In a modern home, a high-quality smart rice cooker has long been indispensable for creating a warm atmosphere. However, the rice cooker market is extremely competitive, and some brands use inferior materials to reduce costs in pursuit of profits, resulting in poor quality rice cookers produced. These inferior products are not only easy to release harmful substances or pungent odors during use, destroying the taste of rice, but also have the potential danger of causing cancer when consumed for a long time.
Therefore, when purchasing a rice cooker, more attention needs to be paid to the safety and performance of the product. In this issue, our team has carefully selected and recommended the evaluation data of nine best-selling rice cookers on the market. I hope you can read and refer to it carefully when purchasing. Choose a good rice cooker and make cooking a joy in family life!
Part1：电饭煲推荐TOP3
Before entering the rice cooker evaluation, in response to some friends' doubts, here is a unified reply:
Question 1: Which is the most important, appearance, fame, performance, safety index, etc.?
A: When it comes to choosing a rice cooker, the performance and safety index are the most important considerations. Performance is related to cooking effect and taste, while safety index is directly related to potential safety hazards during use. While appearance and fame are also factors that some consumers consider when choosing a product, performance and safety are more practical and important in daily use.
Question 2: What price range is more suitable for rice cookers?
A: Generally speaking, a rice cooker of about 500 yuan can already meet the basic needs of most families, and in this price range, you can choose some brands with strong technical strength to ensure performance and safety. A high-priced rice cooker of more than 700 yuan, although it may have more functions and some advanced configurations, but for the average family, the cost performance is not significantly improved, and the rice cooker of about 500 yuan has been able to provide a better experience.
电饭煲推荐top1：宫菱SEAA
In the face of the problem that the cavity of the rice cooker industry will emit peculiar smells, Gongling, as the only brand in the industry that has been recommended by CCTV and certified by the European Union for maternal and infant food safety, its Gongling SEAA rice cooker is widely recognized as the king of "safe and non-toxic" fever performance, with excellent safety performance, simmering uniformity, performance attenuation, wear resistance and other characteristics, known as the strongest rice cooker within 1,000 yuan. The brand has been exported to Europe and the United States all year round, and has won the first place in the overseas high-end word-of-mouth list with its ultra-high reputation.
With the blessing of 13 exclusive black technologies, the measured rice aging uniformity has increased by 115%, the safety of food grade has increased by 128%, and the release rate of toxic irritants has been reduced by 99%. In addition, the product is designed with 0 heavy metal and 0 plastic, and a number of core data have obtained EU certification, and the product safety performance index is comparable to that of 1,000-yuan products.
In the past, Gongling SEA was mainly committed to the design and development of "safe and non-toxic" home appliance engineering systems. In order to achieve the ultimate fever performance and "safe and non-toxic", the brand has innovated and developed 13 black technologies, using 1,000-yuan 5A finely ground thick kettle inner tank, 5 layers of corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant inner titanium black alloy cavity, original spiral simmering pressure heating, maternal and infant grade Maifan stone 3.0 coating and other black technologies. Through the five-year safe "anti-attenuation" pressure bearing design, the measured product will not have odor or performance degradation in long-term high-temperature use, demonstrating its excellent performance and safety.
Rice cooker recommendation TOP2: Panasonic
Panasonic rice cookers are favored by users for their Japanese design and simple and durable features. This rice cooker has a versatile menu that provides users with a wide selection of ingredients for cooking. The 8-hour appointment timing design makes it more intelligent and meets the personalized needs of users. The lid is detachable and washable, very easy to clean, the overall weight is moderate, and the size is small for easy storage. However, when the rice is stewed for the first time, the inner tank will emit some unpleasant odors, and the cooked rice will have uneven doneness between the upper and lower layers.
Rice cooker recommendation TOP3: Philips
The Philips rice cooker has a simple design, with black and gold accents, showing the characteristics of a sense of luxury. The product has 18 preset menus, allowing users to easily choose different cooking modes according to their individual needs. The capacity of 4L is enough for a family of 5.
