This is a lovely appliance, too--modern curves in gleaming stainless steel with high-gloss black lid and accents. The lacquer-black lid has a large, curved, stay-cool handle and a click-close lock with a gray release button. On the underside of the lid, a removable steam shield helps keep the scalding steam away from the lid and directs moisture back into the food. The deep nonstick cooking bowl is removable for easy cleaning; a sturdy black plastic steaming rack rests inside the bowl to suspend food above the water. One small but very considerate feature is a condensation collector; a channel running under the edge of the closed lid conducts condensation droplets to a small catch pocket on the side. A small plastic measuring cup and black plastic rice paddle (with attachable spoon rest) come with the cooker.

To preserve the nonstick coating of the cooking bowl, use wooden, plastic, or rubber utensils. Vinegar--used in the cooking of short-grain sushi rice--may corrode the nonstick surface over time. To clean the body of the rice cooker, wipe with a damp cloth and then wipe dry; the appliance is not immersible. The removable steam shield, steam basket, and nonstick cooking bowl can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher. To re-season the bowl after every few rounds in the dishwasher, wipe the inner surface of the bowl with a little cooking oil. Do not use abrasive scrubbers or cleansers on any part of the rice cooker. The Krups FDH2121 rice cooker measures 11 inches in diameter and 11-1/2 inches high. It comes with a detailed instruction and recipe booklet. Krups guarantees this product with a one-year limited warranty. --Garland Withers