perfect for families with more than five members.
Specifications
| Pampered Chef Microwave Rice Cooker | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 10.43 x 9.33 x 6.85 inches |
| Weight | 15.5 ounces |
| Material | Plastic |
| Capacity | 3 Liters |
| Can Cook | Rice, Veggies |
Why We Love It
The idea of having perfectly cooked rice with the pampered chef rice cooker plus is very simple. With a 3-quartz container capacity, the rice cooker can cook around 2.5 cups of rice at a time.
Though the rice cooker is ideal for rice, you can still add vegetables and other ingredients to rice. Besides, it also helps to warm up the leftovers. In addition to its sturdy built quality, health safety is assured due to BPA-free plastic material.
The design of this rice cooker is attractive and can easily match any modern kitchen. Its double lid feature can prevent spills. You can clean it without any hassle as the food does not stick on the sides of the bowl.
Who Should Use It
Due to its high capacity, it’s ideal for big families. It’s a bit costlier than other microwaveable rice cookers on the list. But its durable quality and high capacity make it worthwhile.
Again, if you like cooking different types of dishes, then you can use this item for experiments. However, it doesn’t cook beans very well. It would be one of the best microwave rice cookers within a similar budget.
Pros
- The cooker is stain-resistant.
- The user manual provides detailed instructions.
- You can cook up to 2.5 cups of rice.
Cons
- Sometimes the lid does not fit securely.
Related Question(FAQ)
Is the cooker BPA-Free?
Yes, the rice cooker is constructed of zero BPA plastic and does not harm the users.
Does it come with any user manual?
Yes, it does provide instructions with it.
Can I make a 9-min cake on it?
Indeed you can as it offers the functionality of microwaving starch. Making cake won’t be a hassle.
6. Quickest Method: Rapid Rice Cooker
“Cook perfect instant rice in 3 minutes”- a bold statement and the compact size is what intrigued us to test the Rapid Microwave Rice Cooker. And the results are pretty surprising!
Specifications
| Rapid Rice Cooker | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 7.75 x 4.5 x 14.5 inches |
| Weight | 8 ounces |
| Material | BPA-Free Plastic |
| Capacity | 1 ½ Cups |
| Can Cook | Rice, Small Cake |
Why We Love It
This Rapid rice cooker can cook any Minute Rice blend within 2-3 minutes. Working as both a cooker and a dish, this one is perfect for a quick meal without the hassle of rinsing or draining the rice.
Can you imagine how convenient it is compared to the conventional method! You have to add rice to the first “fill line” and water to the following line. You can also add oil or butter if you want.
This BPA-free rice cooker is reusable for up to 5 years. Besides, it also features heat-resistant handles on both sides to make sure you do not burn your finger while removing the container from the microwave. Measuring at only 7.5-inch long and 2.25-inch high, this is a portable item you can take to the office or school.
Who Should Use It
Life stays busy, whether you’re an office worker, parent, or college student. But the Rapid Rice Cooker can help beat the clock as it takes as little as 3 minutes to microwave rice for one person.
Again, if you prefer a healthy diet over fast-food junk but just don’t have the time to prepare rice, then this microwave rice cooker will come in handy. It’s BPA-free and doesn’t require any measuring tool. So you can save yourself from any extra cleanup.
However, keep in mind that this compact container fits enough rice for 2 people at best. But we listed the 2-pack model as it’s more cost-effective and offers higher capacity overall.
Pros
- Extremely compact and lightweight
- Perfect for gift, office, and dorm
- BPA-Free plastic build
- High durability and reusability for up to 5 years
Cons
- Mostly limited to cooking rice
Related Question(FAQ)
Does this unit come with instructions?
No, there is no user manual provided. However, the product packaging suggests filling the first filling line with rice and pouring water until it reaches the upper filling line. Also, you should use Minute Rice instead of grain rice.
Is there any lid in this model?
No. The 2-pack Rapid Rice Cooker doesn’t come with a lid, but that won’t be an issue if you follow the instructions correctly.
