Rice is a staple that many cook often. We researched the best pot available for cooking rice since we wanted to ensure we consistently get the best results. There are many different ways people cook rice but we focused on basic stove top pots. We found that the Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 4 Quart Covered Sauce Pot was the best solution for most people. Continue reading to learn why we picked it and some of our other suggestions for great pots for cooking rice.
Our Number One Pick:
Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 4-Quart Covered Saucepot
The Faberware 4 Quart Sauce Pot is our pick for cooking rice for most people because it’s inexpensive, it can cook medium to large portions of rice. It is versatile and can be used for many other cooking chores. It has an aluminum core covered by stainless steel which makes it very durable and heat evenly so you’re less likely to have burned rice in spots. It has a self basting lid which helps seal it which is ideal for cooking rice. If you have need to use it in the oven, it’s oven safe up to 350 degrees which should be good for the majority of needs when using it in the oven. Finally, it’s dishwasher safe so in the event you leave your rice cooking on the stove unattended for too long you can pop it in the dishwasher and let it do its magic removing the messy rice residue.
Faberware is well known for quality cookware that is affordably priced. They have a very good reputation. The popularity of this particular sauce pot is surprisingly high. Of those customers who have bought it and commented on its performance and value, the overwhelming majority left glowing reviews.
Upgrade Pick:
Simply Calphalon Nonstick 4-Quart Saucepan
The Simply Calphalon Nonstick 4-Quart Saucepan is as equally versatile as the Faberware Sauce Pot but it adds the Calphalon non stick coating which can be a huge benefit if you’re an easily distracted cook such as myself. I hate to admit that more than once I’ve left the rice cooking too long and spent an unpleasant several minutes scraping away the burnt bits at the bottom. The non stick surface will make that a non issue.
The price for this sauce pan is much higher than the Faberware sauce pot but it is a reasonably priced option from the Calphalon brand. In addition to the non stick coating it also includes riveted stainless steel handles with high temperature stable silicone grips on both the lid and pan, tempered glass lid, and is oven compatible up to 400 degrees which bests the Faberware by 50 degrees allowing you a little more versatility. The best feature as it relates to cooking rice is the glass lid which makes it easier to check on the rice without having to remove the lid and let out too much steam.
Aside from the higher price, the only other potential downside is the construction being all aluminum. This is actually a great benefit since aluminum is an excellent heat conductor which is often used as a core layer to improve less than ideal cooking metals such as stainless steel but it isn’t as durable since it is a soft metal. Calphalon has hard anodized this pan though and they stand behind it with a 10 year warranty.
Worth Considering:
Lodge EC4D33 Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
The Lodge Enameled Cast Iron 4.5 Quart Dutch Oven is a different idea on cooking rice. Cast iron is very good at heating evenly and with the heavy cast iron lid it will seal in moisture well. The enameled inner surface is semi non stick and works well for cooking rice.
The cost is almost as much as the Calphalon non stick sauce pan and cast iron is very heavy so this may not be a great choice for everyone. If you’re partial to cast iron cooking then a smaller dutch oven is a great idea to consider. Cast iron is very versatile for using in other cooking tasks and is great for using in the oven at any temperature. Enameled cast iron is easy to care for compared to raw cast iron so don’t let that put you off. It’s similar to caring for a regular pot or pan.
Lodge cast iron products are American made and highly regarded for their quality and reasonable price. There are higher priced cast iron like Staub or Le Creuset but Lodge holds its own with those pricey brands.
Additional Information:
Things To Keep In Mind
How do you cook rice with a pot?
- Add 1 3/4 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice you intend to cook
- Add salt for seasoning to the water
- Bring water to a boil
- Add rice and stir briefly
- Cover with tight fitting lid
- Reduce heat to low and simmer until all water has been absorbed into the rice
How long does it take to cook rice in a pot?
While it can vary with the amount of rice being cooked, it’s common for white rice to near being finished cooking at 18 to 20 minutes. Brown rice takes a little longer to absorb water but should near being finished at around 30 minutes.
How do you make fluffy rice?
- Drain your cooked rice in a colander
- Add 1 inch of water back to the pot
- Bring back to a boil
- Reduce to a simmer
- Cover the rice in the colander with aluminum foil
- Place the colander over the simmering water
- Steam the rice for 8 to 10 minutes
How many servings is one cup of rice?
1/2 cup of rice is a typical serving so 1 cup is 2 servings. This is assuming that rice is simply a side and not a main part of your meal. You may want to increase the portion depending on what you’re cooking.
Why is my rice mushy and sticky?
You’re likely using too much water if your rice comes out mushy and sticky. While there isn’t much you can do to salvage the mush and sticky rice, next time try scaling back a little on the amount of water.
Other Resources:
Helpful Links
Wrapping Up:
The Perfect Cookware for Cooking Rice
Cooking rice isn’t terribly difficult but it does require not removing the lid until it’s almost finished cooking and keeping an eye on it until it’s finished. The best pot that we found for cooking rice will make this process easy and not break the bank. The Faberware 4 quart sauce pot is our pick for most people due to it’s features and price point. The Calphalon 4 quart sauce pan is a strong upgrade suggestion for its non stick surface, aluminum construction, and glass lid which makes it easier to check on the rice without needing to remove the lid. The Calphalon is significantly more expensive but worth it if your budget will allow.
