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Cooking rice on the stove can mean another pot to watch, while a full electric rice cooker may take up more counter space than you want. The PrepSolutions by Progressive Microwaveable Rice and Pasta Cooker gives you another option by combining a 12-cup microwave cooking container with tools for rice, pasta, and steaming. Its biggest strengths are the generous capacity, locking lid, and included accessories, although cooking results still depend on following the food and microwave instructions correctly. This review explains the useful features, limitations, care requirements, and buyer situations you should consider before choosing it.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 8.5/10
Best For: You want a microwave-based rice and pasta system with a large container and several measuring, draining, and steaming accessories.
Bottom Line: The 12-cup capacity, locking lid, dishwasher-safe design, and 17-piece set make this a flexible option for everyday microwave meal prep. It is less suitable if you want the automatic temperature control and dedicated programs of an electric rice cooker.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | PrepSolutions by Progressive |
| Model | PS-97GY |
| Product type | Microwave rice and pasta cooker set |
| Capacity | 12 cups |
| Rice capacity | Designed to make up to 8 cups of rice |
| Set size | 17 pieces |
| Dimensions | 7″D x 9″W x 9.01″H |
| Weight | About 2.1 lb |
| Material | Plastic, BPA-free |
| Color | Gray |
| Included tools | Pasta draining insert, steaming insert, pasta measurer, 6 measuring cups, 4 measuring spoons, rice paddle, locking lid, and cooker components |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
| Microwave use | Microwave safe |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
What Is the PrepSolutions Rice and Pasta Cooker?
The PrepSolutions PS-97GY is a microwave cookware set, not a countertop electric rice cooker. You add your ingredients to the cooker, use the appropriate insert or accessories, and prepare the food in your microwave according to the cooking directions that apply to your food and appliance.
Its main container has a 12-cup capacity, and the product is designed to prepare up to 8 cups of rice. The larger set also gives you a pasta draining insert, steaming insert, pasta measurer, six measuring cups, four measuring spoons, a rice paddle, and a locking lid. That combination makes it more versatile than a basic microwave bowl designed only for reheating.
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- You want to cook rice in the microwave without buying a dedicated electric appliance.
- You want one set that can also handle pasta draining and vegetable steaming.
- You regularly prepare several portions and can make use of the 12-cup container.
Skip If
- You want automatic rice programs and temperature control from an electric rice cooker.
- Your microwave or cabinet space cannot comfortably accommodate a container about 9 inches wide and 9 inches tall.
- You prefer a very small cooker for single portions and do not need the extra accessories.
Before You Buy: Measure your microwave cavity as well as your storage space. The cooker is approximately 7 inches deep, 9 inches wide, and 9.01 inches high, so its family-size capacity also means it is larger than many basic microwave bowls.
Capacity and Everyday Cooking
The 12-cup container is one of the main reasons to choose this set. It is designed to make up to 8 cups of rice, giving you more flexibility for family meals, meal prep, or side dishes than a very small microwave rice cooker.
The extra room can also help when you are using the cooker for pasta or vegetables, but capacity should not be treated as permission to overfill it. Follow the product directions and the instructions for the food you are preparing, especially because rice, pasta, and steaming foods create hot water and steam during cooking.
Locking Lid and Spill Control
The cooker uses an easy-locking lid designed to stay secure and reduce spills and messes during microwave cooking. This is especially useful with starchy foods such as rice or pasta, where bubbling water can make an uncovered container inconvenient to manage.
The locking design does not remove the need to use the cooker correctly. Make sure all components are positioned as directed before microwaving, and handle the lid carefully after cooking because the contents and trapped steam can be hot.
Accessories and Versatility
This is sold as a 17-piece set, which is a major difference compared with a plain microwave rice bowl. The package includes a pasta draining insert, steaming insert, pasta measurer, six measuring cups, four measuring spoons, a rice paddle, and the locking-lid cooker system.
The accessories give you several practical ways to use the set. The draining insert supports pasta preparation, while the steaming insert lets you prepare vegetables. The measuring tools also reduce the need to pull separate cups and spoons from your kitchen drawers every time you use the cooker.
Pro Tip: Keep the measuring tools and rice paddle stored with the cooker. Using the same measuring tools each time makes it easier to repeat a rice-to-water ratio that works well with your microwave and preferred rice.
Materials and Food-Use Safety
The cooker and lid are made from plastic, and the product is identified by Progressive as BPA free and microwave safe. Those details matter because this cookware is designed to come into direct contact with food while heating.
You should still follow the supplied product directions and your microwave manufacturer’s instructions. After heating, use care when opening the lid or handling steaming inserts because hot water, food, and steam may cause burns. Avoid assuming that one cooking time will work with every microwave, portion size, or type of rice.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The set is listed as dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup easier after cooking starchy rice or pasta. You can also inspect the locking areas and grooves before storing the cooker so dried food does not interfere with the lid.
Because the set contains several small accessories, it helps to keep the measuring cups, spoons, paddle, and inserts together after washing. This prevents the main advantage of the 17-piece system from turning into a search for missing parts the next time you cook.
