Top Affordable Rice Cookers With Steamer Basket: BLACK+DECKER vs AROMA Digital Rice Cooker A good rice cooker takes a lot of the trouble out of cooking everyday meals, especially when it actually can do more than just cook rice. Some rice cookers come with steaming baskets that can steam vegetables, fish, meat and other foods at the same time as the rice which helps save time and kitchen space.
Advantages of a Rice Cooker with Steamer Basket
With that said, a rice maker with steaming basket can be more versatile than the basic one. The main pot also serves as a steaming vessel so you don’t need an additional pot or steamer — you can cook rice in the main pot while something else is being steamed above it.
This can be especially helpful if you would like to use fewer pot and pans to prepare whole meals. While the rice steams in the bottom layer, you can steam veggies, fish, meat and other foods on top as per model.
Also, a rice cooker is more consistent. Instead of babysitting a pot on the stove, just measure your rice and water into the cooker, push go, and let the appliance do most of the work for you.
Black+Decker 6-Cup Rice Cooker with Steaming Basket
Black+Decker 6-Cup Rice Cooker with Steaming Basket For people after a relatively straightforward cooking approach with some nice steaming capabilities, the BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Rice Cooker with Steaming Basket is born. Its capacity allows you to prepare up to 6 cups of raw rice, making it useful for everyday meals and smaller families.
One of the most important is it’s ease of use. This cooker automatically switches to keep warm when the cooking cycle is done so your rice is always hot and ready to serve.
6-Cup Cooked Rice Capacity
The BLACK+DECKER rice cooker makes 6 cups (uncooked) of delicious rice Can prepare 1 to 6 cups of cooked rice, or up to a maximum of 3 cups of uncooked rice using the included ¾-cup rice measuring cup.
Its vital to use the measuring cup right above because a rice cooker cup can be different from a regular kitchen measuring cup. Using the measurements endorsed by your manufacturers can help provide more consistent results.
That capacity makes this model a sensible choice for regular family meals without the need for a particularly big appliance.
Automatic Keep Warm Function
After the cooking is over, this rice cooker switches to Keep Warm automatically. It also allows you to keep the rice warm after the cooking cycle is complete, which means you don’t need to serve it immediately.
It’s also helpful when you are preparing other aspects of a meal or when family members eat at different times.
Included Steaming Basket
The streaming basket allows you to do more than just cook rice. It allows you to steam vegetables, fish and any other foods while using the main pot for rice.
Having the setup allows for more efficiency in meal prep since two components of a meal could be prepped with one appliance.
Removable Nonstick Rice Pot
It has a nonstick rice pot that can be removed for easy serving and cleaning. The removable pot is also lined with a nonstick coating and adjusts into the dishwasher for simple cleanup according to product information.
It comes with a serving spoon for scooping out rice in order to prevent damage to the nonstick coating.
Measuring Cup and Spoon Included
Includes a ¾-Cup Rice Measuring Cup0705c1The Cooker03033300JTC Countertop Cookery0423222C$29.95 ✔️ The rice measuring cup is specially designed just for that purpose and the spoon to serve you your rice without scratching your cooking pot.
The product also has a steam vent that is directed away from cabinets.
Compact Design
The BLACK+DECKER cooker is approximately 10 x 9 x 5.5 inches and runs at 120V, 300W; a small footprint could work for kitchens where counter space is sparse.
AROMA Digital Rice Cooker ARC-914SBD
AROMA Digital Rice Cooker ARC-914SBD The AROMA Digital Rice Cooker ARC-914SBD is a little more function heavy because of this approach. This one has a stainless steel body, digital controls, multiple cooking presets and is able to prepare a larger quantity of cooked rice — up to eight cups.
You can use it to steam meat and vegetables with the provided steam tray, even making rice and grains.
8-Cup Cooked Rice Capacity
Capacity of AROMA ARC-914SBD Cooks 2 to 8 cups of rice or grains. It has an 8-cup maximum cooked-rice capacity, versus the BLACK+DECKER’s 6 cups.
