I was pretty stumped when I was asked how I cook rice. “What?” It took me a moment to realize that all it takes for my perfect grain is just one button press!
Rice is a staple worldwide, cherished for its simplicity and nutritional value. But with the help of a rice cooker, you can elevate this humble grain to another level – from steamed grains to luscious dishes full of flavor, texture, and fragrance! Forget spending time over a hot stove- why not get creative in your kitchen with ease? Perfectly cooked rice awaits.
Growing up in a Chinese restaurant, I’m no stranger to the importance of great rice. Through my experience as both food writer and product reviewer, plus multiple books on mastering the art of cooking with a rice cooker – which was always present around me from childhood! – I now have an eye for what makes perfect grain every time.
Here a review of the best rice cookers on the market
Best rice cooker overall: Looking for a medium-sized rice cooker that won’t disappoint? Look no further than the Yum Asia Panda 3.5 Cup Mini Rice Cooker, which outperformed even its legendary counterpart, Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy! You can trust this cute little gem to cook consistently perfect grains with any rice you throw at it – guaranteed delicious results every time!
Best budget rice cooker: Aroma ARC-1126SBL 20-Cup SmartCarb Multicooker
If you’re looking for an unbeatable budget rice cooker, look no further than the Aroma ARC-1126SBL 20-Cup SmartCarb Multicooker. Don’t let its age fool you – it’s been a favorite of mine for years and offers top-notch texture and delicious taste that’ll easily outdo pricier models!
Best mini rice cooker: Black + Decker 3-Cup Rice Cooker
Make every dinner a treat without breaking the bank! Upgrade your mealtime with Black + Decker’s 3-Cup Rice Cooker! Ideal for cooking delicious, perfectly cooked rice in no time at all – it’s great for small households or single servings.
Best large capacity rice cooker: Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker
For those looking for a large-capacity rice cooker that won’t let them down, the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker is here to provide it! Twice as big as its predecessor, this legendary masterpiece of modern food technology will make meal times easier than ever.
Best rice cooker for long-grain rice: Look no further than the Zojirushi UMAMI Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-GAC10! This stylish and reliable option is perfect if long-grain rice cooking is your main game. Although it’s an investment, what you get makes it well worth every penny!
Best rice cooker for brown rice: Cuckoo CR-0632F 6-Cup Multifunctional Micom Rice Cooker
If you’re looking for the perfect companion to make your brown rice dreams come true, look no further than the Cuckoo CR-0632F 6-Cup Multifunctional Micom Rice Cooker. This master of refined grains is sure to deliver delicious results every time!
Best low-carb rice cooker: With its unique steaming system, the Toshiba Low Carb Digital Programmable Multifunctional Rice Cooker TRSH01 is perfect for those looking to keep their meals low in carbs. This delightful rice cooker guarantees consistent results every time – a delicious and healthy side dish ready with just one press of a button!
Best rice cooker for porridge: Craving porridge? Toshiba’s TRCS02 Digital Programmable 3-Cup Rice Cooker is here to deliver! It’ll cook up perfect congee every time, but it can quickly whip up traditional white and brown rice dishes. Get ready for some deliciousness.
Best rice cooker overall
After much deliberation, we decided to go with an underdog – the adorable yet mighty Yum Asia rice cooker. And were we ever glad that we did – every batch of rice it cooked was perfect!
With its slim and stylish design, this little wonder has everything you need – including a steamer basket with a spoon, a tabbed handle for the measuring cup, and a helpful user manual. Every tiny detail is taken care of to make your life easier!
This fantastic model is a total package -you get the looks and intelligent features. It even stores its cord in the inner pot, with an attached carrying handle that tucks away perfectly! Plus, there’s a holder for your spatula, so it’s always clean and close at hand. The simple display, along with tailored settings, make cooking more accessible than ever – choose from long-grain or short-grain rice options; brown rice, porridge & slow boiling programs, plus cake-making mode too! With this kitchen accessory, you can cook like never before—seamlessly beautiful results every time.
