'Rice Cooker' Category

Arborio rice

What is Arborio rice
Arborio rice is a short-grained rice available all year round and is used mainly for preparing risotto.  Risotto is a tasty a versatile dish using meat and vegetables and is made best with Arborio rice.  In Italy, the word ‘riso’ means rice.  Arborio rice is grown in California and Texas but it was originally cultivated in Po Valley in Italy.  They are short, fat and slightly oval-shaped and has a pearly which exterior.  When arborio rice should be prepared like pasta with a slightly firm texture.  Due to the high amylopectin starch contecnt of this rice, when it is cooked, it releases the starch to give it its creamy consistency.   Arborio rice takes about 18 minutes to cook.

Complements
Risotto matches well with artichokes, asparagus, beets, crab, mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, peas, saffron, shallots, shellfish, truffles, veal, and wine.

An Arborio Rice Recipe “Emerald Green Risotto”
Here is a great recipe found on allrecipes.com to try.
Ingredients
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 onion, diced
* 1 clove garlic, crushed
* 1 cup Arborio rice
* 1 stalk celery, diced
* 1/3 cup dry white wine
* 4 cups boiling chicken stock
* 1 cup broccoli florets
* 3/4 cup sugar snap peas, halved
* 1 cup thinly sliced zucchini
* 1 cup fresh green beans, cut into 1 inch pieces
* 1/3 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions
1. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook and stir until the onion begins to turn golden brown at the edges, about 2 minutes. Pour in the rice, and stir until the rice is coated in oil and has started to toast, 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the celery and white wine.
2. Cook and stir until the wine has mostly evaporated, then stir in one third of the boiling chicken stock; continue stirring until incorporated. Repeat this process twice more, stirring constantly. Stirring in the broth should take 15 to 20 minutes in all. Add the broccoli, peas, zucchini, and green beans during the last 7 minutes of cooking, and cook until tender. Stir in the feta cheese and parsley before serving.

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March 27th, 2010 | Posted in Rice Cooker, Rice Cooker Recipes | 2 Comments

Zojirushi Rice Cooker

Zojirushi has consistently ranked top in terms of ratings and customer satisfaction levels and has been a benchmark for excellence and product innovation within the housewares industry for nearly 100 years.  Even today, Zojirushi continues to set new standards in advanced products for the home.  Don’ feel that you will sacrifice quality over price by buying a more value/budget rice cooker from this brand.  Zojirushi produces rice cookers of the best quality regardless if you are preparing meals for only one person to a large family size.

Product Line
Zojirushi offers products within the houseware industry such as Rice Cookers, Electric Boilers & Warmers, Electric Kettles, Breadmakers & Gourmet products, air Pot Beverage Dispensers, Thermal Carafes, Stainless Steel vacuum bottles, Lunch Jars, Home Environment, XUTTO Collection, Coffee & Tea products, and Restaurant & Hospitality Products.

Rice Cooker
Zojirushi offers several types of rice cookers to suit everyone’s needs.  The use of Fuzzy Logic technology and a spherical pan and heating system create “perfect rice” every time.  The warming function keeps rice “fluffy for hours” and you can cook all different kinds of rice.  All Zojirushi rice cookers have a durable nonstick inner cooking pan for easy cleaning, a special measuring cup to measure rice and a nonstick rice spatula for easy serving and some recipes.  The top selling rice cookers are the Zojirusi 5-1/2-cup Rice Cooker & Warmer.

National Rice Cooker Products
Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker & Warmer NP-HTC10/18
Induction Heating system rice Cooker & Warmer NP-HBC10/18
Induction Heating system rice Cooker & Warmer NP-KAC10/18
Induction Heating system rice Cooker & Warmer NP-GBC05
Neuro Fuzzy* Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-ZCC10/18
ZUTTO* Neuro Fuzzy* Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-DAC10
RIZO* Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-XAC05/NS-XBC05
Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-TGC10/18
Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-WAC10/18
Micom Rice cooker & Warmer NS-LAC05
Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-VGC05
Electric Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-PC10/18
Automatic Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-RNC10/18A
Rice Cooker/Steamer NHS-06/10/18

Whether you are buying a cheaper model from Zojirushi that produces less rice like the Aroma ARC814 4 Cup Rice Cooker suitable for a single person meal, to the Zojirushi NH-VBC18 10-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer with Induction Heating System which produces rice enough for an entire family, do not expect a sacrifice in quality.  This brand is top ranked in this industry by many consumers for their product satisfaction and produces high quality, delicious, and long lasting rice.

