Best Rice Cookers To Buy: Is the Aroma 4-Cup Unbeatable?

Are you looking for the best rice cookers to buy? Tired of rice either not done or overcooked? I recently had the chance to use the Aroma 8-Cup Digital Rice Cooker, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves having perfectly cooked rice without much fuss. The cool-touch exterior is sleek, matching any modern kitchen, while the interior boasts a durable non-stick pot that’s a breeze to clean.

AROMA Digital Rice Cooker, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Grain Cooker, Multicooker, 2 Qt, Stainless Steel Exterior, ARC-914SBD

 

Cooking with this multitasker is a no-brainer; just a press of a button and it’s off and running. It even switches to keep warm automatically, so your rice is ready when you are. I especially enjoyed steaming veggies above the rice – a true one-pot wonder for healthier meals.

Or maybe you want to start making your own dog food with your rice cooker? That’s one way I use mine!

But it’s not just about rice. This handy appliance can cook oatmeal and even soups, making it versatile for various dishes. I found the delay timer super useful for setting up dinner ahead of time, and the Flash Rice function is a lifesaver when you’re in a pinch.

Bottom Line

The Aroma 8-Cup Digital Rice Cooker strikes a perfect balance between quality cooking and convenience. It’s reliable, easy to use, and versatile enough to handle more than just rice.

Ready to simplify your kitchen routine? Click here to get your hands on this brilliant rice cooker and make meal prepping a whole lot easier.

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Overview of Aroma Digital Rice Cooker ARC-914SBD

It’s a handy kitchen companion that promises hassle-free cooking, ideal for anyone juggling a busy schedule like me with homesteading and my blog. 

We make a lot of rice, and I use it to make homemade dog food for my furpaws. 

Cooking rice was super easy in this cooker, resulting in fluffy and perfectly cooked grains every time, credit to its specialized white and brown rice functions.

Not confined to just rice, I steamed some veggies and fish on the provided steam tray while my jasmine rice cooked below, turning out an entire meal with minimal fuss. 

Bonus! Cleaning up was a breeze, too; thanks to the Bonded Granite non-stick inner pot, it’s super easy to clean up afterward. 

As someone who often forgets to plan ahead, the 15-hour Delay Timer was a lifesaver for setting up meals in advance.

However, this is no miracle worker. If you forget to add enough water, like I did once with a batch of brown rice, you might run into an overcooked situation. 

Also, the size is compact—perfect for small households or side dishes but maybe not the best pick for larger gatherings. 

Overall, for everyday ease and reliable cooking, this multitasking rice cooker hits the sweet spot.

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Innovative 8x Bonded Granite Non-stick Inner Pot

After using the rice cooker for a while I noticed its durability; unlike conventional pots, it didn’t show any signs of chipping or flaking after multiple uses. 

Cooking with it was a breeze because nothing stuck to the bottom; this also meant that cleaning up was a breeze!

What I appreciate the most is that it’s toxin-free, giving me peace of mind when preparing meals for my family.

I must say, the rice came out perfectly cooked each time, and I managed to steam some veggies while rice was cooking below — a pretty nifty feature. 

Although the pot is meant to last 8x longer, it’s still relatively new to me, so I can’t comment on its longevity just yet. But so far, it has surpassed my expectations.

AROMA Digital Rice Cooker, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Grain Cooker, Multicooker, 2 Qt, Stainless Steel Exterior, ARC-914SBD

 

Presets for Every Meal

One of the standout features that is simple to use, is its array of preset functions. Whether I’m in the mood for fluffy white rice, heartier brown rice, or quick-cooking with the Flash Rice function, the presets make the process simple. 

It’s just a button press away, and I don’t have to hover over the pot, as the Keep Warm mode automatically kicks in after cooking. I love this feature! 

I particularly appreciate the Steam function when I want to add some greens or steam a piece of fish while the rice cooks below—talk about multitasking! 

This feature in the rice cooker is really great since my husband had a heart attack recently, and we’ve changed our diet to include more fish and veggies.

This has been a game-changer for my steamed vegetable side dishes, keeping everything moist and tasty.

And for nights when I’m feeling more adventurous, the multicooker doesn’t disappoint. 

