With so many new technologies coming up every day, our lives have been nothing but easy. A few years back it was even a nightmare to think that you could have deep fried food with only a spoonful of oil.
There are so many new appliances coming up in the new market, each guaranteed to provide you with the best service.
A common doubt that everyone has is whether they should buy a rice cooker or an instant pot. Both may seem similar to some extent, as they both can cook much more conveniently and efficiently.
This article might help you know the differences between the two and also help you choose the one which will suit you according to your preferences.
However, it should not be a misconception that one is better than the other or that one is less efficient. It is simply one’s own preference and choice which makes one superior to the other.
Both are exceptionally capable cooking devices to complement your cooking skills. Before I go into the details of the difference between the two, it is important to know what they are and what are their features.
What Is An Instant Pot?
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Instant pot is a cooking appliance, which allows you to do a lot of things in just one pot. So it is kind of a good investment as you get to so many features in just one purchase.
It allows you to pressure cook, slow cook, allows you to cook rice, steam anything, sauté, broil, and also warm the food. If you have a small kitchen and want to save space, this instant pot would save you.
The instant pot has 3 elements – a cooking chamber at the bottom of the pot, an internal pot made of steel, and a lid Of Course with a steam release spot and a sealing ring for pressure cooking.
They cook food on their own at their own pace, and you don’t need to check on them frequently. The soft-touch buttons function just fine, and you can just sit back, relax and have a delicious meal.
The seal and steam valve lets you cook the food in a better way making it more delicious and nutritious.
What Is A Rice Cooker?
A rice cooker is an appliance initially made to make rice cooking convenient. Many people face the problem of overcooking the rice and making them soggy by not draining the water at the right time.
A rice cooker is an automated device that has all the measurements given on the body to let you have that perfectly-grained rice every day.
They have temperature settings that regulate the temperature, changing the temperatures frequently as suited.
The best part is that they keep the rice warm so that it doesn’t get cold. You can also do a lot of things in a rice cooker like broil, steam, and warm.
Difference Between A Rice Cooker And An Instant Pot
The main difference between these kitchen appliances is that a rice cooker is made to cook only rice, and with a few other functions like boiling and steaming.
On the other hand, an instant pot allows you to cook a lot of other options apart from rice. Functions range from boiling, steaming, and pressure cooking.
So if you want to buy it from the point of view of versatility, then the instant pot is much more desirable.
Both of these appliances are safe to use as they don’t involve gas. But instant pots can be a little bit dangerous as they allow pressure cooking.
Rice cookers take a longer time to cook than instant pots as they do not have a pressure cooking facility.
If you cook rice in both of them, you’ll find that the rice cooker cooks it in about 45 minutes and the pot will cook the same in 20 minutes.
As you saw, both the appliances have some pros and cons. Instant pots are a little bit dangerous but then they cook food very quickly. Rice cookers are safe but take a longer time to cook.
Advantages Of Instant Pots
The following are the advantages of instant pots-
- Instant pots cook food quickly. Big meals for multiple people can be cooked in just 20 minutes or so
- Instant pots are an all-in-one investment since they allow you to cook a variety of things in just one single appliance
- If you have a space constraint in your kitchen, an instant pot is a good option as they offer a variety of functions so there is no need for buying multiple appliances
- Coming from the last point, they are a lot more versatile than rice cookers
- Since instant pots are a more recent invention, they offer you better technology and efficiency
- Instant pots consume less energy than rice cookers
Disadvantages Of An Instant Pot
Disadvantages of instant pot are as follows-
- Instant pots are heavy and not the best suit if you want to take them along with you for picnics.
- They are a lot more costly than rice cookers.
- Instant pots should be of large sizes which are more costly than small ones. Small ones will not suffice if you have a large family.
- They will do everything but deep frying or frying foods of any sort is not included in their features.
- They are not easy to clean.
As mentioned above, it is a recent invention so you need to get used to it by using it frequently. It is more like learning by doing.
Advantages Of Rice Cooker
The following are the advantages of rice cooker-
- Rice cookers make the rice cooking easy and convenient. There is no need for continuous monitoring as they will automatically adjust the water levels and the internal temperature giving you perfectly-grained rice.
- They are also easy to clean; comparatively easier than the instant pots
- Instant pots are very expensive but rice cookers are not so. They are moderately priced and can be easily afforded by middle-class people.
- Easy to use, you can learn how to use it in just one use.
- Rice cookers have a feature that keeps the rice warm even after the switch has been turned off. This lets you have warm rice and does not let the rice get cold while serving.
Disadvantages Of Rice Cooker
Disadvantages of rice cooker are as follows-
- Though the rice cooker can cook a variety of items like quinoa and oats, the main function is to cook rice and rice only.
- To avoid scratching of the surface, materials only of a specific type are to be used.
- There are chances that the bottom layer of the rice will get burnt and sure nobody wants to have burnt rice.
- Rice cookers have the feature of automatic shutting, some models don’t come with these features. This is a disadvantage as you have to check if the rice is cooked or else it will be burnt.
Frequently Asked Questions/FAQs
Can An Instant Pot Replace A Rice Cooker?
Yes, a rice cooker can be used to cook rice just perfectly. They have a pressure cooking system that cooks it even more perfectly and quickly.
Can A Rice Cooker Cook Better Rice?
A Rice cooker cooks better price than one you cook in a gas oven. They know exactly how much water is required to cook them perfectly.
Do Rice Cookers Cook Rice Faster?
There is a lot of debate about whether a rice cooker can cook rice faster than a gas stove. It takes about 40 mins to cook the rice in the gas and it takes about 40-45 mins on a rice cooker. So the difference is not much. But one difference is that rice cooked on a stove will get cold after some time. But rice cooked in a rice cooker keeps your rice warm for a much longer time.
Instant Pot Or Rice Cooker – Which Is Better For A Bigger Family?
There is no doubt that both of these have made cooking much more convenient. But instant pot is much more versatile and useful in the long run as it lets you cook a variety of items as compared to a rice cooker which lets you cook mainly rice and other related dishes only.
Conclusion
To judge whether a rice cooker is better or an instant pot is better is not easy. Both have their pros and cons, their distinct features but one thing remains constant – the food cooking efficiency.
Both of them are equally efficient and capable and are surely an investment for a longer period. Thus, their cooking efficiency could be looked for while purchasing instant pots or rice cookers.