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A rice cooker is a medium sized electrical appliance that steams or boils rice.
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History
The automatic rice cooker was first manufactured in the 1940s by the Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. The cooker had no timing mechanism and was simply a pot with a heating coil. The popularity of the device would coincide with the popularity of electronic appliances in the 1950s. Later models included a temperature controlled outer shell and an inner thermometer which would gauge the sudden rise in temperature, caused by the absorption of water by the rice. This process signals that the rice is done.Types of Rice Cookers
There are several types of rice cookers which operate on the same principle. The electronic and gas variety work when the water in a small container is completely absorbed by the rice. With no water in the basin, the temperature rises. The thermostat will then signal the cooker to automatically shut off. Microwave rice cookers operate via a timing mechanism.Top Brands
Most rice cookers are made in Asian countries, as rice is a general staple of the Asian diet. The most prominent Asian brands are Zojirushi, Sanjo and Tiger Corporation. Familiar American brands include Aroma, Black & Decker and Panasonic.-
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Rice Cookers Questions
Help me choose a new 10-cup rice cooker. 5 AnswersThis one is little more than $100, but has a lot of customer reviews giving it an average 4.5 stars out of 5:$127.53 (free shipping) -- Sanyo ECJ-D100S10-cup mi... read more
How long can you keep cooked rice in a rice cooker? Could you also suggest a soft-sticky white rice? 1 AnswerLasts about 2 days in the cooker. Hinode might be a good rice for you. http://www.hinode.us/images/5%20Lb%20CR%20-%2001.jpg read more
Some of the ingredients for sushi rice are not available in my stores. Can I substitute rice vinegar? 2 AnswersSubstitutes: apple cider vinegar (also add a pinch of sugar if you like) OR white wine vinegar OR 3 parts white vinegar + 1 part water Jasmine rice has a sligh... read more
What is your favorite rice recipe for dinner? 2 AnswersI have a rice cooker with a steaming tray, so I can toss meat or vegies into the steam tray over the rice & let them cook together. I often do this with ca... read more