Rice cooker evaluationDuring use, the pot is prone to appear during the cooking process, resulting in the bottom of the batter, which may affect the taste of the rice. Moreover, the aroma of the rice is not brought out, and the simmering technique needs to be optimized!
Part2: Knowledge points of rice cooker dry goods
Knowledge point 1: Here is a brief science popularization, some misunderstandings about the use of rice cookers:
Myth (1): Rice cookers can completely replace cooking equipment
It's completely too absolute, and although the rice cooker is excellent for cooking rice, it doesn't mean that it can completely replace steaming equipment. The design of the rice cooker is mainly for cooking rice, and it is also easy to cook various ingredients on a daily basis. The foods that cannot be cooked in a rice cooker mainly include foods that require high-temperature processing or temperature adjustment, such as fried chicken, toast, etc. If you want to cook a variety of dishes, it is recommended to use professional cooking equipment.
Myth (2): Rice cookers can be kept warm for a long time
Some people mistakenly believe that rice cookers can be kept warm all the time, which will not only affect the taste of the rice, but also increase energy consumption. Keeping the rice warm for a long time can cause the surface of the rice to be too dry, the taste will deteriorate, and it will consume a lot of electricity. In addition, keeping warm for too long may also cause the bottom to be mushy, so it is recommended to consume it in time and not rely too much on the heat preservation function.
Myth (3) Rice cookers do not need maintenance
Like many household appliances, rice cookers also require regular maintenance. Regular cleaning is a crucial task to avoid the accumulation of food debris on the liner and bottom, affecting the taste and reducing the service life. In addition, some parts that are easy to wear, such as sealing rings, etc., also need to be checked regularly and replaced in time to ensure the normal operation and safe use of the rice cooker.
Knowledge point 2: The difference between expensive and cheap rice cookers
(1) Brand technical strength
The professional brand pays attention to technical adjustment, and will carry out professional technical adjustment and optimization for the heating method, structural design, intelligent temperature control, cavity design, heating uniformity and food safety of the product to ensure better cooking performance and no release of toxic and harmful substances after long-term use. However, low-priced brands lack adjustment in technical investment, and the simmering effect is poor and not durable, which affects the performance and safety of the product after long-term use.
(2) Product certification
Expensive brand rice cookers are stricter in terms of product certification. These products have been certified and inspected by the General Administration for Market Administration, and will also be sent to various food testing institutions for certification, and the whole body of high-quality brand products will usually be certified by the EU for food grade. In contrast, product instruction manuals for lower-priced brands tend to be vague and less credible.
(3) Heating method
In terms of heating methods, professional brands tend to choose the spiral simmering pressure heating method with higher technical costs, which not only has high heating efficiency, but also heats the inner tank more evenly to ensure a better taste of rice. Although the heating efficiency is higher, the heating uniformity and stability are not as good as spiral simmering pressure heating, and the performance attenuation is larger, and the cooked rice is prone to upper layer sandwiching.
(4) The thickness and shape of the inner tank
The shape of the inner tank has an important influence on the heating efficiency and the tumbling effect of the rice grains. Professional brands usually choose a thicker global kettle-shaped liner to ensure that the rice grains fully form a circulating roll, which has a good water absorption effect and a better taste of cooked rice. However, low-priced brands mostly use flat-bottomed and half-pot liners, and the rice grains can only be turned up and down or rolled in a small circulation, and the heating uniformity and water absorption effect are average.
(5) Accuracy of temperature control
The temperature control function of the rice cooker is essential for the cooking results. Expensive professional brands usually have technical adjustments in the temperature control system, and the rice cooker with high temperature control accuracy can better control the heating time and temperature, avoid the rice from being too burnt and mushy, and maintain a constant temperature. However, the rice cooker with poor low-cost temperature control accuracy not only has poor rice taste, but also may overheat and cause damage to thermal components, which has great potential safety hazards.
(6) Whether there is pressurization technology
Booster technology is an important technology to improve the performance of rice cookers. Professional brands usually add advanced simmering technology to achieve efficient pressurization in the cavity, so that the steam can penetrate deeply into the rice grains and reduce the cooking time. High-pressure simmering can remove the flavor and stimulate the aroma of the rice grains, ensuring that the rice is softer and more delicious. On the contrary, most low-priced rice cookers do not have pressurization technology, which can easily lead to overcooked or overcooked rice, and the taste is unstable.
