If you enjoyed this, there's similar videos on this playlist ua-cam.com/video/olFYfhtScR4/v-deo.html&pp=gAQBiAQB plus there is a larger version of the rice cooker I got here... although remember lots are available with more functions like the cake mode (which I have to try!) amzn.to/42nC91I
I would like to see another video where you try to do the cheesecake again. Or possibly a video where you compare it to making it in a pan Vs the rice cooker.
@@mrbarrylewis Sautee it in garlic, salt, pepper and butter before adding it to the cooker. It's heavenly. Add curry powder or other seasonings while you saute for extra flavor deliciousness. My rice cooker has a bunch of settings, saute/ steam/ slow cooker/ etc but it also has a white rice, brown rice, quick rice settings and automatically turns itself off and switches itself to keep warm. It's great, when I bought my ninja foodi which has most of the same features I kept the rice cooker because I love it that much.
Barry, I am not sure you know how the pot works - it has magnet that keeps it in cook mode, until the temperature gets higher than 100°C, which only happens when the water cooked off. That is when it switches to warm mode. There is no timer. So you really don't need to worry about the pot burning because the water is gone. :)
@Quack mine was $9.99 10 years ago and it's cooked fine without burning the rice, and you should be able to go watch TV and just listen for the beep and get your rice... No matter how cheap it was
@@Delfontes mine will burn the rice too. If I unplug it as soon as it’s done it makes perfect rice. BUT if I let it go to warm and leave it on warm it burns it. Stays too hot 😢
As someone from Asia, I love rice cookers haha. Another thing you can do with a rice cooker is using the steam to reheat food. So sometimes while I cook my rice below, I place leftovers in a tupperware or foil and put that on top of the steam basket. It retains the moisture & sometimes better than reheating in a microwave. Multi-purpose and energy saving :)
I bought a Panda rice cooker early this year and every time I use it I shed a tear over taking so long to take the plunge. I also made fried rice for first time using the panda rice recently and just having that tremendously fluffy rice lifted my usual recipe to new heights.
My zojurushi rice cooker is one of the best appliances I’ve ever bought! Cheap ones work but can be very inconsistent, mine never comes out bad I honestly love my rice cooker so much 🍚
You shouldnt have to worry about rice burning in (most) rice cookers as the heating element also has a sensor checking the temp on the bottom of the bowl. The idea is water can only get so hot and keeps the bottom of the bowl cooler before it all gets absorbed or steamed at which point the sensor notices the heat goes above a certain range and shuts off. But I do love my rice cooker. Got one of the japanese brand ones that sing to you when you start it and when it finishes the rice.
@@chrisjfinlay Heh, I was just about to share that Technology Connections video right after Barry said about there being a risk of it burning. No risk!
Mine doesn’t sing. It just says anneyong hesayo and some other stuff in Korean (it does have English voice prompts too).. it also makes chugga chugga sounds just before opening the steam vents
@@timothygraham4304 After the batter cooks there is no liquid in the bottom. There is no steaming at that point its just the bottom of the bowl getting hot. With the rice its less getting steamed and more the water cant get any hoter than its boiling point before it turns into steam. This is the same idea as a pressure cooker. Since water can only get as hot as its boiling point the steam doesnt have such a limit and will cook hotter.
I've got a smaller one and I love it. I've made rice on the stove before but I love that I can just fill it and leave it to do everything while I get other stuff done. It's got the steamer basket but I haven't tried it yet.
Suggestion: Use your rice cooker to make (as authentic as possible) recipes for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean rice porridge, also known as congee, okayu, and juk, respectively.
Rice cookers are well worth the money, especially if you cook rice regularly. I don't currently have a rice cooker _per se_ , but I find that a pressure cooker (specifically an Instant Pot Duo) does nicely for the same purposes, though a dedicated rice cooker would certainly be faster, given the time the IP takes to get up to pressure. If I had the space for both, I would definitely get a rice cooker as well, though.
My mum's from Puerto Rico, for years, she bad mouthed rice cookers, so I only bought one after I turned 40 lol. And it's been the best gadget for my kitchen. You can cook so many things with it and the rice, is amazing. Nice to see you trying other things. :)
Okay I have to ask, because this is specifically my hesitation. My mom's side is from PR too. How does it do with PR style rice? I’m so stubborn because I learned how to cook rice perfectly on the stove so to me it’s a waste of counter space. I have an instant pot and I also have a slow cooker, and one of those (probably the slow cooker) would have to be put into storage if I wanted a rice cooker. What sorts of dishes make it worth it for you? Does it do better than a slow cooker for stews? I was tempted to get one but I’m not sure if the pros outweigh the cons here.
On the technology side, these things are deceptively simple, as they work just like a kettle, the switch pushes a bimetallic strip which connects the element, then as the steamy stuff happens the temperature inside gradually rises, and when there's not enough water left in the pot, it gets much hotter and the bimetallic strip bends and disconnects the power, and that's that, all that food made by what is basically a big kettle... :P
you can also cook the rice in stock (you can use stock with with in it, as it can help season the rice); put whatever ingredients you want on top and press the start button. Once the rice cookers sounds telling you it's done, open it and mix everything together and that's a simple meal
We have a two-tier rice steamer but also use it to steam vegetables such as beans, broccoli, and cauliflower. We’ve had it for several years and it still works perfectly.
Yes, definitely worth it, even if you just use it as a pot that's not going to heat the kitchen in summer. Hell, before the price of ground beef went through the roof, I'd use it for Hamburger Helper: brown (with the lid on) the meat, drain, dump in the Hamburger Helper pasta, powder and a little more water than the package says for the stove top and set it to Cook (lid on, of course). Still heat up canned soup in mine regularly. Can't remember the last time I made rice, though... :P edit: As for how much water to use, just use however much it tells you on your bag of rice. Stovetop or rice cooker, the amount of water is the same. Also, never open it while it's still cooking. That ruins rice quite easily. No need to stir until it's gone to Warm (which it'll do when the pot temperature goes over 100C) and sat there for a few minutes.
