Growing up rice cookers were a staple appliance in my household, but I had no idea what I was missing without a Korean rice maker.
Rice is a universal base for a variety of meals. Like mashed potatoes or pasta, you can dress it up in any way you desire. However, the goodness in rice’s simplicity can be easily put off by a faulty rice cooker that leaves it either over or undercooked. My last rice cooker was a standard, one push rice cooker with no control over the heat and cook time.
More often than not, have I had to vigorously scrub at the burnt pieces of rice at the bottom of the pot because the inner pot was not made to withstand the unregulated heat of the cooker. With the right equipment, soft, fluffy rice is within reach.
Actually, to be more specific, it is only a few button presses away. Our best Korean rice cooker review narrows down our recommendations to the best rice cookers that will help you enjoy rice without the guesswork and hassle.
Best Korean Rice Cooker
To find the right rice cooker, you have to know what you want and need from your rice cooker. Luckily, there is a variety of Korean Rice Cookers to not only satisfy your needs, but also help you discover cooking methods you did not know you needed.
From the smallest and simplest rice cooker fit for a college student to the big multi-pressure cooker, you are more than likely to find something that will fit into your lifestyle.
Our Korean Rice Cooker comparison looks at four of the top pressure rice cookers available on the market today. Taking a fine-toothed comb through the market shows us that there is far more to cooking rice than just adding water. The basic notion that rice cookers should cook rice still stands.
However, it escapes most of our knowledge that rice cookers can do more for us. What about keeping rice fresh two or more days after cooking? Can you control the texture of your rice? How do you solve the problem of burnt rice at the bottom of the pot?
These were things the most common rice cookers had users settle for. But why not ask for the best out of something as simple as rice?
A qualified staff, technological innovation, creative marketing strategies, and quality control with a deep consideration for consumer satisfaction, Cuckoo is the leader in the global rice cooker market. They understand that the kitchen is the heart of a home and a family. As such, the appliances they provide enrich people’s health and lifestyles.
Cuckoo Rice Cookers have given us an extensive line of electric and pressure-cooking products that are user-friendly, innovative, and that take the stress out of daily meals.
With each product, upgrades seek to improve efficiency, safety, and food quality. With this article, we want to work through the all-important task of selecting the ideal rice cooker for you.
Cuckoo designs two types of rice cookers: electric rice cookers and pressure rice cookers. The former, electric rice cookers are designed for simplicity. They utilize voice navigation, LCD displays, induction heating, and a vacuum warming technology to streamline cooking rice into a few button presses.
The second type of rice cooker Cuckoo designs are pressure rice cookers. Their state-of-the-art pressure cookers are perfect if you are an all-in-one pot kind of cook or if you have a lot of mouths to feed. They boast improved cook times, easy cleanup modes and flawless dinners all within a fashionable appliance.
From four types of rice to fermenting cheese and yogurt, Cuckoo rice cookers are up for whatever stirs your culinary imagination. Cuckoo does an exceptional job at matching each of its upgrades with a safeguard for potential mishaps.
They strive to ensure the longevity of their product, your food, and your safety, and lucky for you, it does not require a lot of elbow grease.
Where to Start – Basic But Better
* Cuckoo CR-0655F Rice Cooker
We will start with something that is small yet effective. This light-weight Cuckoo CR-0655F Rice Cooker is ideal for the people who live in college halls or who live by themselves.
The 580-watt electric rice cooker features eight built-in cooking programs: glutinous (white rice), mixed rice, brown gaba, steam, porridge, multi-cook, baby food, and warm or reheat.
User-friendly and versatile, this small rice cooker does alot with little time and space. Do traditional rice cookers leave your rice either too wet or too dry?
The Cuckoo CR-0655F Rice Cooker’s “My Mode” feature allows users to customize the desired texture of their rice. You can easily make your rice softer and fluffier or more glutinous simply by changing the soak and heat levels. Four different soak and heat level variations make sixteen potential rice flavors and textures.
Designed for simplicity and ease, this Korean Rice Maker eliminates the stress of putting together a meal with its cook time preset and “Keep Warm” mode.
If you have a long day schedule, this is perfect for you.
Simply preset the rice cooker to start cooking at whatever time you need it, and by the time you get home, you have freshly cooked rice without having to do all the work.
Also, there is no need to worry about burning the rice or turning the cooker off. This Cuckoo rice cooker comes with a “Keep Warm” mode that switches on immediately after cooking.
Just like the “My Mode” feature, the warming temperature is also adjustable according to your preference. This is a perfect time-saver quality if you are all about efficiency.
The Cuckoo Rice Cooker has a nonstick Teflon coating on its inner pot that not only keeps your rice from burning and sticking to the bottom, but it also makes it easy to clean. However, if hand washing is not your preference or if you simply do not have the time, the “Auto-Steam Clean” mode will ease the chore of cleaning your cooker.