Can I use this to reheat food?
Of course, you can, but keep in mind that this unit has no lid. So try not to microwave foods for an extended time.
7. Best Compact Design: Lekue Microwave Rice Cooker
Simplicity is the key when you want to save some time. This compact microwave rice cooker may be small, but it’s the perfect fit if you’re in a hurry.
Specifications
| Lekue Microwave Rice Cooker | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 7 x 7 x 5.2 inches |
| Weight | 11.9 ounces |
| Material | Platinum Silicone |
| Capacity | 1 liter |
| Can Cook | Rice, Grain, Oatmeal, Quinoa |
Why We Love It
At first glance, we were surprised to see a rice cooker with no handle or lid-locking system. But this microwave rice cooker is scientifically designed to tackle that issue.
The top side serves a colander and a multifunctional lid. When cooking rice, excess water evaporates through the holes, and the colander collects the foams. This way, there are no spills, and the microwave stays clean every time.
As we mentioned, this unit doesn’t have any handles for safe maneuver. But Lekue efficiently overcomes this problem by using BPA-Free platinum silicone instead of plastic. Platinum silicone is lightweight and more durable than plastic, and the material distributes heat evenly to stay cool. So, no need to worry about burning your hands.
Who Should Use It
Lekue Microwave Cooker is a versatile one that can cook grains of all sizes, rice of any type, or even quinoa. And the process takes at little as 12 minutes. Even better is the attractive design that allows you to take the cooker to the dining table as a serving vessel.
Cooking is not dull or bland. And Lekue Microwave Rice Cooker makes sure of that if you love healthy meals every day. It’s compact and fits perfectly inside almost all microwaves. And the ergonomic design makes it ideal as a gift to your loved ones.
pros
- The unit is compact, lightweight, and portable
- It comes with a specially designed colander
- Attractive design fits perfectly inside any microwave
- BPA-Free and dishwasher-safe material
Cons
- The instruction manual is limited
Related Question(FAQ)
Does it contain BPA?
No, it doesn’t. It is made of BPA-free plastic and 100% Platinum Silicone which assures the industry level.
Can I use it for steaming?
No, you can’t. It does not contain any steamer insert. However, you can cook veggies and rice on it.
Can I make rice pudding?
It is not instructed in the manual, but it is possible to make rice pudding on it. You may need some expertise and several attempts to ace it.
8. Best Outlook: Zwippy Microwave Rice Cooker
A cookware review is incomplete without an item that offers style and elegance. So, we tested the Zwippy Microwave Rice and Pasta Cooker that is highly popular for its distinctive outlook. But there’s more…
Specifications
| Zwippy Microwave Rice Cooker | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 7.32 x 7.32 x 5.39 inches |
| Weight | 25.28 ounces |
| Material | BPA-Free Plastic |
| Capacity | 3 Cups |
| Can Cook | Rice, Veggies, Oatmeal, Soup |
Why We Love It
Meals taste even better when served in a good-looking dish. Zwippy’s microwaveable rice cooker is not only stylish, but its ergonomic design fits all the components in a minimal footprint.
The cooker comes with one microwave-safe container, one colander, a vented plastic lid, and a measuring cup. The non-stick rice paddle serves multiple purposes, from stirring the rice to the lid-locking mechanism. However, the tool doesn’t feel as effective as Joseph Joseph’s M-Cuisine rice cooker.
Nonetheless, the plastic body is BPA-Free and doesn’t leach any harmful chemicals into the food. You can prepare veggies, pasta, porridge, oatmeal, and casseroles in addition to rice.
Who Should Use It
Not every person has the same preference, nor every rice cooker can serve multiple purposes.
Fortunately, the Zwippy Microwave Cooker is perfect for preparing an array of food items. And you can try out all types of rice with this model.
Cooking time may vary, but you can figure it out after a couple of trials and errors. You can also clean this cooker on the top rack in a dishwasher to save some time efficiency.
