Aroma ARC-856 6-Cup Sensor Logic Rice Cooker & Food Steamer

I was considering buying a different rice cooker at twice the price, but bought the ARC-852 (a slightly smaller version of the ARC-856) instead when it was offered briefly at our local Sam's Club. I couldn't pass up the promise of "fuzzy logic" at well under $100, and it has not disappointed! It makes brown rice, long-grain white rice, short grain rice, sushi rice, calrose rice and every other variety of rice better than on the stovetop, and then keeps it warm until you're ready to eat. I've also made pilafs, paella, orzo, steamed vegetables and tofu, and other delicious meals in this rice cooker. However, I find that the real hidden value is in its ability to prepare perfect polenta without the stovetop mess. Here's how to do it: In the bowl of the rice cooker, sprinkle 1 part coarse grind cornmeal into 4 parts cold water or broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add butter or margarine, finely chopped onion and garlic, and other seasonings to taste. Close the lid and run the...Read more

I bought this when offered at a sale price, spent more than I'd ever spent on a rice cooker and I wish I'd bought one for my daughter, too, so she could get rid of the mediocre one I gave her when I replaced it with this Aroma ARC-896. In over two years of constant use, I have yet to be disappointed with the rice, grains or veggies prepared within. Because I store this atop a high cabinet, the handle aids me in moving it up or down. The little storage spot on the side for the paddle is attached but I never use it to hold the rice paddle. If I am preparing rice which is not for risotto, I use this cooker and it looks as new today as the day it came out of the box. It's easy to operate, comes with a nifty little manual, is easy to clean, lovely to store, and produces perfect rice each and every time, regardless of whether it's basmati, jasmine, red, black, white,brown, forbidden or fully exposed. I love this rice cooker and it has never given me mushy or burnt rice.

.Update 6/27/10: Chg's my star's to 5.....I have now had this unit for almost 2 yrs. I works just as well now as when I took it out of the box. Again, I must say I really like that Handle. I helps me place it just where I want without difficulty.I use it regularly for brown rice, barley, pasta, oatmeal and soup.. Still making sm cakes in it with Great success.. I live in a warm climate and this takes over for most of my summer cake baking.( made a lemonaide cake for the picnic)) We had a sm picnic last week and I made a wonderful pasta/shrimp salad that came out of this great cooker.. Yes I said a SALAD.. cooked the pasta w other ingred. on the bottom and steamed the shrimp on the steamer rack... thew in a bowl w a few other easy ingredient and into the frig. GREAT Success. It was a great side w a nice steak....Love this unit and would buy AGAIN TOMORROW if it ever kicks off...........

Well I have 2 rice cookers this one and one of the simple heat/warm ones..This one...Read more