cooking beans in this cooker? Hi--I just bought this cooker, hoping to use it for both rice and beans. However, the instruction manual says not to cook things like oatmeal, cranberries, split peas, and noodles in it. Has anyone used this to cook beans in it? cooking beans in this cooker? Hi--I just bought this cooker, hoping to use it for both rice and beans. However, the instruction manual says not to cook things like oatmeal, cranberries, split... » Read More cooking beans in this cooker? Hi--I just bought this cooker, hoping to use it for both rice and beans. However, the instruction manual says not to cook things like oatmeal, cranberries, split peas, and noodles in it. Has anyone used this to cook beans in it? « Show Less
1465576
Thanks for your post--I called Sanyo customer service and they said cooking beans are fine. I haven't tried that yet. I have made rice numerous times in the cooking already and the results have been fantastic!
1465577
I am planning on buying this model for the same reason- I don't see why you can't make beans. Just make sure to soak them overnight and set the timer for the type of beans. For example, if they are kidney beans then they should cook for about an hour (according to the Ultimate Rice Cooker cookbook). Let me know how it goes.
1221338
Just an update - I have cooked garbanzo beans and pinto beans in the rice cooker. I soaked the garbanzo beans for 8 hours and then slow cooked them for two. A half cup of pinto beans took a little longer - I think around 2 1/2 hours. They came out great! Give it a shot, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
1563157
The book that came with the pressure cooker includes recipes for rice and wild rice but no other grains. It makes no mention of steel cut oats or similar grains. I found information on the Internet that recommended against using a pressure cooker for steel cut oats. It might be because they foam during cooking. The booklet that came with the pressure cooker recommends the cookbook Larna Sass' Complete Vegetarian Kitchen for more information on cooking grains in the pressure cooker.
409780
While I like this unit, it is not a true pressure cooker in spite of the name. It is more of a steam cooker, so any recipes for a steam cooker should work just fine. It also makes a fine rice or shell pasta cooker. By adding flavorings and/or other ingredients you can create your own recipes. Just make sure that the added ingredients will cook safely in about the same time as it takes for the rice or pasta to cook.
763561
I also use it for various breakfast cereals - oatmeal, quinoa, steel cut oats,etc. 2 parts water to 1 part cereal has worked for me in every case. It's important for a cooker this size to use no more than a rounded 1/3 cup or less of cereal to avoid boil over. If you want to make cereal for more than one person get a larger cooker.
639775
I use the slow cooker setting at low for steel cut oats. 1 cup of oats to 4 cups of water with a pinch of salt. Cook for 2 hours. The way that I actually do it is to put 3 1/2 cups of water to start and then cook it for 1 1/2 hours. When the beeper beeps, I add the remaining 1/2 cup water and then a good handful of dried fruit--my favorite is dried cranberries. If necessary, I add additional water. Essentially what I did was take the directions from the can of steel-cut oats and translated it to the cooker. I also generally cook my oatmeal at night so that I can haul it into to work with me. It gives me something good to look forward to when I get to work. Enjoy your new cooker.Edited for spelling. I use the slow cooker setting at low for steel cut oats. 1 cup of oats to 4 cups of water with a pinch of salt. Cook for 2 hours. The way that I actually do it is to put 3 1/2 cups of water to start and then cook it for 1 1/2 hours. When the beeper beeps, I add the remaining 1/2 cup water and then a good handful of dried fruit--my favorite is dried cranberries. If necessary, I add additional water. Essentially what I did was take the directions from the can of steel-cut oats and translated it to the cooker. I also generally cook my oatmeal at night so that I can haul it into to... » Read More I use the slow cooker setting at low for steel cut oats. 1 cup of oats to 4 cups of water with a pinch of salt. Cook for 2 hours. The way that I actually do it is to put 3 1/2 cups of water to start and then cook it for 1 1/2 hours. When the beeper beeps, I add the remaining 1/2 cup water and then a good handful of dried fruit--my favorite is dried cranberries. If necessary, I add additional water. Essentially what I did was take the directions from the can of steel-cut oats and translated it to the cooker. I also generally cook my oatmeal at night so that I can haul it into to work with me. It gives me something good to look forward to when I get to work. Enjoy your new cooker.Edited for spelling. « Show Less
1968898
I have the small Deni Pressure cooker and therefore do not cook beans in it, but my books says to never fill the cooker more than half full.Beans tend to foam a lot so add a tablespoon of oil to the water to reduce the amount of foaming. Good luck.
481949
I haven't been able to. Using as little as ¾ cup steel cut oats, on either brown or white rice settings, the water ALWAYS boils over, getting starchy water all over the top of the rice cooker and spilling onto the counter. I've determined a larger rice cooker is needed to make oats for 2 people. If others can do it, I'd love to know how.
1255015
For me, it is worth and more for its juicier, thoroughly cooked rice. It could save cooking time while doing so. The pressure cooker may be the only one that came out glutinously when done in rice cooking. And most of all, different grains such as sweet brown or mixture in whole barley could be cooked as well as plain rice. Money definitely worth spending for.
100921
There are settings for the different types of rice. You push for white brown etc These are pre sets which are pretty right on. I have discovered that for wild rice only it takes longer so it is best to manually set. You have both options just as you can manually set for beans soups or stews once it reaches the pre set time it automatically switches to warm function until you open it. It has an alarm to let you know it is switching.
1449483
I have only cooked White Rice in this particular Rice Cooker. The booklet it came with says that you can cook vegetables also...but I have never tried. I cook White Rice several times per week. It is very easy to use and very easy to clean. I absolutely love it!!! Hope this helps you with your decision.
2114033
I cook brown rice mixed with 25% wild rice at the setting of "Brown Rice." The mixture cooks well with 150% of water without presoaking, but it takes 110 min. When time is short, I use a pressure cooker; it takes about 30 min. When I was a child, I used to eat barley at every meal, but I don't know how to cook. I will ask around. We always ate buckwheat in as noodles. I have just bought a bag of quinoa. I will find an answer in a month.
309849
i haven't cooked rice in it as yet, i wanted it mainly for steaming veggies & it works out quite well for that, i'm a lover of brussel sprouts & love to season them & steam them, as my husband isn't a 'veggie' person, this item works out well for my side items, i'll have to give the rice a try next ! maybe someone else has done rice & can help ?
1351419
Even tho I usually use rice cookers for rice...I cooked this rice the old fashioned way, on the stove. :) Good luck.
2200574
I've tried only 3 cups mixed rice, after it was cook, it seems only have space for i more cup of rice! The cooker is good so far, I had this brand before and it is quite reliable!
1121115
Beans definitely, rice - maybe cooked rice if you are careful. I never tried. It is close spaced mesh but not fine like a tea strainer. I am afraid some dry rice might slip through.
94700
Of course you can cook beans in this device. I would use the slow cooker setting and that is all you do.
1777663
It comes with a very lame cookbook ( don't worry If you didn't get one). Just go online and search for recipes for a thermal cooker. Basically if you have thE one that has a small cooker and a larger one, you use the smaller one for things like rice and the larger one for the soup/beans/main meal. It's best to heat food for several minutes or to boiling, then cover to continue cooking. It's pretty easy and there's lots of info online. Experiment and enjoy!