The Zwippy Microwave Rice and Pasta Cooker make an excellent gift as a versatile, stylish, and affordable appliance. So, it’s one of the best microwave rice cookers if it meets your demands.
Pros
- Perfectly prepare an array of healthy meals
- Free of harmful chemicals
- Features a colander with a semicircle handle
- Easy cleanup with top-rack dishwasher-safe feature
Cons
- The lid doesn’t have easy-lift tabs
Related Question(FAQ)
What is the capacity at max?
The capacity is 2 liters. The capacity fits about 2 cups of uncooked rice, which sums up about 6 servings at max.
Can this item run in high power?
No. Zwippy doesn’t recommend using a 1700 watt microwave. Instead, you should use 800-watt power for cooking rice.
How do I prepare oatmeal with this rice cooker?
To cook oatmeal, take 1/2 cup oats, one standard cup water/milk, and run the microwave for2 minutes.
9. Best Budget: Home-X Microwave Rice Cooker
Don’t let the simplest design get the best of you! Because, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly choice, then Home-X Microwave Rice Cooker will fit in perfectly.
Specifications
| Home-X Microwave Rice Cooker | Specs and Details |
| Dimension | 7.5 x 7.5 x 6 inches |
| Weight | 12.8 ounces |
| Material | Polypropylene |
| Capacity | 10 Cups Cooked Rice |
| Can Cook | All Types of Rice |
Why We Love It
Just like standard rice cookers, this microwaveable one also features a pressure chamber. The excess pressure from water vapor cooks rice evenly every time, eliminating any chance of undercooked rice.
In addition to the 10-cup cooked rice capacity, this microwave rice cooker prepares rice within 15 minutes! Moreover, its polypropylene body is BPA-Free, and the plastic lid doesn’t get hot at all!
The design in this one is as simple as it gets. The lid, pressure chamber with multiple steam release vents and the easy-lock clips work together to ensure splatter-free and fluffy results. And the set also features a non-stick paddle to serve rice directly from the cooker.
Who Should Use It
Tired of eating soggy or burnt rice? Making rice on the stovetop can be overwhelming, given you need to babysit the pot and maintain the perfect water-to-rice ratio constantly. In that case, the Home-X Microwave Rice Cooker can help.
Although the cooking choice is pretty much limited to rice, it’s large enough to serve a family of four. Besides, this unit is relatively compact but very efficient if you think about the price range. With only a 7.5-inch diameter and 6-inch height, the container perfectly fits inside any microwave and freezer.
Pros
- BPA-Free plastic body
- 10-cup capacity enough for four people
- Built-in pressure chamber and steam release vents
- Top-rack dishwasher safe
Cons
- Prone to overspilling
Related Question(FAQ)
Can I cook popcorn on it?
Unfortunately no. The cooker only offers the functionality of cooking or reheating rice.
Will rice be sufficiently fluffy and breezier?
Indeed, the inner lid pressure lets steam escape slowly to ensure even cooking and fluffy results.
How many cups of rice can I cook on it?
As per the instructions, it has the capability of cooking 10 cups of rice at a time.
Are Microwave Rice Cookers Worth It?
Rice cookers are a must-have kitchen appliance for every household. But, many would argue that cooking rice the conventional stovetop method is even better. However, while we understand it’s a matter of preference, a microwave rice cooker has some upper hand over other cooking methods.
Let’s take a look at what these benefits are.
Relatively Affordable
Microwave rice cookers are a lot cheaper than electric ones, a few hundred bucks to be precise. Surely you’ll get some electric rice cookers for under 200 dollars, but the. Still, you’ll compromise quality and durability, which is not the case with microwaveable pots.
Easy Cleanup
Rice cookers are easy to clean compared to cooking pots and pans. As there’s no direct heat inside a microwave and the temperature is distributed evenly, you won’t have to deal with burnt rice. Maintenance is also a breeze, as microwaving the container won’t leave any scratch or smell and is dishwasher safe.
