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Cooking rice is a process which needs constant monitoring and can be quite cumbersome with all the starch. It would greatly help if these both could be avoided. This is where an electric rice cooker comes in handy. Read below for details about the Sanyo ECJ-HC55S 5-1/2-Cup Micro-Computerized Rice Cooker and Slow Cooker, White. It sure comes in really handy!
What are electric rice cookers and why use them?
Traditionally a cooking process which requires attention to ensure the rice is cooked properly, electric rice cookers automate the process by mechanically or electronically controlling heat and timing. The rice cooker does not necessarily speed up the cooking process. However, the cook’s involvement in cooking rice with an electric rice cooker is reduced to simply using the correct amount of water. When the rice is determined to be fully cooked, the unit will automatically switch to the “warm” setting, thus preventing the rice from being overcooked, while also keeping it warm until it is ready to be served. The Mitsubishi Electric Corporation of Japan, in 1945, was the first company to produce a commercially available electric rice cooker.
Basic principle of operation
Usually removable, the bowl in the rice cooker can be easily cleaned. Beneath it is a heater and a thermostat. Pushing the thermostat against the bottom of the bowl for good thermal contact is a spring and this ensures accurate temperature measurement. Heated at full power, the rice/water mixture is eventually cooked. The temperature does not go above 100°C (212°F) — the boiling point of water. By the time the cooking is done, some of the water will have been absorbed by the rice. And, the rest is boiled off. When the heating continues past that point and the temperature exceeds the boiling point, the thermostat trips, switching the rice cooker to low power “warming” mode. In this mode, the temperature is approximately 65°C (150°F). Simple rice cookers may just turn off at that point.
What to look for when buying an Electric Rice Cooker
- Are you a discerning cook?
- How much do you want to spend on the electric rice cooker?
- Which pieces/sizes are you looking for?
- How often do you cook rice?
- Other than rice, what else do you intend to use the electric rice cooker for?
- Is it dishwasher safe?
- Are the handles comfortable?
Designed use / How does it work
Combining innovation with technology, the Sanyo rice cooker is a new multi-use appliance from Sanyo, a company known for its cooking products.
What is included?
Two separate inner pots
The unit Including two separate inner pots and inner lids to keep slow cooked dishes separate from rice, the Sanyo rice cooker thereby maintains the integrity of the rice flavor. The titanium-coated The extra-thick (3mm) titanium coated non-stick rice-cooking inner pot provides a round bottom for maximum heat distribution, optimum cooking, and effortless food release and helps ensure perfectly cooked rice. The 5-1/2-cup (11 cups cooked) rice cooker provides a variety of multi-menu, one-touch selections, including programs for white, brown, mixed, rinse-free, sushi, and haiga rice.
Micro-computer technology
The cooker’s micro-computer chip technology, depending on the program entered, automatically adjusts the temperature and cooking times. Steaming vegetables with a timer, the timer is programmable for up to 58 minutes.
Slow cooker mode
Functioning as a slow cooker, the Sanyo rice cooker can be used for cooking soups or stews. It can be programmed to slow cook for up to 12 hours on either the high or low temperature setting.
Functionalities
This Sanyo rice cooker can make top-quality rice dishes, slow cook stews or soups, steam vegetables, boil eggs, and even make tofu. Truly, it is an impressive micro-computerized machine.
LCD clock & 24-hour preset timer
Equipped with an LCD clock and 24-hour preset timer, a keep-warm function, a retractable cord, the cooker has a carrying handle for taking cooked food right to the table.
Accessories
A special container for making homemade tofu, a steaming tray, a measuring cup and a spatula are included accessories.
Multi-language instruction manual & Martin Yan recipe booklet
In addition to a multi-language instruction manual, a recipe booklet from Martin Yan featuring 16 original recipes from the celebrated master chef is included. The Sanyo rice cooker is ideal both for home chefs who like to display kitchen appliances on the counter and for the professional as well. The good-looking cooker elegantly blends in with a wide range of kitchen designs.
Product details / Does it include warranty?
The Sanyo rice cooker measures 13 by 10 by 8 inches and comes with a standard 1-year warranty.
Ok, so this works but this isn’t the only brand out there – how does it compare
The Sanyo rice cooker has been rated highly for its superb performance given that fact that rice does not come out mushy or stick to the bottom of the pan. The slow cooker functionality of this rice cooker has also earned very good reviews.
Any Complaints?
Some consumers have had an issue with the way brown rice turns out in the Sanyo rice cooker.
What others are saying?
This Sanyo rice cooker has earned terrific reviews on the net. Here are a few sample comments from customers
- “Perfect rice from an amazing and compact machine,”
- “AWESOME…best gift EVER!!!,”
- “Great appliance, had for a year,”
- “Makes great brown rice,”
- “Satisfied with its peformance,”
How much should you expect to pay?
The Sanyo rice cooker is available online at $159 and upwards. The cheapest we have seen it is on Amazon who consistently sell this electric Sanyo rice cooker for under $105.
Where can you expect to buy the Sanyo rice cooker?
You can buy this Sanyo rice cooker from Amazon. At the moment they include free shipping and from what I can tell when comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon do currently have the best deal especially with the free shipping option and you do not have to pay sales tax. Click Here to view on Amazon.
Where can you read more reviews for the Sanyo rice cooker?
The best place for reviews from people who actually use the Sanyo rice cooker is Amazon. Click Here to read more.