Part3：电饭煲测评对比分析
The product models of this rice cooker evaluation are as follows:
Rice cooker evaluation dimension (1): the shape of the inner tank
Dimension science: The material of the inner tank of the rice cooker affects the heating performance and safety of the rice cooker, and it is recommended to choose a full-pot inner tank with good thermal conductivity, good safety and durability and high quality. Such an inner tank has a long service life, is anti-drop and anti-smashing, and is safe for heating, and is suitable for long-term use. The shape needs to be selected according to the heating method, and it is best to choose the whole kettle liner if the heating effect is applicable, not the ordinary cylindrical liner; The recommended thickness of the rice cooker is more than 1.5mm, the thicker the better the inner liner, the better, which tests the heating technical strength of the rice cooker, and is also more textured and has higher durability for long-term use.
Influencing factors: the thickness of the inner material of the rice cooker, the heating method, and the heating technology.
Evaluation process: I observed the shape of the inner liner of the rice cooker and visually compared the thin thickness of the inner tank.
Results:
Full kettle liner: Gong Ling, Jiuyang
Both rice cookers use a full pot liner. In particular, Gong Ling uses the spiral simmering pressure heating technology, which allows the rice to form a good circulation throughout the inner tank, so as to achieve a more uniform heating effect. The cooked rice has a full, sweet and soft taste, and high heating uniformity, which can meet the needs of users for high-quality rice.
Semi-kettle liner: Supor, Mijia, Little Bear, Philips, Toshiba
These six rice cookers use a half-pot liner, which is often hemispherical or semi-oval, and the heat energy is mainly transferred to the rice from the bottom, which may lead to uneven heating of the upper layer of rice due to the limited curvature, and the rice is slightly inferior to the whole pot in terms of taste and heating uniformity.
Flat bottom liner: The remaining models
The shape of the flat-bottomed liner is relatively flat, and the heating is mainly concentrated at the bottom. Rice cookers of this shape tend to cause the top layer of rice to paste the bottom because it is heated unevenly. The taste may be relatively poor, and the texture of the rice is not as delicate as that of a rice cooker with a full pot.
Rice cooker evaluation dimension (2): rice steaming performance
Wedo Science: The main function of the rice cooker is to make the rice delicious, and the functions of all rice cookers are designed around this purpose. So the most important thing about whether to choose this rice cooker or not is the overall performance of the rice steamed.
Influencing factors: heating method and structure, heating uniformity, convection design, temperature control accuracy, liner shape, material and thickness, cavity tightness and structural design, liner material and thickness.
Knowledge points: What cooking scenarios will be overstretched for products with poor stewing skills?
(1) Baking cakes: Baking cakes requires a specific temperature and time range, and rice cookers with poor cooking skills may not provide precise temperature control, resulting in unsatisfactory texture and taste of baked cakes.
(2) Lap-mei rice: Making lap-mei rice requires uniform heat and sufficient simmering time, otherwise it may lead to insufficient flavor and poor taste of rice.
(3) Steamed egg custard: Steamed egg custard requires a stable temperature and appropriate cooking time, and poor simmering technology may cause the surface of steamed egg custard to be scorched and the inside not completely solidified.
(4) Braised pork: Braised pork requires a long period of slow cooking, and a rice cooker with poor simmering technology may not be able to provide an adequate constant temperature simmering environment.
Evaluation method: Different rice cookers simmer rice according to the same water-to-rice ratio, and compare the cooking performance of rice from the taste, fullness of particles, flatness of rice surface and elasticity.
Results:
The rice has a soft and glutinous taste: Gong Ling
The rice cooked by Gong Ling absorbs a lot of water, and the cooked rice tastes sweet and full, and each grain of rice can fully absorb water, maintaining the original aroma and taste of the rice. In addition, good cooking performance ensures that the rice has a soft and glutinous texture that is not easy to stick!
