As a first rice cooker, I don't think I could ask for anything better than my Aroma. It does the job perfectly (almost) every time. Occasionally I add the wrong amount of water and the very bottom rice burns a little, but for the most part, making rice in this is painless and takes no thinking. All you have to do is measure out the rice and the water parts, press the top down, and push a button. It will then beep at you when it is done, and tahdah! You have perfectly cooked rice. I think it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to cook and there is also a timer that you can set so the rice maker will cook rice at sometime in the future. It also comes with a rack that fits snugly inside so you can steam things like vegetables. I haven't tried that yet, but I'm curious to, since the rice always comes out nicely. The actual cooker is very well designed. There is a handle on top, and when you open the top of the cooker, there is even a little container that catches the moisture that collects on the bottom of the lid.

Emmery

Raleigh, NC

I didn't think it was possible to fall in love with another fringe kitchen gadget, but this Aroma Rice Cooker has me hooked!  I've now used it with white, basmati, brown jasmine and wild rice with phenomenal results each time. It couldn't be more simple than putting in rice and water and pressing the right button.  I'm particularly amazed with how well it did wild rice, which can be notoriously tricky and putzy.  The 20-cup rice cooker does a good amount to feed a large crowd or set some aside for later meals.  It has a convenient delayed start/programmable start button and even a "quick cook" button that cuts down time for both brown and white rice.  The non-stick interior is a piece of cake to clean.  I just have to let the unit air dry after it's done steaming before I put it away. It includes a steamer bowl that would allow you to cook additional foods while doing your rice, though I've never used it.  Overall, I cannot recommend this rice cooker more for ease of use, clean-up and size!

cjcolorado

Monument, CO

I absolutely love my programmable Aroma rice cooker.  I usually cook for 9-10 people daily and love the quantity of rice that I am able to cook in my rice cooker.  Combine that with the fact that it cooks both white and brown rice as well as steaming vegetables and cooking chicken.   For my lifestyle it is indispensable.  I have very few negatives things to say about this appliance, but I would like for it to be a little less messy.  The steam vent also allows some moisture to bubble out and it makes a slight mess on my kitchen counter.  Also, if you use the exact amount of water that the appliance calls for it will leave your rice a little dry and with a slight "filmy" substance in the bottom of the bowl.   However, those are slight inconveniences.  I add slightly more water than called for by the instruction manual and also keep a dish towel on the counter to catch the moisture that comes from the top of the machine.  Over all I have been very please with my programmable rice cookers ease of use and clean up.

LHB

Maben, MS