The Rice Maker
They Don’t Make Rice Cookers Like They Used To
7/13/20251 min read


They Don’t Make Rice Cookers Like They Used To
My first rice maker was practically a tiny crockpot. It had one button—you turned it on, and when the rice was done, it magically turned off. That was it. No settings, no options, just simple, dependable rice. But let’s be honest, rice makers have come a long way since then.
Let me introduce you to the Yum Asia Panda Mini Rice Cooker—a small appliance that punches well above its weight. This little machine is full of modern features designed to make rice cooking nearly foolproof. It adjusts its cooking based on the type of rice you’re making: white, brown, sushi, jasmine—you name it. The texture and flavor turn out just right every time.
One of my favorite features? The 24-hour preset timer. You can set it in the morning and come home to perfectly cooked rice without thinking about it all day. It also doubles as a steamer, which is great for veggies or dumplings. And yes—it even has a cake baking setting. I haven’t tested that one yet (still working up the courage!), but I love knowing the option is there.
Yes, it’s another item in the kitchen, but if rice is part of your weekly meals—or if you simply care about getting it right every time—The Yum Asia Panda Mini Rice Cooker is absolutely worth the space. It’s compact enough to tuck away, but honestly, it looks nice enough to live on the counter full-time.
If you’ve ever struggled with undercooked rice, burned rice, or just wish your rice turned out like it does at your favorite restaurant, the Yum Asia Panda Mini might be your new best friend in the kitchen.
I got mine here https://amzn.to/44tDiYL