Cuisinart CPC-600 1000-Watt 6-Quart Electric Pressure Cooker, Brushed Stainless and Matte Black

Product Description

Cuisinart updates a classic! Our brushed stainless pressure cooker is safe, easy to use, cooks up to 70% faster than conventional methods and cooks healthier, too. Steam trapped in the pot builds up pressure that creates hotter temperatures, and the pot is so tightly sealed that vitamins and minerals can't boil away. Foods stay moist and flavors stay true. Features variable pressure and temperature setting, plus Browning, Simmer and Saute functions for perfect roasts, stews, vegetables, cheesecake or custard. The Cuisinart Pressure Cooker is absolutely safe, with a lid that has to be locked in place before pressure builds, and stays locked until pressure is released. Cook faster, eat healthier, with Cuisinart!


Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #73 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Brand: Cuisinart
* Model: CPC-600
* Dimensions: 13.20" h x 12.20" w x 12.20" l, 14.25 pounds

Features

* 6-quart electric pressure cooker reduces cooking times by 70 percent
* Push-button controls; easy-to-read digital display; precision thermostat
* Settings for pressure cooking, browning, simmering, sauteing, and warming
* Timer; cool-touch handles; nonstick dishwasher-safe cooking pot and trivet
* Measures 12-1/5 by 12-1/5 by 13-1/5 inches; 3-year limited warranty



Amazon.com Product Description
Cut cooking times up to 70-percent compared to traditional stovetop methods with this 6-quart electric pressure cooker. The pot's tight seal locks in vitamins and minerals for healthy, great-tasting meals like soup, chili, and other one-dish entrees. Its controls include preprogrammed settings for high- or low-pressure cooking, browning, simmering, sautéing, and warming. In addition, the unit's push-button controls and easy-to-read digital display eliminate guesswork, while its precision thermostat regulates temperatures. For safety, the cooker must be fully locked for pressure to build, and it will remain locked until the pressure inside drops to zero. Other highlights include a 99-minute timer with an LED countdown display, cool-touch side handles, and a nonstick dishwasher-safe cooking pot and trivet. Housed in fingerprint-proof brushed stainless steel, the 1000-watt pressure cooker measures 12-1/5 by 12-1/5 by 13-1/5 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.


Customer Reviews

The Power of Amazon Reviews.....5
First, I was a pressure cooker nut from before. I used my mother's 1930/40's Presto's until I couldn't get seals for them. When I saw this digital pressure cooker I bought it instantly. I loved it so much that I gave one to my daughter, my sis and my sis-in-law, (we're all foodies). I was cooking stuff I hadn't made in years. We ate like kings! All of a sudden, caput. I get online and search and right there on Amazon, Bobby Mac "Micronaut101" describes my very own problem! So no more trying to make the bloody thing work! I call the Cuisinart 800 number prepared to go the distance according to the reviews I've read and I describe my problem, how much I love the machine, how I've seen the problem reported on Amazon and therefore it's a known quality issue and I want a new machine. OK, she says, what's your address? No "did you send in a warranty" or anything else. Bingo, 7 - 10 days I'll have a new pressure cooker. How cool is that? Oh, and "We're sorry for the inconvenience. Have a great day." Yehaa! Let's hear it for Amazon and reviews!

[[editing review as of 6/4/09: pressure sensor wouldn't set pressure and pressure cooking wouldn't start. Cooker would get to boiling but pressure wouldn't lock the cooker and begin cooking. Little red button wouldn't come up to close opening. I would wiggle the button with a skewer or knife point to get it to pop up to close pressure hole. Hope this helps.]]

And I'm writing this so that others who may get one of those recalcitrant pressure cookers that slipped through the quality assurance check can know that they will get a new pressure cooker with the press of the number buttons. Cuisinart has decided to stand behind this one product, at least.

BTW, all of us are previous users of pressure cookers so we really appreciated the ability to sear the meat in the cooker. My family has used the Cuisinart cookbook for the pasta e Fagioli, Cuban Black Bean Soup, Chicken with Herb Dumplings and the "outstanding" Creamy Rice Pudding" And, in fact, the Rice pudding cooked so quickly that my sis didn't think it was done when the timer went off and over cooked it! Her second batch was superb. We also like Lorna Sass's "Cooking Under Pressure" and "Pressure Perfect"

Lousy manual and problems in operation2
Admittedly, there's a learning curve with pressure cookers, and I have not used one before. But this one comes with at least one part (hello, "condensation collector") whose packaging--a scrap of bubble wrap--is completely unlabeled (I nearly threw it away with the rest of the packing material) and is also misrepresented in the microscopic, inadequate product illustrations. As for the operating instructions, they are unclear, badly organized, and insufficient in too many other ways to enumerate here, and I say this as a technical writer with more than thirty years' professional experience. I'm not sure the "float" in the handle works--what is it supposed to look like when it "rises completely"?--and everything I've cooked so far has come out caramelized (though I have to admit that this unplanned effect didn't hurt the flavor, but that's my taste). In short, I don't know whether this contraption is malfunctioning or I'm not using it correctly--maybe some combination of both. Other reviews posted here suggest that the number provided for customer service will not lead to anything but more frustration. It's a handsome and potentially useful appliance, and I'd like to get it working properly.

P.S. I'm amending this review. I finally figured out how to work this thing, and now I'm giving it 5 stars. There was one very simple but crucial piece of information that was missing from the instruction manual, which is indeed lousy. Here's what you need to know: when you place the pressure release valve on the lid, be sure that the little projecting arm on the valve is precisely parallel to the lid's handle. If you do that, the cooker will get up to pressure, and the digital display clock will count down, just as it's supposed to do. That's it. Enjoy!

Great Product!5
This is a wonderful product! I had never used a pressure cooker before because I had heard stories of them "blowing up" but this electric cooker is completely safe. It's appearance is high tech but it is super easy to use. You just set the temperature and time controls and let it do the work! The nonstick surface makes cleanup a breeze. Another reviewer gave this product two stars because the instruction and recipe booklet wasn't what he expected. You can find cooking time/liquid amount charts on a number of web sites as well as in pressure cooking recipe books.

My motto is, "Don't judge a book by it's cover or a pressure cooker by it's recipe booklet" :)) You will love it!

Proctor Silex 33015 1.5-Quart Round Slow Cooker

Product Description

Dishwasher safe crock and glass lid Keep warm setting Removable crock 1. 5 quart capacity


Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #748 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Color: White
* Brand: Proctor Silex
* Model: 33015
* Dimensions: 6.00 pounds

Features

* 1.5 quart capacity
* Dishwasher safe stoneware and lid
* Keep warm setting
* Versatile, stainproof stoneware removes for serving and refrigerator storage



Customer Reviews

Great product!5
This is a quality product, perfect for cooking for 1-3 people (smaller families, college students, etc.). I highly recommend it. It is so easy to use and fuss-free. Also, most smaller crock pots have only one setting, but this one has three (high, low, and keep warm). It has a nice glass lid and a removable ceramic crock, both of which you can clean in the dishwasher. I use mine at least a few times a week, and I'm very satisfied with the purchase.