How It Performs in Real Use
For Family Rice Portions
The 12-cup container and stated ability to prepare up to 8 cups of rice make this set more appropriate for multi-portion cooking than tiny single-serving microwave containers. You still need to match the amount of rice and water to the directions rather than simply filling the container to its maximum volume.
For Pasta
The included pasta draining insert and pasta measurer give the set a clear advantage over a rice-only microwave bowl. You can use the system for pasta preparation without transferring cooked pasta into a separate colander solely for draining.
For Steamed Vegetables
The steaming insert extends the cooker’s usefulness beyond rice and pasta. This can be helpful when you want one microwave-based system for a grain or pasta side and simple steamed vegetables.
For Small Kitchens
This cooker avoids adding another powered countertop appliance, which can be useful when counter space is limited. However, the container itself is not tiny, so you still need enough microwave and cabinet room for its roughly 9-inch width and height.
How to Use It Correctly
- Measure ingredients consistently. Use the included measuring tools when they match the product instructions.
- Do not rely on a universal cooking time. Microwave output, rice type, pasta shape, quantity, and water amount can change the required time.
- Use the correct insert. The set includes separate components for draining pasta and steaming food.
- Check the lid before heating. Position and secure the components according to the product directions.
- Open carefully after cooking. Heated food and steam can be very hot.
- Clean the locking areas. Removing food residue helps the lid and components fit properly the next time you use them.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 12-cup capacity with room to prepare up to 8 cups of rice.
- 17-piece package includes measuring, draining, steaming, and serving tools.
- Locking lid is designed to reduce microwave spills and messes.
- BPA-free, microwave-safe construction.
- Dishwasher-safe design simplifies routine cleanup.
Cons
- Cooking time still depends on your microwave, food type, quantity, and desired texture.
- The family-size container requires more storage space than a compact single-serving cooker.
- It does not provide automatic programs or temperature control like an electric rice cooker.
Is It Worth the Price?
The PrepSolutions cooker makes the most sense when you value capacity and included accessories more than electronic controls. Instead of buying a microwave bowl, separate measuring tools, a pasta strainer, and a steaming insert individually, you get those functions grouped into one 17-piece system.
It is worth considering for everyday use if rice, pasta, and steamed vegetables appear regularly in your meals and you prefer microwave cooking. It is not the best fit if your priority is push-button rice programs, keep-warm functions, or the more automated operation offered by dedicated electric rice cookers.
How It Compares to Alternatives
The Sistema 2.6L Microwave Rice Cooker is a more focused alternative with an approximately 11-cup capacity, pressure-chamber plate, locking clips, and rice spoon. It may suit you if you want a simpler rice-centered design with fewer separate accessories.
The Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine Microwave Rice Cooker uses a smaller 2-liter pot and includes a colander, measuring cup, and multi-purpose paddle. The PrepSolutions set makes more sense if you prefer its larger 12-cup capacity and broader 17-piece accessory package, while the Joseph Joseph design may appeal if you want a more compact set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PrepSolutions Rice and Pasta Cooker microwave safe?
Yes. Progressive identifies the PS-97GY Microwave Rice & Pasta Cooker Set as microwave safe. Follow the product instructions and your microwave manufacturer’s directions when choosing cooking times and settings.
How much rice can it make?
The container has a 12-cup capacity, and the product is advertised as capable of preparing up to 8 cups of rice. Follow the recommended ingredient quantities instead of treating the full container capacity as the amount of dry rice you should add.
Can you cook pasta in it?
Yes. Pasta is one of the intended uses, and the set includes a pasta draining insert and pasta measurer. Cooking time will depend on the pasta, portion size, microwave, and texture you prefer.
Can it steam vegetables?
Yes. A vegetable steaming insert is included with the set. This gives you another practical use for the cooker when you want to prepare vegetables in the microwave.
Is the cooker BPA free?
Yes. Progressive lists the cooker as BPA free. The product is also identified as microwave safe for its intended food-preparation use.
Is it dishwasher safe?
Yes. The cooker set is listed as dishwasher safe. Check each piece for trapped food around grooves or locking areas before storing the set after cleaning.
What comes with the 17-piece set?
The package includes the cooker system and locking lid plus a pasta draining insert, steaming insert, pasta measurer, six measuring cups, four measuring spoons, and a rice paddle. These accessories are a major reason to choose the set over a basic microwave bowl.
Who should skip this microwave cooker?
Skip it if you specifically want automated rice programs, electronic temperature management, or keep-warm operation from a dedicated electric rice cooker. It may also be larger than necessary if you normally prepare only one very small serving.
The Bottom Line
The PrepSolutions by Progressive Microwaveable Rice and Pasta Cooker PS-97GY is a strong choice when you want a roomy microwave cooker that covers rice, pasta, and vegetable steaming in one accessory-rich package. Its 12-cup capacity, locking lid, BPA-free construction, and dishwasher-safe care are meaningful strengths, while its main limitation is that microwave cooking still requires you to manage ingredient ratios and cooking times rather than relying on automatic programs.
You should consider it if you value microwave convenience and the 17-piece set. Skip it if you would rather have the automated operation of a dedicated electric rice cooker.
