Rice Cooker vs Pressure Cookers: A Buyer’s Guide to Making the Best Choice

The purpose of modern cooking appliances is to make our lives easier. Among them, rice cookers and pressure cookers are two extremely important items. They have gained wide acceptance in kitchens. Both provide their unique benefits, though understanding the difference between them and working would enable one to arrive at proper judgement. Now, let's dive into the details of both of them to proceed further with the right choice. 

Understanding Rice & Pressure Cookers

When deciding between the two, it's important to understand how each appliance works and its benefits.

Mechanism of Rice Cookers

It is an electric appliance designed specifically to cook rice evenly and automatically. It operates using a combination of heating elements and sensors. You will have to add rice and water to the cooker. It automatically adjusts the heat and timing to ensure perfectly cooked rice every time.

Mechanism of Pressure Cookers

It uses steam pressure to cook food quickly. When the water inside turns to steam, it increases the pressure inside the sealed pot and helps in cooking food faster.

Key Differences to Understand

Let us look into some specific criteria to figure out their differences:

Cooking Mechanism - Rice cookers work on the basis of simple boiling and simmering. Pressure cookers utilise pressurised steam for faster cooking.

Versatility: Both can cook rice but pressure cookers can also handle more recipes like meats, beans, curries, yoghurt and more. Rice cookers are still better optimised for grains.

Speed: Pressure cookers are significantly faster. Cooking a pot of beans or meat takes 20-30 minutes. Rice cookers take 15-25 minutes for rice.

Safety Features: Modern pressure cookers have locking lids and backup safety locks. On the other hand, rice cookers don’t require as many precautions.

Budget: Multi-use pressure cooker price more due to more features and safety requirements. Basic rice cookers are simpler and cheaper.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cooker

When it comes to selecting the right cooker, several factors come into play:

Your Cooking Needs

Consider what and how often you cook. Rice fanatics or meal preppers may use a rice cooker daily. But those cooking more varied dishes from meat to beans will prefer a pressure cooker. A stove-top method could also suffice if you cook rice only once a week. Think about your usual cooking before choosing an appliance.

Budget

Basic rice cooker prices start at around ₹ 2,000, while multi-cookers with pressure cooking run from ₹ 4,000 to ₹ 9,000. Consider how frequently you use the appliance and which size works best for your family meals. More occasional use may mean a cheaper option is practical.

Space and Storage

Rice cookers and pressure cookers both require some counter space for storage. Pressure cookers also tend to be heavier and occupy more room when open. Measure your kitchen storage areas before purchasing. Also, see if the inner pot and accessories can be stored inside the base unit for minimal storage.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Look for cookers with removable, dishwasher-safe pots and parts for easier cleanup. The nonstick coating inside the pots also prevents rice and ingredients from sticking. On the other hand, pressure cookers require a bit more care, including checking the pressure valves, but modern electric models make maintenance simple.

Top Recommendations from Milton's Cooker Collection

Milton ProCook offers a range of cookers that cater to different cooking needs and preferences. Below are some top recommendations from their collection:

Electric Rice Cooker

Milton ProCook offers the following types of Electric rice cookers:

1. Milton Euroline Excel Electric Rice Cooker (1.8 Litres)

This durable rice electric cooker features a cool-touch body. It handles easy carrying, an anodised aluminium inner bowl for sturdy cooking, and triple protection (thermostat, thermal fuse, and magnetic thermo limiter) for safe use. It also comes with a measuring cup and spatula and automatic cooking functionality, switching to "Keep Warm" after cooking.

2. Milton Prime Electric Rice Cooker (1.8 Litres)

The Prime Electric Rice Cooker has an anodised aluminium inner bowl, a calm touch exterior, and triple protection for safe operation. It includes two removable cooking bowls with level markings, a steam-vented stainless steel lid, and automatic cooking features with "Cook" and "Warm" indicators, ensuring perfect cooking every time.

Pressure Cooker

Some of the best pressure cookers offered by Milton ProCook are as follows:

This comes with a triple-layered design with food-grade material.  The aluminium core is perfect for even heat distribution. It includes a safety valve Bakelite handles and is compatible with different cooktops. 

Made from virgin Hindalco aluminium, it features a thick 4mm induction base for even heating. It is durable and versatile for preparing a range of dishes like curries and desserts.

This offers a three-layer construction for even heat distribution and comes in various capacities. It is suitable for induction and gas cooktops. Its safety features include a metallic safety plug and vent valve. The ergonomically designed Bakelite handles ensure ease of use.

Conclusion

Both rice cookers and pressure cookers have their unique advantages depending on your cooking needs. Milton ProCook provides a wide selection, ensuring you find the right fit for your kitchen.