Black & Decker RC866 User Manual

The Black & Decker RC866 throws down the gauntlet in the multicooker arena, aiming to conquer not just fluffy grains but also steaming and multi-grain capabilities. This 20-cup cooked rice capacity appliance targets diverse culinary needs, but does it excel in all areas, or does it stumble with divided focus? Let’s delve into its strengths and weaknesses to assess its true reign in the kitchen.

Design and Build:

The RC866 cuts a modern figure with its brushed stainless steel finish and square footprint. The intuitive control panel with LCD display offers user-friendly operation, while the removable non-stick pot simplifies cleaning. However, the plastic housing on some components might not appeal to all users who prefer a premium build. Additionally, the larger size compared to dedicated rice cookers might require countertop space considerations.

Rice Cooking Performance:

The RC866 shines in its core function: cooking rice. It boasts pre-programmed settings for white, brown, sushi, and mixed rice, ensuring consistent and delicious results. Additionally, a Quick Cook setting caters to rushed schedules. However, compared to specialized rice cookers with advanced settings for different rice varieties or textures, the RC866 might feel slightly limited in its rice-centric features.

Beyond Rice: Steaming and Multi-Grain Capabilities:

The RC866 steps beyond basic rice cooking with its steamer basket and multi-grain settings. This allows you to steam vegetables, fish, or dumplings alongside your rice, and cook quinoa, oatmeal, or other grains with dedicated settings. These features add versatility and cater to broader culinary needs. However, the steaming basket size might be limiting for larger tasks, and some users might miss pressure cooking functionality found in some multicookers.

Ease of Use and Cleaning:

The RC866 shines in its user-friendly design. The control panel is intuitive, and the LCD display keeps you informed about cooking settings and progress. The non-stick pot is dishwasher-safe, making cleaning a breeze. Additionally, an automatic Keep Warm function ensures your food stays at the perfect temperature until serving.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Large capacity suitable for families or batch cooking
• Pre-programmed settings for various rice types and quick cooking
• Steaming basket and multi-grain settings add versatility
• User-friendly control panel and clear LCD display
• Nonstick pot and dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning
• Automatic Keep Warm function for convenience
• Affordable compared to feature-rich multicookers with similar capacity

Cons:

• Plastic housing might not appeal to all users
• Rice settings might feel basic compared to specialized rice cookers
• Steaming basket size might be limiting for larger tasks
• Lacks pressure cooking functionality found in some multicookers

Verdict:

The Black & Decker RC866 is a competent and versatile appliance for users who value convenience and diverse culinary options beyond just rice. Its large capacity, user-friendly operation, and additional steaming and multi-grain capabilities make it suitable for families or individuals seeking an all-in-one appliance. However, those who prioritize specialized rice cooking with advanced settings, dedicated steaming capacities for large tasks, or pressure cooking functions might find themselves drawn to other appliances that excel in those specific areas.

Overall:

If you value versatility, user-friendliness, and the ability to handle various food preparation tasks beyond just rice, the RC866 is a worthy contender. But if you prioritize specialized functions or premium build quality, exploring other dedicated appliances or feature-rich multicookers might be a better fit.