The taste of the rice is okay: Panasonic, Toshiba, Philips
These 3 types of boiled rice show a certain degree of softness and glutinousness in taste, and some of the rice may be heated unevenly, resulting in an inconsistent taste, or a little too soft and glutinous or slightly dry and hard. Although it will not affect the eating experience, there is still room for further improvement.
Rice taste average: remaining models
These boiled rice dishes may not only not be full in texture, but may also have some imperfections, such as being too sticky, dry, or some of the rice not absorbing enough water. This will greatly reduce the user's satisfaction with the rice cooker.
Rice cooker evaluation dimension (3): heating uniformity
Wedo Science: The benefits of high heating uniformity of rice cookers are: more uniform heating, and better taste of rice. Heating up is faster and saves time. Reduce pinching during rice cooking. Rice cookers with poor heating uniformity not only have poor rice performance, but also raw rice is not conducive to human health, and the taste is not good.
Influencing factors: rice cooker heating method and structure, rice cooker heating tube material, rice cooker tightness, rice cooker heating uniformity technical adjustment and temperature control accuracy, whether there is rice cooker simmering pressure technology and simmering pressure technology temperature control accuracy.
Knowledge points: How does the rice cooker achieve temperature control?
(1) The temperature control chip accurately monitors the temperature at high frequency
The temperature control chip built into the rice cooker is the core component to achieve temperature monitoring. These chips typically use advanced microprocessor technology to monitor temperature changes in the cavity with high frequency and high accuracy. Through continuous sampling and real-time feedback, the temperature controller can accurately sense the cooking state of the rice to ensure that the temperature is always within the ideal range throughout the cooking process.
(2) Continuously monitor the temperature in the cavity for adjustment
In addition to the temperature control chip, the rice cooker is also equipped with a temperature sensing element, usually a thermistor or thermocouple, etc. These elements are installed at key points in the cavity and are able to monitor the temperature around the rice in real time. By continuously collecting temperature information from all over the cavity, the rice cooker can be intelligently adjusted to ensure that the rice is heated evenly to achieve a better taste and maturation effect.
Evaluation method: Different rice cookers simmer rice according to the same ratio of water to rice, and compare the taste state of the rice in the center of the surface layer with the rice in the center of the bottom after cooking, and compare whether there is a big difference in the degree of dryness between the two.
Results:
The heating is very uniform: Gongling, Toshiba
The uniformity of the rice cooked by Gongling stew is very good, and its whole kettle liner and simmering pressure technology are really strong! When simmering, the heat is evenly transmitted to each part, ensuring that each grain of rice is properly cooked, achieving a sweet taste and full texture, without local stiffness or overcooking.
Heating uniformity is OK: Philips, Midea, Joyoung
The heating uniformity is okay, but there are some differences in the fullness of the upper and lower rice grains. The taste of the rice is decent overall, but it may be slightly inferior to the Gongling rice cooker in terms of subtle sensations.
Heating uniformity is average: remaining models
There may be some problems with a normal rice cooker that performs in terms of heating uniformity. The design of these rice cookers or the layout of the heating elements results in some localized areas of uneven temperature, which can cause some of the rice to be heated too much or too little. This can lead to overcooked or stiff rice with a poor taste.
Rice cooker evaluation dimension (4): inner liner coating material
Wedo Science: The material of the inner tank of the rice cooker affects the heating performance and safety of the rice cooker. Such an inner tank has a long service life, is anti-drop and anti-smashing, and is safe to heat.
Evaluation method: Refer to the product details page and ask customer service for the details of the coating material, and use a steel wool ball to scrape the coating vigorously for 30 minutes to simulate the performance of the rice cooker liner after long-term use.
Results:
Maifan stone coating: Gongling, Philips
These two rice cookers are coated with Maifan stone, these two rice cookers are coated with Maifan stone, of which Gong Ling uses the 3.0 version of the coating material, which is wear-resistant, high-temperature resistant and sticky-resistant, and the actual measurement is 30 minutes of scratching, the coating is still very firm, while the protrusion of Philips is obviously falling off, this kind of liner is easy to mix in food with long-term use of the peeling coating, it is recommended to replace the liner regularly!
