Buzz
The market is filled with various types of electric rice cookers such as those with detachable lids, clip-on lids, electronic controls, and high-frequency options, each having its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
1. Choosing the Best Electric Rice Cooker
The electric rice cooker market is currently dominated by models with detachable lids, clip-on lids, electronic controls, and high-frequency options.
Detachable Lid Rice Cooker
This type features a design with a lid separate from the body. They typically have a compact size, with the outer shell usually made of metal (mostly stainless steel) or the more expensive heat-resistant glass. With these materials, this type is often prone to sticking but easy to clean.
A detachable lid rice cooker. Photo: IndiaMart.
Detachable lid rice cookers operate using heat, equipped with a mechanical thermostat to shut off at a certain temperature. They allow for quick rice cooking, around 20 - 30 minutes, and can keep rice warm for about 1 hour, which is relatively low compared to other types. However, boiling over may occur during cooking, resulting in rice quality not as good as other types.
These models usually do not come with any accompanying technology. Starting cooking also requires manual switching, with two modes: cooking and warming. Only some products come with a steaming tray. Additionally, the power of the cooker is not very high, ranging from 400 to 800W, but it can save energy. The price of the product is also relatively low, from 150,000 to 800,000 VND.
Clip-On Lid Rice Cooker
Instead of being detachable, one side of the lid of this type of electric rice cooker is fixed with a latch, while the other side has a clip. The structure is not much different from the detachable lid rice cooker but allows for longer heat retention, from 2 to 3 hours due to the tight lid (when unplugged) or 4 to 6 hours (when plugged in, but can make rice dry).
A detachable lid rice cooker. Photo: IndiaMart.
Detachable lid rice cookers function by heating, equipped with a mechanical thermostat to shut off at a certain temperature. They allow for quick rice cooking, approximately 20 - 30 minutes, and can maintain rice warmth for about 1 hour, which is relatively low compared to other types. However, boiling over may occur during cooking, affecting the quality of the rice. These models usually lack accompanying technology. Commencing cooking also requires manual switching, with two modes: cooking and warming. Only a few products come with a steaming tray. Additionally, the power of the cooker is not very high, ranging from 400 to 800W, but it can save energy. The price of the product is also relatively low, ranging from 150,000 to 800,000 VND.
Clip-On Lid Electric Rice Cooker
Instead of being detachable, one side of the lid of this type of electric rice cooker is fixed with a latch, while the other side has a clip. The structure is not much different from the detachable lid rice cooker but allows for longer heat retention, from 2 to 3 hours due to the tight lid (when unplugged) or 4 to 6 hours (when plugged in, but can make rice dry).
Choosing the Right Electric Rice Cooker
The market offers a range of electric rice cookers including those with clip-on lids, detachable lids, electronic controls, and high-frequency options. Each type comes with its own set of features and drawbacks.
Electric rice cookers with clip-on lids are equipped with 1 - 3 heating plates, allowing for rice to cook in approximately 25 - 30 minutes. The inner pot of these cookers is typically made of non-stick material. While clip-on lid rice cookers usually lack accompanying technology, some recent models may integrate Fuzzy Logic - a technology that adjusts cooking temperature based on the amount of rice and water using a processor chip and sensors. They may also feature a timer function. The price range for this type of cooker is from 250,000 to 3 million VND.
In terms of construction, electronic rice cookers typically have 3 heating plates, accompanied by an inner pot made of thick aluminum alloy, resulting in longer cooking times. However, the rice cooked in these cookers is often tastier and remains moist for longer periods. Some models come with 3D heating technology, Fuzzy Logic, or even Inverter, allowing for temperature adjustment during each cooking process, resulting in delicious and energy-efficient rice. However, due to the incorporation of multiple technologies, electronic rice cookers are also more expensive than the previous two types, usually ranging from 1.5 to 5 million VND, with some models reaching up to 10 million VND.
High-frequency electric rice cookers have a power rating of 1,000 - 1,500W, support various cooking functions, integrate modern technologies, and some newer models can be controlled via smartphone through Wi-Fi. They also feature intelligent steam release valves, multifunctional cooking, timers, long heat retention times (4 - 5 hours unplugged, 12 - 24 hours when plugged in), and prevent rice from drying out. However, they are the most expensive type of rice cooker, ranging from 3 to 10 million VND, with some models reaching up to 20 million VND.
High-frequency electric rice cookers offer excellent rice cooking but come at a high price. Photo: Rakuten.
