Which appliance cooks better rice, the Aroma Rice Cooker or the Instant Pot? The Aroma rice cooker and the Instant Pot have many similarities and look similar. The rice cooker is slightly smaller and cheaper but lacks extra features. The Instant Pot is bulkier and more costly, but it can cook a more extensive variety of foods. The additional features may make it a versatile addition to your kitchen.
The best way to cook rice is ultimately your decision and preference. The Aroma rice cooker produces rice with a better texture, but the Instant Pot has more features. The Instant Pot cooks rice with decent fluffiness and moisture, but I don’t think it’s as good as the Aroma rice cooker.
What Are the Differences Between the Instant Pot and the Aroma Rice Cooker?
The rice cooker and the Instant Pot have some of the same functions. They can both steam veggies and meat, as well as cook rice and other grains. However, the Instant Pot has features that the rice cooker doesn’t; it can steam, saute, pressure cook, slow cook, or even make yogurt.
The Aroma rice cooker heats rice the same way a stove pot does. It has a heating element that heats the liquid and rice, allowing it to absorb moisture and cook evenly.
The Instant Pot, on the other hand, uses pressure to cook. It has a lid that seals and a lever to prevent steam from escaping. The pressure sensor inside regulates the pressure during cooking. Pressure cooking is faster because of the combination of heat and pressure.
The Aroma rice cooker takes about 30 minutes to cook rice. It has pre-set cycles, so you can’t adjust your cooking time. Once I start the cooking cycle on my rice cooker, I wait until the machine says it’s finished. It counts down during the last ten minutes of cooking, so I know when it ends. Then, the appliance automatically switches to the ‘Keep Warm’ setting.
The Instant Pot cooks rice faster. It can cook rice in under 25 minutes. Every cycle is adjustable, so you can time your food exactly as you like. Set the pressure cooker to the appropriate cycle and let the machine work.
Can You Use the Instant Pot to Cook Rice?
You can use an Instant Pot to cook rice. For years, my family cooked rice in a pot on the stovetop. Last year, I discovered how easy it was to cook rice in my Instant Pot, and I haven’t looked back since.
To cook rice in the Instant Pot, you:
- Measure the correct quantity of rice and water and add them to the pot.
- Seal the lid. Push the ‘Rice’ button and set the timer according to the type of rice you’re cooking.
- Let it cook! Keep an eye on your pressure cooker while it’s cooking.
Using the Instant Pot to cook rice was a game changer! I was used to cooking rice on the stovetop, but this way is so much easier.
What I love about my Instant Pot is that it can do many other things. I can cook soups and make homemade yogurt with one appliance. Are you looking for an easy way to cook rice but appreciate a machine that can multitask? Try an electric pressure cooker like the Instant Pot.
Advantages of a Rice Cooker
I love my rice cooker, and I appreciate the functions it offers. However, it doesn’t do as much as my Instant Pot. Rice cookers are:
- Designed as a foolproof way to cook rice.
- Easy to use. It doesn’t have as many buttons, so the interface is more straightforward than the Instant Pot. It doesn’t take much to learn how to use one, either.
- Easy to clean either by hand or in the dishwasher. The inner pot is usually coated in Teflon, making it non-stick and easier to clean.
- Smaller and lighter than a pressure cooker and great for small spaces. I can lift my rice cooker with one hand!
- Usually cheaper than a pressure cooker.
Advantages of an Instant Pot
Pressure cookers, especially electric models, are very versatile. Pressure cookers can:
- Allow you to adjust the cooking time so you can decide how you like your food.
- Cook food with less energy than rice cookers.
- Cook food fast! Instant Pots can cook a whole, frozen chicken in about an hour.
- Perform a variety of functions, saving you from storing multiple appliances.
Pro Tip:
If you get an Instant Pot, store it with the lid off and the sealing ring loose. I’ve heard that many people have problems with their sealing ring smelling.
I’ve had my Instant Pot for four years now and never had any issues with smells. I firmly believe it’s because I store it open so the air can circulate through all the pieces. I recommend storing your pressure cooker with the sealing ring loose and the lid flipped over on top of the cooker.
The same is true for rice cookers. If you can store your cooker so the lid is cracked open, it will be less likely to smell. Find out more info about how to reduce smells in your rice cooker.
Why Use an Instant Pot to Cook Rice?
It’s easy and convenient. Instant Pots cook rice well; I’ve always been pleased with the results. Plus, they can do more than one thing in your kitchen. I’ve never been a fan of keeping an appliance that only does one thing if that’s avoidable.The more I use my rice cooker, the more I enjoy it!
The Bottom Line
The texture of the rice from the rice cooker is lighter and fluffier than the rice from the Instant Pot. Rice cookers are small and easy to store. They cook rice to perfection. If you’re passionate about rice and cook it often, you may want to invest in a rice cooker.
If you prefer an appliance with multiple functions, use an Instant Pot. These gadgets do many things well, and you don’t have to make room for several devices.
Aside from slightly drier, tougher rice, the major downside of the Instant Pot is the cleanup. The inner pot of the Instant Pot is not non-stick, and cooked rice sticks easily. If you don’t soak the pot soon after cooking, you’re left with stuck-on rice.
The rice cooker and Instant Pot quickly cook rice, so the ultimate decision is yours. The more you cook rice, the more you’ll appreciate a dedicated rice cooker. You can’t beat the taste and texture of rice from this appliance!
