Most of the people have a question in their mind, is there any difference between rice cooker and the pressure cooker? The answer is yes. However, the most basic thing about both is that both are used to cook rice. In terms of look, both the cookers might look similar, however, they are different in terms of features.
Here, we will provide you with the main difference between the two kitchen devices. Also, after knowing all the differences, you might change your thoughts regarding a rice cooker as well.
For those who don’t know, a pressure cooker cooks rice way too fast as compared to a rice cooker.
Rice Cookers Vs Pressure Cookers Differences
Before we provide you with a detailed difference between the two cookers, let’s first consider the things which make these two cookers similar. Due to some similarities, a majority of people find it difficult to find the differences between the two. Although rice cooker and pressure cooker look similar, both have different purposes to serve. This is the main factor due to which people have confusion. Also, people with tight space and small kitchen space find it difficult to decide.
Main Difference between Rice Cookers vs. Pressure Cookers
Pressure cookers and Rice cookers are different in various ways. We will list all of them one by one. First of all, both the cookers use steam for cooking, however, there is no more similarity between the two.
Rice cooker requires an external heating source such as heating coil or pad. The device includes a top lid and some of them also consists of extra parts like tofu maker or steaming basket. The heating source in the cooker is used to heat the rice with liquid. Because of heat, the liquid evaporates and turns into steam. During the process, rice absorbs the liquid and then makes it soft. As soon as you open the lid in a rice cooker, the liquid has been fully absorbed which means rice is cooked properly.
A pressure cooker may look similar to a rice cooker, however, there are a lot of differences. The pressure cooker has a lid which can be closed or sealed. Here, lid consists of a rubber lining which prevents the steam to escape from the cooker. It also consists of a pressure sensor which alerts about the pressure inside. Moreover, a pressure cooker cooks food more effectively as compared to a rice cooker.
A rice cooker can be used for cooking rice and some other dishes. There are different types of rice cookers available in the market. A Single function rice cooker can be just used for cooking rice while a multi-functional rice cooker can be used to cook meat, fish, boil eggs with steam, vegetables, etc. However, it takes more time.
When compared with a rice cooker, a pressure cooker works great for cooking a large proportion of meat. In order to make dishes like roast or stew, a pressure cooker will work best for you.
The multi-purpose pressure cookers can also be used as slow cookers for making rice. Hence, a pressure cooker makes a lot of tasks easy for you. If you possess a pressure cooker in the kitchen, then you don’t need to buy a rice cooker separately.
Which one is best for cooking rice?
A dedicated rice cooker works best in order to cook rice. Before you make a decision, let’s have a look at the pros and cons of both the cookers.
Pros
Rice cookers work best for cooking rice and various other types of rice. Rice falls under different ranges when we consider flavor, grain, and aroma. A rice cooker allows you to cook different types of rice efficiently. The automatic shut off feature provides leisure to users and this feature works great as an energy saving device.
A pressure cooker cooks food quickly and needs less liquid in the cooking process. One of the important benefits of using a pressure cooker is that it kills all the microorganisms present in food so that you can eat clean and healthy food. This occurs as the temperature inside the pot increases above the normal boiling point of water.
From this, it is clear that pressure cooker is utilized as a sterilizer and helps you to sterilize various kitchen tools, bottles, cans, etc. Due to the sealing lid feature, a pressure cooker preserves the food flavors properly. Moreover, it needs less flavorings and seasonings. This cooker is best suited for people living at high altitude where the food cooks at a slower speed because of cold weather.
Cons
If you are planning to purchase a rice cooker, then don’t go with a single-pressure cooker. A single function device will just cook rice. It may be able to cook various dishes such as fish, sliced vegetables, small portions of heat, etc, however, it may take a long time.
Rice cooker is not sealed and the temperature inside the cooker chamber reaches till the boiling point of water. Thus, a rice cooker is not meant for tenderizing meats or for sterilizing things.
Which one you should buy, a Rice Cooker or a Multi-Function Pressure Cooker?
Which cooker you want to buy, depends on your requirements. Before selecting a cooker, check what kind of functions you require in a cooker and what type of dishes you want to make. It is absolutely good to own a rice cooker if you cook rice in most of your meals.
Which is best, Electric Pressure Cooker or Stovetop Pressure Cooker?
Lastly, we will provide final thoughts about both the pressure cookers. Basically, Electric pressure cookers can cook anything with a push of a button. If you are tight on budget, then you should go with a stovetop pressure cooker. Stovetop cookers offer great flexibility and require less maintenance.
From this, you must have understood the difference between the two cookers. Now, it fairly depends on your choice and requirements which cooker you want to buy.
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