YumAsia Panda Mini Rice Cooker With Ninja Ceramic Bowl and Advanced Fuzzy Logic
- 120V, 60Hz (Factory made for the US), detachable US power cord
- 3.5 cup / 0.6 liter capacity of uncooked rice – enough for 1-3 people
- Advanced Fuzzy Logic Technology
- White/long grain, short grain (for sushi), and brown rice settings
- ‘Quick’ cook setting for faster white rice cooking
- Useful multi-cooker features – steam, porridge, slow cook, cake baking settings
Pros
- The power cord is detachable for easy storage.
- The transparent display makes it easy to view the progress of your food.
- The operation is straightforward, with a sleek design and compact footprint.
- The precision settings allow you to cook your food exactly how you like it.
- The top is detachable for easy cleaning.
- There is a carrying handle for portability.
- There is a 24-hour keep warm setting so your food will be ready when you are.
Cons
- There is strong spring-back in the lid.
- The inner pot markings are hard to read and scratch easily.
- There is only one set of water lines.
- The quick rice setting is only for white rice
Best budget rice cooker
Despite its age, my trusty Aroma SmartCarb Multicooker still has what it takes to make delicious meals! It even stood up against more expensive models in terms of texture and flavor. Talk about value for money!
This amazing multicooker can proudly take the crown for its excellent rice-cooking capabilities. Despite not being a micom cooker, this kitchen appliance indeed lives up to what smart means in its name! It truly shines with its ‘old-fashioned’ technology that allows it to know precisely when your perfect batch of fluffy and flavorful rice is done cooking!
Aroma Housewares SmartCarb Steel Rice Multicooker Food Steamer
This rice cooker & multicooker is ideal for making enough rice for 20 people and enough carb-reduced rice for ten people with the press of a button. The Stainless Steel pot drains up to 30% carbs from the rice, allowing you to cook and enjoy a wide variety of whole grains while maintaining all the nutrients and minerals. With eight preset one-touch functions, This cooker is excellent for cooking, steaming, and sautéing a wide variety of whole grains, steaming fish and vegetables, meats, and hearty soups – ideal for cooking.
Pros
- The SmartCarb feature, large capacity, and many included accessories are all pros of the product.
- The Keep Warm countdown begins immediately, and eight one-touch programs are available.
- The product is also available in a smaller 12-cup size.
Cons
- The non-removable lid is hard to clean.
- The components like steamer vent and condensation catcher may pop off.
- The condensation catcher will leak over time.
- The inner pot is prone to scratching and denting.
- The pot markings are not high-contrast.
- Rice can stick to the stainless steel SmartCarb basket
- It is a bit big for smaller households
Best mini rice cooker
If you’re looking for an affordable option to knock out a few tasks, this Black + Decker buy is your go-to! It’s perfect if you only need it used by one or two people.
Despite its simplistic design, this compact and affordable rice cooker produced shockingly delicious results! It may not have the bells and whistles of more advanced models – or their price tag – but it’s still an excellent choice for single households who are short on space. This little workhorse is sure to provide quick, tasty meals with minimal fuss.
BLACK+DECKER 3-Cup Electric Rice Cooker
- The BLACK+DECKER 3-Cup Electric Rice Cooker is perfect for single servings or dinner for two with a 1 to 3-cup capacity.
- Cooking takes just 20-30 minutes, and then the unit’s automatic “keep warm” function kicks in to keep the delicious, fluffy rice ready to serve long after cooking.
- Cleanup is a cinch with this small rice cooker thanks to the dishwasher-safe, nonstick rice pot and tempered glass lid.
- Plus, use it to prepare quinoa, risotto, sushi rice, soups, stews – even oatmeal!
Pros
- The pro of this product is that it is inexpensive.
- It has a detachable clip-on lid.
- It is just the basics.
- It cooks quickly.
Cons
- The design of the rice cooker creates a boil-over and burn risk.
- It is hard to read the water markings on the cooker.
- The outer body gets very hot.
- Rice hardens quickly and is hard to scoop out.
Best large capacity rice cooker
Get twice the cooking power with Zojirushi’s legendary Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker! This gold standard of kitchen appliances offers maximum convenience and versatility in one neat package. Start crafting your culinary masterpieces today!
With a generous 10-cup capacity, this classic rice cooker is the perfect addition to any kitchen. Its thoughtfully designed features make it incredibly user-friendly and will help you cook some delicious meals!
Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker
- The rice cooker is 11x9x10.5 inches and has a 1-year limited warranty
- It comes with two measuring cups, a nonstick rice spoon/scooper, a rice spoon holder, and recipes
- The spherical, nonstick inner pan allows for spherical heating; LCD clock and timer; retractable cord
- Capacity is measured in the approx. 6 oz. / 180mL rice measuring cup, using raw short-grain white rice, but other grains may vary
- Multi-menu selections; automatic keep-warm, extended keep-warm
Pros
- The rice cooker has precision settings for nearly every type of rice.
- The inner lid is detachable, and the inner pot is rounded and nonstick for easy cleaning.
- There are well-marked guidelines on the machine.
- Users can choose between different textures for customizable rice.
Cons
- The giant buttons on this cooker make it look dated.
- For inexperienced users, the many choices can feel overwhelming.
- Brown rice cooks too soft in this cooker.
Best rice cooker for long-grain rice
If you’re a long-grain rice enthusiast looking for a stylish cooker that goes the extra mile, look no further than the Zojirushi UMAMI Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-GAC10. Its high-quality design guarantees mouthwatering results in every batch!
With this micom cooker, you don’t need to be an expert in rice cooking: press the jasmine setting and let it do its magic! The results are excellent every time – fragrant grains that stay fluffy and chewy for days. This versatile kitchen appliance is a real blessing if you want delicious, effortless dishes any night of the week or even over long weekends.
Zojirushi Umami Micom Rice Cooker
Zojirushi’s newest rice cooker offers more than just delicious, perfectly fluffy grains—it also features advanced technology and settings that make cooking a breeze! With its Fuzzy Logic feature and menu options such as white, umami, mixed sushi/sweet Jasmine porridge congee brown GABA quick white steam slow cook, and even an exclusive UMAMI setting for the ultimate flavor experience. Not to mention added extras like easy-to-read LCD panel control & complimentary BPA steaming basket too – this cooker is sure to add convenience to your favorite dishes. And best of all, it has a nonstick-coated inner pan to enjoy simple cleanup afterward!
Pros
- The design is sleek, and the display is easy to read.
- The machine is easy to use, with clearly marked water lines for nearly all programs.
- There are hyper-specific settings and a compact footprint.
- The inner lid is removable, there’s an extended Keep Warm function, and the handle is sturdy.
- The cord is detachable, and there’s an included steamer basket.
- Ambidextrous spatula holder
Cons
- The “Keep Warm” countdown on the machine does not start immediately, which can confuse users unfamiliar with it.
- There are so many choices and settings that it can feel overwhelming for inexperienced users.
- Brown rice cooks too soft in this machine.
Best rice cooker for brown rice
With so many rice cookers struggling to make the perfect brown rice, it’s easy to be skeptical. But don’t worry! The Cuckoo CR-0632F 6-Cup Multifunctional Micom Rice Cooker knows exactly what it takes for a delicious meal that won’t have you crunching into overcooked grains.
Sometimes long soaks can lead to disappointment. After lots of testing, I found that overly soaking brown rice could make it too mushy and take away the delicious popcorn-like bite we all love – a big part of why this type of grain is fantastic! Prepare for perfectly prepared, fluffy grains that’ll leave you wanting more.
CUCKOO Micom Rice Cooker
- The Cuckoo rice cooker has nine menu options and a multi-cook function.
- It has a 12-cup (cooked) capacity, making it perfect for small family gatherings or entertaining guests.
- The rice cooker has user-friendly digital controls, an LCD, and Fuzzy Logic technology for perfectly cooked rice every time.
- It also features a nonstick inner pot with superior durability, a detachable inner lid, and an excess water drainage tray—cooking and cleaning up easy!
Pros
- Pros: Keep Warm timer starts immediately, My Mode features for personalized flavor and textures, attractive coffee-colored inner pot, longer power cord, built-in spatula holder, cleans easily
Cons
- Cons: Overcooks white rice, significant bounce-back in lid operation, water line markings are hard to read, no handle, condensation catcher can leak
Best low-carb rice maker
With the Toshiba Low Carb Digital Programmable Multifunctional Rice Cooker, you can enjoy delicious rice that still packs a low-carb punch! The unique steaming process ensures no starchy water interferes with your healthy lifestyle.