While there’s a lot to love, I’ve noticed the presets might take a little experimentation to get non-rice dishes just right, but it’s worth the effort for the convenience it brings.

Built-In Steam Tray

One aspect of this cooker that’s impressed me is its steam tray, an ingenious feature, really. 

Imagine preparing your rice and steaming veggies or meats simultaneously. 

That’s precisely what I experienced. Fresh broccoli, carrots, and even shrimp steam beautifully above while the rice cooks to fluffy perfection below. 

It’s all hands-off, so you can focus on the rest of your meal prep or just relax. No need to juggle multiple pots and pans on the stove.

However, I found that you need to experiment a bit with timing. 

Different foods require varying steam times, and getting everything cooked just right might take a couple of tries. 

Despite this, the convenience of the built-in steam tray simplifies cooking a balanced meal a lot, saving precious time and cleaning effort. 

This means I’ll be cooking more healthy meals than before because it’s so easy to add some quick and healthy eating to the menu each week.

Compact Design and Capacity

I have a tiny counter space, so when I look for small appliances for my homestead kitchen. I need to think ahead of how much space is it going to take up on my counter. And it it doesn’t fit where am I going to store it? I have very little closet space for appliances in my kitchen.

So this sized rice cooker is perfect for me. It’s only about 8.5 inches in height, and the sleek stainless steel exterior gives it a modern feel that’s not out of place in my kitchen.

Capacity-wise, despite being unassuming in size, the cooker can handle up to 8 cups of cooked rice, making it ideal for small to medium-sized families. 

I found it perfect for meal prepping or when I have a few friends over and is able to cook just enough rice for our family of three and my dogs. Woohoo!

Pros and Cons

Pros

Having recently used the Aroma Digital Rice Cooker, I can honestly say it’s awesome, for anyone looking to simplify their meal prep. The non-stick inner pot is a true standout, as it’s more durable than the ones I’ve seen in ceramic models, and it’s dishwasher safe – a big plus for clean-up. 

I was also impressed with its easy-to-use digital controls, which even include an automatic “Keep Warm” mode, ensuring my rice stayed at the perfect temperature until the rest of my meal was ready.

I found the preset functions incredibly handy. Whether you’re in the mood for white rice, brown rice, or steaming veggies, it’s all programmed in and works at the push of a button. 

And the Steam Tray that comes with it is fantastic; I steamed some vegetables while my rice cooked below, and it was like having an extra set of hands in the kitchen. Another feature that’s too good not to mention is the “Flash Rice” function, which cuts the cooking time significantly – a lifesaver on busy nights.

The capacity is just right for a small to medium family, as it makes up to 8 cups of cooked rice. Plus, it’s compact, so it doesn’t take up much counter space, which is always a consideration in my kitchen.

Cons

Now, let’s talk about the few setbacks. While I loved the convenience of the rice cooker, after six months of use, I’ve noticed it’s not quite as reliable as the ones that have been on my kitchen counter for decades. Longevity might be a concern here.

Another minor gripe I have is with cleaning the steam vent. Steam condensation gets into the inner part of the lid, which unfortunately isn’t removable, making it a bit difficult to clean thoroughly. After a while, this could lead to a buildup that’s hard to get off.

Lastly, I did notice that when I ordered mine, there seemed to be some confusion with the models as some shoppers ended up with older versions that lacked the newest features. It’s something to watch out for – make sure you’re getting the model you paid for.

Despite these few issues, my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s not a fancy, bells-and-whistles gadget, but it’s a reliable, easy-to-use rice cooker that does its job well.

AROMA Digital Rice Cooker, 4 Cup Uncooked, ARC-914SBD

 

Ease of Use

This rice cooker, it’s practically foolproof. I poured in the rice, added water, hit a button, and moved on with my day. The cooker did the rest, producing perfectly fluffy rice every time.

Cleaning it afterward was just as straightforward. The inner pot is non-stick and can be lifted out for a quick rinse. Even the lid, which can collect condensation and debris, didn’t give me much trouble. 

The one hiccup I encountered was that the steam did leave some residue inside the top part of the cooker that was a bit tricky to wipe down since the lid doesn’t detach.

Overall, for anyone who wants the simplicity of a set-it-and-forget-it rice cooking experience, this AROMA model is a reliable pick. It proved to be compact, uncomplicated, and a practical addition to my kitchen appliances. 

