Is There Any Point Buying A Rice Cooker?

[bluemoon1]

Lidl are knocking out rice cookers at a reasonable price. Are they any better than simply boil in the pan?

[AlwaysConfused]

I'm after one too, but don't really have the room for yet another appliance. I'm terrible at doing rice - mine comes out too crunchy or too fluffy, and we have rice at least three times a week (you'd think it'd be second nature by now). Mr.AC gets the rice perfect most of the time, so I may just delegate that as his primary job instead.

This may be of use to you
http://thebestricecooker.org/

[kirkcudbright]

Probably another white elephant to clutter up your kitchen! I find it only takes 10 minutes plus 10 minutes standing time to cook rice by absorption method. Save your money!

[janbee]

I had one many years ago. It was a "must have" purchase. It was used twice and then joined the fondue set, electric carving knife, auto chopper etc in a cupboard before all being bagged up and given to a charity shop.

[rockyracoon]

Well, I bought one a while ago, I haven't had much success with it to be honest. Ethandron have to same one and get perfect results all the tine.

[gingejbee]

I have no trouble doing perfect rice but some people have problems. If your rice turns out fine, then don't bother with one. If you have problems, then it's worth a shot....they ARE cheap.

[jourdain2]

I resisted, but OH bought one (gadget man) and I find it incredibly useful and reliable. 13 mins in the microwave, no checking on it, frees up cooker-space, brill..

[kylesmum]

I've a steamer which I use every night for veg and fish mostly but theres a separate rice steamer.

I'd highly recommend, everything is tastier. I got mine new for a fiver from one of the fb selling sites but ebay have lots of cheap ones as I bought my parents one for Christmas. That sounds mean but they only wanted one to try before committing themselves to an expensive one !

[Samuraisan]

It depends how often you eat rice, you say you eat it three times a week, then I reckon it's a good investment. We have had one for about 17 years and use it at least three times a week. The benefits are it makes perfect rice every time, keeps it hot, and you can just put it on and forget about it. I bet there are some terrific models out now, ours, as you can imagine by it's age, is quite basic. We wouldn't be without it.

[ethandron]

Mines a plastic bucket type thing with a clip on lid for cooking rice in the microwave, not an electric one. It's great, always have perfect rice now.
(sorry Rocky, used it again this evening and we had lovely fluffy rice as usual).

[jourdain2]

Mine's thre same as yours ethandron. P.S. Hope you enjoyed the broccoli & pasta bake.

[ethandron]

I confess I haven't made it yet Jordain, the recipe is in my folder though and I'm sure I'll make it at some point as it sounded so tasty :)

[jourdain2]

:o) ^^^

[FrizzyFred]

I have one and it's very useful. The trick to it is using the right amount of water.

Basically you need to rinse the rice 2x, then place your hand over the rice and fill with water until it reaches the top of your middle knuckle.

Also when you cook the rice, stir it one time half way through so it doesn't go crunchy on the bottom.

That's how I was taught to do it with the rice cooker and the rice always comes out good for me.

[bluemoon1]

Thanks for all your replies. After much pondering, decided I would buy one, but they had sold out. Hahaha

[Old_Geezer]

Typical, but no doubt they'll have some in again at some point.

I have no issues simply doing rice in the microwave in a suitable pot anyway.