The Zojirushi BB-HAC10 Micom Rice Cooker is our top pick for anyone who wants to take their meal prep game to the next level. This versatile wonder is perfect for both beginners and enthusiasts, offering a wide range of features that make it easy to cook everything from rice to quinoa to oats.
We were blown away by the BB-HAC10's ability to consistently deliver perfect results, even when cooking sticky or hard-to-cook grains. The Fuzzy Logic technology ensures that the cooker adjusts its heating and cooling systems to match the specific type of grain being cooked, resulting in a perfectly cooked, fluffy texture every time.
If you're a beginner looking to get started with meal prep, this guide is perfect for you! You'll learn which gadgets are essential for getting started and how to use them to streamline your cooking process.
On the other hand, if you're an experienced cook or chef, you may already have many of these gadgets in your kitchen arsenal. In that case, consider the advanced features and specializations of each device before making a purchase.
Best for: Beginners and enthusiasts looking to cook a variety of grains perfectly Price: $120 at Amazon What we liked:
What annoyed us: The cooker takes up more counter space than other devices on this list, but for the added features it's worth the real estate.
Best for: Meal prep enthusiasts looking to cook a wide variety of dishes quickly and easily Price: $100 at Amazon What we liked:
What annoyed us: The controls take a week to get used to - it's worth the learning curve for the added functionality, but be patient!
| Product | Cooking Capacity | Noise Level (dB) | Battery Life (hours) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zojirushi BB-HAC10 Micom Rice Cooker | 5 cups cooked rice | 40 dB | 20 hours | $120 |
| Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker | 6 quarts capacity | 35 dB | 30 minutes (pressure cooking) | $100 |
| Breville Smart Oven Air | 12 inches wide, 15 inches deep | 50 dB | N/A | $250 |
For most devices on this list, a gentle soap and water solution is sufficient. For non-stick surfaces, avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
Yes, all of these devices are capable of cooking raw meat to safe internal temperatures. However, always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and ensure that the device is properly cleaned and sanitized before handling raw meat.
Consider your meal prep goals, the type of food you want to cook, and your countertop space constraints when choosing a gadget. If you're unsure, start with a more versatile device like the Instant Pot and add specialized gadgets as needed.
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