Excellent for empty nester .... or a student!5
This little slow cooker has everything you need: removable crock, longer cord, three (*3*) heat settings, glass metal-rimmed lid, small footprint. As far as I can tell, it doesn't overheat, even on high. I just made a wonderful roast in it: about 1.5 lbs chuck roast (trimmed), 1 medium Walla Walla sweet onion, 2/3 can low-sodium beef broth, 2 Tbsp worcestershire sauce, and 1 Tbsp no-salt garlic/herb seasoning blend; brown the roast in a little oil, put in crock with other ingredients; cook on high for 4.5 hrs or on low for 8 hrs should do the trick; thicken the juice with a little cornstarch for gravy to serve over mashed potatoes --- HEAVEN!!!

It's the perfect size for 2-3 chicken breast halves, a small pork roast or a pork tenderloin or two, a nice small pot of soup, etc. You should get enough for a meal today plus leftovers for a couple of additional meals.

Clean up is a breeze with the removable crock, and the exterior of the unit cleans just fine with a damp cloth. The small footprint allows for out-of-the-way placement on the countertop for cooking, and easier storage.

I'm an older adult grad student, and this little cooker is going to get a lot of use this winter while I'm working on my thesis. Highly recommended!

Buy it!5
If you're looking for a small slow cooker for dips, appetizers, whatever, this is it. It's got 2 of the most important features to look for in a slow cooker, a removable crock and a keep warm setting. I don't know why, but these features are kind of hard to find on smaller crock pots. I have another one this size that only has an on and off setting with no removable crock. It will never be used again.

Sanyo ECJ-D100S 10-Cup Micro-Computerized Rice Cooker/Steamer, White with Stainless Accent

Product Description

Modern technology abounds in this multi-purpose unit. Cook and warm all types of rice as well as soup and stews in this micro-computerized cooker. The 10 cup cooker has a titanium-coated 2.5mm extra thick non stick inner pot to heat evenly throughout the pot and keep warm consistently after cooking. A multi-menu selection using fuzzy logic technology controls the temperature for efficient cooking of white rice, rinse-free rice, mixed rice, sprouted brown rice, sweet rice, quick, steaming, brown rice, porridge, soup and slow cooked foods. Just fill the inner pot using the special measuring marks, select your type of food and depress the cook key and listen for the timer to let you know your delicious meal is waiting! A LCD clock and 24 hour preset timer allows for cooking completion at a desired time of day. The reheat function allows cooked rice to be re-heated in about 5 minutes and served as freshly cooked. A steaming tray is included for vegetable cooking. Retractable cord for easy storing. Measuring cup, non-stick spatula and multi-language (English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean) instruction manual with recipes is included.


Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #4682 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Color: White
* Brand: Sanyo
* Model: ECJ-D100S
* Dimensions: 11.12" h x 11.50" w x 15.25" l, 11.05 pounds

Features

* 10-cup micro-computerized cooker with fuzzy-logic technology and 24-hour timer
* Titanium-coated, extra-thick, 2-1/2 mm non-stick inner pot for optimal cooking
* Multi-menu selections; slow-cook, keep warm, and reheat functions
* Steaming tray, measuring cup, non-stick spatula, instructions, and recipes included
* Measures 10-3/4 by 11 by 13-1/2 inches


Amazon.com Product Description
Producing restaurant-quality rice at home is practically foolproof with this 10-cup, micro-computerized cooker. Simply fill the inner pot using the special measuring marks, select the food type, press the cook key, and listen for the timer. Multi-menu selections using fuzzy-logic technology control the temperature for efficient cooking of a variety of foods, including white rice, rinse-free rice, mixed rice, sprouted brown rice, sweet rice, quick rice, brown rice, porridge, and soup, as well as slow cooked or steamed foods. Its slow-cook settings are great for cooking delicious soups and stews for up to eight hours.


Customer Reviews

Good looking cooker - does the job, pricey though3
This is a review from a family for whom rice is a staple food (rice is cooked in the house every day). The only variety used though is white rice (long grain). We bought this about 6 months ago - wanted to gain some experience before posting a review about it. During this time this cooker has been used about 180 times (once a day). There are different methods of cooking rice: a) microwave, b) pressure cooker, c) boiling rice in a vessel in an electric/gas countertop oven. The key to getting rice cooked in the consistency desired (the family prefers fluffy) is the ratio of water to rice, regardless of method used. This holds true for the Sanyo electric cooker also. This optimum water/rice ratio varies with the variety of rice used (even among the long grain white rice varieties). The marked measurements in the cooker are a guide only - and will not get the desired result all the time. Keeping this in mind, I will start with my biggest gripe:

a) I fail to understand what all the fuzzy logic, micro computerized technology does to improve the process of rice cooking. This was evidenced by the fact that the cooked rice was no different from the earlier $15 B$D rice cooker it replaced. There is a timer - which turns off based on some preset logic, but this logic certainly is NOT based on cooked rice quality and consistency. Until technology reaches that level all this micro computer fuzzy logic mumbo jumbo is more marketing hype than reality.

b) Looks good: From the design aspect, it does look good, somewhat futuristic looking.

c) Easy to clean and maintain: some thought has gone into the component design, they are easy to clean and maintain.

d) The non-stick coating seems to be more scratch resistant than conventional. Again comparing with the B&D cooker this replaces, this is performing much better - we did not try scratching this with a knife to check this as one poster claimed - this is just everyday use.

e) Added feature of the steamer is quite helpful when steaming vegetables in addition to cooking rice is desired.

f) Price/Value: This rice cooker is expensive at $110. However, I wouldnt complain too much, if the inherent value of product compensates for it. As mentioned earlier, aside from aesthetics, general improvements there is no revolutionary advantage to this product over cheaper products. My main problem with the B&D cheapo cooker was longevity. It crapped out after 1 year. Given the price differential the Sanyo enjoys over that - almost 6 times, then the Sanyo cooker should last about 6 years. I am not ready to attest to this yet, as I am only 6 months into my ownership. If me, cooker, Amazon are still around, I will come back and update.

Bottomline: Works well, but pricey, I would be hesitant to recommend for the occasional rice eater.

Update (Nov 2007): One year now - absolutely no issues with once a day use so far. No scratches on the non-stick coating (we strictly use the spatula provided), easy to clean, and consistent cooked rice quality.

Update (Jan 2009): Two plus years now and still going strong. The non-stick coating has started to come off in places.

Sanyo ECJ-D100S works great, good price, looks cool5
Being a full time working mom I need a good machine helping me with cooking so that I have more time for my little boy. First, I wasn't sure 10-cup or 5-cup? Since 5-cup model is not much smaller. Bigger is better when we have gathering at home. I was comparing with zojirushi 10 cup model features with this model and decided to buy this Sanyo. The main reason I bought this model is that it has a slow cooker option which I use it often. I never try zojirushi brand so can't compare to it. I have it for about 3 months. So far it works as promise.

