Rice Cooker Vs Instant Pot | Basic Differences

Cooking rice is one of the most cooked and consumed meals in a day.  For seven days a week most countries, especially Asians, belong to this group.  Thus, there has been a rise in manufacturing more kitchenware.  These especially include rice cookers and pressure cookers from the many top branded companies in the world.  Their main goal is to cook rice more easily and quickly.  Another important goal is to cook other meals in only one appliance. 

To cook rice effectively, consumers have been using both rice cookers and pressure cookers, such as an instant pot.  However, there has been an uprising of comments from consumers.  These are about Rice Cooker Vs Instant Pot, in regards to their differences.  In fact, many users are still unfamiliar with both of these kitchen appliances.

The similarity between a rice cooker and an instant pot is their magic to cook rice.  But, yet, it’s up to one’s favorite how they like their rice to be cooked.  Either steamed or by a microprocessor, both can make a great rice bowl. 

To make it clear, what are the basic differences between a rice cooker Vs instant pot?  If you’re reading this article, you’re probably confused too.  Because both appliances can cook rice that tastes the same.  Plus, they are not the same, but they kind of look similar.  So, read more to find your answer!

Rice Cooker Vs Instant Pot | Some Basic Differences

The primary difference between instant pot and rice cooker is, one can cook more than just rice.  Another difference is that they both are different in their functions.  Yes, with an instant pot, you can cook more than one meal.  In other words it’s a multi-functioned pressure cooker.  Here are some more differences between these two kitchen appliances.

• Function— Instant pot is a multi-cooker, a rice cooker is a food steamer.  In other words, instant pot is a more advanced rice cooker with more cooking functions.  While a rice cooker is only specified to cook only rice.
• More or Less Liquid— Rice cookers need more water than instant pots for cooking.  This is because rice cookers in general can’t pressurize while cooking rice, like instant pots.  Typically, the way to cook rice in a rice cooker is by using a 1:2 ratio (one cup of rice, 2 cups of water). On the other hand, an instant pot employs a 1:1 ratio (one and one cup of rice and water).
• The Function Buttons— There are many buttons on an instant pot and its functions.  A typical rice cooker only has the on and off button.
• Dish Preparation— A rice cooker can prepare some recipes for meals.  Only if the recipes are made for steaming and it is used as a slow cooker (cooking eggs with the steaming method, soups, dumplings, vegetables, and fish).  An instant pot is multi-functioned.  It can be used as a rice cooker, pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, warmer, and also a saute machine (big chunks of meats, pot roast, and beef stew).
• Sterilization— Instant pots are more sterilized than rice cookers.  The sterilizer is functioned for heat resistance and bacteria-free.
• Price— In general, a rice cooker costs less than an instant pot.  A standard rice cooker can cost around $20.  A small sized instant pot costs around $65.  Hence, the more advanced ones will cost up to $200.
• Design— Design-wise, all instant pots look pretty similar to each other.  Rice cookers come in different designs and they look different from each other.
• Safety Features— Instant pots are usually sealed with rubber rings, especially on the lids.  Its main function is to pressure cook so the steam doesn’t come out when the pressure builds up.  While rice cookers mainly aren’t sealed.
• Cleaning— Rice cookers are usually made with nonstick coating.  The ones that are especially with a detachable inner pot, are easier to clean.  But, in most rice cookers with inner pots that are non-detachable, it can be harder to clean.  Instant pots have stainless steel and nonstick coating for easy cleaning.  They are also dishwasher safe.

Which Ones is Worth Buying Between the Instant Pot Vs Rice Cooker?

Depending on your cooking needs, both are worth your investments.  If you prefer eating rice with good aroma, great texture, and flavor, then a rice cooker will be good for you. And here is an awesome list of stainless steel rice cookers by Cookware Ninja. Otherwise, if you just want meals to cook faster and require less water to cook rice, then, an instant pot is your perfect choice.

Another thing to consider which ones is better between rice cooker and instant pot is the kinds of meals you want to prepare.  As mentioned above, when you are preparing slow cooking meals, use a rice cooker.  Otherwise, use an instant pot when you want to prepare pressure cooking meals.  Moreover, it’s a good thing to invest in a rice cooker.  Especially when rice is your main dish almost every day.

Final Thoughts

So, now you know both of these kitchen appliances are good to have one at home.  Again, depending on your cooking needs, a rice cooker or instant pot can be handy for cooking great rice texture and delicious meals.  However, as good as these two kitchenware could be, there are some of their disadvantages.

• Instant Pot—

-They are not as safe as rice cookers because of their pressure cooking components.

-They are expensive.

-You might need to read the instructions before using it.  Since, some of the cooking functions and buttons can be a bit complicated.

• Rice Cooker—

-It doesn’t cook rice as fast as an instant pot.

-The use of kitchen utensils other than non-stick, can’t be used to scoop the rice out or the soup.  So, there are a few utensil restrictions when cooking in a rice cooker.

-The temperature is only good enough for cooking rice.  Other than that, cooking other meals might not be hot enough. So, enough said, hopefully this will answer some of your questions and confusion about rice cooker vs instant pot.