I think you should have put cheesecake in a small pan. Put a small rack in the cooker with a couple cups of water. Cover cake so condensation doesn’t drop on it.
That’s how I make cheesecake in my Instant Pot. I use a 6” springform pan, line the bottom with parchment paper, and place it on a trivet over water in the liner. It turns out perfect. I’m basically steaming it.
I have that exact rice cooker and I could not live without it! 🍚 I’ve tried every technique to cook rice on the hob with little success so this cooker saves the day with rice dishes🥳 fav dish in the cooker is spicy Mexican rice and it’s perfect every time
Take it from someone who eats rice pretty much every day since forever, a rice cooker will change your life. Recently I got myself a smart rice cooker which can also do cake and all the other stuff, but the most amazing feature is the preset timer. I can set a timer for the rice to be done at 6PM and load it up in the morning and I'll come home to a perfectly made batch of rice in the evening and all I have to do is cook the mains. A few more tips: - Add a bit of sunflower/rapeseed oil to the bottom of the bowl when cooking rice for easier cleanup and better texture (subjective) - Add Turmeric, garlic powder, a pinch of salt (or vegetable/chicken/beef stock) and a bay leaf to your rice water for bright yellow and aromatic rice - Make double the amount of rice that you need and refrigerate the leftovers. Cold leftover rice is the basis for egg fried rice. - Never use a metal utensil in your bowl (or any non-stick cookware)
As a person with a toaster oven as a primary kitchen gadget, I can see the benefits of a rice cooker, especially for rice. I usually just use the traditional rice in Dutch oven on stove method, but really have to be aware of it, or risk burning the rice. Those ribs look amazing!
Yes to a follow-up video please! I have a Japanese Zojirushi rice cooker and it's a staple in my kitchen, it's always on my counter. I've never made anything in it aside from rice though, it's like I'm scared to ruin food. There is no steaming basket, only the pot. I once tried to made coconut rice with coconut milk in it and it was a disaster. it's hard to find the correct ratios for cooking recipes in a rice cooker because everyone says different things 😢
In general, I use either the instructions on the rice packet, or the manual for the cooker itself. Sort of a 50/50 shot, sure, but once you figure out which one works, you know which to use in the future.
I think you made a technically perfect Burnt Basque Cheesecakes, Barry. You tried putting either in the fridge to set before tossing? and if they're not set, you could maybe leave them for an hour or until the machine is entirely cool so carryover heat hopefully finishes the job. Like pies the heated sugar in the dessert is still "cooking" until its cold again
I always cook my rice in my Instant Pot. Rinse white parboiled rice, and add to the pot with water or broth in a 1:1 ratio. Cook on High pressure for 4 minutes, and do a Natural Release for 10 minutes, then Quick Release. Fluff and eat. Delicious every time!
Just a heads up for the future, Barry, those “easy cook” bags of rice probably have parboiled rice in them. Which they theoretically should work in a rice cooker so long as you follow the instructions on the bag rather than any measurement guides, they’re more so good for a quick fix than necessarily the best option for your rice needs.
Awesome! Would love some follow up videos with this! Like you called it "Adventures with a rice cooker" It can be a series! Love your videos! Many blessings ❤
We bought a mini one due to being disabled and it's one of the best ways to make a hot meal for yourself safely We just use a bunch of one pot recipes in it and make quick curries or spiced rice with nuts and corn It's amazing
I'm in a work share house for 3 weeks at a time - 90% of my meals are cooked in an air fryer or a rice cooker. Rice cookers are fantastic for one pot recipes!
@@LittleMissStamper Actually I think she combined her two channels and now calls it Pailin’s Kitchen. The video I’m recommending was posted on June 5, 2020.
Barry, have you ever tried a pressure cooker? I got one this past year and only used it 2 or 3 times so far. Ribs in them were great. Only thing is they freak me out with the pressure and the release of air. Could make a funny, yet slightly terrifying video if you haven't tried one yet lol
I have been using my slow cooker (crock-pot) for cooking rice for years now and it does a wonderful job of it. It of course doesn't have the fancy measuring cup but it still cooks beautiful rice. Cook the rice on high heat and the residual heat stored in the ceramic pot will keep the rice warm for quite a while but if you want it to keep warm for longer then just turn it on low heat.
We have a very, very similar rice cooker to yours - and honestly, even if you just use it for rice, IT IS ENTIRELY WORTH IT!! Exceptional, perfect rice EVERY time.
I love my rice cooker! My only problem is that some models are very hard to clean after use. The lid on the one I own is a flip-open lid that's not detachable, so it's very difficult to give it a thorough wash and rinse without getting the entire unit wet.
I live in Asia and my rice cooker is a necessary piece of kit, especially while I'm away at work... yeah, cooks perfect rice every time, but also cooks soups, stews, pasta, pulled pork and pretty much anything a pressure cooker / slow cooker does (adjusted cook times admittedly).
Rice Cookers are great! Never tried to cook anything other than rice and buckwheat groats (I just wish I had the steaming tray on mine), but but they're really convenient. The simple ones just switch from "cook" to "warm" when all water inside evaporates, so usually you shouldn't worry about burning stuff you cook.
One of the craziest things that I've cooked in a rice cooker is actually pancake batter. It really does come out a lot more like an actual cake, but I just chucked a batch of store-bought pancake mix into an old, cheap-o (just has the one toggle switch, like that one) rice cooker, and it honestly came out really nice. Still, this kind of thing is part of what I like about the instant pot, too. It is easy to just think of it as a pressure-cooker, but it really is so much more than that. Heck, on its steam function, I've even done some really lovely sticky toffee puddings!
