Rice steamers come in electric and microwave versions for home use, while gas steamers are preferred for restaurants. The best steamer depends on the type of rice and the amount needed, with some designed for Asian dishes and others with accessories for cooking other foods.
A rice steamer is a device that uses water to cook the grains in minutes. These types of home rice cookers usually come in electric varieties, but some people prefer the convenience of a microwave version instead. Steamers that run on gas, as opposed to electricity, might be the more appropriate version if you own a restaurant because they cook the rice faster. The best rice steamer you choose also depends on the type of grains you cook with, as some versions are more appropriate than others. Rice cookers come in various sizes and with special features, so you should consider the intended purpose of the product before purchasing.
Rice cookers most commonly come in the form of electrical appliances that take up little space in your kitchen. In fact, steaming rice is also a preferred method of cooking the grains over traditional boiling methods because it’s less labor intensive. A quicker and even more convenient method is a microwave rice steamer, which uses a plastic bowl, vents, and accessories. Keep in mind that rice cooked in a microwave-safe container usually doesn’t have the same texture as a regular steamer, and it may be difficult to control stickiness.
Professional steamers used in restaurants usually come in the form of gas-heated devices. These cookers are much larger than the home versions and also contain units that pressure cook the beans. Some home chefs prefer this type of steamer because they believe that pressure cooking rice makes the food taste better overall. It is important to know that if your home does not run on gas, this may not be a suitable appliance for you to use.
Most varieties of steamers are suitable for common grains, such as enriched white and brown versions, but you may need to seek out a different manufacturer if you cook specialty rice. If you are cooking Japanese cuisine, the best rice steamer is generally designed for Asian dishes. Such steamers tend to use water differently than traditional appliances, which makes the rice stickier for stir-fries and sushi.
The amount of rice you have to cook at one time is also a big factor in determining the best steamer. One rice cooker can produce up to 3 cups (570 grams) of rice, up to 30 cups (5.7 kg). Keep in mind that microwave versions usually make the least in one go. Your choice ultimately depends on how much rice you plan to produce on a regular basis. If you want to use your steamed rice for other purposes, you can choose a product that contains accessories for cooking other foods, such as vegetables and beans.
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