- It's smaller than it looks like in the picure.
- 3-in-1 that saves a lot of space in the kitchen.
- Didn't smell any chemical like other reviewers mentioned
- I measured the water exact as instructed but the rice is a bit too hard for me since I like it very soft so the fix is adding more water. You have to try a couple times to get used to the cooker and also depends on the rice and preferences.
- Cooked white jasmine rice, thai sticky rice, brown rice, and mixed grains, and rice porridge very well. It takes long time to cook but I often use the timer set it up in the morning and come home the rice is ready for the family.
- Cooked rice mixed with meat as one dish meal for entire family.
- The best part is the slow cooker which zojirushi doesn't have. So far I cooked chicken soup with entire hen, stew, turkey, pork, beef. It's done in 2.5 hours without drying the pot and worry.
- The unit looks modern. When friends come to my house always wondering what is this machine?

Very happy with it!

found this cheaper? let us know!!!5
if i could give this a 10 i would!
this is a great, great, great cooker....it comes with the steamer basket, measure cup and spatula...has so many options like the zojirushi but way better on the price!
i found this cheaper on the internet and let amazon know about it...it was marked down to 129.99 and i used a 25.00 off coupon!!! free shipping too!!! deal..deal deal..!!!
does so much more than cook just rice..get the ultimate rice cooker cookbook..beth hensperger..try it and you'll see....
i also purchased the 5.5 cup model...but if you can only buy one..buy the larger of course...sometimes you need a larger cooker and it too will cook as little as the smaller unit!!!
i love these they are so worthy of 5 stars!!!!
this one has a quick cook feature which means no sitting time and straight to boiling point...it should cut out about 10 minutes. rice is fabulous!


brown rice hint:
soak your brown rice overnight..for example: measure 3 cups with the sanyo cup provided and soak in bowl overnight. put cleaned soaked brown rice in the cooker bowl and mark the water to #3 brown rice..you can now cook this in the cooker under the white/sprouted menu selection(not the brown rice selection)...this cuts down about half the cooking time!!! rice has come out perfect for me everytime...i add a little butter and fresh cilantro or fresh basil at the end of the cycle....excellent!
i have tried this with nishiki brand brown rice.

Hamilton Beach 33967 Set 'n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

Product Description

Family Size 6 quart oval Programmable slow cooker with flat panel digital read-out and stainless steel base for easy storage and clean-up, plus separate temperature probe for large cuts of meat. No more over cooked or under cooked beef or poultry as the probe reads the internal temperature as it cooks and automatically switches to keep warm once set temperature is reached . Operates in three different cook settings including manual cook mode. Easy to read LED digital control panel and timer for setting preferred cooking time. Other features include a clip-on spoon and a clip-tight gasket lid.


Customer Reviews

Hamilton Beech Crock Pot4
I love this crock pot. It has two outstanding features that the others don't--The snap on lid and the "keep warm" feature. In the past I have used crock pots that would cook with the setting of a manual dial. This new Hamilton Beech model cooks for as long as it is programmed and then it will keep the food warm until you are ready to eat. That's a great feature for those days when you're running late for dinner! Plus there's the great new lid that means you can take hot dishes anywhere without a spill or leak. Outstanding product!

Good, but be careful!4
In the past I've had issues with slow cookers running too hot so I decided to test my new HB cooker. I filled the 6 qt unit with 5 qt water and set the unit on WARM for 4 hours, then tested the water temp - 170 degrees. 4 hours later at LOW - temp was 170 degrees, 4 hours later at HIGH - temp was 210 degrees. I guess this is OK. I emailed the mfr for the design temps but received no resopnse.
The rubber feet on the unit did a good job of keeping the unit from sliding around on my granite counter. I've had slow cookers you had to stir with one hand while holding it in place with the other.
I really appreciate the plastic handle on the glass lid. It's so nice to pick up the lid without burning my fingers if I forget to use a potholder!
The WARM setting is very useful - possibly more useful than one might initially imagine.
The "manual" for this appliance includes English, French, and Spanish versions. This is probably why there wasn't any room left for many recipes. We are referred to the company's website but again there weren't many for the slow cooker. I would think after all the years Hamilton Beach has been manufacturing slow cookers they would have accumulated more than they display.
The electronic control panel is typically a modern day blessing/curse. Instead of a simple knob one can turn to a setting, one must push buttons in a specific sequence in order to get the cooker to work. Vary the sequence or skip oe of the steps and you're SOL. The tricky thing about this is sometimes the unit tells you when you screwed up and sometimes it doesn't, thereby enabling you to leave the house expecting the slow cooker to do its job only to return several hours later expecting to find a hot meal waiting for you, only to discover the unit didn't like the way you pushed its buttons so it turned itself off. Don't laugh - this happened to me and it wasn't the least bit funny. If someone uses their slow cooker infrequently, it would be easy to make a mistake while setting the unit. A frequent user will quickly get the hang of it and should be able to avoid any inconvenience - provided they pay attention to what they're doing.
Another problem with the programable feature is if your electricity is interrupted for more than 5 seconds the unit loses its settings and turns itself off. Then the unit sits there waiting for you, probably while growing salmonella. I can't help but recall all the times I've come home to find all the clocks on my electronic equipment flashing because the power went off for a few minutes.
While the programable feature is irritating and problematic, the most dangerous feature on the slow cooker is the stainless steel clip system used to lock the lid in place during transit. For some ridiculous reason, the clips cannot be moved out of the area between the crock and the handle on the base. Attempting to lift the hot crock out of the base while not getting your potholders tangled in the wire clip is nearly impossible, making this an extremely dangerous thing to attempt. I don't think Hamilton Beach would have gone bankrupt if they had made the handles another 1/4" or so longer so the clips could safely drop out of the way.

Better Late than Never5
In viewing Thanksgiving recipes I read that keeping mashed potatoes in a slow cooker was a time saver as well as eliminating items that need to go in the oven. I went online and, believe it or not, there were reviews on slow cookers from Consumer Reports! This Hamilton Beach was the top pick so my search was immediately over! I was distressed since the delivery date was a month away, and I needed it for Thanksgiving. It arrived early and was a big hit. I finally used it last nite for my dinner. What a treat to walk in my door and have my dinner waiting. Sauerkrut and spareribs of all things, but it was very good. Perhaps a little brown suger - from my old cooking days - would enhance the dish. I am very pleased with this product.

