A rice cooker is a kitchen appliance designed to cook rice. It consists of a cooking pot, an inner lid, a heating element, and a thermostat. The pot is made from heat-resistant materials such as aluminum or stainless steel with a non-stick material. The heating element is usually located beneath the pot and uses either electricity or gas to heat the rice. The thermostat controls the temperature of the pot and cooks the rice until it reaches the desired level of doneness. The inner lid is removable and has slots for steam to vent.
Rice cookers can be either electric or gas-powered. Electric rice cookers are more common and typically have plastic housing. Gas-powered rice cookers are less common but are preferred by some because they believe that the gas flame provides a more even cooking temperature. Rice cookers come in a variety of sizes, from small personal cookers to large commercial ones.
Top 10 Best Rice Cookers In 2023
Contents
- 1 Top 10 Best Rice Cookers In 2023
- 1.1 Best Overall: Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker, Professional Version
- 1.2 Best Splurge: Zojirushi Rice Cooker & Warmer
- 1.3 Best Small: Dash Mini Rice Cooker Steamer
- 1.4 Best Multipurpose: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
- 1.5 Upgrade Pick: CUCKOO CR-0655F Micom Rice Cooker
- 1.6 Editor’s Choice: Breville BPR700BSS Fast Slow Pro Slow Cooker
- 1.7 Best Budget: Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer
- 1.8 Best Simple: Toshiba Rice Cooker
- 1.9 Most Strongest Performer: TIGER JBV-A10U Micom Rice Cooker
- 1.10 Best High-end: Cuisinart CRC-400 4 Cup Rice Cooker
- 2 What To Look For in Rice Cookware?
- 3 How to Use a Rice Cooker?
- 4 What else to make in your rice cooker?
- 5 FAQs
- 6 Conclusion
Best Overall: Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker
Read Review
Best Splurge: Zojirushi Rice Cooker & Warmer
Read Review
Best Small: Dash Mini Rice Cooker Steamer
Read Review
Best Multipurpose: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Read Review
Upgrade Pick: CUCKOO CR-0655F Micom Rice Cooker
Read Review
Editor’s Choice: Breville BPR700BSS Fast Slow Pro Slow Cooker
Read Review
Best Budget: Hamilton Beach
Read Review
Best Simple: Toshiba Rice Cooker
Read Review
Most Strongest Performer: TIGER JBV-A10U
Read Review
Best High-end: Cuisinart CRC-400
Read Review
Best Overall: Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker, Professional Version
Aroma Housewares rice cooker has simple controls and durable construction. Also, it comes with a measuring cup and a spoon for perfect portioning. The pot has a capacity of 8 cups, making it large enough to feed a family or group of friends. With 8 preset digital functions is a versatile and user-friendly appliance that is perfect for any kitchen.
The built-in delay timer allows you to set it ahead of time so that your food will be ready when you are. In addition, the cooker has a keep-warm function that keeps food at the perfect temperature until it is ready to be served. The aluminum inner pot is non-stick for easy cleanup and the lid is dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Very Easy To Operate
- Useful For Many Purposes
- Always Gives Fresh And Delicious Food
- Comes With Lots Of Accessories
Cons
- Take Time To Prepare Food
Best Splurge: Zojirushi Rice Cooker & Warmer
The Zojirushi rice cooker is a high-quality appliance that can make perfect rice with the push of a button. It has a variety of settings for different types of rice, and it also comes with a steaming basket for cooking vegetables or fish. The machine is compact and easy to use, and it comes with a measuring cup and serving paddle.
It has a sleek, stainless steel exterior and a user-friendly control panel with LED indicators. The rice cooker comes with a removable cooking pot, a measuring cup, and a spatula. It also has a keep-warm function that keeps rice warm for up to 12 hours. The pot also has a capacity of up to 3 cups, making it perfect for family meals.
Pros
- Gives Quick Functioning
- Fully Automatic
- Inner Lid Is Washable
Cons
- Releases Chemical Smell
Best Small: Dash Mini Rice Cooker Steamer
The Dash Mini Rice Cooker Steamer is a small appliance that can be used to cook rice and steam food. It can cook up to two cups of rice at a time, and it also features a steaming basket that can be used to prepare vegetables. It also has a keep-warm function that keeps food warm for up to 12 hours.
The cooker has two settings, “cook” and “warm,” and it automatically shuts off when the rice is done. There is also a non-stick coating on the inside of the pot, so cleanup is quick and easy and it is affordable. The sleek design takes up minimal counter space.
