Black & Decker 6-Cup Rice Cooker

As someone who frequently prepares rice and other grains, I was excited to try out the Black & Decker 6-Cup Rice Cooker, model RC506. This compact appliance promises to simplify the cooking process with its automatic keep-warm function and included steaming basket, and it's designed for small households or individual use. Here's my detailed experience with the tool.

Design and Build Quality

The RC506 is quite compact, measuring 10 x 9.0 x 5.5 inches, which makes it an excellent fit for small kitchens or limited counter space. The white plastic exterior is unassuming but blends well with most kitchen decor. The cooker comes with a tempered glass lid, allowing you to monitor the cooking process without lifting the lid and letting steam escape.

One thing I noticed right away is the plastic steaming basket. While functional, it worries me a bit regarding durability and safety, especially when exposed to high temperatures. I prefer metal or more robust materials for steaming, but the plastic basket does the job for now. The included plastic serving spoon also feels somewhat flimsy, and I quickly replaced it with a sturdier alternative from my kitchen.

Performance

One of the standout features of this rice cooker is its automatic keep-warm function. Once the rice is cooked, the appliance switches to keep-warm mode, ensuring that your rice stays at an optimal temperature until you're ready to eat. This is particularly useful for someone like me, who often has staggered mealtimes.

In terms of capacity, the 6-cup designation refers to the cooked rice, not raw. This means it can handle about 2 to 3 cups of uncooked rice, which translates to enough rice for about 3-4 servings. This size is perfect for a small family or a couple, but it may be insufficient for larger gatherings.

Cooking Experience

Using the RC506 is straightforward. Simply measure your rice and water using the provided measuring cup, add them to the nonstick bowl, and switch the cooker on. The cooker comes with helpful water level markers on the inside of the bowl, making it easy to get the right proportions.

However, I did encounter some issues with the cooking process. The rice tends to stick to the bottom of the nonstick bowl, creating a crust that's difficult to remove. This issue persisted even when I followed the instructions precisely. The manual does mention that a crust may form and can be easily discarded, but I found it quite challenging to clean off. Additionally, the nonstick coating seems prone to wear over time, which could exacerbate the sticking issue.

On the plus side, the rice cooker is versatile. Apart from rice, I successfully cooked quinoa, barley, and even oatmeal. However, for oatmeal and cream of wheat, I recommend leaving the lid off to prevent boil-overs. The cooker also works well for simple one-pot meals. I tried a pasta carbonara recipe, and it turned out delicious, though I had to monitor the cooker closely to prevent it from switching to keep-warm mode prematurely.

Steaming Function

The included steaming basket expands the appliance's utility, allowing you to steam vegetables or fish while cooking rice. However, the plastic material of the steaming basket is a concern for me. I'm cautious about steaming food in plastic, especially when it's in direct contact with high temperatures. If you share this concern, you might want to look for a metal steaming basket that fits the cooker.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the RC506 is relatively easy, thanks to the dishwasher-safe nonstick bowl and removable parts. However, the nonstick coating's durability is questionable. After a few uses, I noticed some wear and tear, which could lead to more rice sticking to the bottom. It's essential to handle the nonstick bowl with care and avoid using abrasive scrubbers to prolong its lifespan.

Final Thoughts

The Black & Decker 6-Cup Rice Cooker is a practical and affordable appliance for small households. It excels at cooking rice and offers additional functionality with its steaming basket. The automatic keep-warm feature is a significant advantage for those with varied meal schedules.

However, the appliance has its drawbacks. The misleading 6-cup capacity, the tendency for rice to stick, and the questionable durability of the nonstick coating are concerns. Additionally, the plastic steaming basket and serving spoon leave much to be desired in terms of quality and safety.

Would I recommend the Black & Decker 6-Cup Rice Cooker? It depends on your needs. If you're looking for an affordable, compact rice cooker for occasional use and don't mind the minor inconveniences, this model is a solid choice. However, if you require a more durable, higher-capacity appliance for frequent use, you might want to invest in a more robust model. Overall, the RC506 offers good value for its price but comes with trade-offs that potential buyers should consider.