Knowledge

How do IH rice cookers work? From pros and cons to key selection points

The appeal of IH rice cookers lies in their ability to bring out the inherent deliciousness of rice through high heat. This article explains the mechanism and features of IH rice cookers, then details why they’re popular. We’ll also touch on recommended IH rice cookers and tips for cooking rice for your reference.

What is IH? How IH Works

The “IH” in IH rice cookers stands for “Induction Heating.” Instead of using a heater to apply heat, a coil is attached to the outer pot. When an electric current flows through this coil, it generates Joule heat, which is used to heat the inner pot itself for cooking rice. Joule heat is the heat generated in an object when an electric current flows through it. It’s utilized not only in IH rice cookers but also in various other applications like light bulbs and electric furnaces.

IH rice cookers, which utilize Joule heat, excel in heating efficiency and deliver high heat output comparable to gas. Because the entire inner pot is thoroughly enveloped in heat, warmth is evenly distributed throughout the rice. Temperature control is also easier, allowing precise heating adjustments to maintain optimal temperatures, resulting in efficiently cooked, delicious rice. IH rice cookers ensure heat penetrates deep into the core of each grain. This results in fluffy cooked rice where each grain stands apart. Even when cooking large quantities of rice at once, heat reaches every part, ensuring delicious results.

Benefits of IH Rice Cookers

IH rice cookers offer various features and numerous benefits. If you want to easily cook delicious rice, an IH rice cooker is recommended. Here are some specific advantages of IH rice cookers:

Even Cooking Throughout the Pot

To cook delicious rice, it is crucial to cook it quickly at high heat. IH rice cookers deliver this high heat, enveloping the entire pot to cook the rice evenly. Of course, even high heat can lead to uneven cooking, which compromises flavor. However, the intense boiling water created by the IH cooker’s high heat generates vigorous flow, ensuring heat is distributed uniformly. This allows heat to penetrate all the rice grains thoroughly, resulting in delicious, perfectly cooked rice without hot or cold spots.

Tiger’s IH rice cookers such as the JPW-H series, also offer ceramic coated inner pots, creating a better heat transfer for the rice, leading to a fluffier, moister rice.

Advanced Cooking Modes and Keep Warm Functions

IH rice cookers offer precise temperature control, adjusting to the optimal setting for each stage of the cooking process. Some models even feature specialized cooking modes for a variety of rice types, ensuring perfect results not just for white and brown rice, but also for porridge and quinoa.

To keep cooked rice delicious, maintaining it at a certain temperature or higher is crucial. Many IH rice cookers feature functions that keep rice warm while preserving its flavor. This allows the rice to stay close to freshly cooked quality for up to 24 hours after cooking. This means even if family members eat at different times, everyone can always enjoy delicious rice.

Disadvantages of IH Rice Cookers

IH rice cookers offer various advantages. However, some aspects may be perceived as disadvantages by certain users. It’s reassuring to be aware of these points beforehand. Here are some of the disadvantages of IH rice cookers:

Some models can be expensive

Compared to microcomputer rice cookers, IH rice cookers tend to be pricier. Among those seeking the most affordable rice cooker, some may find IH models out of reach.

However, it’s important to understand that even among IH rice cookers, prices vary significantly based on features and size. Some IH models can be purchased for around $300.00, meaning the price difference compared to certain microcomputer rice cookers is negligible. If you find an IH rice cooker in the same price range as a microcomputer model, choosing the IH based on its functionality is likely to lead to greater satisfaction.

Some IH rice cookers with advanced features or larger capacities can cost around $400.00, so it’s wise to consider a budget of approximately $500.00.

Note that pressure-cooking models tend to be even more expensive than standard IH rice cookers. Some high-end models can cost over $600.00. Choose the optimal IH rice cooker by balancing your budget with the features you desire.

Some users report the IH rice cookers to be heavy and unwieldy

IH rice cookers feature sturdy inner pots designed to withstand high heat. These pots are constructed with layered metal, giving them a substantial weight. Larger capacity models are particularly heavy. Consequently, some users may find the heavy inner pot makes the IH rice cooker difficult to handle.

However, recent models have seen a trend toward more compact main units. There’s also a trend towards lighter designs, so when using them, you might not find them as bulky as expected. In any case, they aren’t so heavy that daily handling becomes difficult. If the weight of an IH rice cooker concerns you, we recommend choosing a model that is as compact and lightweight as possible.

How do they differ from microcomputer rice cookers?

As mentioned earlier, other types of rice cookers often compared with IH are microcomputer rice cookers. Each differs in heating method and has distinct characteristics.

Microcomputer rice cookers heat the entire pot using a heating element installed at the bottom. Compared to IH cookers that heat the entire pot, they are said to have lower heat output and can result in uneven heat distribution to the rice. This isn’t very noticeable when cooking small amounts, but when cooking 3 cups or more, uneven cooking is more likely to occur. However, microcomputer rice cookers have a simpler structure, making them easier to maintain, and they are often more affordable. They also require less electricity for cooking and keeping warm, potentially lowering your electricity bill.

Can IH rice cookers be used for cooking other than rice?

Some IH rice cookers like Tiger’s JKT-D models come with functions allowing cooking beyond rice preparation. For example, you can make stews, cakes, and bread in an IH rice cooker.

However, even if a model has cooking functions beyond rice, it doesn’t handle all types of cooking. You cannot deep-fry food or cook using baking sheets or aluminum foil in a rice cooker. Avoid cooking with milk, as it may boil over. Additionally, never place hard ingredients inside the cooker. Shellfish or shell-on shrimp, for instance, can damage the inner pot. Similarly, refrain from using metal utensils like ladles or spatulas after cooking. There are other items that cannot be cooked or ingredients that should not be used, so be sure to carefully check the instruction manual when using the cooker for purposes other than cooking rice.

Tips for Cooking Delicious Rice in an IH Rice Cooker

How you rinse the rice also affects the final taste. Leaving the rice submerged makes it difficult for the grains to rub against each other, preventing thorough rinsing. Therefore, the basic method is to rinse the rice after draining the water. However, applying too much force while rinsing can crack the grains, so gently rub them together. After rubbing about 10 times, discard the cloudy, milky water. Repeat this process about twice, then rinse the rice 2-3 more times, changing the water each time.

Then, place the pot on a level surface and add the cooking water. Measure it precisely according to the markings—neither too much nor too little. With an IH rice cooker, there’s no need to let the rice absorb water beforehand. Simply turn on the switch and start cooking.

Choose the optimal IH rice cooker with careful consideration

IH rice cookers envelop the entire pot with high heat, ensuring thorough heating and perfect cooking. Therefore, choosing an IH rice cooker allows you to enjoy delicious, fluffy rice with distinct grains.

However, even among IH rice cookers, features vary significantly by manufacturer and model. The ideal cooker for you will depend on what you prioritize in a rice cooker and the desired outcome for your rice. To find the IH rice cooker that suits you best, it’s crucial to consider your lifestyle. Carefully compare the features and select the optimal rice cooker for your needs.