Okay, so I make rice. A lot. Like, at least twice a week. And believe me, I’ve tried every method under the sun – from babysitting a pot on the stove (and inevitably burning it) to those complicated rice cookers with a million buttons I never use. So, when I saw the Brentwood 4-Cup Rice Cooker, I was like, “Seriously? Can something this cheap and basic actually cook rice well?” Turns out, yeah, it can. Here’s the lowdown after a few weeks of putting it through its paces.
First Impressions:
Let’s be real, this thing is about as simple as it gets. It’s a small, white cooker – nothing fancy. You get a non-stick pot, a glass lid, and an on/off switch. That’s it. Oh, and a steamer basket, which is a nice little bonus. It’s super light, which made me wonder about how long it would last, but hey, for the price, I wasn’t expecting a tank.
Does It Actually Cook Rice?
Mostly, I cook white rice, and this little guy nails it. Every time, I get fluffy, perfectly cooked rice. The 4-cup uncooked capacity is just right for my family – me, my husband, and our little one. We get a good meal out of it, with a bit leftover for lunch the next day. I did try brown rice once, but it came out a little…chewy. Not a total disaster, but I think this cooker is definitely happier with white rice.
The best part? The automatic shut-off. I can just dump everything in, flip the switch, and walk away. No more burnt rice! And the non-stick pot? Cleaning is a total breeze. A quick wash and you’re done.
Steaming Power!
I’ve been throwing veggies in the steamer basket while the rice cooks below. Talk about a time-saver! Broccoli and carrots come out perfectly – tender but still with a little snap.
A Few Little Things:
Look, it’s basic. Don’t expect any bells and whistles. No timer, no keep-warm function. Once the rice is done, it just shuts off, so you need to eat it pretty quickly, or it’ll dry out. And yeah, the included spoon and spatula feel a bit cheap, but they work.
The Bottom Line:
Honestly, the Brentwood 4-Cup Rice Cooker is perfect if you’re on a tight budget or just want something simple that gets the job done. It’s not fancy, but it’s reliable and cooks rice really well. If you’re tired of messing up rice on the stove, this is a great, affordable solution. I’m giving it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. For the price, you really can’t beat it.