Photograph: Usha International
We are largely a nation of rice-lovers. To most of us, a simple meal of rice and dal is comfort food. So a device that does away -- to a great extent -- with the problem of too little or too much water, burnt rice and keeping watch over the rice pot, will save both time and energy for a lot of us. With varying options available in the market, Ramesh Chembath, Business Head – Kitchen Appliance, Usha International gives you tips on selecting the right rice cooker.
1. The first feature to look out for is a nonstick coated inner pot. This ensures hassle-free cooking.
2. Cook and Keep Warm indicators are essential. This setting enables the food to remain warm even after it is cooked.
3. To control the temperature while cooking, the cooker should have an automatic thermostat. Look out for this feature during your purchase.
4. Trivet plate is another important feature of a cooker as it helps in keeping the food warm and prevents the food from touching the base or bottom of the cooker.
5. Check whether the product has a detachable cord. This feature ensures that the cooker is easy to store. The cooker can also be used as a portable server minus the cord hanging behind.
6. Ensure attachments such as rice spoon, measuring cup and steamer accessories are available with the product. Ask if the product can be used for multiple cooking such as steaming vegetables, etc that can help you in different cooking needs.
7. The warranty of the cooker needs to be checked for a hassle-free service.