I can answer this without even watching the video: YES!!! I love my rice cooker and as someone who can eat rice pretty much whenever, it is my favorite kitchen appliance.
I use mine for pasta. 1 cup macaroni and 2 cups cold water. No stirring, just wait 20 to 30 minutes and serve with your favorite sauce. Sometimes I just put it in the fridge and chill it to make cold pasta salad.
Our rice cooker died after 10 years of use about once a week. Started using instant pot pressure cooker. It works great and actually use it about 3-4 times per week just for rice.
My Mom sent me off to college with a rice cooker and a 50lb bag of rice. I never went hungry my 3 years, no matter how broke I got. And they are way safer than a lot of other small appliances since it switches itself to warm as soon as the water is gone. And you can make a whole meal, meat, veggies & rice in one go.
The more expensive rice cookers use a feature called fuzzy logic and the math behind that is amazing! That is the biggest reason I think a dedicated rice cooker is amazing. Perfect rice every time because of fuzzy logic.
yo i live in thailand work here i got very basic rice cooker like this with 1 spoon 2 plates thats all i needed i cook everything in this. Never had any issue its cheap and handy
I would really like to see Barry test some more recipes in the rice cooker, maybe for things that are a bit less of a stretch than cheesecake! Risotto, pilaf, stewed dishes like chilli, that sort of thing. I have a similar basic rice cooker, but I haven't tried being too adventurous - I did have a go at biryani but it ended up rather stodgy so I think I messed up on the water ratios. It would also be cool to see Barry try making sushi. Rice cookers will do a really good job on sushi rice. 🍙🍣
Choose few and useful appliances, geared to size of family and kitchen. If you have instant pot or intend to buy one, don’t get rice cooker. If no IP, yes rice cooker. Both can do various foods, with various settings.
I have this and it is excellent as I cook rice and bulgar wheat in batches and freeze it, Very good with steamer if you have frozen fish it is handy to place it on the steamer with some veg there you have a meal.
I have made chicken savory rice in mine...cooked chicken diced...peppers mushrooms.....sweet corn....peas onion garlic powder smoked paprika tomato puree.....veg stock....all done in the rice cooker...I have also done curry rice and jerk chicken in the rice cooker
The first time I saw a rice cooker, a Chinese student in a class I attended brought fried rice to share with us (very small class!) Had the 2 buttons like yours.I did not understand why it did not have all the temperature markings and controls of, say, an electric skillet. But it had all it needed. The one I have now has 5 membrane buttons: Brown Rice, White Rice, Saute, Steam, Keep Warm/OFF. I think it was manufactured specifically for the American market. The box had a big picture of Martin Yan on it. I use it all the time.
I love my rice cooker. I always feel I have to be present when cooking on the hob but I feel confident turning my rice cooker on and then going to watch tv until it’s done 😂
I've been thinking about getting a rice cooker when my girlfriend and I can move in together... Thanks for this, Barry, that's actually really helpful. Wouldn't have occurred to me that it could handle other things too.
I do love my rice cooker. I love steaming my salmon over the rice (in the steamer basket) with some veggies. I love the rice cooker for the fact you can do a whole rice style meal in one pot! Also, Barry, you can buy rice cookers that you can turn off without switching them off at the wall. I have a "Sakura" by Yum Asia and I swear, I could never live without it now!
My mum always just cuts the corner of the bag for pouring things, then folds it and sticks a clothes peg on it. Works well for bags in the freezer too.
I use a rice cooker for my breakfast. I like to put a large tomato in with my rice. Score it first so I can peel away the skin. And I mash it in for tomato rice, I either have nice smoked fish or eggs with it. Have never tried ribs, definitely worth a go. 🐶💃
I need to get myself a new rice cooker. Not because this video convinced me- I've already got one- but because mine is super old, bought for cheap from a flea market, and idk what the heck metal it's made of, but it's impossible to get clean without copious amounts of scrubbing. What you've got there is basically a CrockPot/SlowCooker with a steaming basket. The ceramic pot would be wayyyy better for cooking literally anything, including rice, over my current metal grandma model.
Rice cooker is my nr1 utensil in the kitchen i cook rice and tons of stuff in it. Personally i got a a "YUMASIA" rice cooker for rice only. But also a rice cooker for all kinds of stuff. I steam, make Hot Pots, boil potatoes with half time added vegetables. (steam) Rice is ALWAYS perfect. Also rice cookers has autmatic on and off, my expensive rice cooker has a keep warm function. But the kind you have will shut off when done, as it should.
I've watched people on youtube cooking cakes in rice cooker. First put it on cook and it will click to warm but you have to keep putting it on cook so cake will cook. You might have to do that 2 or 3 times. Check with toothpick to see if its done. I have cooked mac and cheese and turns out perfectly.
Hey Mr. B if you have any living plants in your house? You should have something to catch the starchy rice water instead of letting it go down the drain. The water is really good for plants.
I try to declutter and therefor bought the instant pot that can do all those things and more: Rice cooker, slow cooker, pressure cooker, yoghurt maker and more.
My rice cooker just arrived today, so I've been looking for other things to do with before even having cooked rice 🤣 I can't believe it's never occurred to me to use stock when I steam veggies or chicken 🤦♂ Now I'm thinking of cooking my rice in stock too... Thanks for this video!
Chicken rice, rice cooked in chicken stock, is common in south east Asia and so is using part water and part coconut milk. Many rice cookers struggle with anything other than plain water and this is where the more expensive ones are better. You can also infuse flavour by adding while garlic cloves, pieces of ginger, lemongrass etc.