Don’t let carbs keep you from enjoying your favorite dish- check out the revolutionary low-carb rice cookers! Get ready to enjoy delicious, fluffy grain without starchy guilt. Our top pick is Toshiba’s amazing SmartCarb Multicooker which offers an elevated basket and steam cooking technology for lightening fast results.
Create perfect “low carb” rice in no time with the Toshiba TRSH01! Just 40 minutes for delicious, chewy, and sweet-tasting rice – all it needs is a quick stir to eliminate any excess moisture. With this model, you’ll surely achieve that ideal texture every time.
Toshiba Low Carb Digital Programmable Rice Slow Cooker
- The Toshiba Electric Rice Cooker makes healthy eating easy by cooking low-carb rice.
- Low-carb rice is a good choice for people with diabetes or health-conscious individuals as it can remove unhealthy digestive starch by up to 37% and increase healthy resistant starch by up to 34%.
- The rice cooker has eight pre-programmed settings for cooking white rice, brown rice, mixed grain, quinoa, soup/stew, and steamed or oatmeal perfectly in terms of texture and flavor.
- It also features advanced fuzzy logic and induction heating for better-tasting results.
- The LED intelligent digital panel display is easy to read and use. Additionally, the non-stick inner pot is detachable for easy cleaning.
- The programmable 24-hour delay timer function delivers hot and ready dishes when you need them most.
- You’re also covered with a one-year manufacturer warranty from Toshiba with your purchase.
Pros
- The rice cooker has a Quick Rice function, removable inner lid, stainless steel steamer basket, standing paddle, large digital display, tactile buttons, carrying handle, heavyweight nonstick bowl, and high-contrast markings.
- It also has a 24-hour Keep Warm setting that counts down to completion time.
Cons
- The machine is louder than other models.
- The maximum capacity for low-carb is 2 cups (4 cups cooked).
- The display is difficult to read.
- The power cord cannot be detached from the machine.
Best rice cooker for porridge
Get prepared for the Toshiba TRCS02 Digital Programmable 3-Cup Rice Cooker – it’s designed with porridge in mind but is also perfect for cooking delicious white and brown rice. Your taste buds won’t know what hit them!
When it comes to rice, this cooker is no slouch–it’s a real star. But porridge? There’s almost nothing better than what can be cooked up with this model in an hour and a half! Not only was the result delicious, but you also get helpful markings for proper proportions – something few other small cookers offer. This truly sets it apart from the rest of the pack!
Toshiba Digital Programmable Rice Cooker
- Perfect for making single servings of rice with triple heating function (bottom, side, and lid), generating heat all around for even heating
- With the non-stick inner pot, detachable steam vent, and inner lid, it’s easy to remove and reattach for cleaning
- The programmable 24-hour delay timer is great for families on the go, delivering hot and ready dishes
- 3-cups uncooked (1.4 Qt) capacity yielding anywhere from 3 to 6 cups of cooked rice
Pros
- The Instant Pot has a detachable inner lid, high-contrast markings in the inner pot, and a carrying handle.
- It also has a Quick Cook feature, 24-hour Keep Warm function, Cake and Egg programs, and two timers for a delayed start.
- The color-changing display indicates when the pot is working, and the detachable power cord ensures an instant countdown to completion.
Cons
- There is no steamer basket included.
- There are no brown rice markings.
- There is no condensation catcher included.
What else we tested
After rigorous testing of more than a dozen rice cookers, we found some didn’t cut it. Minor design and performance issues kept them from being the top choices for your perfect pot of fluffy goodness!
What else we recommend and why:
- Aroma MTC-8008 Professional 8-Cup Champagne ($169.99): Upgrade your kitchen with the Aroma MTC-8008 Professional 8-Cup Champagne Rice Cooker! This stunning cooker is packed with luxurious features like turbo convection and a thick inner pot retaining heat well. It was previously our pick for the best rice cooker in porridge, creating soft & creamy congee – perfect for cozy mornings. However, it lacks moisture when cooking regular white or brown rice, so keep this in mind if you plan on making other dishes too!