Just keep in mind that the lid might require a little more elbow grease during cleaning.

Customer Reviews

I always check the customer reviews before I buy anything and the feeling is overwhelmingly positive; with a rating of 4.5 stars from a substantial number of reviewers, it’s clear that this appliance has made a lot of home cooks happy.

Users rave about its simplicity and how it churns out perfect rice without occupying much counter space or breaking the bank. It’s a relief from the cumbersome models that were previously in some users’ kitchens, especially for someone like me who appreciates straightforward, no-frills cooking.

Some have faced their share of disappointments though. There’s mentioned frustration over its durability, with a few expressing that their cooker stopped working after six months – a stark contrast to their previously long-lasting cookers.

Cleaning is a common theme in the critiques. While the cooker is generally easy to clean, the lid can catch steam and become messy, a detail that’s tricky for some to manage. 

Despite minor grievances, many agree that the Aroma Rice Cooker hits the sweet spot for convenience and functionality.

And as a personal note, after my experience and reading through countless experiences, it’s clear that for a hassle-free rice cooking encounter, this little gem from Aroma Housewares is a solid bet for most.

Conclusion

After spending some time with the AROMA multicooker, I’ve come to appreciate its place in my kitchen. As someone who’s struggled with making rice just right, this handy appliance has changed the game for me—fluffy and perfect rice every time without any fuss. 

It’s compact, easy to use, and even easier to clean, which is more than I can say for pots I’ve scrapped rice off of in the past.

However, it’s not without its quirks. The steam can leave a bit of moisture around the lid area, and while it’s not a huge hassle, cleaning could be a tad simpler if the lid detached. 

Despite this minor inconvenience, it’s a practical choice for anyone looking for a no-frills rice cooker at a decent price. It may lack some bells and whistles of fancier models, but honestly, for its purpose, it doesn’t need them. 

Overall, it’s a solid performer that simplifies at least one aspect of my meal prep considerably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some FAQ’s that pop up about the AROMA Digital Rice Cooker. I’ll address these to help you get a clearer picture of what to expect.

What are the top features to look for in a high-quality rice cooker?

When selecting a great rice cooker, I’d suggest focusing on:

• Non-stick Inner Pot: A durable pot like the AROMA’s Bonded Granite is a game-changer—my rice never sticks, and cleanup is a breeze.
• Programmable Settings: A cooker with various functions for different types of rice and dishes adds versatility. I love that I can switch from cooking brown rice to steaming veggies without a fuss.
• Automatic Keep-Warm: It keeps rice at the perfect temperature. I’ve had guests arrive late and the rice was still as good as when it first finished cooking.
• Capacity: If you prefer meal prepping or have a family, you’ll want something that can handle more cups of rice at a time. Personally, the AROMA fits my needs for solo dinners or small gatherings.
• Ease of Use and Cleaning: User-friendly controls and dishwasher-safe components are a huge plus. I’m all for anything that makes life simpler.

How do I decide on the size of the rice cooker that’s best for my needs?

Choosing the right size depends on a few factors:

• Number of People: If it’s mostly just for me or maybe one other person, a smaller model suffices. But if you’re often cooking for a group, a larger capacity is better.
• Space on Your Counter: My kitchen isn’t huge, so the AROMA’s compact size fits perfectly without hogging all my space.
• Frequency of Use: If you eat rice regularly, investing in a size that won’t require constant batches is a time-saver.
• Multiple Uses: When you’re planning to use the cooker for more than rice, like steaming or slow cooking, consider that when deciding on size.

Can you recommend an excellent rice cooker that’s also budget-friendly?

Absolutely, the AROMA fits the bill for budget-friendliness without skimping on quality.

• Price Point: It’s priced reasonably which won’t break the bank for the features it offers.
• Features: Considering its multiple cooking functions, timer, and the fact it includes a steam tray and serving utensils, it’s quite a steal.
• Performance: I’ve gotten delicious, fluffy rice every time, and the ability to steam food while the rice cooks is a convenient, healthy bonus.
• Popularity: With numerous positive reviews, it’s a well-trusted option among users seeking value.

In sum, it covers the basics and then some, making it a fantastic choice for someone who wants a reliable appliance while staying mindful of their budget.