March 27th, 2010 | Posted in Rice Cooker, Rice Cooker Brands | 1 Comment

National/Panasonic rice cooker brand

The National brand has a long history dating back to 1927 when Konosuke Matsushita used it to sell his battery-powered bicycle lamps.  Panasonic Corporation, also known as Matsushita, used the National brand to sell Home appliances, personal appliances, and industrial appliances because it was arguably the first well-known brand of Japanese electronics and well-known throughout Asian as a reputable manufacturer of domestic appliances such as rice cookers and electric fans.  Since 2008, Matsushita changed its company name to Panasonic Corporation.  Due to trademark restrictions with other companies using the “National” name, Matsushita hopes to re-badge under the “Panasonic” name for greater recognition.

Product Line
Formerly known as National, Panasonic offers consumer products in Home appliances, accessories/supplies, audio, blu-ray Disc products, cameras/camcorders, personal health care, telecommunications, televisions, and video as well as business products and industrial products.

Rice Cooker
There are three types of rice cookers to choose from, the electric rice cooker, the fuzzy logic rice cooker, and the Panasonic rice cooker.  The electric rice cooker cooks, steams, and warms.  The Fuzzy Logic Rice Cooker offer you choices from the multiple cooking menu with the press of a button.  The Panasonic Rice Cooker also cooks perfect rice every time.  The prices can vary, depending on which product you select and ranges anywhere from $39.99 for a 3.3 cup rice cooker to $349.95 for the 20 cup Jar-O-Mat Rice Cooker/Vegetable Steamer.  Fuzzy logic cookers tend to be priced more but contain Fuzzy logic technology that rice is cooked perfectly without the guess work.

National Rice Cooker Products
3.3 Cup Rice Cooker
5.5 Cup Rice Cooker/Steamer
10 Cup Rice Cooker/Steamer
23 Cup Commercial Rice Cooker/Steamer
5.5 Cup Rice Cooker/Steamer
10 Cup Rice Cooker/Steamer
20 Cup Jar-O-Mat Rice Cooker/Vegetable Steamer
5 Cup Electronic Rice Cooker
10 Cup Electronic Rice Cooker/Warmer
5 Cup Fuzzy Logic Rice Cooker/Warmer
5 Cup Fuzzy Logic Rice Cooker/Warmer
10 Cup Fuzzy Logic Rice Cooker/Warmer
5 Cup Fuzzy Logic Rice Cooker/Warmer

The National brand, as part of the Panasonic Company, has been around for decades and is a well recognized brand throughout the world, especially in Asia.  They offer affordable and quality rice cookers that can compete well with other top brands in the market and makes use of the fuzzy logic technology to produce the perfect rice.  Although they are arguably the first well-known brand of Japanese electronics, their existence in the house-ware market has not been unrecognized.

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    March 27th, 2010 | Posted in Rice Cooker, Rice Cooker Brands | 5 Comments

    Sanyo Rice Cookers

    Sanyo is another subsidiary of Panasonic. Founded in 1947, Sanyo is a well respected electronics organization that offers Micro-computerized (Fuzzy Logic) Rice Cookers that are very state of the art, yet simple to use.  Their main focus is to become the “Leading provider of environment and energy related products” and touches on all aspects of the market in their product line.  They hope to redefine conventional ideas by taking a more environmentally friendly approach through unique technology and resources available.  This is a completely new aim and rice cookers are no exception.  There are 9 different micro-computerized rice cookers to choose from and basic rice cooker models as well.

    Product Line
    Sanyo is more diverse in the products they offer.  They sell Televisions, Cameras and camcorders, Home appliances, Air purification Systems, Massage and Health, Digital voice recorders, Projectors, Movies Electronics, Audio, HVAC, and even Eneloop and Eneloop bikes.

    Rice Cookers
    Their micro-computerized rice cooker units come in 3 cup to 10 cup(uncooked rice) models and provide both affordable and more expensive cookers depending on your preference.  Each model has an LCD Display, non-stick inner pot, removable lid and can most types of rice except usually haiga rice and sushi rice, depending on which model you buy.  They all have a quick cook cycle, keep warm cycle, 24-hour clock timer, carry handle, retractable cord reel, multi-language instruction manual and even comes with recipes.  Their product also incorporates fuzzy logic technology that ensures rice is cooked to perfection.

    Sanyo Rice Cooker Products
    5.5-Cup I.H. Pressure Rice Cooker & Steamer
    5-Cup Pressure Rice Cooker & Steamer
    5.5-Cup Micom Rice & Slow Cooker
    5.5-Cup Micom Rice & Slow Cooker
    10-Cup Micom Rice & Slow Cooker
    5-Cup Micom Rice Cooker & Steamer
    3.5-Cup Micom Rice Cooker
    3.5-Cup Micom Rice Cooker
    10-Cup Micom Rice & Versatile Cooker

    Sanyo is innovative in the products they offer and aims to be the leading provider of environment and energy related products which gives them that edge over other houseware companies.  Their environmentally friendly approce is refreshing and we are sure to see more of this green product gain popularity in the market.