Nesco American Harvest PC-6-25-30TPR 3 in 1 Digital Electric Pressure Cooker

Product Description

Versatile, multi functional professional stainless steel digital 3-in-One combination cooker. Pressure cook, slow cook or steam cook. Easy to use digital controls. Programmable delay start, warm mode, slow cook mode, steam mode, and browning mode. Comes with two pressure level selections and safety steam release feature. Attractive brushed exterior will compliments any kitchen. Removable non stick cooking chamber for easy cleaning.Stay cool lid and handles prevent burns. 6 Qt capacity.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #33926 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Color: Stainless Steel
* Brand: Nesco
* Model: PC-6-25-30TPR
* Released on: 2006-06-15
* Dimensions: 18.00" h x 12.00" w x 12.00" l,

Features

* Versatile, multifunctional
* Easy to use digital controls
* Two pressure level selections
* 6 Qt capacity
* Removable non stick cooking chamber


Customer Reviews

I'm impressed!5
Wow, is this a neat appliance. As a pressure cooker, it cooks food as nicely, and as quickly as my old, stainless stove-top model, but with several bonuses. Cleanup is much easier with the Nesco. It browns your meat without any sticking, so you can just toss your other ingredients right in after browning, and switch it to cook. No extra pan to wash. The nonstick pot, also, is much lighter, and washes out instantly vs the heavy ol'stove model that required soaking. Best of all, though, is how quiet it is! No babysitting the constant CH!CH!CH!CH! on the stove anymore. Set it, and it cooks in complete silence without another moment's thought, and no adjustments necessary. You could leave the house (it also has a timer to start cooking later if you wish). The Nesco is a slow cooker, as well. I have been so annoyed with how hot all the new slow cookers are. I've bought several brands trying to fnd a true "slow cooker". They all cook at nuclear heat, and every review of every new slow cooker says the same thing. The Nesco cooks nice and slow just like the old fashioned crock pots did. I love this cooker. The manual blows, though. How strange that the cooker is so well thought, but the quality control for the manual fell flat. It is contradictory, incomplete, and explains the buttons and timer wrong. The recipes are not appealing. Who cares. You'll love the Nesco cooker. It will replace your crock-pot and your stove-top pressure cooker. I've not tried it yet on steaming, but it might just replace the rice cooker and veg. steamer, too. Think of all the room in your cupboards, now.

Excellent Purchase!5
Pressure cookers... when most people hear those words the first thing they recall is the urban legend on how one exploded spewing its boiling hot contents on walls, ceilings and nearby bystanders.

I have a different memory. Born in the days before the ubiquitous microwave, we used our pressure cooker on (at least) a weekly basis. My mother had an old Presto 4 qt model. From it came the most delicious soups, stews and that 60's cosmopolitan treat, chop suey . The Presto would hiss and spit and make its identifiable, swish-swish noise as it did its cooking magic. You see, the pressure cooker could cook in minutes what would normally take hours.

Several years back I bought a stove-top pressure cooker with the same type of rocking regulator and the same swish-swish sound. I have used that unit many times, but I have to admit that cooking with it has become a bit of a pain. As I aged I couldn't really hear if it was under the right pressure if I left the room so I was relegated to sitting in the kitchen until the pot had done it deed. Not horrible, but a bit inconvenient.

Enter the Nesco electric pressure cooker. It is a very sturdy pot with a washable/removable liner. It fits together like a precision machine and has a number of accessories including a measuring cup, rack and a spoon/spatula. Although it has a recipe/instruction book it is a bit on the thin side.

Using the unit is a snap. You dump the ingredients into the removable liner. Put the liner in the pot. Put the cover on the pot. Set the timer and...just walk away. The Nesco does the rest. No worries about too much or not enough heat. In fact the unit is mostly silent (just a little hiss). When it is all done cooking it shuts itself off. Amazing! Tonight I made chicken soup (no, not from a can). I put in some chicken parts, celery, carrots, green beans and an onion. I added some simple seasonings and liquid and set the timer for 12 minutes. That's it, and it tasted a lot better than even the most expensive store bought stuff.

The Nesco will let you brown your meat directly in the pot and it will also double as a slow cooker and steamer. It is so simple that even my pressure cooker phobic wife has asked me to show her how it works. Now that's an endorsement! Definitely a must buy if you want quick, nutritious and easy meals that taste a ton better then something "zapped." Don't forget, you control the quality of the ingredients and the amount of salt.

BTW, you can get excellent pressure cooker cookbooks at most book stores, including Amazon (no I don't work for them).

A meal fit for the family5
This is a well built, sturdy pressure cooker. It can also be used as a crock pot. It has a delay timer and very well written instructions. I recommend getting a good pressure cooker cook book. Pressure cooking takes a little getting use to.

Hamilton Beach 33956 Stay-or-Go 5-Quart Slow Cooker, White

Product Description

5 quart Oval slow cooker with flat panel digital controls & temperature probe for large cuts of meat- Never over cook or under cook meat with this precise temperature probe . Slow cooks three ways - manually or pre-programmed by time or temperature with the included meat probe. Includes clip tight glass lid feature to reduce spills when travelling . Automatically shifts to warm to prevent overcooking


Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #13447 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Brand: Hamilton Beach
* Model: 33956
* Dimensions: 14.65 pounds

Features

* 5-quart oval-shaped slow cooker for soups, pot roasts, curries, and more
* Flat-panel digital controls; precise temperature probe for large cuts of meat
* Manual or pre-programmed by time or temperature cooking options
* Automatic keep warm; locking glass lid reduces spills when transporting
* Measures approximately 16 by 9 by 16 inches; 1-year warranty


Amazon.com Product Description
Easily prepare soups, casseroles, pot roasts, curries, and more with this 5-quart oval-shaped slow cooker. The appliance comes equipped with flat-panel digital controls and a precise temperature probe for large cuts of meat--no more over cooking or under cooking food. Choose to slow cook in one of three ways--manually, pre-programmed by time, or pre-programmed by temperature with the meat probe. The unit also provides a convenient, automatic, keep-warm setting that maintains a perfect serving temperature without overcooking. Designed for at home or on-the-go, the slow cooker includes a locking glass lid to reduce spills when transporting. The slow cooker measures approximately 16 by 9 by 16 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

Customer Reviews

Rival's rival5
I bought this after my larger sized Rival had the handle come off of the lid while cooking. This seems to be a much better made cooker. I love the probe function, which allows you to cook until the meat is done then automatically warm without second guessing. The controls are easy to read and push. I tested the unit and it heated to the proper temperatures for low and high. No overcooking or handles coming off. I predict if Rival continues to sell cheap junk that HB will soon become the number one slow cooker, a worthy rival to Rival.

Great for transporting food5
I bought this slow cooker because I was sick of having liquid spill out as I transported food to the office. It works great! The rubber gasket around the lid seals everything in and the clamps on either side of the lid keep it sealed down tight. Slow cooker functions are pretty much the same on all models but the way this lid seals sets this cooker apart. Good thinking by Hamilton Beach!

Sanyo HPS-MC3 3-in-1 Nonstick Electric Multi-Cooker

Product Description

The 3-In-1 Multi-Cooker grills, steams, and cooks soups or stews with consistent results. With a non-stick titanium-coated grill plate, the cooker allows home chefs to prepare a variety of different grilled dishes, whether meat, fish, poultry, or vegetables, easily and with quick clean up. A steaming tray is used for steaming vegetables and other healthy foods such as fish. The generously sized 4.5-Quart non-stick pot can accommodate soups and stews for the whole family and is just the right size for making perfect pancakes and crepes without oil. The 3-In-1 Multi-Cooker has an adjustable temperature control from low to 460°F. The stainless-style body and glass lid add to the sleek design of this cooker. The steam tray and grill plate nest in the pot for compact and easy storage. AA quick-release magnetic plug and cool-touch handles ensure safety when using the cooker. The glass lid, steam tray, grill plate and pot can all be placed in the dishwasher for easy clean up.


Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #31752 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Color: N/A
* Brand: Sanyo
* Model: HPS-MC3
* Released on: 2008-04-23
* Dimensions: 8.60" h x 15.50" w x 13.00" l, 11.70 pounds

Features

* Stainless 3-in-1 electric cooker for grilling, steaming, and slow cooking
* Non-stick titanium-coated 4-1/2-quart cooking pot and grill plate
* Steam tray; adjustable temperature from keep warm to 460 degrees F
* Glass lid; cool-touch handles; dishwasher-safe parts; user manual included
* Measures 13 by 15-1/2 by 8-3/5 inches


Amazon.com Product Description
Ideal for any busy kitchen, this three-in-one multi-function electric cooker works great for grilling, steaming, and slow cooking. The unit's generously sized 4-1/2-quart pot can be used to cook up a batch of chili, soup, or stew for the family, and its grill plate works great for making grilled-cheese sandwiches, pancakes, or perfectly shaped crepes. The non-stick titanium-coated cooking pot and grill plate ensure even heating, effortless food release, and quick cleanup. Even more, the multi-cooker comes with a handy steam tray for steaming vegetables, fish, and other healthy foods. The unit provides user-friendly controls and adjustable temperature settings from keep warm to 460 degrees F. Other highlights include a contemporary stainless-steel body, a glass lid for viewing the cooking process at a glance, cool-touch handles, and a quick-release magnetic plug for safety. The glass lid, steam tray, grill plate, and pot all clean up easily in the dishwasher, and the steam tray and grill plate nest together in the pot for compact storage. A multi-language instruction manual comes included. The 1350-watt multi-cooker measures 13 by 15-1/2 by 8-3/5 inches.


Customer Reviews

So Versatile and Easy to Clean...a Bachelor's Dream 5
I just moved into a tiny place with no kitchen to speak of and this product is perfect for me. With interchangeable grill plate and cooking pot, the one base takes up less overall space in my cabinet. I've used it for eggs, pancakes, stir-fry, steaming vegetables, macaroni and cheese, grilled steak and chicken. I'll make some mean chili this fall I'm sure. The whole thing is nonstick and cleans up easily with a paper towel. I recommend this for a dorm room or as an efficient alternative to a full size cooktop. I first discovered SANYO a few years ago when I bought my first toaster oven. I debated buying an indoor grill but went all out for this "multi-cooker".
Sanyo SK-7S Space Saving Toasty Oven, SilverSanyo Extra Large Smokeless Grill & Griddle 17x12-in.Sanyo Extra Large Smokeless Grill & Griddle 17x12-in.

High quality, great for hot pot5
I bought this for my wife so we could do Nabe / Hot Pot/ Shabu Shabu / etc. It's significantly more expensive than buying a pot and a gas burner (which you can get at an Asian grocery for ~$40), but it is very high quality.

We've done Japanese Nabe and Sichuan Hot Pot in this pot and they were both great. The pot cooks very evenly and is more than enough for 4 people (I would think it could serve up to 8, definitely could do 6). The whole apparatus feels very solid like it was built to last.

Included also is a metal rack that that can be used to steam food (we used it for shumai and gyoza / jiaozi / potstickers.) We had been using our rice cooker for this, but the HPS-MC3 is a lot larger allowing you to steam a whole meal's worth and the design is such that it's easy to put it on your table and eat your food fresh from the steam.

The HPS-MC3 also includes a grilling plate which we might use some day but we haven't used it for that purpose.

I would highly recommend the HPS-MC3 for your home hotpot needs. Also, you can find it for less than $100 on other websites, but just make sure to do your math because shipping is free over $25 on Amazon but other websites have different policies.

Hot pot, shabu shabu, Chinese fondue--whatever you call it, this thing rocks it.5
I am cheap (Asian), and was not keen on plopping down $100 on this cooker. Totally worth it. I got it after I saw some little old ladies at 99 Ranch buying one!

Cooks hot pot like a CHAMP. I was using a single burner with a divided hot pot pot (lol) on top and I had to boil a separate pot the stove to keep up with demand (feeding 4 adults). No more! This thing is sooo convenient. Super easy to adjust the temperature and it heats up quickly.

Nice safety feature that it has a magnetic power cord, in case someone trips over it or you have kids. It stays on just fine.

Also works great as a steamer.

The finish is conducive to easy cleanup.

The grill part...well, I mean...it's essentially a one-sided George Foreman grill. Nothing too special there--but it is very easy to clean.

Buy it! You know if the old Chinese ladies at 99 Ranch were buying, it HAS to be good.

Presto 06003 Options Electric Multi-Cooker/Steamer

Product Description

All-purpose kettle for stews, roasting and steaming. Fully submersible with Control Masterheat control removed. Heavy cast aluminum body with non-stick surface inside and out. Lift-and-drain basket for steaming. Cast aluminum base with non-stick surface inside and out. Glass cover, metal basket with handle. Removable heat control. 1300 watts

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #11253 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Brand: Presto
* Model: 340707
* Number of items: 1
* Dimensions: 10.00" h x 13.00" w x 13.30" l, 7.10 pounds

Features

* All-purpose kettle for stews, roasting and steaming.
* Fully submersible with Control Masterheat control removed.
* Heavy cast aluminum body with non-stick surface inside and out.
* Lift-and-drain basket for steaming.
* 9.25x9.50x11.75 weight 5.91


Customer Reviews

Yes, it IS a fryer, and a good one, too!5
I bought this EXACT model in 2001, and along with steaming, blanching, roasting, etc., it clearly advertises itself as a "deep fryer" of which it does an excellent job. The manual even includes full frying instructions!

If Presto has decided to now say "don't fry in this", it is strictly a legal move. The problem is that Presto's "fry daddy" line has no temperature control, and it's preset low enough so that you can't set any frying liquid on fire. But these also have no versatility.

The multi-cooker can do so much more, because you can set the temperature from "warm" to 400 degrees. This is higher than the smoke point of some frying mediums (lard and shortening in particular) and therefore IF you don't know the smoke point of what you're using, you can get in trouble. This is probably why Presto's lawyers decided to say it's not a fryer anymore, although it clearly is. I, however, will happily continue to use my multi-cooker to make great fries, fried shrimp and chicken, donuts, etc. in addition to steaming and blanching vegetables, as well as braising. It's the most versatile appliance I own!

