Aroma Rice Cooker ARC-360-NGP Review Best 20-Cup Option with Steamer

Description

A Versatile Kitchen Companion: Aroma Housewares ARC-360-NGP Rice Cooker & Food Steamer

I recently got my hands on the Aroma Housewares ARC-360-NGP 20-Cup Pot-Style Rice Cooker & Food Steamer, and as someone who loves cooking for family and friends, this addition to my kitchen was quite intriguing. With its 20-cup capacity, it promised to handle everything from intimate family meals to larger gatherings. Testing it out turned into an adventure, and I’ve got plenty to share about its features, performance, and quirks.

Classic and Intuitive Design

One thing I noticed right away was the simple, no-fuss design. It’s not one of those over-complicated gadgets with a dozen buttons you’ll never use. The one-touch operation makes it extremely user-friendly—just press a button, and you’re good to go. The automatic Keep Warm function kicks in once the rice is cooked, which means no rushing back to the kitchen to prevent your food from getting cold.

The tempered glass lid was a pleasant surprise. It allows you to see what’s happening without lifting it off and losing all that precious steam. Whether it’s watching the rice cook or ensuring the vegetables in the steamer tray are coming along nicely, the visibility is a definite plus.

Key Benefits

• Large Capacity: Perfect for families or hosting parties. You can cook up to 20 cups of rice! That’s a lot of food in one batch.
• Non-stick Pot: Cleaning up is effortless thanks to the premium non-stick surface, and the water measuring lines on the pot make prep straightforward.
• Bonus Steamer Tray: The included steam tray fits neatly inside, letting you cook vegetables, fish, or chicken while the rice cooks below.
• Versatile Use: It’s not just for rice. I’ve used it for soups, chili, and even jambalaya. It’s essentially a multi-purpose cooker in disguise.

The Performance: Does It Deliver?

Cooking rice with this machine was almost foolproof. The smart cooking sensors ensure consistent results every time, which is great because no one enjoys undercooked or mushy rice. I tried cooking jasmine, basmati, and even brown rice, and it handled all of them like a pro. The Keep Warm mode kept everything at the perfect serving temperature for hours without drying it out.

I also tested it using the steamer tray, which felt like a game-changer. While the rice was bubbling away at the bottom, I steamed some broccoli and chicken thighs on top. Everything came out perfectly cooked—no overcooking or soggy textures. It feels like a mini miracle for one-pot meals.

Areas for Improvement

While it has plenty of strengths, there are some less favorable aspects to note:

• No Timer or Advanced Settings: Unlike some pricier models, this product lacks a timer or multiple preset cooking modes. It’s simple, but that simplicity could be limiting for some users.
• Steamer Tray Size: The included tray is handy but a bit on the smaller side. If you’re hoping to steam a significant amount of food, you might need to do it in batches.
• Lid Design: That glass lid, while convenient, isn’t sealed. It’s easy to accidentally spill steam or liquid when moving the cooker.

Positives

• Cooks rice perfectly, no matter the type.
• One-touch operation keeps things simple.
• Non-stick pot and easy cleanup are a blessing.
• Includes essential accessories like a measuring cup and serving spatula.

Negative Attributes

• Lacks advanced features like a timer or programmable settings.
• Small steamer tray limits how much you can cook simultaneously.
• The glass lid isn’t sealed, which could create small messes.

Competitive Options

Comparing this to other rice cookers and food steamers on the market, it holds its own quite well. For instance, brands like Zojirushi and Instant Pot offer models with more bells and whistles—think timers, multiple cooking modes, and even smartphone controls. However, they come at a much higher price point. The Aroma ARC-360-NGP wins in simplicity and affordability but might not appeal to tech enthusiasts or those who want every possible feature.

When put side by side with other budget-friendly options, this one stands out for its durability and consistent results. Unlike some competitors, the non-stick pot actually works as advertised, and the Keep Warm function doesn’t overheat your food. That said, if you’re looking for a cooker with advanced programming, you might want to explore other brands.

Cost Efficiency

In terms of value for money, this rice cooker is a solid choice. The large capacity, multi-functionality, and user-friendly design make it a great investment for families or anyone who loves hosting. While it may not have all the high-tech features of premium models, it does what it’s built to do—and does it well. It’s a practical option for anyone on a budget who doesn’t want to compromise on quality.