It’s not difficult to cook rice, but it can be easy to mess up if you are not keeping an eye on it. A rice cooker has a built-in thermostat that tracks the pot’s temperature as it boils the rice, saving you time and effort while providing the perfect result. This is the easiest way to cook rice without being concerned that it overcooks or burns by mistake. But why are rice cookers so expensive?
Rice cookers are expensive because they are made up of high-quality materials, modern technology, reliable brand, extra safety features, and have various functions. However, all rice cookers are not expensive. There are cheap rice cookers available in the market that perform basic functions well.
The type of rice cooker you decide to buy will depend on what you need it for, your budget, and what factors are important to you. The more expensive products have more functions and are of higher quality compared to a cheaper product. Rice cookers also have different uses besides cooking rice, such as cooking porridges and other grains with ease and less hassle.
Are Expensive Rice Cookers Worth It?
An expensive rice cooker is a very versatile piece of equipment to have in your kitchen with many benefits. The price range that you can expect for these rice cookers varies from $150 to $400, with some models costing as much as $1000. This steep price range is worth it knowing this rice cooker is of the best value, and it will last for many years.
This high-price rice cooker comes with many different functions and characteristics. You may wonder why you should consider buying an expensive piece of equipment when you can make rice easily on the stove. If you are not a fan of making rice or you have trouble burning or overcooking it, then a rice cooker can be very convenient.
A costly rice cooker will have functions that will allow it to cook different kinds of rice, grains, and other foods with excellence. The rice varieties that such a cooker can cook well include brown rice, wild rice, or sushi rice that may be a bit more intimidating to make on the stove. You can also use it for cooking other grains such as quinoa, bulgur wheat, or different porridges to perfection. Other functions it can do include a reheating cycle, steaming option, and higher cup capacity.
These pricey rice cookers also have functions to cook the rice, grain, or porridge at any time you desire, as far as 24 hours in advance. This can be useful if you want to wake up to already cooked oats or have rice already made by the time you get home from work.
Related Further Reading:
- Is a Rice Cooker an Economical Choice for Water Usage?
- Understanding the Lengthy Cooking Process of Rice in a Rice Cooker
- Is It Okay to Leave Your Rice Cooker Unattended for Hours at a Time?
Are Cheap Rice Cookers Good?
You can find a rice cooker with basic functions in the lower price range. Although it is inexpensive, it still does the job well. The price range of these rice cookers can be around $20 to $70, which is perfect if you have a specific budget. When buying a low-price rice cooker, it is vital to make sure that you get one of the best quality in that price range.
These rice cookers are useful for households who are not everyday rice eaters. Its ability to cook quality rice may diminish over time, although this will not be too noticeable unless you eat it daily.
As long as you are not getting mushy or burnt rice, it is still great. They may not last as long as a more expensive rice cooker due to the manufacturers using cheaper components. Note that some rice cookers can make burnt rice recipes like Pegao by design.
Given below are the basic features that you should look for when buying a low-price rice cooker:
- Simple Operation: You should be able to quickly and easily cook a pot of delicious fluffy rice with simple instructions and procedures.
- Adequate Capacity: Make sure the size is ideal for your family or the maximum number of people you have to cook for.
- Durable Material: You can still find a cheaper rice cooker made of quality materials. Choose one with a non-stick cooking pot and a product made of stainless steel as this ensures it is durable and easy to clean.
- Accessories: The rice cooker should come with a measuring cup, spatula, or rice paddle and pot. Other additional accessories such as a rice washer, steaming basket, storage containers, or a recipe book can be a bonus.
Related Further Reading:
- Why Does A Rice Cooker Bubble Over? + How To Prevent It?
- Finding Free Ways to Dispose of a Blender
- Investigating the Causes of Imbalanced Heat Output from a Microwave Oven and How to Rectify It
- Do Deep Fryers Smell? [Which Deep Fryers Don’t Smell?]
Why Are Japanese Rice Cookers So Expensive?
A Japanese rice cooker is in the higher price range because it comes with many impressive features. This rice cooker’s additional functions include steaming vegetables, making frittatas, steaming meat, shrimp, and boiling eggs.
Only once you have cooked with a Japanese rice cooker will you realize the difference in its cooked rice quality. These machines have functions that ensure whichever food you are cooking is cooked well. They contain a microchip that adjusts the cooking temperatures and times to the specific food you desire to cook.
Here are a few of the most trendy Japanese rice cookers available:
- Tiger JBA-T10U-WU
- Zojirushi NS-TSC10
- Zojirushi NS-ZCC10
- Aroma ARC-150SB
- Tiger JAX-T18U-K
When deciding whether you should purchase a Japanese rice cooker, it’s worth looking at some of the factors that impact its high price.
High-Quality Materials
All Japanese brands have always had a good reputation for their high-quality products, including their rice cookers. The quality is so high because they make sure the materials used are the best, and this is something they will never disregard.
Their products’ quality contributes to their high price, which guarantees a sturdy product that will last longer.
It Is A Reliable And Good Brand Name
Japanese household products are known to last very long, and they have a wide range of products from the bedroom to kitchen equipment.
This brand is trendy and trustworthy because you can guarantee that it will always be of excellent quality.
Its Safety Features
Safety is a high priority when purchasing a product, especially when it is pricey. The Japanese rice cookers have been designed with additional safety features, which will reassure you about this purchase.
A safety feature of this rice cooker is that it has a set timer. You can set the time you would like it to cook the rice and when you would like it to finish cooking so that there is no need for you to monitor it carefully.
It Uses Modern Technology
Japan is big on innovation and using modern technology in everything they do or make.
Purchasing a Japanese rice cooker guarantees you a modern and up-to-date product with the latest technology. The new features that it comes with will improve your cooking experience, but this does come at a higher price.
The Manufacturers Strategy: Price vs Quality
Most manufacturers will use one of the two common strategies when making products: a lower-priced product and a high-quality product. The lower price products will compete with each other, but it’s good to keep in mind that they are made of low price components, so the quality is good but not the best.
High-quality products are what the Japanese brands focus on with all their products. They are of this quality because they use reliable, high-grade components, which is why they are more expensive.
Interesting Further Reading:
- Does Washing a Rice Cooker in the Dishwasher Pose any Risk?
- Using a Rice Cooker Instead of an Instant Pot
- Are There Risks Involved with Using a Rice Cooker?
Why Are Cuckoo Rice Cookers So Expensive?
Cuckoo rice cookers are made in South Korea, and they have been the top-selling brand in this country for decades.
Cuckoo rice cookers are more expensive for reasons similar to Japanese rice cookers. However, they are more costly compared to Japanese brands.
The Quality Is Very Important
Cuckoo rice cookers are made from the best materials to ensure the products’ quality meets the company’s standards.
They are big on high-quality products to ensure they are durable and long-lasting, leading to a high cost.
It Is Made With The Latest Technology
These rice cookers are made using the latest technology, which is why they are so expensive. They are more costly than the Japanese brands because they have a few useful extra features. Compared to the Japanese brands, some of these cookers have the ability to self-clean, cook the widest variety of grains perfectly, and have multiple functions.
Here are a few of the top Cuckoo rice cookers available:
- Cuckoo CR-0631F
- Cuckoo CR-0655F
- Cuckoo CRP-FA0610F
- Cuckoo CRP-HS0657F
- Cuckoo CRP-P0609S
