I did a ton of research on all rice cookers out there, on/off and fuzzy logic, and then every brand and type within that category. This is why I settled on the Cuisinart after all the research, and despite the so-so reviews: -- I wanted something with a small footprint. I live in a NYC apt and cook only for myself, my baby, and sometimes a meal for 2 w my boyfriend. I wanted a 3 or 4 cup cooker. -- I wanted a steamer. I knew I would likely use the steam function as much as the ricemaking function (hello healthy and convenient meals), to steam veggies, fish, chicken, dumplings, buns, etc. Because I cook for my baby, the steam function is also really important so that I can steam veggies and other food, and then blend them for him. -- I wanted something that could cook rice AND steam at the SAME TIME. I am a busy woman, and like to multitask, and want my appliances to as well. Many of the rice cookers that also come with a steamer tray only allow you to steam OR cook rice (the steamer tray sits at the bottom of the rice pot). Or the ones with a steamer that sit on top and allow you to cook rice underneath are usually 5 cup or larger ricemakers. I couldn't find a single one that combined all three of these elements together. (FYI, in case you are looking for it, I was able to find only ONE fuzzy logic ricecooker that was small (3 cup) and also had a steaming tray and steaming function--the Zojirushi Rizo Micom with the cool design. But the steam tray sits at the bottom of the pot, so doesn't allow you to cook rice and steam food at the same time) So now I have had this Cuisinart for a while and am very happy with it. It cooks brown rice beautifully (I cook with low-sodium chicken broth for flavor, and have never had a problem with bubbling over), I steam veggies on top, and my meal is done when the switch flicks off. It's nice when the flavor of whatever is steaming on top (and the marinades) drip down to flavor the rice. Of course I have to play around with timing to make sure it all finishes at the right time, but it's not a big deal. It's small, cleans up easily (all parts dishwasher safe, although a quick scrub in the sink usually does it), and is just fantastic because I feel like it's a machine that's equal parts rice cooker and steamer (rather than a ricecooker that you can use to steam as an afterthought). If you are big on making perfect rice and you're all about the rice, then this is probably not the machine for you-- you can find something better out there. But if you're big on steaming food and want to cook rice too (and often see yourself doing both at the same time), this is perfect. I'm buying 2 as Christmas presents for my friends!
