Instant PotZest 8 Cup One Touch Rice Cooker, From the Makers of Instant Pot, Steamer, Cooks Rice, Grains, Quinoa and Oatmeal, 8-cup cooked/4-cup uncooked, No Pressure Cooking Functionality

With all that's going on, we've been cooking at home a lot more. In the past, we used the instant rice pouches. After watching a few online recipe videos, it became clear we needed a rice cooker.This one has been fantastic. We've used it probably 30 times and rice has been great every time. We typically make 1-3 servings, so the smaller size is exactly what we need. This unit may be too small for a larger family, but I would think you could get at least 6 servings of rice out of this without too much trouble.Never having owned a rice cooker before, I didn't realize how inexpensive rice is when you don't buy in the pouch. Instead of $1.50 or $2 for a single-use pouch, it's now $1-$2 for a bag that will last ~10 meals. And the rice tastes better.Usage couldn't be easier. Follow the recommended water/rice ratio provided with the cooker, hit the button an just wait. The only downside is that there isn't a timer from the beginning of the cycle, though a countdown time kicks in at some point through the process. What I have done is time how long it takes to make 1 portion and 2 portion of rice so I can now plan the rest of the meal accordingly. It takes about 22-24 minutes to make really tasty rice. And with the warming function, you don't need to be all that precise in timing out your meals. The rice can sit in the cooker for a while without any negative effect.Lastly, clean up is easy with the non-stick interior bowl. I've been hand-washing the bowl to avoid potential damage to the non-stick surface in the dishwasher, but cleaning that takes all of 10 seconds. A serving spoon, that works well with rice, steaming basket (haven't used it) and measuring cup also come with the cooker. The measuring cup uses the term "cup" but it isn't a true 8oz cup. It's more of a generic unit for measuring rice and water in the correct ratio, so don't lose the included cup.

I love this product because it makes the cooking time more easy specially for my teenage kids. They are learning to cook and this product helps them because the food always have the right look , taste , smell and texture.

The taste and smell of the rice is anything but delicious. It’s very easy to cook, especially when you have too much on your plate. Within a few minutes the rice is ready to serve. And not only is easy to prepare but easy to clean afterwards.

Breakfast is served! Set the timer and your oatmeal is ready when your alarm goes off.Perfect steel cut oats! Perfect rice! Start cooking at your convenience and keep warm until you are done. Seems to be well constructed and has a solid feel.I do not collect appliances! This was a replacement for a rice cooker that had a wiring issue so I went to Consumer Report and did some research. Some negative comments were about cleaning up rice, and I only make one cup, so have no issue.Great value for the price.

First I have owned at 3qt Instant Pot for 4 years. I recently had to purchase a new cord (think I got it wet) but no other issues. I have never used it as a pressure cooker but use it weekly to cook lentils or braise chicken. I love I can sear & then braise skinless boneless chicken using the slow cooker function in 35-45 mins. I am not using the oven & I don't have to babysit the stovetop & my chicken comes out flavorful and juicy.After much research and based on my Instant Pot experience, I decided to give the Zest a try.I bought this Instant Zest to replace a Green Life 4 cup Rice & Grain Cooker, which worked great & I gave to family. I need to make more than 4 cups for meal prep most weeks and I was tired of making multiple batches of rice.On the negative side, I was disappointed in the Steamer Tray. I use only Stainless Steel, Cast Iron or Ceramic Coated Cook/Bakeware. Why give me a Ceramic Coated Bowl when you also give me a Plastic Steamer Tray? The Plastic Steamer Tray was left in the original box along with the Plastic Rice Paddle.On the positive side, I made a small rice test batch first.I used Basmati Rice, rinsed it til clear water & then let it soak in clean cool water 20-30 min. I used "2 rice cooker cups" (each equals 3/4 cup in US measurement) or 3/4+3/4 = 1 1/2 cups of uncooked rice. I added 1 1/4 cup of water for each 3/4 cup of uncooked rice. So added 2 1/2 total cups total of water. I did bloom Saffron in some of the water I added.I added the Rice then Water into the pot & stirred. Plugged it in & turned on machine by pushing 'White Rice' button. My old Green Life always gave me great fluffy rice in 25 mins for the same amount of rice. The Zest was over 30 minutes, so not bad. I did like how there was a countdown starting at the 10 min mark.Opened lid when beeped. Perfect, fluffy rice with no burning or stickiness. That little amount of rice had separated & fluffed up to 3/4 of the pot. I could have used a paper towel to wipe down the clean bowl but I did a hand wash.I loved my Green Life but this 1st try in the Zest was better. The rice was very tender and absorbed the Saffron evenly. I could have eaten the rice straight out of the machine but I spooned it into a bowl added Chicken Chunks & some Veggies & a quickly put together Asian style Sauce. I put less rice in my dinner bowl than usual but I felt I had eaten more. Dinner made for several more meal times.I gave 4 Stars because of the PLASTIC Steamer Tray. Also, this was my 1st time using the Instant Zest. I will probably Update this post once I have used it for a while. I still need to try my generic Long Grain Rice, Oatmeal & Sushi Rice in the Zest.Again, best Basmati Rice I have ever made, all fluffy & tender. And I did not have any water leaked on my counter - all dry below.

We recently purchased a rice cooker from another company, I won't name it but you might say that their art is cuisine. Rice was fine but it always boiled over. Washed rice, soaked it, didn't wash, tried different brands, made a smaller amount, added butter or olive oil which is supposed to dissipate the bubbles, didn't matter. We returned it and got this product (8-cup). It's flawless. Never boils over, rice is excellent, simple to use. One thing to be mindful of is on the side under the hinge is a small white plastic water receptacle which appears to catch runoff from the lid when opened. Just remember to empty that every use or so. Couldn't be happier and worth every penny! Truly set it and forget it, beeps when rice is done, cleanup is a breeze.

Easy to use. Cooks the best fluffy rice ever. I only wish I could remove the lid to clean it.