@@byteme9718 Thanks for the tips! My wife doesn't really like rice, so I rarely make it. Maybe she grew up eating bland rice, so she may change her mind if I try something different. I don't know if my rice cooker is any good, so I will experiment. I'm trying chicken stock today and will google the coconut milk method for next time 😄
@@therunningwes In Malaysia and Singapore chicken rice is a favourite. It's always served with boiled chicken and a bowl of the chicken stock it's cooked in. Make sure you use Thai jasmine rice.
most of the time the "stick the finger in touching the rice and fill the water to the first joint your ratio should be pretty spot on :D mine actually gives me some light toasted brown pieces on the bottom if i was a little off or waitet way to long but many love exactly thos light crunchy rice parts :D
I have made the jiggly cheesecake many times. number one rule for cooking that cheesecake in the rice cooker, do not lift the lid off mid cook, because you release a lot of the steam which may have caused some of the burning. number two rule, get a top notch rice cooker with different settings.
If you ever have issues cooking rice, particularly thicker short grain rice leave it soaking for 20-30 min to absorb the water cold before cooking. You'll know when it's ready because the rice will have gone very white. This makes a difference even when using a cheaper rice cooker (fuzzy logic ones less so). If you eat rice with any sort of regularity get one. If you frequently eat rich get a fancy fuzzy logic one. They're about 120 quid or there abouts (unless you want an inmported japanese Zojirushi which are much more expensive) and the difference is significant and you will notice it. Normal rice cookers can be slightly inconsistent (although far far less so than pans and water) and it's something you will really notice when you make the jump up to a fuzzy logic cooker.
Could you make a meal that accommodates all of your household’s diets? I think a lot of people in general run into that. (I know I do). You can make rice pudding for dessert in your rice pudding.
I cannot live without a rice cooker, for I have used one at least 5 times a week. My fifteen-year-old simple (without a timer) rice cooker (bought at Walmart) is still working strong.
You might try steaming the cheesecake: put the batter into a pan that is smaller than the rice cooker bowl, put something underneath it to raise it off of the bottom, and cover the cake pan with foil.
I got a Sakura rice cooker a while ago and love it. Lot more expensive but for me worth it, as i have rice a lot. Ive done the same steamed veg and salmon and it comes out great. Also i love making Congee {Porridge), its probably one of my favourite rice dishes.
Here’s a challenge for you, imagine the fuse has popped & your oven & hob aren’t working, could you cook for 48 hours just using kettle, microwave, rice cooker, toaster, air fryer?.
a professional Indian Chef said to get the best rice to cook, use the rice you like to eat, but soak that rice before cooking for at least a half hour to an hour or a little more, rinse then cook as normal in cooker or on the stove top in a pot 1 cup rice 2.25 cups water makes 4 to six servings. bring to a boil, five minutes, then turn heat down to LOW and cover for about 15 minutes. Check it out.
That “burnt” rice is probably the best part of the rice. In my mom’s culture we call it Concho or Concolon depending on which part of the country you’re in.
I actually brought in my rice cooker into my work kitchen because it browned some.e of the rice on the bottom. I didn't like it. I use my Instant Pot for cooking rice now instead.
I use my rice cooker to cook pasta and boiled potatoes. I find it doesn't cook rice that well - has a tendency to burn it haha. And when cooking with the lid on, it guaranteed 100% to froth over the edges making a complete mess.
If you enjoyed this, there's similar videos on this playlist ua-cam.com/video/olFYfhtScR4/v-deo.html&pp=gAQBiAQB
plus there is a larger version of the rice cooker I got here... although remember lots are available with more functions like the cake mode (which I have to try!) amzn.to/42nC91I
You need to try scorched rice
@@anonymousvapes8026 Just char it a bit?
I would like to see another video where you try to do the cheesecake again.
Or possibly a video where you compare it to making it in a pan Vs the rice cooker.
@@mrbarrylewis Sautee it in garlic, salt, pepper and butter before adding it to the cooker. It's heavenly. Add curry powder or other seasonings while you saute for extra flavor deliciousness.
My rice cooker has a bunch of settings, saute/ steam/ slow cooker/ etc but it also has a white rice, brown rice, quick rice settings and automatically turns itself off and switches itself to keep warm. It's great, when I bought my ninja foodi which has most of the same features I kept the rice cooker because I love it that much.
One note about cheesecake: try again and this time trust the process. Cheesecake doesn't need a high temperature because it's not a proper cake.
Barry, I am not sure you know how the pot works - it has magnet that keeps it in cook mode, until the temperature gets higher than 100°C, which only happens when the water cooked off. That is when it switches to warm mode. There is no timer. So you really don't need to worry about the pot burning because the water is gone. :)
Thank you! Came here to say the same thing.
i nEEd eVeRyOnE tO kNoW tHaT i wAs gOiNg tO cOmmEnT tHe sAmE tHiNg!
Ditto
@Quack mine was $9.99 10 years ago and it's cooked fine without burning the rice, and you should be able to go watch TV and just listen for the beep and get your rice... No matter how cheap it was
@@Delfontes mine will burn the rice too. If I unplug it as soon as it’s done it makes perfect rice. BUT if I let it go to warm and leave it on warm it burns it. Stays too hot 😢
As someone from Asia, I love rice cookers haha. Another thing you can do with a rice cooker is using the steam to reheat food. So sometimes while I cook my rice below, I place leftovers in a tupperware or foil and put that on top of the steam basket. It retains the moisture & sometimes better than reheating in a microwave. Multi-purpose and energy saving :)
“I love rice cookers haha”
Was that supposed to be a joke or something?
@@ZenMilitia I’m more than positive you don’t understand how posted comments work.
Wth is a tupperware
I bought a Panda rice cooker early this year and every time I use it I shed a tear over taking so long to take the plunge. I also made fried rice for first time using the panda rice recently and just having that tremendously fluffy rice lifted my usual recipe to new heights.
Short answer: YES.
I have a Japanese rice cooker and my rice always comes out perfect. It's really hard to mess it up.
