This 2-in-1 Rice Cooker and Steamer is the Unsung Hero of My Kitchen

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a good multi-use kitchen tool. Recently, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect rice cooker. As a staple part of my diet, I make rice a lot. However, I’ve never really used a dedicated rice cooker before, so I needed to make sure I was being smart about my pick. Now, as I live in a studio apartment, I needed a rice cooker that was going to be worth the space it would take up — but I also wasn’t too keen on the idea of dedicating that much space to a single-use appliance either. So, I started doing my research. I asked friends, family, and coworkers for their picks before doing my own digging and ended up with many great recommendations. However, there was one rice cooker that I came across that ended up changing the way I’ll look at these devices forever: the powerful (and small-space-friendly) Proctor Silex Rice Cooker & Food Steamer.

The Proctor Silex Rice Cooker & Food Steamer may just be one of my favorite kitchen purchase this year. Able to make up to six cups of rice, this rice cooker is nonetheless incredibly compact, making it great for small kitchens, dorms, and, yes, studio apartments. The real kicker, though, is that it doubles as a steamer! Equipped with an aluminum steamer basket (that also doubles as a colander for rinsing veggies), you’ll no longer have to keep multiple devices handy to get the perfect steamed meal. Best of all, every piece is incredibly easy to clean, with a dishwasher-safe bowl, lid, basket, spatula, and a measuring cup!

The second I unboxed this rice cooker, I knew I was going to love it. First of all, it’s quite literally the perfect size. It’s so compact, and the best part is I didn’t even need to make room for it on my counter — it slipped into an open space so easily! Now the important part: how it performed. I decided to put its two-in-one claims to the test and cook some rice and broccoli simultaneously. I followed the recommended 1:1 ratio of water to rice, popped some broccoli in the steamer basket (I loved that I was able to rinse all within the same basket!), flipped the switch, and let it get to work. As I made some chicken to go on the side, this little wonder did its thing and by the time I was done, I looked over to see the machine was off, and inside was a perfect batch of rice and broccoli. Needless to say, I’ve been obsessed ever since.

Want to put it to the test for yourself? The Proctor Silex Rice Cooker & Food Steamer comes in at just $31, making it an affordable addition to your appliance arsenal, especially when you remember it’s two appliances in one! So, whether you’re a fan of a good two-in-one or tired of big clunky rice cookers, this rice cooker may just become the unsung hero of your kitchen, too.

Buy: Proctor Silex Rice Cooker & Food Steamer, $30.99