IT DOES iT all and then some ....5
I just got this today at Walmart for more than 1/3 off Amazon's price and it says plain and clear that it IS for frying among other things..I tried it an the temp was accurate too. IT also has one of those new magnetic type cords for saftey and you can stick all of it (the pot and lid) in the dishwasher except the cord and thermostat thing. This is a great deal! IT does the job off a fryer, steamer and a crock pot and cost less than most of them do by themselves. I tried the steamer fuction too and it works great! I highly reccomend this, Try it , you won't be dissapointed!

Presto.....The only way to go!5
I come from a large family, so i do a lot of cooking. This year everyone came to my house for Christmas, and not only was my mom impressed with my cooking,but also the way everything taste coming out of the steamer.She actually tried to take it home with her.... A week earlier, some of the guys came over, and my wife made her famous deep fried hot wings. The guys went nuts, especially, my brother Jarrick, he loved that there was little mess and because of the drop basket and tempature gauge, not mistakes.I'm buying one for my mom and my brother, at least that way i know i can keep my own! Thanks Presto

Sanyo ECJ-F50S Micro-Computerized 5-Cup Rice Cooker and Steamer

Product Description

Enjoy healthy cooking prepared easily in this mult-function unit. Making rice, soup and steaming vegetables is easy as Sanyo has incorporated the latest in micro-computerized technology in this attractive cooker. Eliminate uneven cooking with the extra thick 3.5mm titanium coated inner pot that makes sure you get no cold or undercooked areas. Since the inner pot is thick, heat distribution is more even and remains constant throughout the cooking process. This results in food prepared as you expect. Multiple rices such as white, brown, rinse-free, mixed, sweet, sprouted brown and the Korean specialty dish Dol Sot Bi Bim Bab are started simply by locating the water level marked on the inner pot for each type of rice, pouring water to the correct marking, selecting the type of rice by pushing the menu key and pushing the start button. Doesn't get much easier than that! In addition, the menu key has settings for slow cook (soups and stews), porridge, steaming and quick cooking. The multi-language instruction manual (English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese) with recipes is easily understood and guides you through the different cooking operations. A unique steaming tray is included that allows not only preparation of vegetables but incorporates the ability to steam eggs. Want your food ready after a hard day at the office? Preset your food to cook up to 24 hours ahead of time with the LCD clock/timer. Running a little late even though you have your food timed? An automatic keep warm function will make sure prepared food is kept at its optimum heat level for up to 12 hours. Easy cleanup is managed with the non-stick inner pot and removable steam vent. A retractable cord and carrying handle make it convenient to bring the food right to your dining area. A measuring cup, non-stick spatula and multi-language manual with recipes included are packaged in the carton. White color with stainless steel accents.


Customer Reviews

The best ever!! Perfect!!! The best in the Line!! Better than the 5.5 cup!5
People who are addicted to Zojirushi may change their mind when they discover how great the Sanyo ECJ models are!! I have the ECJ-F50S, pretty much the same as the D55S but with a thicker titanium coating--3.5 mm!! The 5.5 cup only has 2.5 mm thick titanium coating. It's super durable and cooks rice perfectly! We have been using rice cooker our whole life and this is the best we have used so far! If size doesn't really matter, go for the 5 Cup F50s model, that one is much better!


Favored by the Japanese5
I work for a Japanese owned company, so I did a little survey prior to purchasing a rice cooker. Of the many Japanese nationals working in my office the majority said that Sanyo was the preferred rice cooker for their families. They specifically recommended the ECJ-F50S model, by and large they all preferred Sanyo over Zojirushi. I look forward to using my new rice cooker, knowing that persons who eat rice three times a day (per their description, not mine) prefer this machine.

Zojirushi NS-TGC10 Micom 5-1/2-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer, Stainless Steel

Product Description

The Zojirushi versatile Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer cooks perfect rice and even bakes cakes. The features are as follows: Advanced fuzzy logic technology; New multi-menu cooking functions: white/sushi rice, mixed rice, porridge, sweet rice, brown rice, cake and quick cooking; New easy to clean clear coated stainless steel exterior; Black think inner cooking pan; detachable and washable inner lid; easy to read LCD control panel; interchangeable melody and beep signal.


Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #504 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Color: stainless steel and white
* Brand: Zojirushi
* Model: NS-TGC10
* Dimensions: 9.00" h x 14.00" w x 10.00" l, 8.35 pounds

Features

* 5-1/2-cup rice cooker and warmer with advanced fuzzy logic technology
* Multi-menu cooking functions; LCD control panel; keep warm; timer
* Black, thick, inner cooking pan and heating system provide even heating
* Spatula, spatula holder, and rice-measuring cup included
* Measures 14 by 10 by 8-1/2 inches


Customer Reviews

Very Good, but not Perfect4
I bought this rice cooker a month ago and we used it almost every day. We used it to cook white rice most of the time. I have tried brown rice once and sponge cake twice.

White Rice: Taste and texture-wise, it's the same as my other rice cookers. But it takes 45min to cook (vs 20min in others). There is a Quick Cook feature, but that is 30min still. There is 1 noticeable difference with the rice, it tastes very good the next day with microwave reheating.

Brown Rice: Texture-wise, there is a huge difference from my other rice cookers. The brown rice is soft and plum, but it takes almost 2hr to cook.

Sponge Cake: The cakes collapsed both times after I opened the lid.


Features I like:
- Retractable power cord
- Non-stick coating bowl
- Music indicator of when it starts and ends
- "Bumpy" spatula and spatula holder on the side

Features I don't like:
- No condensation collector
- Having to clean inner lid every time

Perfect Size & Perfect Rice - Glad I Got This Instead of the NS-LAC055
Just got this rice cooker this afternoon & immediately tried it out making one "Zojirushi cup" of sticky short grain white rice I bought at a Japanese grocery store. I just finished gobbling it up with a little soy sauce and it was DELICIOUS! The rice came out perfectly - nice and sticky (I can't wait to make some sushi with it!), but not watery at all and cooked perfectly.

I was really torn between this model and Zojirushi's NS-LAC05 3-Cup model. Most of the time, I will be cooking rice for only 2 people, so the 3-Cup NS-LAC05 seemed ideal. But, on the other hand, I liked the flexibility of getting this bigger 5 1/2-Cup model - e.g., when having company over for dinner, or for cooking "one pot" rice-based dishes - I thought I could use the extra room in both cases. And, this bigger model can make cakes, where as the 3-Cup is too small. The only thing that worried me about getting this bigger model was I wondered if it would cook a small amount (i.e., one "Zojirushi cup") of plain rice as well as the smaller model - after all, that is what I would be doing most of the time.

Well, the flexibility won out in the end (as well as the surprisingly lower price of the NS-TGC10 on Amazon - $10 cheaper than the smaller NS-LAC05). And my worries about making a small amount of plain rice in the NS-TGC10 turned out to be unfounded as I discovered in my test run.

So, if you are torn between these two Zojirushi models, I recommend this one - $10 cheaper & more flexibilty. Plus, judging from the dimensions of both, it is not much bigger than the NS-LAC05 so it won't take up significantly more kitchen counter space.

Excellent Rice Cooker: Wish It Played Something Other Than Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star!5
Seriously, it plays Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star when you start it. But, we love it!

