 Great Rice Cooker for the Price ! |
| Review Date: September 29, 2009 |
| Reviewer: L. Yomtoob, The Windy City |
I was considering buying a different rice cooker at twice the price, but bought the ARC-852 (a slightly smaller version of the ARC-856) instead when it was offered briefly at our local Sam's Club. I couldn't pass up the promise of "fuzzy logic" at well under $100, and it has not disappointed! It makes brown rice, long-grain white rice, short grain rice, sushi rice, calrose rice and every other variety of rice better than on the stovetop, and then keeps it warm until you're ready to eat. I've also made pilafs, paella, orzo, steamed vegetables and tofu, and other delicious meals in this rice cooker. However, I find that the real hidden value is in its ability to prepare perfect polenta without the stovetop mess. Here's how to do it: In the bowl of the rice cooker, sprinkle 1 part coarse grind cornmeal into 4 parts cold water or broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add butter or margarine, finely chopped onion and garlic, and other seasonings to taste. Close the lid and run the rice maker on the porridge cycle, stirring briefly every 15 minutes or so (repeat the porridge cycle, if necessary to extend cooking time). When polenta is thick and creamy, top with pasta sauce and Italian sausage, chili and cheese, cuban black beans and guacamole, or a simple pat of butter and sprinkle of parmesan. Chill the leftovers in a loaf pan and pan-fry in slices the next day... Incredible polenta with very little effort!
The non-stick pan cleans up beautifully, no scrubbing required, and it stores easily: the cord retracts, and the steamer rack, utensils, and measuring cup fit neatly inside the rice cooker. All around a great value! |
We've had a wonderful long term relationship
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| Review Date: April 15, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Offenbach, N VA |
| I bought this when offered at a sale price, spent more than I'd ever spent on a rice cooker and I wish I'd bought one for my daughter, too, so she could get rid of the mediocre one I gave her when I replaced it with this Aroma ARC-896. In over two years of constant use, I have yet to be disappointed with the rice, grains or veggies prepared within. Because I store this atop a high cabinet, the handle aids me in moving it up or down. The little storage spot on the side for the paddle is attached but I never use it to hold the rice paddle. If I am preparing rice which is not for risotto, I use this cooker and it looks as new today as the day it came out of the box. It's easy to operate, comes with a nifty little manual, is easy to clean, lovely to store, and produces perfect rice each and every time, regardless of whether it's basmati, jasmine, red, black, white,brown, forbidden or fully exposed. I love this rice cooker and it has never given me mushy or burnt rice. |
Excellent small rice cooker/steamer
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| Review Date: November 7, 2009 |
| Reviewer: The Science Chick, St. Peter, MN |
I'm so impressed. This is the third rice cooker I've tried and I'm so impressed. In addition to jasmine (white) rice and medium-grain brown rice, I've made polenta, steel-cut oatmeal, and macaroni and cheese.
The regular rice cycles combined with fuzzy logic processor make the best rice I have ever had: fluffy, with individual grains, with the right amount of "chew" and stickiness - even the brown rice. The warmer actually works as you'd expect: it keeps the rice (or other grain) hot, without cooking the heck out of it. I was very impressed with the polenta. I prepared this on the porridge cycle. After the first batch I realized I should stir once, about 15 minutes after starting the cycle. On the second batch of polenta, I got creamy, moist polenta of even texture. The oatmeal was a pleasant delight: nutty, rich, chewy, moist, not at all gloppy. I added raisins while it was warming for about 15 minutes.
The steamer is thorough but not sterilizing. This comes with a heavy steamer insert and a rice measuring cup. Really, a very impressive machine. |
wow better than i expected.
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| Review Date: January 25, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Scott Richardson, Albuquerque |
| i received this 3 days ago and i've made rice & beans twice already. first time was brown rice with chili beans, chili powder, cumin powder, and salt. it came out fantastic. second time, today, i made basmati rice and pinto beans with chili's and this time only salt as a seasoning. the rice was done perfectly, fluffy, soft, and delicious. lol and it's fast, and easy, too!! look i'm a single, 48 y/o man and this thing is perfect. next i'm going to try it as a slow cooker. i'm very happy, nice job aroma. |
Completely Satisfied.
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| Review Date: December 29, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Williams, Fontana, CA United States |
| I have had only good experiences so far with this rice cooker. It hasn't burned the rice at the bottom, it is easy to clean, and isn't too big so it isn't in the way too much on the kitchen counter. |
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