I have this unit as well as a older version of the  Black & Decker HS1000 Handy Steamer with Flavor Scenter Screen  I get the 3 cup rice cooker because the steamer have a lot of piece and be a pain to clean . while the rice cooker be a breeze to clean , it be main downfall be the burning on the bottom . I hear other reviewer say that be not a big deal , but it be to I . I do not like it and the purpose of have a cooker be to make good rice without have to watch it while it cook . if I want to watch it and stir , unplug etc. as other suggest , I would just cook the rice in a pot . also , as other say , this spurt juice everywhere while it be cooking , also annoy . the handy steamer be much better but from what I hear , the newest version be not as good unfortunately . besides make better rice , it have a timer on it so you can adjust to you liking . the 3 cup cooker be all or nothing - can not adjust . I be try to find a cross between these two - hopefully there be one out there .