Rice is a staple food for billions of people around the world. Many cultures have perfected methods for cooking fluffy, flavorful rice over hundreds of years. In the modern kitchen, two popular electric appliances for cooking rice are the Instant Pot and dedicated rice cookers. But which makes better rice?
How Instant Pots and rice cookers work
Instant Pots are electric pressure cookers with extra functions like slow cooking, sauteing, and steaming. They speed up cooking times by cooking under pressure. Rice cookers are simple electric appliances specifically designed for cooking rice. They cook rice using basic heating elements.
Here’s a brief overview of how each appliance cooks rice:
Instant Pot
- Pressurized environment reaches temperatures above the boiling point of water (212°F or 100°C)
- High heat and pressure force steam through the grains to cook rice faster
- Cooking time approximately 10-15 minutes once pressure is achieved
Rice cooker
- Heating element brings water to a boil
- Switches to “keep warm” mode once liquid is absorbed
- Insulated pot and lid keep rice warm and steaming
- Cooking times range from 20-40 minutes depending on amount of rice
The pressurized environment of the Instant Pot allows rice to cook faster. Rice cookers take advantage of simple boiling and insulation to prepare rice.
Comparing rice texture
Many people judge a cooking method by the texture of the rice it produces. The two main texture criteria are fluffiness and stickiness.
Fluffiness
Rice achieves an airy, fluffy texture when the grains cook evenly and separate from each other. Instant Pots and rice cookers can both make fluffy rice under the right conditions. However, rice cookers may have an advantage for consistency.
The intense pressure and heat of the Instant Pot can overcook rice grains on the bottom. Stirring before serving helps reduce uneven cooking. Rice cookers gently boil rice at lower temperatures leading to more uniform fluffiness.
Stickiness
Sticky or glutinous rice varieties like short grain jasmine and sushi rice contain more starch. This starch is released during cooking creating sticky, cohesive grains. Both Instant Pots and rice cookers can achieve properly sticky rice.
The pressurized Instant Pot may generate more steam to saturate and soften the grains. But rice cookers also excel at sticky rice thanks to the insulated environment trapping steam and moisture. Overall, either method can make excellent sticky rice.
Comparing convenience
Convenience is also an important consideration when choosing between an Instant Pot and rice cooker.
Ease of use
Rice cookers win for simplicity and ease of use. Just add rice and water, close the lid, press a button, and delicious rice is ready in 20-40 minutes. Instant Pots involve more steps like securing the lid, selecting pressure cook mode, and releasing the pressure after cooking.
Speed
Instant Pots cook rice approximately twice as fast as rice cookers. The pressurized environment significantly cuts down cooking time. Rice cookers rely on simmering and absorption which takes longer.
Other functions
One of the Instant Pot’s major advantages is its versatility. It can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, and more. Rice cookers exclusively cook rice and often include a steamer basket. The Instant Pot’s extra functions make it useful for many other recipes.
So in terms of convenience, rice cookers get points for simplicity while Instant Pots are faster and more versatile.
Comparing flavor
The flavor of the rice is impacted by variables like the type of rice, cooking liquids, and aromatics. But the cooking method can also affect flavor.
Texture and mouthfeel
Rice with a pleasing, fluffy texture also has better mouthfeel when eaten. As described above, rice cookers may create rice with a more uniform soft and fluffy quality from top to bottom. The intense heat of the Instant Pot can overcook bottom layers of rice producing a less pleasant chewy or mushy texture.
Aroma
Instant Pots seal in and circulate aromas very well. The pressurized environment infuses flavors throughout the grains. Rice cookers can also distribute aromas evenly but some aroma may escape from the venting hole in the lid.
Overall, well-cooked rice from either appliance can taste delicious. But rice cookers may have an edge for optimizing the fluffy, tender mouthfeel of the rice.
Special features
Some special features differentiate Instant Pots and rice cookers.