What’s the make? Because I don’t know which one to buy :(
@@Crippleyatchy Not sure of the OP's rice cooker but i will live and die by my Yum Asia Panda Mini Rice Cooker, honestly amazing
My zojurushi rice cooker is one of the best appliances I’ve ever bought! Cheap ones work but can be very inconsistent, mine never comes out bad I honestly love my rice cooker so much 🍚
You shouldnt have to worry about rice burning in (most) rice cookers as the heating element also has a sensor checking the temp on the bottom of the bowl. The idea is water can only get so hot and keeps the bottom of the bowl cooler before it all gets absorbed or steamed at which point the sensor notices the heat goes above a certain range and shuts off.
But I do love my rice cooker. Got one of the japanese brand ones that sing to you when you start it and when it finishes the rice.
I remember watching the Technology Connections video on them and blown away by how smart they are in their simplicity
@@chrisjfinlay Heh, I was just about to share that Technology Connections video right after Barry said about there being a risk of it burning. No risk!
Mine doesn’t sing. It just says anneyong hesayo and some other stuff in Korean (it does have English voice prompts too).. it also makes chugga chugga sounds just before opening the steam vents
Why does the cake get burned if it's being steamed?
@@timothygraham4304 After the batter cooks there is no liquid in the bottom. There is no steaming at that point its just the bottom of the bowl getting hot.
With the rice its less getting steamed and more the water cant get any hoter than its boiling point before it turns into steam. This is the same idea as a pressure cooker. Since water can only get as hot as its boiling point the steam doesnt have such a limit and will cook hotter.
I've got a smaller one and I love it. I've made rice on the stove before but I love that I can just fill it and leave it to do everything while I get other stuff done. It's got the steamer basket but I haven't tried it yet.
The steamer opens up a lot of possibilities!
Suggestion: Use your rice cooker to make (as authentic as possible) recipes for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean rice porridge, also known as congee, okayu, and juk, respectively.
Rice cookers are well worth the money, especially if you cook rice regularly.
I don't currently have a rice cooker _per se_ , but I find that a pressure cooker (specifically an Instant Pot Duo) does nicely for the same purposes, though a dedicated rice cooker would certainly be faster, given the time the IP takes to get up to pressure. If I had the space for both, I would definitely get a rice cooker as well, though.
My mum's from Puerto Rico, for years, she bad mouthed rice cookers, so I only bought one after I turned 40 lol. And it's been the best gadget for my kitchen. You can cook so many things with it and the rice, is amazing. Nice to see you trying other things. :)
Okay I have to ask, because this is specifically my hesitation. My mom's side is from PR too. How does it do with PR style rice? I’m so stubborn because I learned how to cook rice perfectly on the stove so to me it’s a waste of counter space. I have an instant pot and I also have a slow cooker, and one of those (probably the slow cooker) would have to be put into storage if I wanted a rice cooker. What sorts of dishes make it worth it for you? Does it do better than a slow cooker for stews? I was tempted to get one but I’m not sure if the pros outweigh the cons here.
On the technology side, these things are deceptively simple, as they work just like a kettle, the switch pushes a bimetallic strip which connects the element, then as the steamy stuff happens the temperature inside gradually rises, and when there's not enough water left in the pot, it gets much hotter and the bimetallic strip bends and disconnects the power, and that's that, all that food made by what is basically a big kettle... :P
you can also cook the rice in stock (you can use stock with with in it, as it can help season the rice); put whatever ingredients you want on top and press the start button. Once the rice cookers sounds telling you it's done, open it and mix everything together and that's a simple meal
We have a two-tier rice steamer but also use it to steam vegetables such as beans, broccoli, and cauliflower. We’ve had it for several years and it still works perfectly.
Yes, definitely worth it, even if you just use it as a pot that's not going to heat the kitchen in summer. Hell, before the price of ground beef went through the roof, I'd use it for Hamburger Helper: brown (with the lid on) the meat, drain, dump in the Hamburger Helper pasta, powder and a little more water than the package says for the stove top and set it to Cook (lid on, of course). Still heat up canned soup in mine regularly. Can't remember the last time I made rice, though... :P
edit: As for how much water to use, just use however much it tells you on your bag of rice. Stovetop or rice cooker, the amount of water is the same.
Also, never open it while it's still cooking. That ruins rice quite easily. No need to stir until it's gone to Warm (which it'll do when the pot temperature goes over 100C) and sat there for a few minutes.
I think you should have put cheesecake in a small pan. Put a small rack in the cooker with a couple cups of water. Cover cake so condensation doesn’t drop on it.
That’s how I make cheesecake in my Instant Pot. I use a 6” springform pan, line the bottom with parchment paper, and place it on a trivet over water in the liner. It turns out perfect. I’m basically steaming it.
I have that exact rice cooker and I could not live without it! 🍚 I’ve tried every technique to cook rice on the hob with little success so this cooker saves the day with rice dishes🥳 fav dish in the cooker is spicy Mexican rice and it’s perfect every time
Take it from someone who eats rice pretty much every day since forever, a rice cooker will change your life. Recently I got myself a smart rice cooker which can also do cake and all the other stuff, but the most amazing feature is the preset timer. I can set a timer for the rice to be done at 6PM and load it up in the morning and I'll come home to a perfectly made batch of rice in the evening and all I have to do is cook the mains.
A few more tips:
- Add a bit of sunflower/rapeseed oil to the bottom of the bowl when cooking rice for easier cleanup and better texture (subjective)
- Add Turmeric, garlic powder, a pinch of salt (or vegetable/chicken/beef stock) and a bay leaf to your rice water for bright yellow and aromatic rice
- Make double the amount of rice that you need and refrigerate the leftovers. Cold leftover rice is the basis for egg fried rice.
- Never use a metal utensil in your bowl (or any non-stick cookware)
As a person with a toaster oven as a primary kitchen gadget, I can see the benefits of a rice cooker, especially for rice. I usually just use the traditional rice in Dutch oven on stove method, but really have to be aware of it, or risk burning the rice. Those ribs look amazing!
