These days, there are a lot of different kitchen gadgets and utensils to choose from. And while some may seem like they’re the same thing, there’s actually a big difference between them.
For instance, many people use bamboo steamers and rice cookers interchangeably; but they’re not the same!
They both cook food, but they do it in very different ways. Read on to learn more about the differences between these two kitchen items and which one might be right for you.
What is The Difference?
A rice cooker and a bamboo steamer both cook food, but they do it in very different ways. The main difference is that a rice cooker cooks the food and then keeps it warm until you’re ready to eat. A bamboo steamer, on the other hand, only cooks the food without keeping it warm for a prolonged period.
Another difference between these two kitchen gadgets is that some rice cookers also function as pressure cookers. Bamboo steamers don’t have this capability.
When Would I Use One Over the Other?
When it comes to cooking rice, a rice cooker is your best bet. A rice cooker is ideal for those who want their rice to come out perfect every time.
They cook the rice evenly and they don’t need to be checked on during the process. Rice cookers are also great for cooking other foods, like oatmeal or quinoa.
When you’re making a dish that needs a little longer to cook, a rice cooker can be used as a slow-cooker as well.
On the other hand, if you’re making steamed vegetables, you’ll likely want to use a bamboo steamer. These can be used with any type of food and they don’t require any pre-soaking or preparing before use.
Bamboo steamers are also easier to clean up because they typically have parts that can be removed for easy cleaning.
A bamboo steamer is also great because it allows your food items to stay crispier than in a traditional pot of water on the stovetop.
So far, we’ve learned that a bamboo steamer is a good choice when cooking vegetables and that a rice cooker is better for cooking rice and other dishes with longer cook times. But what about when you want to cook both at the same time?
A large bamboo steamer will allow you to steam vegetables or meat without affecting the heat of your boiled or fried rice at all! It’s an excellent way to save time in the kitchen as well as money!
Conclusion
A steamer and a rice cooker both allow you to cook rice and steam vegetables and other foods. But which is better for your needs?
Rice cookers typically require less water than a bamboo steamer, and they cook rice more evenly. This is because the water is contained in the pan, which keeps the temperature more constant.
For vegetables you will typically need at least half the amount of water you need with a bamboo steamer.
Both of these options are great for cooking rice and steaming vegetables, but it seems they were designed for different purposes.