This is my second Zojirushi rice cooker with fuzzy logic. I received the first one as a gift 10 years ago and it still works fine. We got this one, because we wanted a smaller cooker that didn't take up as much space in our overloaded kitchen. Our old cooker is a 10-cup model and worked flawlessly. The new model is much improved. The retractable cord is an excellent feature and the cooker is easy to program. It is also easy to clean and nonstick. Cooks rice to perfection. Yes, it's expensive, but it does an excellent job and it's built to last. We had originally gotten a cheaper brand ($40) to replace our old Zojirushi. Big mistake. It lasted less than a year. Zojirushi is much higher quality and we look forward to another decade or more of regular use. Highest recommendation!!

Update May 2009: Still using this cooker regularly. Does a great job and is holding up well!! No problems.

Black & Decker 20-Cup Rice Cooker - Stainless Steel (RC866)

Product Description

20-Cup Stainless Steel Rice Cooker
The fast, simple way to cook your favorite types of rice. Cook firm or fluffy specialty rice to perfection without stirring or watching the pot. The convenient lid hanger and condensation catcher keep your countertop dry and make serving easy.

Features:
# Steamer basket — great for fish or vegetables
# Removable nonstick cooking bowl for fast, easy cleanup
# Makes up to 20 cups of cooked rice — ideal to please a crowd
# Automatically keeps rice fresh and warm for hours
# Handy lid hanger with condensation catcher keeps water off your countertop
# Includes measuring cup and serving scoop

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #45205 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Brand: Black & Decker
* Model: RC866
* Dimensions: 7.00 pounds

Features

* Black & Decker RC866 20-Cup Stainless Steel Rice Cooker
* APPLICA CONSUMER PRODUCTS INC

Aroma ARC-940SB Cool-Touch 10-Cup Rice Cooker and Food Steame

Product Description

This cool-touch rice cooker from Aroma makes perfect rice, soups, stews and even steams meat and vegetables simultaneously. It flawlessly prepares up to 20 cups of any type of rice and automatically keeps it at serving temperature until you¿re ready to eat. The steam tray and easy one-touch operation make it a breeze to prepare entire family meals. Features a water reservoir that channels away excess condensation for rice that¿s light and fluffy ¿ every time. Includes measuring cup, steam tray and serving spatula.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #1541 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Color: Stainless
* Brand: Aroma
* Model: ARC-940SB
* Dimensions: 11.00" h x 10.80" w x 10.70" l,

Features

* 10-cup rice cooker housed in cool-touch brushed stainless steel
* Can simultaneously steam food or be used to cook soups and stews
* One-touch operation; auto keep-warm mode; condensation collector
* Handy indicator lights; includes measuring cup, steam tray, and rice paddle
* Measures approximately 10-4/5 by 10-4/5 by 11 inches; 1-year limited warranty


Amazon.com Product Description
Cooking healthy dinners at home doesn't have to mean a sink full of dirty dishes thanks to this convenient rice cooker and food steamer. The unit accommodates up to 10 cups of dry rice for a 20-cup cooked capacity, plus it can be used to steam meat, seafood, and vegetables separately or while simultaneously cooking rice. It also works great on cold winter nights for cooking up a batch of chili, beef stew, or chicken-noodle soup. To use, simply measure in the ingredients, close the lid, and press the lever down to the "on" position. At the end of the cooking cycle, the appliance automatically switches over to keep-warm mode, which maintains an ideal serving temperature without over-cooking. For added convenience, the appliance provides "cook" and "warm" indicator lights and a water reservoir that channels away excess condensation. Accessories include a measuring cup, steam tray, and rice paddle for serving up mounds of light, fluffy rice. Housed in beautiful smudge-proof brushed stainless steel that stays cool to the touch, the rice cooker measures approximately 10-4/5 by 10-4/5 by 11 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.


Customer Reviews

Excellent rice cooker. 5
I had researched several higher priced rice cookers (over $100) before buying this one. I came across it at Sam's Club ($30) and thought I should give it a try. I was skeptical at first, because most rice cookers in this price range received horrible reviews. However I was pleasantly surprised the first time I used it. It took 15 minutes or so to cook 3 cups of rice and it came our perfect, just like you would get from a good Chinese restaurant. I've never been able to cook rice like that before. It's great. It's also very easy to clean.

So far Jasmine & Brown Rice5
I ordered this item through Sam's Club because they offer service contract after the warranty, otherwise I would have bought it here on Amazon.

Anyway, I got the rice cooker today and made 2 batches of rice to test it out. First, I made 2 cups of Jasmine Rice. It came out perfect and fast. The package states 15-20 minutes, the cooker got it done in about 10 minutes.

The real test is always, the Brown Rice. I made 4 cups of Brown Rice to yield 8 cups. I followed the instruction booklets recommended amounts. I believe Brown Rice takes about an hour normally to cook, the cooker got it done in the range of 20 - 30 minutes. Perfect rice, fluffy, flavorful. WOW!

I have a bunch of more rice to try. Wild, Red etc. I will update once I get those done. However I have a feeling they will all end up the same.

Cleanup is easy, and the only thing that I had a problem with is the term "Cup". Normally we think of a "cup" being the measure we use when we cook, but apparently there is a a different "cup" measurement for the rice. The booklet states rice industry standards for the measurement. So 1 cup is less than what you get when you normally use the cup measure at home. So it's a bit miss leading when they say 10 cups, its probably closer to 8.

Good product for the paid price4
My wife bought this product more than one month back and below are some of the details mentioned about her likes and dislikes:
Likes:
1]Cooks rice well --soft and fluffy. Depends on the individuals on how they want the rice to be cooked[For those who want the rice to be fluffy for one measure of rice add 3 cups of water.] Unplug immediately once it turns to warm and keep the rice pot outside else rice becomes bit harder.
2]since its a 10 -cup rice cooker, best for larger families(2+) or for those wherein guests keep coming.
3] Steamed vegetables comes out good
Dislikes:
1] Starch content form the rice which getting collected at the bottom if u dont turn the rice, using the spatula provided, almost at the end while cooking.
2] Cleaning though its nonstick- as u need to clean the vessel lid, steam vent, condensation collector and the inside lid of the rice cooker. Also some starch from rice at the top edges of the cooker. But still no isssues better than Indian Pressure cookers :-) as they are not heavy.

Zojirushi NHS-10 6-Cup Rice Cooker/Steamer & Warmer, White

Product Description

Plump, tender and moist grains of rice, with the option of colorful steamed veggies, can be yours with this cooker/steamer. No need to worry about rice drying out and sticking to the sauce pan either, as the "keep warm" function will maintain ideal temperature and consistency until you're ready to serve. Use the steamer basket for chicken, seafood, or vegetables - healthy cooking was never this easy!

