When you hear both the appliances, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Yummy and well-cooked rice, right? But trust me, there’s a lot more that both can do. Rice cooker vs pressure cooker – let’s differentiate the two.
Obviously, we are comparing the two amenities because they are capable of almost similar things. However, there is yet a substantial difference in the functioning, competency and food output. You are already aware that a pressure cooker can be used to cook much more than rice.
Now the good news is that a rice cooker can also be used for multiple cooking. And that’s exactly why we are here to analyze the two intricately. So yes, my blog is not just for rice lovers. In fact, even if you don’t eat rice, you can still have extensive use of the two.
Pressure cooker vs rice cooker: Which one is better? Let’s find out!
What is a pressure cooker?
A pressure cooker is a simple steamed appliance used to cook any kind of food item. The appliance makes use of water or any other liquid for the cooking procedure. The lid lock mechanism is solely responsible for cooking the food item. Stainless steel and aluminium are the commonly used pressure cookers in Indian kitchens.
Some of the best pressure cooker brands include names like Hawkin, Prestige, Pigeon, Butterfly and more! They are available in different capacities ranging from 2 – 10 litres. You can choose the size dispensing upon the number of members at home.
Advantages of pressure cooker
- The new pressure cooker models can be placed on induction as well.
- Cooking on a pressure cooker requires very little time.
- Food cooked in a pressure cooker retains most nutrients.
- The appliance is capable of enhancing the flavour of the food.
- It is an energy saver. A pressure cooker consumes very little energy.
- It can swiftly knock down all the microorganisms from the food and make it more hygienic.
- The appliance comprises a sensor and a lid to provide a tight lock.
- A pressure cooker has a commendable combination of pressure and heat.
- The appliance provides unmatched flexibility at a low cost.
- You have the convenience of opting for gas or electricity.
- It is the best option for people residing in high altitudes due to its high cooking space.
- You can also use a pressure cooker to store food.
- Usage of the appliance keeps the environment cool.
- A pressure cooker can also tenderize large meat pieces.
- The appliance is highly versatile.
Disadvantages of pressure cooker
- Pressure cookers do not have any integrated timer.
- You cannot have a look at the status of cooked food.
- During the cooking process, you cannot make adjustments inside the appliance.
- The sealing ring should always remain intact.
- Overcooking is a problem at times.
- There is no ‘warm mode’ to keep the food heated inside.
- You cannot add any flavour in the middle of cooking.
- Cleaning a pressure cooker can be tedious because of the weight and rubberized sealing ring.
Some of the Food items you can cook in a pressure cooker
- Rice
- Soup
- Steamed veggies
- Meat / fish/ chicken
- Porridge
- Boiled eggs
- Lentils
Recommended Reading: The 9 Best Pressure Cooker In India 2023: Stainless Steel & Aluminium
What is a rice cooker?
As the name suggests, a rice cooker is dedicated rice making appliance. But along with that, you can experiment with a limited list of dishes as well. The appliance set comprises an external case with a heating pad, a pot and a lid. Depending upon the brand, you can also have access to a steaming basket.
A rice cooker is equipped with a heating control inside. This is designed to lead the source of heat and control the temperature of the cooking bowl. The best rice cookers are also equipped with a substantially large spoon to scoop rice from the pot. The design and fabrication of the rice spoon ensure it does not damage the internal coating of the bowl. Just like a pressure cooker, you can use a multi-functional rice cooker to prepare various meals.
Advantages of rice cooker
- The auto-shutoff feature makes the appliance energy efficient.
- The steam cooks the rice and makes it rightly fluffy and puffed.
- A rice cooker works on autopilot mode and notifies you once the food is ready.
- The appliance can keep the food warm for a couple of hours after cooking.
- It is very easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
- A rice cooker is compact and can fit in easily.
- You don’t need to be an expert to use a rice cooker.
- Once the appliance is on, it does not require constant monitoring.
- In terms of the rice taste, texture and scent, a rice cooker can outdo every other appliance.
- Rice cookers also have an interesting and convenient feature – a delayed start.
Disadvantages of a rice cooker
- Even though it can be a multi-utility appliance, a rice cooker cannot be as versatile as a pressure cooker.
- Like the counterfeit, a rice cooker does not have a sealed pot.
- If the water and rice are not put in the right ratio, rice burning is high.
- The non-stick interior of a rice cooker limits the usage of vessels.
- The entry-level rice cookers do not turn off if the cord is not unplugged.
- If a rice cooker is not multi-functional, it will not cook anything except rice.
- The basic models have fewer features.
- A rice cooker is costlier than a pressure cooker.
- The appliance takes longer to cook compared to its counterfeit.
- It cannot sterilize items.
Some of the Food items you can cook in a pressure cooker
- Rice
- Quinoa
- Oatmeal
- Barley
- Steam vegetables
- Boil eggs
- Millet
Rice Cooker vs Pressure Cooker
Let’s differentiate the two appliances based on a few basic parameters.
| Parameters | Rice Cooker | Pressure Cooker |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | High | Low |
| Versatility | Less | More |
| Time | Slow cooking | Quick cooking |
| Mode | Completely automatic | Manual and automatic |
| Cooking mechanism | Steam | Steam, heat and pressure |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Ease of cleaning | More | Less |
| Ease of use | More | Less |
One Last Thought
Rice cooker vs pressure cooker: What’s the difference? Well, you know the differentiation very well. Now comes the big question – Which one should you buy?
When should you buy a pressure cooker? You quickly want to make large-sized meals, and cooking rice is not your only priority.
When should you buy a rice cooker? You cook rice in almost every meal. Then a rice cooker is a must for your home.
So, let’s conclude by saying you can pick the appliance depending upon what your requirements are.
PS: Of course, you can have both!
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