Yes to a follow-up video please! I have a Japanese Zojirushi rice cooker and it's a staple in my kitchen, it's always on my counter. I've never made anything in it aside from rice though, it's like I'm scared to ruin food. There is no steaming basket, only the pot. I once tried to made coconut rice with coconut milk in it and it was a disaster. it's hard to find the correct ratios for cooking recipes in a rice cooker because everyone says different things 😢
In general, I use either the instructions on the rice packet, or the manual for the cooker itself. Sort of a 50/50 shot, sure, but once you figure out which one works, you know which to use in the future.
I've made ricepudding in mine! Using leftover rice that was still in there from the night before! Love it.
I think you made a technically perfect Burnt Basque Cheesecakes, Barry. You tried putting either in the fridge to set before tossing?
and if they're not set, you could maybe leave them for an hour or until the machine is entirely cool so carryover heat hopefully finishes the job. Like pies the heated sugar in the dessert is still "cooking" until its cold again
This has been one of the most entertaining videos and at the same time informative as prior to this I knew nothing about rice cookers. Thank you. 😅
I always cook my rice in my Instant Pot. Rinse white parboiled rice, and add to the pot with water or broth in a 1:1 ratio. Cook on High pressure for 4 minutes, and do a Natural Release for 10 minutes, then Quick Release. Fluff and eat. Delicious every time!
Just a heads up for the future, Barry, those “easy cook” bags of rice probably have parboiled rice in them. Which they theoretically should work in a rice cooker so long as you follow the instructions on the bag rather than any measurement guides, they’re more so good for a quick fix than necessarily the best option for your rice needs.
Awesome! Would love some follow up videos with this! Like you called it "Adventures with a rice cooker" It can be a series! Love your videos! Many blessings ❤
We bought a mini one due to being disabled and it's one of the best ways to make a hot meal for yourself safely
We just use a bunch of one pot recipes in it and make quick curries or spiced rice with nuts and corn
It's amazing
I'm in a work share house for 3 weeks at a time - 90% of my meals are cooked in an air fryer or a rice cooker. Rice cookers are fantastic for one pot recipes!
I LITERALLY was JUST considering buying a rice cooker and was looking around online 3 days ago so I REALLY needed this video lol. Thank You 😊
Take a look at a channel called Hot Thai Kitchen. Pailin has done a comprehensive review of several rice cookers and has recommended one.
@@gerardacronin334 Heading there now, Thanks! 😊
@@LittleMissStamper Actually I think she combined her two channels and now calls it Pailin’s Kitchen. The video I’m recommending was posted on June 5, 2020.
Barry, have you ever tried a pressure cooker? I got one this past year and only used it 2 or 3 times so far. Ribs in them were great. Only thing is they freak me out with the pressure and the release of air. Could make a funny, yet slightly terrifying video if you haven't tried one yet lol
I have been using my slow cooker (crock-pot) for cooking rice for years now and it does a wonderful job of it. It of course doesn't have the fancy measuring cup but it still cooks beautiful rice. Cook the rice on high heat and the residual heat stored in the ceramic pot will keep the rice warm for quite a while but if you want it to keep warm for longer then just turn it on low heat.
We have a very, very similar rice cooker to yours - and honestly, even if you just use it for rice, IT IS ENTIRELY WORTH IT!! Exceptional, perfect rice EVERY time.
I love my rice cooker! My only problem is that some models are very hard to clean after use. The lid on the one I own is a flip-open lid that's not detachable, so it's very difficult to give it a thorough wash and rinse without getting the entire unit wet.
I live in Asia and my rice cooker is a necessary piece of kit, especially while I'm away at work... yeah, cooks perfect rice every time, but also cooks soups, stews, pasta, pulled pork and pretty much anything a pressure cooker / slow cooker does (adjusted cook times admittedly).
14:40 ah yes Schrödinger’s cheesecake, it’s cooked, uncooked, and burnt at the same time. 😂😂😂
Rice Cookers are great! Never tried to cook anything other than rice and buckwheat groats (I just wish I had the steaming tray on mine), but but they're really convenient. The simple ones just switch from "cook" to "warm" when all water inside evaporates, so usually you shouldn't worry about burning stuff you cook.
One of the craziest things that I've cooked in a rice cooker is actually pancake batter. It really does come out a lot more like an actual cake, but I just chucked a batch of store-bought pancake mix into an old, cheap-o (just has the one toggle switch, like that one) rice cooker, and it honestly came out really nice. Still, this kind of thing is part of what I like about the instant pot, too. It is easy to just think of it as a pressure-cooker, but it really is so much more than that. Heck, on its steam function, I've even done some really lovely sticky toffee puddings!
I can answer this without even watching the video: YES!!! I love my rice cooker and as someone who can eat rice pretty much whenever, it is my favorite kitchen appliance.
I always used 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water. Did that with two different multicookers on regular rice mode, and it worked fine.
I use mine for pasta. 1 cup macaroni and 2 cups cold water. No stirring, just wait 20 to 30 minutes and serve with your favorite sauce. Sometimes I just put it in the fridge and chill it to make cold pasta salad.
Our rice cooker died after 10 years of use about once a week. Started using instant pot pressure cooker. It works great and actually use it about 3-4 times per week just for rice.
My Mom sent me off to college with a rice cooker and a 50lb bag of rice. I never went hungry my 3 years, no matter how broke I got. And they are way safer than a lot of other small appliances since it switches itself to warm as soon as the water is gone. And you can make a whole meal, meat, veggies & rice in one go.
5:14 anyone noticed that the rice on the spoon looks like a bunny
The more expensive rice cookers use a feature called fuzzy logic and the math behind that is amazing! That is the biggest reason I think a dedicated rice cooker is amazing. Perfect rice every time because of fuzzy logic.