    March 27th, 2010 | Posted in Rice Cooker, Rice Cooker Brands | 7 Comments

    Tiger Rice Cooker

    Tiger Corporation is a Japanese multinational manufacturer in China, Taiwan and the United States.  The Company was established in 1923 in Nishi-ku, Osaka and formerly known as Kikuchi manufacturing Company before changing it’s name in 1953.  Renowned for producing perfect rice that can be enjoyed all day long, Tiger brand is a well trusted brand with proven track record of great products.  Compared to less expensive rice cookers the difference in quality is amazing and worth the difference in price.  Rice cooks in about 15 minutes but can stay warm for the remainder of the day and their rice cookers can last for years without needing to be replaced.

    Product Line
    Tiger offers a wide range of product categories to meet consumer needs such as the electronic Rice Cooker/Warmer, kettles, coffee makers, grills, sport bottles, air purifiers, electric hot water dispenser, air pump jug/Handy jug, stainless steel vacuum products, and more. The electronic rice cooker/warmer combines both electronic technology with the latest in heat retention technology.  These cookers use fuzzy logic technology and are well known for cooking delicious rice and surpasses even the largest home appliance manufacturers in market share.

    Rice Cooker
    Tiger brand products are manufactured in a fully equipped factory to come out with products which uphold the highest quality, value and standard.  Each product is subjected to vigorous tests before they are released into the market such as durability tests of the pots, automatic inspection to test heat retention, and much more to ensure each rice cooker will perform flawlessly.  Tiger brands can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 based on the specification and your particular requirements.  It is durable, provides non-stick, and cooks fantastic tasting rice.  The Tiger Rice Cooker models typically go from 5.5 cups to 20 cups.

    Tiger Rice Cooker Products
    Tiger America 10 cup 3 in 1 Rice Cooker
    Tiger America 10 cup LCD Warmer Rice cooker
    Tiger America 10 cup Steamer Pan Rice Cooker
    Tiger America 4 cup electronic Rice Cooker
    Tiger America 8 cup electronic Rice Cooker
    Tiger America 5.5 Cup Fuzzy Logic Rice Cooker
    Tiger America 3 Cup Micom Rice Cooker
    Tiger America 5.5 Cup Hey Rice Cooker
    Tiger America 10 Cup Rice Cooker
    Japanese “Tiger” IH Rice Cooker, Sushi, 10 cups, 220V

    Tiger brand has perfected a rice cooker that cooks delicious rice in 15 minutes by incorporating both electronic technology with the latest heat retention technology that allows rice to be enjoyed all day long. tiger offers not only beautiful products but ones that are beneficial with their high regard for quality and performance, this brand will not leave consumers disappointed and is quite the bang for your buck.

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    March 27th, 2010 | Posted in Rice Cooker, Rice Cooker Brands | 3 Comments

    Types of Rice Available

    Throughout the world, there are over 40,000 different types of rice.  In America, Rice is divided into Long, Medium, and short grain.

    When cooking, here is a chart of how to measure the amount of water used to cook them with.

    • White, long grain – 1 3/4 cups of water per 1 cup of rice
    • White, medium grain – 1 1/2 cups of water per 1 cup of rice
    • White, short grain – 1 1/2 cups of water per 1 cup of rice
    • Brown, long grain – 2 1/4 cups of water per 1 cup of rice
    • Parboiled – 2 cups of water per 1 cup of rice

    Still, you can’t really go wrong if you just add two or 2.5 cups of water to each cup of rice; you don’t want your rice too dry.
    For Indian style rice like Basmati or Jasmine, less water is needed as drier rice is desired.  Use no more than 1 1/2 cups of water per 1 cup of rice. Use only 1 to 1 if you washed the rice previously. It is ok to add bay leaves or cardamom pods directly to the rice cooker to enhance the flavour.

    Long Grain Rice: These are long, lender kernels that are four to five times longer than its width.  When cooked, they separate well and are light and fluffy.

    Medium Grain Rice: They are shorter with a wider kernel, two to three times longer than its width.  Cooked medium grain rice is more moist and tender and has the tendency to stick together more than long grain rice.

    Short Grain Rice: This type of rice has a short, plump, and almost round kernel.  The cooked grains are soft and cling together.

    Sweet or Waxy Rice: Sweet rice is short, plum and has a chalky white kernel.  It loses shape and becomes very sticky when cooked.

    Aromatic Rice: The flavour and aroma of this rice is similar to a roasted nut or popcorn.  Aromatic rice has a higher concentration of characteristic aroma and flavour than other rice.