Delay start
Many modern rice cookers and Instant Pots come with delay start or timer functions. This allows flexibility to start cooking rice automatically at a preset time.
Keep warm
Rice cookers automatically switch to a keep warm setting when done cooking. Instant Pots require manually engaging keep warm mode. The rice cooker’s insulated pot does a better job keeping rice warm for hours.
Non-stick pot
Quality non-stick pots prevent rice from sticking and make cleanup easy. Both appliances often include non-stick inner pots, with rice cookers typically using a thicker coating.
Steaming tray
Many rice cookers come with a steaming tray perfect for cooking vegetables or fish alongside rice. Steaming trays can be purchased separately for Instant Pots.
These special features help enhance convenience and versatility. Rice cookers may have an edge for keep warm performance.
Recipes
The types of recipes suited for each appliance should also be considered.
Rice dishes
Both Instant Pots and rice cookers can cook basic jasmine, basmati, sushi, and other rice varieties. Rice cookers allow easier cooking of sticky rice varieties like short grain rice. The Instant Pot excels at cooking dishes like rice pilaf or risotto where rice is sautéed with aromatics first.
Steamed dishes
Rice cookers can steam vegetables, fish, and more using a steaming tray accessory. Instant Pots steam food very well by cooking under pressure without drying out.
Soups and stews
The Instant Pot really excels at cooking soups, stews, chilis, and braised meats thanks to pressure cooking. Rice cookers cannot make these one-pot meals.
So rice cookers are ideal for basic rice dishes and steaming. But Instant Pots expand the possibilities with pressure cooked meals.
Safety
It’s important to compare the safety considerations for Instant Pots and rice cookers.
Burn risk
Rice cookers operate at gentler temperatures and rarely reach high pressures. Instant Pots use very high heat and pressure, so improper use carries a higher risk of burns. Proper handling is important when releasing Instant Pot pressure.
Overheating
Dry heating without liquid can cause overheating in both appliances. Rice cookers have more risk of overheating from internal heating elements. Instant Pots are generally safer being water-based.
Heavy pot
Manipulating a heavy pot full of boiling liquid can be challenging. Rice cookers often have detachable inner pots for easier handling. Instant Pot inner pots can be heavy to remove when hot.
Loaded springs
The Instant Pot lid contains loaded springs to seal on properly. This means the lid shouldn’t be removed during pressure cooking. Rice cooker lids are safe to remove anytime.
Overall, both are safe appliances when used properly. But Instant Pots require more caution being high temperature and pressure vessels.
Cost comparison
Here is a table comparing the typical cost of Instant Pots and rice cookers:
| Appliance | Typical pricing |
|---|---|
| Instant Pot Duo | $80 – $120 |
| Rice cooker | $20 – $60 |
Rice cookers are generally more affordable than Instant Pots. Basic rice cookers start around $20 while the popular Instant Pot Duo ranges from $80 to $120.
More advanced rice cookers with features like pressure cooking and many programmed settings can cost up to $200. High-end Instant Pots with extra features and sizes may cost $150 to $200.
Conclusion
So which appliance makes better rice?
Rice cookers excel at cooking fluffy, tender rice with a consistent texture. They also gain points for simplicity of use. But Instant Pots have benefits like speed, versatility, and suitability for other recipes.
Here is a quick comparison summary:
| Instant Pot | Rice Cooker | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking time | Faster | Slower |
| Texture | Good | Excellent |
| Convenience | More steps | Very easy |
| Flavor | Infuses well | Consistent |
| Safety | More caution needed | Generally safe |
| Cost | More expensive | Very affordable |
For cooking basic rice, a rice cooker may produce superior texture and flavor. The simplicity is also appealing. But the Instant Pot is significantly faster, more versatile, and capable of cooking many other dishes beyond rice.
The right choice comes down to your cooking preferences and needs. For making excellent rice several times per week, a rice cooker can absolutely deliver quality results. Home cooks using rice less often may prefer the flexibility of the multi-functional Instant Pot.