For all of the different appliances that are meant to be convenient and wonderful in the kitchen, there are a lot that fall into the not so much category. We don't really need a wonder pot that just makes one food item. If rice cookers fell into that category, they would not be so necessary either, however, they do more than just cook rice. There are several choices that you can make when picking the right rice cooker for you and your family. Look for factors that include:

• The right size for your needs

• Easy to use settings and controls

• Additional uses

• Looks and durability

# 1 -- Choosing Rice Cookers by Size

A single woman does not really need one of the top of the line, family-size rice cookers. A family of four will need a rice cooker that makes enough food for the whole family. While other attachments and accessories are certainly great, they are not going to matter if half of the family is waiting for food to cook while the other half is already eating. Choose rice cookers first by size and then look for the other qualities that you are interested in.

# 2 -- Rice Cookers Should Not Give You Headaches When You Use Them

An appliance that makes you read five pages of instructions to turn it on is not a good choice for a busy family. Most rice cookers are simple to use, with easily read and understood controls. Even those that have timer and hold features are simple enough that the teens can get the hang of hitting a few buttons and fix a healthy meal for themselves and the family.

# 3 -- Additional Uses for Rice Cookers

The best rice cookers don't just cook rice. Consider this: there are enough varieties of rice that you can make a different meal from a different kind and not repeat for several weeks. But, your rice cooker should do more than just that one food. You can steam vegetables and meats with a good rice cooker - enough to make a whole meal.

# 4 -- Looks and Durability

Since you will probably use it so frequently, you will want your rice cooker to be attractive enough to stay out on the counter all of the time. There are several different finish options with some rice cookers available not only in stainless steel finishes but white, black and even in colors that will go with your kitchen. Your choice should take into account your decor but also your family as well. If you have a family with younger children, for instance, you might want a model that will hide the fingerprints.

Finally, no matter what your choice of rice cooker might be, you definitely want one that will last for a while. You don't want to buy one, use it a few times and then find that it has died already. Look for models that are known for their durability and you will be happy for many years.