The Rice Cooker

The rice cooker, a countertop appliance, is a glorified electric pot that comes in multiple sizes. 

Why We Love It

1. Effortless Cooking: Automatically cooks perfect rice every time with minimal effort—just add rice, water, and press a button.

2. Versatility: Beyond rice, it can prepare dishes like quinoa and other grains, soups, stews, and even steamed vegetables.

3. Time-Saving & Convenient: Keeps food warm after cooking, freeing you up to focus on other tasks or meal components.

Purchasing Do’s & Don’ts

Do Check Capacity: Choose a size that matches your needs—smaller models for individuals or large ones for families.

Do Look for Versatility: Opt for a model with multiple functions like steaming, sautéing, or slow cooking.

Do Consider Ease of Cleaning: Pick a rice cooker with removable, dishwasher-safe parts.

Don’t Buy Non-Stick: Most rice cookers have non-stick coatings, but not all are created equal. Many use PTFE (Teflon), which we advise against. Over time, it scratches, degrades, and increases microplastic exposure. Worse, heating Teflon above 500˚ can release toxic fumes, causing “Teflon Flu,” with symptoms like fever, chills, and respiratory issues.

Don’t Overspend on Features You Won’t Use: Avoid paying extra for advanced settings if you only need basic functions.

Don’t Skip Reviews: Don’t buy without checking user feedback to ensure reliability and performance.

WTFork Recommends

GreenPan is our pick and this is why:

1. Non-Toxic Ceramic Coating: The GreenPan rice cooker features a ceramic non-stick coating free from PFAS, PFOA, and other harmful chemicals, ensuring safer, toxin-free cooking plus easy clean up.

2. Versatile Functionality: Offers multiple cooking modes like rice, grains, slow cooking, and steaming, making it a multi-purpose kitchen tool.

3. User-Friendly Design: Includes intuitive controls, a delay timer, and a keep-warm function for hassle-free, convenient meal prep.

The Air Fryer

The air fryer, a versatile countertop appliance, functions like a turbocharged toaster oven. It circulates hot air to cook food evenly from the outside in, unlike a microwave, which uses electromagnetic waves to heat food from the inside out.

Why We Love It

1. Healthier Cooking: Air fryers use little to no oil, delivering crispy, delicious results with fewer calories and less fat.

2. Quick & Efficient: Cooks food faster than traditional ovens, with less hassle, making weeknight meals a breeze.

3. Versatile & Easy to Use: Perfect for frying, roasting, baking, and reheating, with minimal cleanup required.

Purchasing Do’s & Don’ts

Do Choose a Model with a Stainless Steel Basket: Opt for an air fryer with a stainless steel or ceramic-coated basket to avoid harmful non-stick coatings like PTFE (Teflon).

Do Check Capacity: Select an air fryer that fits your household size—larger baskets are great for families, while smaller ones work for individuals or couples.

Do Look for Easy-to-Clean Features: Choose an air fryer with a removable, dishwasher-safe basket for quick and convenient cleanup.

Don’t Buy Models with Non-Stick Coatings: Avoid air fryers that use PTFE (Teflon) or other non-stick coatings, as they can degrade over time, releasing harmful chemicals and microplastics.

Don’t Compromise on Quality: Don’t settle for cheap models that may lack durability or safety features, risking overheating or breakdowns.

Don’t Skip User Reviews: Always check customer reviews to ensure the air fryer performs well and lasts, as some models may have reliability issues.

WTFork Recommends

Breville is our pick and this is why:

1. Non-Toxic Interior: The Breville air fryer features a ceramic non-stick coating free from harmful chemicals like PTFE and PFOA, ensuring a safe, toxin-free cooking experience.

2. Superior Performance: With its powerful heating system and smart technology, the Breville air fryer delivers even cooking, crisping, and browning, making it stand out for both taste and texture.

3. Durable & User-Friendly Design: Known for its sleek, high-quality build, the Breville air fryer includes an intuitive interface, easy-to-clean parts, and a spacious basket, offering both convenience and longevity.

While both rice cookers and air fryers may require an upfront investment, choosing quality models will pay off over time—both for your health and your wallet. These durable, versatile kitchen tools simplify cooking, save you time, and help you create healthier meals, making them worthwhile additions to any kitchen.