This extra capacity can come in handy if you frequently cook food for many people or plan to cook larger amounts of rice in one go.
The manufacturer advises to use the cup provided with the product to measure the rice.
Digital Controls
A key difference between the two is AROMA’s digital controls that are programmable.
Instead of simple controls, the AROMA has preset cooking functions that allow you to choose the right settings for different foods.
Its functions include:
White Rice
Brown Rice
Steam
Flash Rice
This gives you more variety if you’re someone who often eats another kind of rice or grain.
Automatic Keep Warm
Similar to the BLACK+DECKER model, the AROMA rice cooker will automatically switch over to Keep Warm after the cooking cycle is complete.
This comes in handy when you need a little time before serving, or if the rice is done cooking before everything else.
Sensor Logic Technology
The AROMA ARC-914SBD is equipped with Sensor Logic Technology, which automatically oversees the temperature inside while cooking.
It is designed to assist in preparing uniform rice and grains with the right degree of texture and flavor by way of modifying the cooking method.
This can be an attractive feature for users who desire greater automated control cooking.
Simultaneously, while the rice is cooking, steam the meat and veggies
It even adds a steam tray for steaming meat, vegetables, and other foods while rice steams underneath!
And that is why the AROMA is much more than just a rice cooker. It can act like a part many other multicookers by allowing you to prepare different parts of a meal at one time.
BLACK+DECKER vs. AROMA Rice Cooker
Both rice cookers have automatic keepwarm features for both devices and steaming capabilities, but their specifications cater towards slightly different tastes.
Feature BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Rice Cooker AROMA ARC-914SBD
Fixed ratio for rice cooker No Extra rice cooker capacity settings (cooked) Up to 6 cups; Up to 8 cups
Uncooked rice capacity 3 cup max Designed for 2–8 cups of cooked rice
Keep Warm Yes Yes
Steaming Yes Yes
Digital controls No digital controls specified Yes
Predefined functions — White Rice; Brown Rice; Steam; Flash Rice
Cooking technology Automatic cooking Sensor Logic Technology
Pot | Removable nonstick pot | Stainless steel rice cooker
Accessories: Steam basket, measuring cup, serving spoonSteam tray and measuring cup
Pot Material Yes, removable pot and dishwasher-safePot-specific care instructions
Brown Rice Cooker vs Regular – Which One Is Right for You?
Which is better for you really much depends on how much rice you typically cook and how far you want to decide the cooking process.
BLACK+DECKER if Youre Looking for Simplicity
The BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Rice Cooker is ideal for those who want a no-frills device focused on just the basics.
The 6-cup cooked capacity can handle plenty of average meals, its steaming basket gives it an extra edge. Convenience seekers will also love the removable nonstick pot and dishwasher-safe cleanup.
It is especially appealing if you do not require several digital cooking features and want a more straightforward rice-cooking experience.
AROMA: Pick This If You Want More Cooking Functions
ARC-914SBD is still a better alternative if you prefer added cooking styles and higher capacity.
With an 8-cup cooked capacity, this appliance gives you more steaming space for bigger portions and has digital controls with a preset function that works for just about everything: white rice, brown rice, steamer and Flash Rice.
The second benefit for those who want their device to automatically control the cooking temperature throughout the cycle is a Sensor Logic Technology.
Rice Cooking and Water Ratios
The water to grain ratio can sometimes vary based on the rice or grain you are cooking with. Different types of rice, such as white or brown rice, may have different cooking requirements.
The RFID chip inside the BLACK+DECKER model suggests that you consult your manual regarding rice-to-water ratios depending on what kind of rice you have. The texture of the rice can also be adjusted by adding more water as a general rule for softer rice, and using less will result in firmer rice.
It is recommended that you use the rice measuring cup supplied with either appliance, rather than assuming a standard kitchen cup volume is the same.
