Rice cookers and instant pots are both kitchen appliances that make cooking rice easy. Instant pots are becoming increasingly popular because they can not only cook rice but also make other dishes like soup, stew, or even porridge.
However, there are differences between the two that may be important for you to consider before deciding which one is right for you. Here are some things to know when deciding whether to get a rice cooker or an instant pot.
What are rice cookers?
Rice cookers are small kitchen appliances that allow you to cook rice without using a stove. You need to measure out the right amount of rice and water, place it in the pot, and turn it on. The appliance will automatically shut off when the cooking is finished.
Many people like to use their rice cooker for more than just cooking rice—you can also use it for making other dishes like soup or porridge.
What are instant pots?
Instant pots are modern electric pressure cookers. They work by sealing in food with heat, which increases the pressure of the cooker and cooks food 40% faster than conventional cooking methods. For that reason, it can cook rice, beans, meat, or anything else you might want to make.
Instant pots are also called multi-cookers because they can do more than just cook rice. You can use them to make dinner for your family quickly and easily without having to use multiple appliances at once. This is what makes them so popular!
How to choose between a rice cooker or an instant pot
If you don’t want to buy two appliances, a rice cooker and an instant pot, then the decision isnt easy.
However, if you’re set on getting one appliance that can do more than just cook rice and want to prioritize your time and money, then it’s worth considering which appliance will work best for you.
As mentioned, Instant pots are becoming increasingly popular because they can not only cook rice but also make other dishes like soup, stew, or even porridge.
If you want an appliance that can make more than just one dish without having to use another device, then an instant pot may be a better option for you.
On the other hand, if you mostly plan on making rice with your new appliance and would rather save the time of cooking multiple dishes in different pots at once instead of waiting for them all to finish cooking separately, then a rice cooker would be better suited for your needs.
Consider the size of your family
If you have a larger family, an instant pot may be the way to go. Instant pots are typically 1-2 quarts bigger than rice cookers, which means they can cook more rice at one time.
If you’re planning to make something other than rice with your cooker or pot, then this may not be as important of a factor.
Consider how much you cook each day
If you cook rice more than once a day, it might be worth investing in an instant pot. One of the main reasons people prefer to use an instant pot is that they take up less space than traditional rice cookers.
The Instant Pot Duo 3 Quart 6-in-1 Multi Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, for example, is about half the size of a standard rice cooker. If you plan on cooking more than one meal or dish at a time, this could make your life easier.
Some people like to use their rice cooker to make breakfast. But if you’ll only be cooking rice, it might make sense to get an instant pot instead.
Rice cookers often come with other functions to help with other meals like soup, stew, or porridge. They are usually cheaper when you purchase them without these additional functions too.
Consider your budget
Instant pots are more expensive than rice cookers. The average price for an instant pot is $109, while the average price for a rice cooker is under $50.
Conclusion
Which would you choose?
A rice cooker or an Instant Pot? There are pros and cons to both. A rice cooker is a great option for someone who cooks rice just a few times a week, while an Instant Pot is perfect for someone who cooks rice every day.
If you are trying to figure out which one is right for you, consider the size of your family, how much you cook each day, and your budget.