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #570 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Color: White
* Brand: Zojirushi
* Model: NHS-10
* Number of items: 1
* Dimensions: 9.40" h x 9.40" w x 9.30" l, 4.70 pounds

Features

* 6-cup cooker/steamer and warmer steams foods to perfection and keeps them warm
* Stainless steel steaming tray and removable, easy-to-clean, nonstick inner cooking pan
* See-through glass lid and automatic keep-warm function that activates immediately after food is cooked
* Durable stay-cool handles for safe handling
* Includes measuring cup, spatula, and removable cord for easy storing


Amazon.com Review
From carrots to cauliflower, cabbage to eggs, and rice to potatoes, this 6-cup cooker/steamer and warmer from Zojirushi steams foods to perfection and keeps them warm. The set includes a removable steaming tray, nonstick cooking pan, measuring cup, and spatula--the removable parts make this steamer easy to clean, and a removable cord makes it easy to store. Watch the foods while they cook through the clear glass lid or watch the cooking switch that pops up when the food is ready. There's also an automatic keep-warm system activated immediately after rice is cooked, and durable stay-cool handles make for safe handling. This attractive rice cooker measures 9-1/4 by 9-1/4 by 9-1/4 inches. --David Drury


Customer Reviews

Best thing next to the fuzzy-logic units5
I love my rice cookers. I use them not only to make rice, but for all sorts of one-pot meals. Put in a cup of rice, vegetables, meats or seafood, seasonings, tofu... and a half hour later you have a steaming hot one-pot meal. They're also good for pilafs and other grain dishes.

The Zojirushi and Panasonic units are all first rate, BUT you need to know a little something about cooking rice beyond what's in the poorly worded manuals.

Different rice takes different amounts of water. The long-grained rice Americans are used to should be cooked with 1-3/4 cup of water for each cup of rice. Japanese rice needs only 1-1/4 cup of water for each cup of rice, or 1 cup of water for each cup of washed, wet, rice.

Many Americans (and Europeans) have problems with these cookers because the measure ments are calibrated for Japanese short grain rice, and the Westerners are cooking long grain rice. Get the ratios correct, and everything works out fine.

I've had a number of rice cookers of different sizes. My Panasonic has lasted over 20 years, and my Zojirushi looks like it'll last just as long, while my South Bend gave up the ghost after only a year. Go with the top Japanese models; they're made for day-in and day out cooking.

An excellent rice cooker5
For a long time, I didn't see a need for a rice cooker. What's the big deal, I thought, of cooking rice on the stove? However, as my life got busier and busier, I began to want one. For one, I cook rice at least twice a week, often more. Second, I thought it would be convenient to start up a rice cooker and then not worry about the rice until I was ready to put dinner on the table. This Zojirushi model is perfect for this. After the rice is cooked, it automatically switches to a "Keep Warm" setting.

A few tips about cooking rice in this model:

1. Follow the water/rice ratio directions on the rice box, NOT in the manual.

2. Fluff the rice when the cooking is complete and then let it steam longer on the "Keep Warm" setting. If you don't fluff, sometimes the rice browns a little on the bottom.

3. Use high-quality rice.

Although I rarely use converted rice (Uncle Ben's Original), I decided to give it a shot in this cooker. The results were barely satisfactory, since the rice browned on the bottom. I don't have this problem with jasmine and other premium rices. I suppose unplugging the appliance immediately after the cooking is done (and letting it steam without the warmer on) might help. My own solution is to stick with the better rices.

Other reviewers have noted a spitting through the steam hole during cooking. This is less of a problem with small quantities than large. The starchy steam doesn't bother me since the same thing happens to the side of a saucepan when I cook a lot of rice on the stove. The cooker is SO easy to clean that I can't imagine complaining about a wipe down of the counter. (Hey, I have to do that anyway!)

You'll be surprised by how simple this appliance is - and how well it works. Recommended for people who cook small to medium amounts of rice at least two times a week.

Perfect rice, every time5
I've used less expensive rice cookers, but they don't measure up to the Zojirushi rice cookers. I used to have the 10 cup model, but that one was a little too large for me (it would be great if you're cooking rice for more than 5 or 6 people). This 6-cup cooker is perfect whether you are making 1 cup or 6. Just put the rice in (remember to wash it first), add water up to the line indicated, and push start ... when it turns off, you have perfect rice. No more boiling water, stirring, boiling over, or burned pans!

Black & Decker RC3406 6-Cup Rice Cooker, White

Product Description

Enjoy up to 6 cups of perfectly cooked rice in the Black & Decker RC3406. The non-stick pot and tempered glass lid are dishwasher safe for easy clean-up. When cooking is done, the unit automatically switches from cook to warm. In addition to cooking rice, you can also steam vegetables in the included plastic steamer basket. You'll enjoy the convenience of the included rice scoop and measuring cup. Makes 6-Cups of cooked rice.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #1101 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Size: 6-Cup
* Color: White
* Brand: Black & Decker
* Model: RC3406
* Dimensions: 7.40" h x 8.66" w x 8.66" l, 2.66 pounds

Features

* Dishwasher-safe nonstick inner cooking pot, makes 6-cups of cooked rice
* Stay-cool lid handle and side handles, "cook" and "warm" indicator lights
* Tempered glass lid with steam vent; automatic keep-warm mode
* Includes measuring cup, rice paddle, and plastic steamer basket
* Measures approximately 8-2/3 by 8-2/3 by 7-2/5 inches


Amazon.com Product Description
With the press of a lever, this electric rice cooker makes up to 6 cups of cooked rice--perfect for individuals or small families. Simply add virtually any type of dry rice, measure in the water, and turn the unit on. The cooker's tempered glass lid with a steam vent keeps in heat and moisture and allows for checking on food at a glance, while its automatic keep-warm mode maintains an ideal serving temperature without over-cooking. Other highlights include a stay-cool lid handle and side handles, "cook" and "warm" indicator lights, and a nonstick inner cooking pot that removes for easy cleaning by hand or in the dishwasher. Accessories include a measuring cup, rice paddle, and instruction manual. The rice cooker measures approximately 8-2/3 by 8-2/3 by 7-2/5 inches.


Customer Reviews

GREAT VALUE5
I am very impressed with this rice cooker. Many of the reviews for other brands were not very encouraging. I thought that Black and Decker has never let me down, so I gave it a shot. I measure exactly as directed on the instructions and the rice comes out perfect. I even substitute broth for the water and add my own blends of spices based on my cravings that particular evening. The cleanup is fantastic. I am going to buy one for my daughter and grandson this Christmas. We have used this cooker about 12 times now and the results are consistent. Please note the smaller size of this unit if you cook very large amounts of rice at one time.
** I have now owned this cooker for 7 months and am still amazed at how well it works. It remains so easy to clean up even after using it about 2-3 times per week. It has always produced perfect rice. And, that is even when I add lots of different items for a variety of rice dishes.

Works great5
After getting it I was able to easily cook sushi rice as well as accurately gauge how much rice to cook for four people without waste. I have yet to burn a batch and the item itself is idiot proof, flip the switch and go find something else to do. The warmer function works as advertised and I have been able to successfully leave the rice in for over an hour with no adverse effects. Highly recommended!