- Toshiba TRCS01 6 Cup Rice Cooker ($149.99): The Toshiba TRCS01 6 Cup Rice Cooker is packed with intelligent features to make cooking a breeze. It has two separate timers, so you’ll never have any guesswork regarding meal planning, high contrast markings, and an ergonomic handle for easy maneuvering. Plus, this model can whip up some delicious porridge in just one hour! On the other hand, traditional white rice may come out undercooked – but keep warm settings are sure to help that issue too!
- GreenLife Go Grains Rice Cooker ($49.99): Going green has never been more adorable than with the GreenLife Go Grains Rice Cooker! Its micom Fuzzy Logic technology means it’s one of a kind, but sadly too dry rice and a messy cleanup put an end to its charm. The Black & Decker was ultimately our top pick for the best small-capacity rice cooker – as cleanup can be essential when cooking in style!
- Instant Pot Zest 8-Cup Rice Cooker ($49.99): Whether a beginner or an expert, the Instant Pot Zest 8-Cup Rice Cooker will give you fantastic value – all for under $50! It’s just right in size, and its traditional boil-and-steam method will make those grainy textures come alive. Minor adjustments with water filling can enhance your taste buds’ experience, although sweetness may remain a bit toned down compared to other models. So why wait? Start cooking today without breaking your bank account!
What we don’t recommend and why:
- Nutribullet EveryGrain Cooker ($69.99): We had such high hopes for this stylish and modern cooker, with its matte finish and sleek dark colors. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to expectations – each batch of rice came out dry as a desert, plus the warming function cuts off too early, leaving you at risk from unsafe temperatures that can lead to bacteria growth. Better luck next time, buddy!
- Dash 2-Cup Mini Rice Cooker ($34.99): This colorful and convenient Dash 2-Cup Mini Rice Cooker saves you some trouble in the kitchen. Don’t expect excellent results! Even though it’s called a ‘two cup’ cooker, you’ll only get one uncooked cup out of it max – so there will need more space to rinse or prepare your rice correctly. What you will end up with is far from perfect: wet, mushy rice that might even have a slightly burnt taste at best. As cute as they are, sometimes bigger is better when feeding more than one person!
- Tiger JAX-S18U-WY 10-Cup Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer ($159.99): Say goodbye to inconsistent results! With the Tiger JAX-S18U-WY 10 Cup Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer, you can enjoy perfectly cooked white rice without any hot spots or structural degradation. Keep your kitchen countertop neat with its freestanding spatula holder, and create perfect meals every time thanks to a reliable inner lid – now that’s attention to detail!
- Hamilton Beach Advanced Multi-Function Fuzzy Logic 37570 ($79.04): With the Hamilton Beach Advanced Multi-Function Fuzzy Logic 37570, you get a great visual chart that lets you track your rice cooking progress. This machine, unfortunately, produced an uneven and subpar result of a soggy lower layer with a dry and crusty top layer plus mush in the middle – not quite what we hoped for!
- JINGTIEDA Small Rice Cooker Portable ($89): With its clean design and convenient digital features, JINGTIEDA’s Small Rice Cooker Portable could be the perfect addition to your kitchen – if you’re using long-grain rice! Unfortunately, it undercooked medium-grain rice during testing. But that wasn’t its only issue; unfortunately, the Keep Warm setting was a bit too warm for our liking leaving cooked dishes hard and inedible hours later.
Our rice cooker testing methodology
After a month of experimentation, I uncovered the best appliances for making perfect rice! From user-friendliness to top-tier results, this deep dive has all you need to know when it comes time to pick your next appliance.
Cooking rice
To determine the best of the bunch, we tested each rice cooker with just a little more than their advertised minimum. We figured that if these cookers could handle an extra cup or two beyond what most typical households would prepare, they must be up to something special! Plus, it gave us peace of mind knowing that our results were reliable and fair – every batch was rinsed five times before pressing “start,” so nothing was left out in terms of care.
Medium grain white rice: If you want to feel the sweet, chewy goodness of medium-grain rice in your next meal, you must choose the right kind. Nishiki Calrose Rice provides a firm structure allowing plenty of fluid penetration – making it an ideal testing ground for any aspiring home chef! The Japanese and Koreans have been perfecting their cooking with this versatile type for centuries!
