Rice Cooker vs Pressure Cooker – Which One to Choose in 2023?

Are you unsure which one to pick between the rice cooker and pressure cooker? Though both kinds of cookers look similar, their functionality is different. There may be some confusion among first-time countertop appliance users because of their compact size and uncanny resemblance.

To help you determine which of these two kinds of cooker is best for you, we’ve highlighted the main distinctions between them in this post.

What is a Rice Cooker?

An electric rice cooker is an appliance that automatically cooks different types of rice to perfection.

As slow cookers, they have a cooking pot, a thermometer for modulating and monitoring the temperature, sturdy handles, a lid that fits snugly, and simple controls. Temperature is measured using the thermostat in the cooking bowl, and the heat source is directed accordingly.

The best rice cookers have a large spoon for scooping rice out of the pot. Rice spoons are manufactured in such a way that the interior layer of the bowl is not damaged/ scratched.

Pros

• The rice cooker comes with an auto-shutdown feature that makes it efficient. It also prevents overcooking of the rice.
• A rice cooker helps you cook rice hands-free. You need to add the rice with the right amount of water, place a lid on it, and turn on the rice cooker. It cooks the rice perfectly.
• Rice cookers keep the rice warm until served. Some rice cookers come with this advanced option that gives an edge over other cookers.
• It is very easy to clean the rice cookers, and they are also dishwasher safe.
• In terms of maintaining the texture and scent of the rice, the rice cookers can perform better than any other appliance.

Cons

• Rice cookers can be multifunctional appliances, but they aren’t as versatile as pressure cookers.
• Rice gets burnt if the water to rice ratio is not proper.
• Entry-level rice cookers do not have the auto-shutdown option.
• It is more expensive compared to the pressure cooker.
• Since the interior is non-stick, it limits the usage of the utensils. One must use a specific spatula to scoop the rice out of the cooker.
• Basic models of rice cookers come with limited functionalities.

What is a Pressure Cooker?

A pressure cooker is a steaming appliance that you may use to prepare any type of food. The device uses water or any other liquid during the cooking process, and the sole responsibility for cooking the food item lies with the lid lock mechanism. In Indian kitchens, pressure cookers are typically made of stainless steel or aluminum.

There are two kinds of pressure cookers. One is a stovetop pressure cooker, and the other is an electric pressure cooker. Compared to the electric pressure cooker, the stovetop pressure cooker cooks faster.

Stovetop pressure cookers have different types of pressure ranges like low, mid, and high. On the other hand, electric pressure cookers only have high-pressure ranges depending on the manufacturer.

Pros

• The pressure cooker prepares meals faster compared to the rice cooker. It utilizes the steam and surrounding pressure to warm the internal contents faster than any other cooker. Moreover, the tight lid locks ensure that the pressure is completely trapped inside during the cooking process.
• Most of the nutrients in the food are retained when cooked in the pressure cooker.
• Pressure cookers consume significantly less energy compared to electric rice cookers.
• A pressure cooker can tenderize large meat pieces as well, which is not possible in the rice cooker.
• Unlike the rice cooker, which is restricted to only cooking rice, the pressure cooker can cook all kinds of recipes.

Cons

• It takes more time to understand how the pressure cooker works, especially while trying new recipes. Compared to the rice cookers, more water remains inside the pressure cooker.
• One cannot check on the food until it is completed. Like electric rice cookers, one cannot open the lid and check the progress of the food cooking since it will lock the lid in pressure cookers. To unlock the lid, the entire pressure has to be released.
• If you do not keep a watch on the food preparation, then there is a chance of the food being overcooked in the pressure cooker.

Rice Cooker vs Pressure Cooker

Usage

In a rice cooker, the inside pot is used for cooking the rice, while the outside of the pot serves as a protective layer. It has an external source of heat, such as a heat source or pad. The electricity powers the heating source when the rice is put in the cooker, and the electricity is turned on. After that, the rice’s liquid is heated and vaporized by the heating source. The liquid heats up throughout this process, making it easy for the rice to absorb. Rice softens and becomes easier to eat after absorbing this liquid.

On the other hand, pressure cookers come with a lid and main body. The lid ensures that the cooker is locked tight and that pressure does not escape while cooking and this pressure stays inside the food and softens it.

Power consumption

When it comes to power consumption, the rice cooker uses roughly 1800 watts each day if it is used for 2 hours. On the other side, pressure cookers consume between 850 and 1200 watts of power, depending on the model. On the other hand, pressure cookers are adaptable and come in stovetop models. You won’t have to worry about power usage if you use a stovetop pressure cooker.

Price

Of the two appliances, pressure cookers are likely to be the more cost-effective. Depending on size and manufacturer, they range from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 8000. The best aspect is that the price is a one-time investment because the cooker will serve you for a long time with no problems. Furthermore, no additional accessories are required.

The standard type of rice cooker also costs between Rs.2000 and Rs.8000. However, given that standard versions can only cook rice but nothing else, this price appears to be a little expensive. If you want multi-purpose rice cookers that can also cook other dishes, you’ll have to pay more money.

Conclusion

So, based on the characteristics mentioned above, we can conclude that the pressure cooker has the upper hand over rice cookers in terms of utility and variety. And, if you’re searching for a kitchen gadget that can handle all of your cooking demands, pressure cookers are the way to go.

On the other hand, rice cookers are a good option if you seek something that explicitly cooks rice. Rice cookers are designed exclusively to cook rice, and they perform admirably.