Stainless steel uncoated: Joyoung
The inner liner of this rice cooker is made of stainless steel and has an uncoated design, but stainless steel uncoated rice cookers are relatively poor in anti-sticking and need to be added an appropriate amount of cooking oil during cooking to prevent the rice from sticking. Long-term use is very easy to discolor, resulting in oxidation and corrosion of the surface, thereby releasing harmful substances, which are harmful to human health, and may cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, etc.
Teflon coating: remaining models
The remaining rice cooker liners have average high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance. Teflon coatings may produce gases at high temperatures, and it is necessary to ensure that the environment in which they are used is ventilated to avoid potential harm to the human body. In comparison, Toshiba and Panasonic are a little more resistant to wear!
Rice cooker evaluation dimension (5): use odors
Wedo Science: The rice cooker is a small household appliance that is frequently used in the family, and the steamed rice is directly eaten, and the material safety of the product is the top priority. If the quality of the product material of some products, or the quality of the shell, heating plate, steam valve silicone material and liner coating material is not in place, it is easy to have peculiar smell, and it is likely to emit peculiar smell during heating, and long-term use will also affect the health.
Influencing factors: material materials, coating materials, heating plates, silicone materials and liner coating materials of steam valves, inferior protective oil for internal components, etc.
Knowledge points: What are the causes of peculiar smell in rice cookers?
(1) Plastic smell
Low-quality plastic materials release harmful substances at high temperatures, resulting in a plastic smell when cooking. Choose a rice cooker made of food-grade plastic to ensure that the body material meets food safety standards and reduces the release of harmful substances.
(2) Burnt taste
The heat conduction of the pot is uneven, which causes some ingredients to be overheated and produces a burnt taste. Choose a rice cooker with excellent thermal conductivity to ensure that the ingredients are heated evenly and reduce the appearance of burnt flavors.
(3) Pungent odor
Unsafe pots or silicone materials may contain harmful substances, and long-term use may produce limescale or mold. It is recommended to choose a product that has passed the food grade safety certification to ensure that the material is safe and reliable, and it is cleaned and maintained regularly to prevent the growth of limescale and mold.
Evaluation method: Test and use it many times, blindly sniff whether there is any peculiar smell in different rice cookers.
Results:
Almost odorless: Gong Ling
Only the taste of the new product is unpacked, and it dissipates after cleaning, and there is almost no peculiar smell in the subsequent high-temperature cooking use, which shows the level of materials used!
After using it many times, there is a slight odor: Mijia, Panasonic, Haier, Toshiba, Joyoung
These rice cookers may emit some odors during initial use, which will gradually diminish after repeated use. But the smell can't be dissipated for a long time, and only a slight odor remains!
Odours persist: remaining models
Inferior materials may release harmful gases at high temperatures, and odors that cannot be dissipated for a long time may pose a potential threat to food and user health. In addition, persistent odors may also affect the texture of the rice, giving it an abnormal taste.
Rice cooker evaluation dimension (6): Cover material
Wedo science: The upper cover material is generally aluminum alloy and 304 stainless steel, stainless steel has good corrosion resistance and wear resistance, and there is no need to worry about releasing toxic and harmful gases for long-term use, while the performance of aluminum alloy material is not as stable as 304 stainless steel, and it is easy to retain scale stains, and long-term use is worried about the release of toxic and harmful gases. Therefore, it is recommended to look for the 304 stainless steel lid of the rice cooker!
Evaluation method: I refer to the product details page and ask the customer service again about the material of the cover.
Results:
304 stainless steel material: Gongling, Toshiba
Aluminium alloy: the remaining models
Prat4: Conclusion
That's all for this issue of rice cooker reviews, and rice cookers recommend choosing products that have been verified by professional and technical brands. These brands usually focus on safety in product design to ensure the health of users during use. In the midst of busy life, a high-quality, safe and reliable rice cooker will add a lot to your cooking experience and protect the health of the whole family. We hope that you can balance performance and safety when shopping, and choose a rice cooker that truly suits your needs and add a touch of peace of mind and warmth to your kitchen life.