Long grain white rice: Long-grain white rice is an irresistible treat that can bring out the best in any meal. Not only does it taste great, but its distinct texture makes each mouthful an experience to savor. Thai Jasmine Rice – with its signature fragrance and delicate flavor – always delivers delicious results no matter how you cook it!
Brown rice: Brown rice is more than just a delicious side dish—it’s also an incredibly nutritious and healthy option. With its bran and germ layers intact, brown rice provides micronutrients not found in regular white rice and has a lower glycemic index. However, given this extra layer of protection for the grains inside, it takes longer to cook with this type of grain than white rice. This is why I’ve tested out only the best-performing machines with specific settings designed explicitly for cooking mixed grain brown rice like medium or Jasmine!
Porridge: For those lucky enough to own a rice cooker with a special “porridge” setting, I experimented with using the finest Koshihikari short-grain rice for an authentic and delicious congee.
Cook time
If you’re looking to whip up a delicious and dreamy meal of tender, flavorful rice without slaving away over the stove, then it’s best not to take shortcuts. Instead, employ your trusty rice cooker with its conventional settings; that way, you can ensure consistency in quality while still enjoying speedy prep time!
Keep Warm function
I wanted to put the Keep Warm feature of each rice cooker through its paces, so I stopped for a taste test at various stages over an incredible 66 hours! My rigorous testing uncovered how well these cookers keep their deliciousness intact, making them perfect for busy families who want quality meals all week.
Design
Finding the perfect kitchen appliance is a challenge. To ensure our pick looks as good on your countertop as it cooks, we considered its aesthetics and user experience – including how easily you can use it, maintain it cleanly, and quickly access all of its controls. We even made sure to rate based on extra features like handles for carrying around or delay timers that give you greater control over mealtime prep!
How to Choose the Right Rice Cooker for You
If you’re looking for perfectly cooked rice every time, trust the experts and go with one of the best. Look out for features like adjustable cooking settings to tailor it just right! Then let your new rice cooker work its magic – crunchy or fluffy, there’ll be no second-guessing dinner tonight.
Lid: Airtight, sealed lids preserve and accentuate the aromas of delicious jasmine and basmati rice – while helping to maintain its moisture on Keep Warm settings.
Smart functions: Do you desire white rice one day and brown the next? No need to worry! Smart Micom Rice Cookers are here with their Fuzzy Logic technology so that you get perfectly cooked fluffy grains every time – no matter what kind of grain it may be.
Features: Cooking delicious meals just got easier with a modern rice cooker! This nifty device has excellent features like audible indicators, digital countdowns for effortless timing, and even removable inner lids for convenient cleaning. Plus, it’s mess-free thanks to the handy spatula holder, easy-to-grip handles – making clean up simpler than ever before – plus high contrast water line markers that help ensure perfect servings every time.
Rice cooker safety tips
Rice cookers make cooking your favorite dishes simple and safe. To ensure you get the most out of yours, follow these few easy tips to play it safe with appliances like this:
- Do not immerse any part of the rice cooker in water.
- Be careful when handling hot items; never put your hand or face over the steam vent.
- Let everything cool off before removing anything from the inside.
- Do not leave utensils such as spatulas in there either, for it can cause breeding grounds for mold and bacteria.
Rice cooker FAQs
Are Rice Cookers Worth Buying?
If you’re looking for an investment that will save time and energy in the kitchen, a rice cooker could be your perfect companion! Enjoy all its benefits without having to do daily babysitting duty – it’s practically indispensable. Asians around the globe rely on these everyday appliances to streamline meal prep – so why not join them?
Rice Cooker or Stove Top? You Were Probably Wrong
Don’t risk ruining dinner by trying to cook rice on the stovetop; a rice cooker takes all of the guesswork and hassles out of making perfect, fluffy grains. All you have to do is press one button – that’s it! With such little effort, you can enjoy delicious meals in no time – it sounds like a win-win situation!
Can a rice cooker be used as a slow cooker?
It can be tempting to multitask with your rice cooker, but if you’re planning on slow cooking, make sure it has a unique program for the job. Otherwise, delicious dishes may end up too flavored by their predecessor! Plus, don’t forget about properly cleaning and airing out that airtight liner – so important before giving anything else its turn in the pot.