I literally just bought a "fancy" rice cooker for myself like two days ago, I am so excited to use it
yo i live in thailand work here i got very basic rice cooker like this with 1 spoon 2 plates thats all i needed i cook everything in this. Never had any issue its cheap and handy
I would really like to see Barry test some more recipes in the rice cooker, maybe for things that are a bit less of a stretch than cheesecake! Risotto, pilaf, stewed dishes like chilli, that sort of thing.
I have a similar basic rice cooker, but I haven't tried being too adventurous - I did have a go at biryani but it ended up rather stodgy so I think I messed up on the water ratios.
It would also be cool to see Barry try making sushi. Rice cookers will do a really good job on sushi rice. 🍙🍣
From Colombia with love Barry! We have a rice cooker and we love the hell out of t! 100% worth it!
That's cool to hear, does your one have many extra functions? The steamer tray isn't always in them, sometimes just the main bucket thing
@@mrbarrylewis Not much, but it's very relliable and does the job every time.
@@mrbarrylewis I was always hesitant to add another appliance to my already huge roster, but, I'd say my little rice cooker is worth it.
Choose few and useful appliances, geared to size of family and kitchen. If you have instant pot or intend to buy one, don’t get rice cooker. If no IP, yes rice cooker. Both can do various foods, with various settings.
Yep I have a feeling instant pot may supersede this potentially, we'll see though deffo gotta get one
My instant pot cooks rice perfectly too
Next on the to do list is get one of those! Had a lot of requests!
@@mrbarrylewis Try making yogurt in an Instant Pot! I’ve been making my own since 2017. It’s awesome!
I have this and it is excellent as I cook rice and bulgar wheat in batches and freeze it, Very good with steamer if you have frozen fish it is handy to place it on the steamer with some veg there you have a meal.
I have made chicken savory rice in mine...cooked chicken diced...peppers mushrooms.....sweet corn....peas onion garlic powder smoked paprika tomato puree.....veg stock....all done in the rice cooker...I have also done curry rice and jerk chicken in the rice cooker
I have an expensive Japanese one and it's worth every penny. Such a huge difference from any other method.
Uncle Rodger would be proud of you
The first time I saw a rice cooker, a Chinese student in a class I attended brought fried rice to share with us (very small class!) Had the 2 buttons like yours.I did not understand why it did not have all the temperature markings and controls of, say, an electric skillet. But it had all it needed.
The one I have now has 5 membrane buttons: Brown Rice, White Rice, Saute, Steam, Keep Warm/OFF. I think it was manufactured specifically for the American market. The box had a big picture of Martin Yan on it. I use it all the time.
I just bought a rice cooker today and I’m so excited for life atm 🙂
Having serious anxiety watching you open the lid and turn off the cooker. It’s an auto machine, that’s the beauty! Set and forget, leave it be Baz!
Yes, mine makes perfect rice every single time. I paid 20 bucks for it some 6 years ago. Best gadget ever, if you love rice :)
Uncle Roger is probably going to Judge you now.
Is that a brand of rice?
@@mrbarrylewis 🤣🤣🤣🤣 no he's an Asian youtuber that makes reaction video's on other people's cooking especially when they cook rice in a rice cooker
@@mrbarrylewis check out the type of rice cooker uncle Roger uses. Those are the best type. Much smaller and compact.
@@flames22x lol amazing, I don't get time to watch other creators sadly, sounds like a bit of a legend
@@mrbarrylewis Uncle Roger's channel is mrnigelng
Throw some stock cubes in with your rice and it'll come out amazingly flavored
I love my rice cooker. I always feel I have to be present when cooking on the hob but I feel confident turning my rice cooker on and then going to watch tv until it’s done 😂
I was given a rice cooker last week and now can't wait to try making more than rice in it.
I've been thinking about getting a rice cooker when my girlfriend and I can move in together... Thanks for this, Barry, that's actually really helpful. Wouldn't have occurred to me that it could handle other things too.
I do love my rice cooker. I love steaming my salmon over the rice (in the steamer basket) with some veggies. I love the rice cooker for the fact you can do a whole rice style meal in one pot! Also, Barry, you can buy rice cookers that you can turn off without switching them off at the wall. I have a "Sakura" by Yum Asia and I swear, I could never live without it now!
My mum always just cuts the corner of the bag for pouring things, then folds it and sticks a clothes peg on it. Works well for bags in the freezer too.
I use a rice cooker for my breakfast. I like to put a large tomato in with my rice. Score it first so I can peel away the skin. And I mash it in for tomato rice, I either have nice smoked fish or eggs with it. Have never tried ribs, definitely worth a go.
🐶💃
Trying a rice cooker for the first time right now. And I’m hopeful after watching this 👍🏼
I need to get myself a new rice cooker. Not because this video convinced me- I've already got one- but because mine is super old, bought for cheap from a flea market, and idk what the heck metal it's made of, but it's impossible to get clean without copious amounts of scrubbing. What you've got there is basically a CrockPot/SlowCooker with a steaming basket. The ceramic pot would be wayyyy better for cooking literally anything, including rice, over my current metal grandma model.
I think my rice cooker is going to be my new favourite appliance, cheers Barry 😊
Rice cooker is my nr1 utensil in the kitchen i cook rice and tons of stuff in it.
Personally i got a a "YUMASIA" rice cooker for rice only. But also a rice cooker for all kinds of stuff.
I steam, make Hot Pots, boil potatoes with half time added vegetables. (steam)
Rice is ALWAYS perfect.
Also rice cookers has autmatic on and off, my expensive rice cooker has a keep warm function.
But the kind you have will shut off when done, as it should.
I've watched people on youtube cooking cakes in rice cooker. First put it on cook and it will click to warm but you have to keep putting it on cook so cake will cook. You might have to do that 2 or 3 times. Check with toothpick to see if its done. I have cooked mac and cheese and turns out perfectly.