Steaming With a Rice Cooker
One of the best parts about these two appliances is steaming food when rice cooks!
You can also cook rice in the cooking pot while prepare steamed vegetables in a BLACK+DECKER basket or veggies and meat in an AROMA steam tray.
This way you can minimize pots and pans used for one meal. As well as that, it can be easier to load meal preparation when you want rice and one other food on your table at around the same time.
For steaming, refer to the manual of your individual rice cooker for where you should place food, how long food takes and safety guidelines regarding hot steam.
Cleaning and Everyday ConvenienceTop Affordable Rice Cookers With Steamer Basket: BLACK+DECKER vs AROMA Digital Rice Cooker
Another factor to take into consideration when choosing a rice cooker is Cleanup.
It has a removable nonstick rice pot for easy cleaning and dishwasher safe. Even the included serving spoon is designed to help preserve the nonstick surface.
The exterior body of the AROMA model comes with stainless steel which is an entirely different look and construction technique as compared to its price competitor but it also has digital control features, different programs.
No matter which model you are using, just let the hot parts cool properly and follow the steps for cleaning and care as advised by suplex or the manufacturer.
Final Verdict
If you want a simple method for cooking rice while steaming extra food, the BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Rice Cooker with Steaming Basket (Amazon | Target) and AROMA Digital Rice Cooker ARC-914SBD (Amazon $50) are quick solutions.
What you need to know: The BLACK + DECKER is designed simply, has a cooked capacity of up to 6 cups, an automatic Keep Warm function, and comes with a removable nonstick pot and steaming basket. Which can make for a great solution for those users that are looking to buy no-frills rice cooker for the daily use.
With an 8-cup cooked capacity, the AROMA ARC-914SBD is a larger rice cooker with added features for programmability. The digital controls with White Rice, Brown Rice, Steam and Flash Rice settings — plus Sensor Logic Technology — make it the more versatile option for consumers who want even more cooking flexibility.
Finally, if ease and cleanup simplicity are your priorities, the BLACK+DECKER is an option worth considering. The AROMA ARC-914SBD might be your better fit if you’re looking for larger capacity and more cooking programs.
Rice cooker- and steamer-capable can make it a one-stop appliance for easily cooking time-saving multicourse meals with less cookware.
Question and Answers
1. What is the main difference between the BLACK+DECKER and AROMA rice cookers?
The BLACK+DECKER rice cooker focuses on simple, straightforward operation and has a capacity of up to 6 cups of cooked rice. The AROMA ARC-914SBD offers a larger 8-cup cooked capacity, digital controls, and multiple preset cooking functions.
2. How much rice can these rice cookers prepare?
The BLACK+DECKER model can prepare up to 6 cups of cooked rice, using up to 3 cups of uncooked rice with its included ¾-cup measuring cup. The AROMA model can prepare 2 to 8 cups of cooked rice or grains using the included measuring cup.
3. Can I steam food while cooking rice?
Yes. Both models include steaming accessories. The BLACK+DECKER comes with a steaming basket, while the AROMA includes a steam tray. You can use them to steam foods such as vegetables, fish, and meat while rice cooks underneath.
4. Do both rice cookers have an automatic Keep Warm function?
Yes. Both models automatically switch to Keep Warm after the cooking cycle is complete. This helps keep the cooked rice ready to serve when you’re not eating immediately.
5. What cooking functions does the AROMA ARC-914SBD offer?
The AROMA ARC-914SBD includes preset functions for White Rice, Brown Rice, Steam, and Flash Rice. It also uses Sensor Logic Technology to automatically control the internal temperature during cooking for consistent results.
6. Which rice cooker should I choose?
Choose the BLACK+DECKER if you prefer a simple rice cooker with a 6-cup capacity, steaming basket, removable nonstick pot, and easy cleanup. Choose the AROMA ARC-914SBD if you want a larger 8-cup capacity, programmable digital controls, and more cooking functions. Your choice ultimately depends on the capacity and features you need most.