Sayona SRC 4302 1.5L Review: Best Value Rice Cooker in Kenya

This is the ultimate entry-level rice cooker: the Sayona SRC 4302 Rice Cooker. Unveil its features, performance, and why it’s hailed as the top choice for budget-conscious shoppers: In this comprehensive review, explore why this appliance is your gateway to the world of rice cookers.

Let’s be real, you have messed up cooking rice at some point. I’m even worse cause somehow my rice on the stove tends to burn before even cooking lol. It’s either that or overcooking it till it results in a mushy mess.

Ever since I got a rice cooker(this exact model) I forgot about all those problems and the hassles. Plus I magically have rice ready at any time for other recipes, I should mention I’m the laziest person I know. So, I appreciate convenience big time. Wastage is reduced too since the leftovers can be warmed till the next meal. Read more on why you need a rice cooker.

If you have a pressure cooker, do you need a rice cooker? Yes, that is if you prefer more fluffy and perfect rice. Pressure cookers cook by high pressure while rice cooker steam.

I got this unit over 4 months ago, and I have had a good run with it to make me wanna review it for first-time buyers. This is an unbiased review based on personal experience and is not affiliated with the brand whatsoever. I got this rice cooker for KSh 3,200 from an appliance store

Table of Contents

Build Quality

This is a budget cheap unit. Surprisingly, it feels premium! It is heavy and the materials are nice. I will give it a 7.5/10 score for the quality to the price factor. A good rice cooker should feel solid and sturdy, and this one is. Nothing feels overly cheaped out, just good materials to last.

The inner pot is a non-stick lightweight pot, my guess is it’s aluminum. The outer case is metallic with a thick insulated paint layer that is finished off with thick high-quality plastic handles.

Nothing feels flimsy or loose here. Generally impressed by the quality and the unit feels durable, reliable, and can withstand some light abuse without giving up.

Components

What is in the box?

Rice Cooker Unit
Glass Lid
Non-Stick Pot,
Plastic Spoon,
Measuring Cup,
Steamer Basket,
Power Cord,
User Manual & Warranty Card.

Cooking Performance

I have cooked a variety of rice grains; Basmati, Pishori, and Long Grain, I couldn’t afford Jasmine, I haven’t tried brown but I know it can handle it…Cooks just longer with more water

Setting Up

The unit doesn’t require assembly. Just unbox, unwrap the plastics, and wash with warm water and soap the non-stick pot, lid, and spoon to remove that new factory smell.

How to use your rice cooker: cooking rice

Once your washed parts are done and dried you can now set up the pot and cover with the lid. Get rid of the steamer basket if you won’t be needing it for cooking rice.

Cook rice as you normally do. The only control is the water-rice ratio. Use 2 cups of water for every cup of rice used(at least for most rice grains). It is recommended to soak your rice in its cooking water for at least 15 minutes before cooking. Add salt and oil then cover.

Plug the unit into the outlet using the provided cord and turn it on. Use the switch on your rice cooker and toggle it on. A clicking sound is produced whenever the functions ‘cook’ and ‘warm’ are changed. Your LED light indicator should be on at the ‘cook’ function

Your work is now done, since you have a rice cooker you don’t have to monitor anything. You’ll be now walking to your cooked rice after some minutes. Don’t worry the unit will auto-turn off once cooking is done and it will automatically warm your rice till you are ready to serve. Go outside and touch grass

Oooh, so you’re back? Grab your trusty plastic spoon provided and fluff up your rice before serving. Don’t use a metal spoon as you will scratch the non-stick pot

Steaming

This is a great way to cook a variety of foods not limited to; hard-boiled eggs, dumplings, fish, chicken breasts, potatoes, and some vegetables like broccoli.

To use the steaming function add water to the pot as desired, and place the steamer basket on top before closing with a lid. The steam from your evaporated water will cook whatever is on the basket. The steamer basket has holes in it to allow passage and circulation of steam

You can also steam other things while cooking rice

What else can be cooked in a rice cooker?

Apart from steamed vegetables and rice, you can make other foods like; cake, oatmeal, porridge, soups, beans, and lentils.

Pros and Cons

Here I will discuss the specific pros and cons specific to this model and not the general ones

Pros

Cable Length: Cable length is sufficient and doesn’t require placement directly next to an electrical outlet

Power Inlet Location: Located in the side periphery of its body. You might be wondering why that matters, it is convenient and doesn’t get in your way, it is kind of tucked away and safe from spilling liquids. It would be a pain plugging in if it was located at the back of the unit as well.

Insulated body and handles: Since it has a heating element it means it will get a bit toasty when on. This will make handling more safe protecting against accidental burns

Simple and Intuitive: This model is so simple as its operation is basic and straightforward. Measurement wall scale is included in the pot

Small footprint: Living in small spaces will have you conscious of how much space each piece of equipment takes. This unit is smaller in size means it takes up less counter space and it can also be tucked away in storage drawers when not in use.

Aesthetics: I think it looks neat and will fit in most themes, it is white with subtle decals

Energy Efficiency: Rice cookers are generally efficient compared to stoves. This specific model is rated at 550W

Cons

The cooker lid rattles when rice is bubbling, the lid is secure enough just that the rattle noise is annoying. I fix this by just placing a weight on top

Verdict

The Pros outweigh the cons thus from my personal experience this is a solid purchase backed by a 1 year warranty

Features

LED Indicators: This indicates the function the appliance is currently undertaking. The LED is useful in helping you monitor the progress of your rice, and determine if your rice is ready to serve.

Auto Switch Off: The appliance will turn off after cooking is completed. This provides peace of mind in case you working on something else. In addition, it saves energy.

Keep Warm Function: Cooked rice will keep warm for up to 12 hours after cooking is completed. Note that the quality of rice degrades with warming time.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Non-Stick Pot: The non-stick pot makes cleaning effortless and also prevents rice from sticking to it. This ensures you get all your rice off without residue that sticks to the bottom.

Maintenance: This is necessary to prolong your appliance’s life;

Clean your unit regularly say after every cook and store it clean
Clean the debris on the heating element to prevent accumulation of scale from hard water and dirt
Make sure the power cord is connected firmly to prevent electrocution and shorting
Don’t scrub your pot with abrasive material that can peel off the non-stick layer. Use a sponge and soapy water instead
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the manual