Hey Mr. B if you have any living plants in your house? You should have something to catch the starchy rice water instead of letting it go down the drain. The water is really good for plants.
rice cooker is must have ! i would recommended one with more option , you can use it for everything !!! it is unreplaceable
Don't need to watch the video to answer the question.
Yes, absolutely.
10/10
I try to declutter and therefor bought the instant pot that can do all those things and more: Rice cooker, slow cooker, pressure cooker, yoghurt maker and more.
I'm Asian and I can't live without a rice cooker. You can do a lot with it!!
My rice cooker just arrived today, so I've been looking for other things to do with before even having cooked rice 🤣 I can't believe it's never occurred to me to use stock when I steam veggies or chicken 🤦♂ Now I'm thinking of cooking my rice in stock too... Thanks for this video!
Chicken rice, rice cooked in chicken stock, is common in south east Asia and so is using part water and part coconut milk. Many rice cookers struggle with anything other than plain water and this is where the more expensive ones are better. You can also infuse flavour by adding while garlic cloves, pieces of ginger, lemongrass etc.
@@byteme9718 Thanks for the tips! My wife doesn't really like rice, so I rarely make it. Maybe she grew up eating bland rice, so she may change her mind if I try something different. I don't know if my rice cooker is any good, so I will experiment. I'm trying chicken stock today and will google the coconut milk method for next time 😄
@@therunningwes In Malaysia and Singapore chicken rice is a favourite. It's always served with boiled chicken and a bowl of the chicken stock it's cooked in. Make sure you use Thai jasmine rice.
most of the time the "stick the finger in touching the rice and fill the water to the first joint your ratio should be pretty spot on :D
mine actually gives me some light toasted brown pieces on the bottom if i was a little off or waitet way to long but many love exactly thos light crunchy rice parts :D
I don't boil eggs anymore, I steam them... I do about 8 mins. Also, white rice with butter and soy sauce is DELICIOUS.
I have made the jiggly cheesecake many times. number one rule for cooking that cheesecake in the rice cooker, do not lift the lid off mid cook, because you release a lot of the steam which may have caused some of the burning. number two rule, get a top notch rice cooker with different settings.
Excited to watch this rn
I bought a microwave rice cooker/steamer last year and we use it everytime now. 1 to 1 rice ratio and about 10 mins in the microwave. Perfect
1 to 1 meaning 1 cup of rice to 1 cup of water?
@@Kylewraps yes 1 cup rice to 1 cup water
@@chopper602 you a real one for that Gonna buy one today
If you ever have issues cooking rice, particularly thicker short grain rice leave it soaking for 20-30 min to absorb the water cold before cooking. You'll know when it's ready because the rice will have gone very white. This makes a difference even when using a cheaper rice cooker (fuzzy logic ones less so).
If you eat rice with any sort of regularity get one. If you frequently eat rich get a fancy fuzzy logic one. They're about 120 quid or there abouts (unless you want an inmported japanese Zojirushi which are much more expensive) and the difference is significant and you will notice it.
Normal rice cookers can be slightly inconsistent (although far far less so than pans and water) and it's something you will really notice when you make the jump up to a fuzzy logic cooker.
Could you make a meal that accommodates all of your household’s diets? I think a lot of people in general run into that. (I know I do).
You can make rice pudding for dessert in your rice pudding.
I cannot live without a rice cooker, for I have used one at least 5 times a week. My fifteen-year-old simple (without a timer) rice cooker (bought at Walmart) is still working strong.
Boston is the King of pugs ! Also tip when greasing use a sandwich bag or ziploc so no need to get all greasy !
Thanks Barry now I'm singing that in my head all day. Lol
I cook rice, chicken, veg and seasoning all together in one go.
For best rice you should soak your rice 20 mins before you cook it if it’s long grain.
my next rice cooker will have all the options 🥰
Talking about art, 5:19 the rice on the spoon looks like a Yorkie 🐶!! 😂😂
You might try steaming the cheesecake: put the batter into a pan that is smaller than the rice cooker bowl, put something underneath it to raise it off of the bottom, and cover the cake pan with foil.
I saw UA-camrs talk about washing rice depends on the type of rice and type of meal you are cooking. I think it depends. I would look more into it.
I got a Sakura rice cooker a while ago and love it. Lot more expensive but for me worth it, as i have rice a lot. Ive done the same steamed veg and salmon and it comes out great. Also i love making Congee {Porridge), its probably one of my favourite rice dishes.
Here’s a challenge for you, imagine the fuse has popped & your oven & hob aren’t working, could you cook for 48 hours just using kettle, microwave, rice cooker, toaster, air fryer?.
Do they work with brown rice?💖💖
a professional Indian Chef said to get the best rice to cook, use the rice you like to eat, but soak that rice before cooking for at least a half hour to an hour or a little more, rinse then cook as normal in cooker or on the stove top in a pot 1 cup rice 2.25 cups water makes 4 to six servings. bring to a boil, five minutes, then turn heat down to LOW and cover for about 15 minutes. Check it out.
Fantastic video. No BS and blah blah, just info thank you. The wobbly cake 😂
Barry, they make a wonderful prawn biriyani.
That “burnt” rice is probably the best part of the rice. In my mom’s culture we call it Concho or Concolon depending on which part of the country you’re in.
Nice little char to it? I hear you!
I actually brought in my rice cooker into my work kitchen because it browned some.e of the rice on the bottom. I didn't like it. I use my Instant Pot for cooking rice now instead.
@@mrbarrylewis Some of the fancier rice cookers even have a "scorch" setting specifically to toast up the rice like that
I use my rice cooker to cook pasta and boiled potatoes. I find it doesn't cook rice that well - has a tendency to burn it haha. And when cooking with the lid on, it guaranteed 100% to froth over the edges making a complete mess.
I have the Zojirushi rice cooker, and it’s perfect rice every time.
Instant pot makes perfect rice everytime. Awesome oatmeal too.