No Wasted Food
Unlike stovetop pans and pots, microwave rice steamers produce little to no burnt rice. In the US, nearly 30% of food is wasted at the consumer level, which you can help reduce by making more efficient choices. Using a microwave rice cooker is one of them. You can cook as little as the required amount of rice without worrying about burning any grain in the process.
Automated Cooking Method
Using a microwaveable rice cooker is an automated process. Therefore, you won’t need to “babysit” the rice like you have to with the conventional method. All you need to do is measure the rice and water precisely, put it in the microwave, and set the timer. The microwave will do the rest.
Serves Multiple Purposes
Rice cookers are multifunctional. While that is true for models that run with electricity, microwaveable pots can also do the trick. Many manufacturers are now introducing microwave rice cookers that can steam veggies as well as rice.
Requires Less Time
Many would argue that cooking rice takes the same amount of time, whether it’s a pot, pan, rice cooker, or microwave. The claim is not entirely wrong, only if you throw away the fact of how convenient a rice cooker is.
Microwaving the rice saves up a lot of time because it requires less babysitting than other methods. You won’t have to open the lids every 2 mins to check on the rice, nor worry about keeping the heat at a perfect level. So, you can save some time and relax knowing your rice is in safe hands.
Frequently Asked Question
How can I clean a microwave rice pot?
You can clean the microwave rice pot with warm water and regular kitchen soap. First, gently give the cooker a simple wash. Then use a soft sponge dipped in liquid soap to scrub off the leftovers. After that, simply hand wash the pot with running water.
Alternatively, most microwave rice cookers featured in this list are dishwasher-safe. All you need to make sure is that you place the pot on the top rack.
How can I measure the rice?
Sometimes, we make mistakes while measuring the rice. You can get help from the instructions manual given with the rice cooker. Besides that, most of the microwave rice cooker brands provide a rice measuring scoop or cup. So, you can simply measure the rice with that as well.
If you do not have a measuring cup, use a regular cup and measure 180 milliliters (or 180 grams) as that is the standard cup measurement in the rice cooker industry.
Is it healthy to cook rice with a rice cooker?
We can say that it is healthier than the traditional cooking process. You do not need to reheat the rice for eating it after a while. Warming rice several times makes it unhealthy. But a rice cooker can hold heat for a long time.
Besides, if you’re using a phthalate and BPA-Free rice cooker, you won’t have to worry about harmful chemicals mixing with your food.
Can I cook things in a microwave rice cooker with other rice?
Yes, you can. In most microwave rice cookers, you can cook pasta, stew, vegetables, and soup. Many manufacturers disclose the matter while selling a rice cooker, while many do not. That is why we answered some common questions like this one after reviewing each product.
However, any microwave-safe pot that cooks rice can reheat veggies, grain, noodles, and other foods.
What are the main features I need to look into in a microwave rice cooker?
You need to look into several features, such as-
- Capacity- You should buy the one that cooks enough rice for you and your family.
- Build quality- make sure the materials are not harmful, especially free of Bisphenol-A.
- Durability- A good microwave rice cooker needs to serve for at least a few years before giving up.
- Ease of use- It should be easy to use, clean, and require zero babysitting.
- Well-vented lid- This is important to prevent spilling and avoid a mess.
- Versatility- You also need to look out for the one that is not just limited to making rice but also helps prepare pasta, veggies, and other foods.
Conclusion
Finding out the best microwave rice cooker is crucial. But when you have enough information on your hand, it might be easy to choose. We have explained about the excellent quality microwave rice cookers above. You can select any item from the list.
If you ask us for a recommendation, we will go for the Sistema Microwave Collection Rice Cooker. It’s cost-efficient, BPA-Free, and comes with a built-in pressure chamber. Prep Solutions Microwave Rice Cooker is also an excellent choice if you don’t mind spending a few more bucks. It provides 16 pieces of accessories and offers a wide range of cooking opportunities.