There is no need to remove and scrub the inner pot when a single button push will activate a strong jet steam to clean and sanitize your rice cooker. Thus, there is one less dish to wash at the end of a meal. The Cuckoo Rice Cooker also has a detachable cover that is just as easy to clean and makes the cooker easier to pack.
Pros:
- Nonstick interior self-cleans.
- It is versatile and personalized for optimal control of cooking.
- A user reported the unit is energy sufficient as it can keep rice warm without the warm function on.
- Renders up to twelve cups of cooked rice.
- At 7lbs, it is relatively easy to move around for storage purposes.
Cons:
- The lid opens too fast.
- It does not keep rice fresh for longer than two to three days.
Perfect for the Family
* Cuckoo CRP-P0609S Electric Pressure Rice Cooker
Our second featured rice cooker accommodates more than just the individual. With twelve cooking functions, a three-language voice guidance system, this electric pressure rice cooker can feed up to six people with the help of an intelligent cooking algorithm.
Using the Cuckoo Smart Algorithm DSP, it matches your taste to cook scrumptious brown and mixed rice without the extra soaking time. Aside from variations of rice, I bet you did not know that this rice cooker can also make porridges and stews and ferment your own cheese, yogurt and bread.
With efficiency and versatility at the center of design, this pressure rice cooker lessens cooking worries with its specially designed inner pot. Aluminium is a good conductor of heat and helps your rice and food cook more quickly and evenly.
The nonstick quality X-Wall diamond coated inner pot helps ensure your rice and food does not stick or burn and eases cleanup. Likewise, the stainless-steel inner lid is detachable, which assists in clean up.
A great feature about this rice cooker is its focus on preserving the freshness of your rice. To do this, this rice cooker has two safeguards. A unique water drainage system collects excessive water vapors after cooking to prevent bacteria and bad smells from clinging to your rice.
The water drainage system also makes rice cooker environmentally friendly. By collecting the water, it does not waste it by letting it rot your rice which you may inevitably throw away. To also preserve the flavor of your food, this rice cooker features a double layer cover packing that completely seals the inner pot.
This is important because it prevents any potential steam leakage or temperature changes that could alter the taste of your food.
After your meal is done, cleaning is an absolute breeze.
Handwashing is no stress because it is only the nonstick inner pot and lid that need to be washed. However, like the first rice cooker, “Auto Steam Cleaning” is a useful tool to maintain the hygiene of your inner pot and the steam vents.
The LCD and easy to navigate button system make the pressure cooker user friendly. There is an intelligent voice guide that comes in three languages: English, Chinese and Korean which keeps your cooking experience breezy and interactive.
Also, this cooker comes with tons of safety features, like pressure controls and releases in case of abnormal high pressures and lock checking devices to ensure the cooker stays closed until inner pressure is fully released.
There are thermal fuses to regulate heat, and circuit fuses in case of any malfunction as well as a two-layer soft steam cap that releases steam in through an S-line path to ensure quiet and safe steam release. There is no need for you to be stressed over cooking, but there is definitely a need to stress your safety.
Pros:
- Versatility in cooking modes.
- Aluminium, nonstick inner pot ensures easy cleanup and even cooking.
- Self-cleaning options save time.
- Extensive safety measures.
- The three-language guidance voice improves interactivity.
- Maintains the fresh taste of your rice.
- The Cuckoo Smart Algorithm DSP makes this an ideal brown rice cooker.
Cons:
- One user pointed out that the rice cooker needs a slower top. The speed and weight of the lid can easily tip the entire cooker over.
- It is a bulky model and may not be ideal for storage.
* Cuckoo CRP-G1015F Electric Heating Pressure Rice Cooker
This next rice cooker combines the features of our first two rice cookers, but with a larger capacity.
Do not be fooled by its sweet pink design because this 1100-watt electric pressure rice cooker easily performs eleven cooking functions.
Glutinous rice, sushi rice, turbo glutinous rice, mixed/brown rice, GABA rice, old rice, porridge, chicken soup, nu rung gi, nutritious rice, and multi cook are all featured on this rice cooker’s menu and are cooked to perfection using the Cuckoo Smart Algorithm.
Along with the extended, multi-cook functionality, this rice cooker has a customizable “My Mode” setting, a specialized steam release and water drainage system, twelve safety features, a nonstick aluminum inner pot, a “Keep Warm” mode and time presets.
With the simple LCD Display and button control, your family can easily cook up to ten cups of rice. Similar to the first rice cooker, this rice cooker also has “My Mode” to tailor the cooking temperature and the rice texture according to your particular tastes.
Also, like the second rice cooker, you can also pre-set your cook time, but this rice cooker has an extended time. You can preset your cook times up to twelve and a half hours with this electric pressure cooker, and the “Keep Warm” mode will activate at the end of cooking to keep your rice warm and fresh at your desired temperature.
The specially designed aluminum inner pot is ideal for the larger capacity of this rice cooker.