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    March 27th, 2010 | Posted in Rice Cooker | No Comments

    What is Fuzzy Logic?

    If you look around your house you will see several examples of fuzzy logic in action.  Products like shower heads, washing machines, air conditioners and even rice cookers use fuzzy logic.

    Wiktionary states that Fuzzy Logic is “A form of reasoning, derived from fuzzy set theory, whereby a truth value need not be exactly zero (false) or one (true), but rather can be zero, one, or any value in between.”  But what does that mean for regular people?

    Fuzzy Logic Examples

    Take the common expression that asks if the glass is half empty or if it is half full.  Well discrete logic or on/off logic, has two options for the answer.  Either the answer is the glass if half full or the glass is half empty.  If we apply fuzzy logic to the problem  the answer can be almost anything.  We can say its 0.1 empty or 0.8 full.

    Another example of this kind of logic could be in fuzzy logic washing machines.  The old on/off washing machines would use a mechanical timer to go through its various cycles, like wash , rinse and spin, thus resulting in length of wash time to be the same everytime.  The only problem with his is that it didn’t take into account how “dirty” the clothes were.  Modern washing machines on the other hand, have various sensors to detect how dirty or greasy clothes are which allow it to control and adjust rinse time, water temperature, spin spee and so on, thus resulting in cleaner clothes.  Just imagine a cooker using fuzzy logic can do for rice?

    How does fuzzy logic result in perfect rice??

    A digital rice cooker using fuzzy logic essentially acts as a highly trained chef would.  It monitors and adjusts the cooking time and cooking temperature depending on the type of rice in the pot and also by using its sensors to measure moisture in the rice that is cooking.  Just like a pro chef, you’ll get perfect rice everytime.

    March 17th, 2010 | Posted in Rice Cooker | 4 Comments

    Choosing a rice cooker

    There are several things to keep in mind when choosing a rice cooker.  When you are pricing it out you will need to know what additional features will you require from your digital rice cooker.  The brand of this kitchen appliance is
    also important.  The size that you will need is another component of your choice. What kind of material the inner pot is another thing to consider.

    Consider what features you will need

    • Do you need the rice to be ready at a certain time, say 6PM?
      Then you will need a cooker with a timer.
    • Does it have a “keep warm” feature?
      Maybe you don’t know exactly when you are going to eat, but would like the rice to stay a perfect tempature.
    • Does it have a retractable cord?
    • Does the color matter?
      You can get several different colors of rice cookers.  You can find one to match your kitchen.  You can get a  stainless steel rice cooker, brown, white, silver and even pink.
    • What kind of rice will you need to cook?
      Maybe you have plans for GABA brown rice, sushi rice or jasmine rice.   Maybe you wish to be able to cook certain recipes in your cooker like risotto , porridge, congee or even cakes.  Try to find a rice cooker that can do that for you.


    Brand of Rice Cooker
    Several brands have high reputations when it comes to rice cookers.  Companies like Zojirushi, Tiger, Sanyo and National or Panasonic produce high quality and reliable rice cookers.  In particular try to find models that are made in Japan.

    Size of Rice Cooker
    Fuzzy logic rice cookers come in all sizes.  You can get as small as 1 cup, or as big as 3 cup, 4 cup, 5 cup, 6 cup, 10 cup and all the way up to a massive 20 cup rice cooker.  When choosing the size, determine how many people you need to cook for  and how often in a day you will be eating rice.

    Also think of the counter space you may have in order to accommodate your rice cooker as this may also play a factor.

    Material of Inner Pot
    Maybe you’ll want an non-stick inner pot for easier cleanup.  Perhaps you want some material that is naturally non stick like clay or charcoal.  Perhaps the cooker requires a stainless steel pot.  Or maybe you want induction heating, so you’ll need a copper pot. 

    There are many things to look for in a rice cooker.   Try to choose carefully as for me, the fuzzy logic logic rice cooker is the best kitchen appliance.  I could live without a food processor, blender or even microwave, but I could not live without my Rice Cooker.

    Resources:
    http://home.howstuffworks.com/rice-cooker5.htm

    March 9th, 2010 | Posted in Rice Cooker | No Comments

    Types of Rice Cookers

    There are many types of rice cookers as you can cook rice in a variety of different ways, using a sauce pan or using a rice steamer or rice cooker.  The most easiest way is by using a on/off rice cooker or the ultra fuzzy logic rice cooker

    Sauce Pan

    Rice Steamer

    Rice cooker

    Fuzzy Logic Rice cooker

    March 9th, 2010 | Posted in Rice Cooker | No Comments

    Fuzzy Logic rice vs On/off rice cooker

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    March 9th, 2010 | Posted in Rice Cooker | No Comments