Best Pots For Cooking Rice
There’s nothing like a good bowl of steamy, fluffy rice. Rice tastes good with any meal you match it with, and it’s loaded with a lot of nutrients. Rice is also easy to cook. To cook it, you just need to boil it on a stovetop for a certain amount of time with a certain amount of water. The instructions are straightforward. But sometimes, people can either undercook, overcook, or burn their rice. It’s either they were not watchful enough or there was too much or too little water in the pot.
But even if you are doing everything correctly, you might still run into a few issues. So maybe it’s not you who needs to change. Maybe it’s the pot that you use.
What type of pot is best for cooking rice?
A lot of people are a little confused about how to properly cook rice in a pot. A lot of these frequently asked questions are answerable.
Want to know the best ratio of rice to water?
1 cup rice is to 2 cups of water.
How long is rice cooked in a pot?
It usually takes around 16 to 18 minutes.
How do I know if my rice is good?
If it’s fluffy, not mushy nor gummy.
But while people do follow these tips and tricks to a tee, they still end up with rice that either sticks to the side of the pot or is unevenly cooked in some parts. Sometimes it boils down to what pot a person is using. People wonder which pot is better or worse when it comes to cooking rice. A lot of pots in the market have a lot of advantages, as well as disadvantages. The best pot to use to cook rice highly depends on your style of cooking as well as what pros and cons do these pots have. We have compiled three of the most common pots that can be used to cook rice and we will weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each one. We’ll also provide you the best pots for each category to try and cook rice on.
What are the Different Types of Pots to Cook Rice?
Stainless Steel Pots
Stainless steel is a popular choice of cookware that is easily available and is cheap to buy in bulk. It’s versatile, very durable, and is easy to care for. Stainless steel can be used with all sorts of stovetops and are so lightweight that you can carry them to different places like picnics and potlucks. Plus, who doesn’t like that shiny outer appearance it has? On the flip side, stainless steel is not the best at conducting heat so you may notice an uneven distribution of heat on your pan. Food can also stick to the walls of stainless steel cookware, so that might be a massive turn-off when cooking rice. If you are prone to burning rice, then this pot may not be for you. Otherwise, if you want a cheap, lightweight option, then stainless steel can be your starting point.
The Best Stainless Steel Pot We Found: Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 6-Quart Stockpot
This heavy-duty stainless steel pot is made with high-quality, mirror-polished stainless steel. It is easy to clean, can work with induction cookers, and is safe to use in the oven. Unlike cheaper stainless steel pots, this stockpot is capable of even heat distribution and can handle temperatures as hot as 350F (176 C). The pot is great for cooking, especially if you want to have a big meal for the family. 8-quart and 11-quart sizes are also available. Check out more right here.
Non-Stick Pots
Non-stick cookware is another popular choice by cooks. It is made out of aluminum, which is less expensive than stainless steel. Non-stick, like the name suggests, is easy to cook with because foods will less likely stick and burn on the edge of the pot. Non-stick pots generally don’t need as much fat to cook food in and it’s easy to rinse and clean them after use. There are also no studies that suggest harmful side effects when cooking with non-stick cookware. On the other hand, non-stick cookware is more sensitive to high temperatures and you can’t use metal utensils since it will damage its surface. Since non-stick cookware cannot withstand hot temperatures, it can’t be used for ovens. Overall, non-stick pots are good for beginners, as long as you avoid metal on them and keep it away from high flames.
The Best Non-Stick Pot We Found: Michelangelo 3-Quart Saucepan with Lid
This small, all-around pot is made of superior ceramic and titanium. The pot easily conducts heat thanks to its aluminum build, so expect an even and precise temperature control. It is non-toxic and safe to cook on. It is also easy to clean with no chipping, no peeling, and no flaking. It works on any stovetops, including induction cookers. The only drawback is that it might be a little small, but if you are making rice for one to two people, then it is just enough. It can also cook other foods like soup, pasta, sauces, and vegetable. If this is something that you like, check out the link right here.
Cast Iron Pots
If you want something heavy-duty, quality, and has a big capacity, then you might be looking for a cast iron pot. Cast iron cookware has the advantage of being reliable, non-stick, non-toxic, and can last you for a long time. It can be used on the stove and in the oven. It’s generally low cost and easy to clean after the initial seasoning. Plus, expect even heat distribution as well as a lot of heat retention as these pots usually have pretty heavy covers. It’s perfect if you don’t want your boiling water to overspill on the counter. With all that said, cast iron pots do have some drawbacks, such as rusting. You may also run into some issues when cooking with acidic food since the acid can pull iron off of the pan and can break down the quality of the pot. For beginners, cast iron cookware sounds a little intimidating, but a little practice can make this pot last for a lifetime.
The Best Cast Iron Pot We Found: Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
This cast iron dutch over is big, capable, and super reliable. You have a wide range of sizes to choose from, with the biggest being 7.5 quarts. It also comes in different colors so you can have one that matches your kitchen’s aesthetic. This pot can be used for cooking, marinating, refrigerating, and serving food. It’s the perfect pot to take on picnics and parties as the heat stays put inside the container. It’s durable, colorful, and reliable. If this tickles your fancy, click on the link right here.
Alternatively: Consider Investing in a Rice Cooker
Rice cookers are not as common in Western households as they are in Asia, but they are still a great addition to the kitchen. Not only are they good for cooking both white and brown rice, but you can also use them for other things such as cooking quinoa, oatmeal, pasta, and soup. Most rice cookers these days also come with a steamer so you can steam dumplings and vegetables at the same time. Rice cookers make cooking easier and time-manageable. You will rarely have to worry about accidentally burning rice because the cooker will automatically turn off after a timer. They’re easy to clean and are silent when cooking. Our best pick for a rice cooker has to go to Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker, which can prepare up to 8 cups of rice in one serving. You can have a look right here.
Final Verdict : Which is the Best Pot to Cook Rice In?
Cooking rice with a pot can be deceivingly easy, but there is a lot that goes into the preparation and cooking that can either make or break your rice. Generally, the pot you use can affect the outcome of the rice that you are preparing. The three pots that we mentioned above all have their strengths and weaknesses. Stainless steel pots are the most easily available in the market but it’s not the best choice since the rice can stick to the pot if not boiled correctly. Non-stick pots are better for beginners since the rice won’t obviously stick, but cooks should be careful about what utensils they use and try not to use too much heat when using this kind of pot. And finally, cast iron pots are the best overall in cooking, it’s just that it’s a little bit intimidating when being given to a beginner and some people might be turned off by the iron sticking onto their rice.
Like anything that is compared and contrasted, the verdict of which is the best always falls into the hands of the consumer. Some people will swear on non-stick pots, while others just love their stainless steel more than anything else. And don’t get me started on cast iron fans! All we’re saying is that if you are someone who is looking for a pot to try out, don’t be scared to experiment with different kinds of cookware. If it is for you, great! If not, at least you can find some other use for it other than cooking with rice.