The aluminium paired with the specially designed X-wall black nonstick coating makes the inner pot is not only suitable for quicker, more efficient, and even cooking it is also going to ensure that your larger servings of rice or food does not stick to the bottom of the pot and burn.
On the other hand, this nonstick rice cooker also prevents over-soaked rice. It preserves the freshness with a water drainage system that collects excess water to avoid bad odors and bacteria, maintains a clean environment and keeps food fresh.
The multi-cooking modes are well matched by twelve thorough safety features. To avoid any pressure related accidents, the cooker has multiple pressure safeguards.
There is an automatic steam emission device that will release pressure if the main pressure unit is damaged and a non-revertible safety device that is the last resort fix to high pressure inside the cooker.
A lid locking device keeps the lid shut until the internal pressure is at safe, lower level. A secondary pressure release device and a pressure control device regulates pressure levels. Additionally, a soft steam cap gently and quietly redirects steam 360 degrees for a safer discharge.
Temperature regulation is monitored by an auto-temperature controlling device and a sensor for three-dimensional warming, which maintains warming temperatures to preserve the original flavor inside the cooker.
A magnetic safety sensor ensures that the cooker remains off until the lid is securely locked. Circuit board fuse and malfunction indicator monitor the system for abnormal conditions and cuts off power supply if a malfunction occurs.
While Cuckoo provides you with a variety of cooking methods, it also prioritizes your safety and the safe operation of your cookware.
Pros:
- Maintains the texture and flavor of the rice for two to three days after cooking.
- Quiet and cooks rice fast and efficiently.
- Easy to clean.
- It is interactive and will make sounds for each phase of cooking.
- Extensive safety measures.
- A user shared that is the best investment for a brown rice cooker.
Cons:
- The guidance voice is in Korean.
- The cookbook is also only in Korean.
- It is on the bulkier side, so it is not storage friendly.
The All-In-One
* Cuckoo 8-in-1 Multi-Pressure Cooker
Our last featured rice cooker brings multi-cooking to an entirely different level. Not only does this pressure rice cooker cook rice, but it also functions as a normal pressure cooker, a slow cooker, browning fry/sauté, a steamer, a food warmer, a yogurt maker, and a soup maker.
The all-in-one design of this stainless-steel multi-cooker includes nine heat level settings, safe steam release, smart voice guidance and fourteen safety features.
Designed with adaptability in mind, the Cuckoo multi-cooker features a smart algorithm that adapts the multi-cooker’s power and pressure according to the type of cooking.
Meanwhile, your food is heated up 20% quicker due to the nine heating level settings and the 3D heating technology, which means a radio frequency evenly heats your food from the lid, bottom and the sides.
Also, the stainless steel and aluminum based inner pot can withstand the varying heats, pressures and steam that come with the different cooking methods.
Gone are the worries you are overloading your pressure cooker or wondering if you put the slow cooker on too high. You can cook as often as you would like without worrying about the state of the inner pot.
The multiple cooking methods adds the potential for cooking dangers, but the Cuckoo multi-pressure cooker has fourteen safety features.
Dual Motion packing completely seals the inner pot to maintain food freshness and to prevent steam leakage. A soft steam cap and specially designed S-Line Path steam walls direct steam out in a quiet and safe manner.
An automated voice will even tell you when steam is about to be released so there is little chance you will receive and unwarranted steam facial.
Also, apart from being dishwasher safe, cleaning is simplified with an “Auto-Steam Cleaning” mode as well as a self-cleaning steam vent.
Spend less time wrangling four or five kitchen appliances and more time creating delicious meals with the Cuckoo 8-in-1 Multi-Pressure Cooker. Feel less pressured with meal preparation. Simply toss all your ingredients in the heavy-duty pot, press a couple of buttons and let the multi-cooker work its magic while you get to kick back and relax.
Pros:
- It is user-friendly.
- Customizable cooking times and temperatures.
- Multifunctional which reduces the need for extra appliances and opens up counter space.
- Easy cleanup with its automatic cleaning mode and its nonstick surface.
- Interactive with lights, sounds, and a smart voice.
Cons:
- It is bulky for its five-quart capacity.
- The rice cooker mode does not cook rice as well as other solo rice cookers.
- Some users also point out that the user manual is not helpful with cooking methods.
Conclusion
The world is saturated with evolving, intelligent technology, and the impressive quality and usefulness of an upgraded Korean rice cooker is hard to ignore. Their versatility, improved longevity, and easy use demonstrate that you do not have to compromise on cooking regardless of how easy or complicated a dish might be.
Cuckoo Rice Cookers rose to the top of the market in Korea, and they show no sign of stopping on the global market. True, there is no such thing as a perfect rice cooker. There are likely to be a few defects down the line, but if the masses who have given the Cuckoo Rice cookers a positive rating mean anything, then you are in good company.
That being said, if you are someone looking to upgrade your rice cooking methods then I invite you to choose one of the Cuckoo rice cookers mentioned in the best Korean Rice Cookers review above.
