Panasonic SR-MS182 Fuzzy-Logic 10-Cup Rice Cooker, White
by Panasonic
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: PanasonicBrand: Panasonic
Model: SR-MS182
Color: White
Product features:
- 10-cup rice cooker with micro-computerized Fuzzy Logic technology
- Various menu options; 12-hour keep-warm mode; 24-hour clock/timer; auto shut-off
- Binchotan-type black pan for better tasting rice; large orange LCD read-out
- Steam basket, measuring cup, rice scoop, and user manual included
- Measures 14-1/5 by 11 by 9-4/5 inches; 1-year limited warranty
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Panasonic SR-MS182 Fuzzy-Logic 10-Cup Rice Cooker, White
Customer Review: An Excellent Choice Over Zojirushi
Summary: 5 Stars
When looking for a rice cooker, I was torn between this model and a similar one by Zojirushi. What finally swayed my decision (aside from price) was a complete look at my lifestyle: I enjoy steamed vegetables, and the Zojirushi didn't offer a steaming tray. This Panasonic rice cooker is great.
As soon as I opened the box, I washed the steamer basket, cooking bowl, the paddle and the measuring cup. I know one review here stated that their first few batches tasted a bit chemically. Mine did not--from the very first batch all the way to now (as of this writing I have had the rice cooker for 3 weeks) my rice has tasted excellent. Even when I made oatmeal with lots of cinnamon, a simple washing was all it took to get the cinnamon smell out of the cooking bowl. The batches of rice since then have not smelt or tasted of cinnamon.
When I cooked brown rice, I used the brown rice setting as opposed to the instructions given on the separate sheet of paper included with the manual. My rice came out very well--much more tender and flavourful than any brown rice I have ever made in the past without a rice cooker. That fact alone makes this cooker a god-send to me--my significant other prefers brown rice to white for health reasons and now I can cook it in a manner that makes it taste excellent enough for me to enjoy it as well!
Steaming vegetables and dumplings in the cooker couldn't be easier. Just add water to the cooking bowl, put in the steamer basket and your veggies and then select "Steamer" on the display and adjust your time. For most frozen vegetables, I have found 10 minutes to be sufficient. Also, you can steam vegetables while you cook your rice to 'kill two birds with one stone'.
The longest I have left my rice in the machine on the "keep warm" setting is two days, and for that duration the rice was kept as a nice, warm temperature and it did not brown or dry out. It stayed just as delicious as it was when it was freshly made.
I have yet to bake a cake in this, but I am tempted to and will probably update this review if I ever decide to test that feature. It's not necessary, no, but it is definitely something that has a 'fun' quality to it.
I know some have complained about the 24-hour clock, but for me this is actually a perk to the Panasonic. As someone who prefers the 24-hour system and is more used to it, I now find myself checking the time on the Zojirushi rather than on my stove or microwave. I say this simply to give an alternate opinion on the clock--24-hour time isn't necessarily a bad thing! I do agree, however, that not being able to change the battery yourself is a downside. But, it should have a long life so I will cross that bridge when I get to it.
Aesthetically speaking, this unit is not as cute as the Zojirushi (in my opinion), but is far from being an eye-sore. It has nice, sleek lines and a pleasing modern appearance to it that will most likely match any kitchen. I suppose another "downside" that has nothing to do with functionality is that it does not play any cute songs when the rice is done cooking--it merely sends out a long "beep". For those that don't want to hear "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" every time they cook rice, however, this is probably a perk.
As far as cooking capacity, I did opt for the larger model. When my SO first saw it, they joked that if we ever wanted to feed a small army with rice, we've got it covered. The 10-cup capacity of this model really translates to around 20 smallish cups of COOKED rice. It's something to take into consideration if you don't feel that you will ever need that much rice, or if you don't eat a lot of rice to begin with. I wanted something that would grow with us if we ever decide to have a family, but the larger capacity is also nice when we have guests over. Plus, the steaming tray is larger which means we can steam more vegetables at once. And even though it is meant to make large capacities of rice at once time, I have had no problems making just 2-3 uncooked cups in it. The rice still turns out perfect even with the small amount of rice.
All in all, I have been very pleased with my Panasonic rice cooker and have been very happy with my purchase!
UPDATE 4/18/2010: Normally the size of the steamer basket is fine for my partner and me, but I have noticed that when serving food for more people that its size is sometimes inadequate. Also, there have been times I have attempted to multi-task by steaming vegetables while cooking rice and I have found that if the basket is even remotely full (i.e.--covering most of the slits at the bottom) that the bottom of the rice will not burn, per se, but will get noticeably browner than the rest of the rice. So, in this sense, if you try to steam while cooking rice, you'll want to take into consideration that you cannot add a lot of vegetables.
Description of Panasonic SR-MS182 Fuzzy-Logic 10-Cup Rice Cooker, White
Panasonic 10-Cup (uncooked) Fuzzy Logic Rice Cooker, Micro-computer controlled, Black Binchotan Non-stick coated Pan with Dimples, Domed Lid with Moisture Cap, 24-hour Clock Timer, Automatic Cooking, 12-hour Keep Warm, Auto Shut-off, 8-menu settings, Big Orange LCD Readout, Deluxe Steaming Basket included, Detachable Power Cord, Print Water Level, White finish with Chrome-menu Display, Carry handle, Measuring-Cup and Rice Scoop included.Small Appliances
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