Pros
- Comes With Lots Of Colors
- Good For Small Cooking
- Always Provide Healthy Meal
- Comes With 1 Year Warranty
Cons
- Cant Use For Big Gatherings
Best Multipurpose: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
The Instant Pot electric pressure cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for a variety of cooking tasks. With seven different cooking functions, it can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute pan, yogurt maker, and warmer.
It is made of stainless steel and has a capacity of 8 quarts. It features 13 pre-programmed settings, an automated stirring function, and a slow cook function. The pot also has a non-stick inner coating, making it easy to clean.
The unit also includes a number of safety features, such as an automatic pressure release and a locking lid, that make it easy to use. Additionally, the cooker is energy efficient and has a programmable timer that allows you to set it and forget it.
Pros
- One Touch Functioning
- Very Fast
- Comes With Proven Safety Features
Cons
- Customer Service Issues
Upgrade Pick: CUCKOO CR-0655F Micom Rice Cooker
With a capacity of 6 cups, it is perfect for small to medium families. The CR-0655F uses advanced micom technology to cook rice evenly and consistently, and the built-in steam tray ensures that your rice will be moist and fluffy. The cooker also features a keep-warm function that will keep your rice at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to serve it.
The cooker also comes with a number of impressive features, including an adjustable steam vent and a detachable power cord. And cleanup is a breeze thanks to the non-stick inner pot. With its simple controls and user-friendly design, this is perfect for those who are new to cooking rice.
Pros
- Large Capacity
- Easy To Customize Your Cooking
- Gives Fresh Rice
Cons
- Inside Pot Has Melted!
Editor’s Choice: Breville BPR700BSS Fast Slow Pro Slow Cooker
Breville is a trusted brand when it comes to juicers and other kitchen utensils including blenders. The Breville BPR700BSS cooker is a high-quality appliance that can help you create healthy, delicious meals with ease. It has a 6-quart capacity, making it large enough to cook a meal for the whole family. The unit also comes with a variety of accessories, including a steaming basket, a rice paddle, and a measuring cup.
It features an LCD display that makes it easy to keep track of cooking times, and it has a delay timer so you can set it to start cooking at a later time. It also has a variety of safety features, including an automatic pressure release and a temperature-responsive lid, that make it easy to use.
Pros
- Comes With Great Safety Features
- Versatile
- Material Quality Is Good
Cons
- Very Expansive
Best Budget: Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer
The Hamilton Beach digital programmable rice cooker is a versatile appliance that can help you make perfectly cooked rice and a variety of other dishes. The digital display and programmable timer make it easy to cook rice to perfection. It has a capacity of up to 8 cups of cooked rice, making it perfect for large families or entertaining.
With the push of a button, you can select the type of rice you’re cooking and the cooker will automatically adjust the cooking time and temperature. The unit also features a keep-warm function that keeps food warm until served. The lid is designed for easy one-hand operation, and the detachable cord makes cleanup a breeze. It also comes with a steaming basket and cooking pot that are both dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Very Easy To Use
- Cleaning Is Breeze
- Its Timing Functionality Is Amazing
Cons
- Working Is Slow
Best Simple: Toshiba Rice Cooker
The Toshiba Rice Cooker is a high-quality appliance that can help to make perfect rice every time. It features a number of different settings that make it easy to cook rice to perfection. The large capacity also makes it ideal for cooking large batches of rice. It can cook up to 6 cups of rice at a time.
Plus, it comes with a convenient carrying handle and removable cord for easy transport and storage. The cooker has a non-stick pot so that the rice doesn’t stick, and it also has a keep-warm function so that the rice stays warm until you’re ready to eat. cleanup is easy because the pot is dishwasher-safe.
Pros
- Maintain Natural Flavour Of Food
- Easy To Understand Its Functioning
- Automatic Warm Setting
Cons
- Sometimes Not Maintain Aroma Of Food
Most Strongest Performer: TIGER JBV-A10U Micom Rice Cooker
This rice cooker has a variety of features that make it a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable way to cook rice. The first and most important feature is the cooking pot. The pot is made from durable stainless steel, and it has a non-stick coating that ensures perfect results every time.
The pot also has a built-in steam tray, so you can cook other foods at the same time as your rice. The second key feature is the digital display. The display shows you the current cooking time and temperature, so you can ensure that your rice is cooked perfectly.
With the push of a button, it can cook rice to perfection. In addition, the rice cooker has a keep-warm function that will keep your food warm for up to 12 hours.
Pros
- One Touch Operation
- Durable Product
- Easy To Maintain Its Cleaning
Cons
- Some Parts Quality Is Not Good
Best High-end: Cuisinart CRC-400 4 Cup Rice Cooker
The Cuisinart rice cooker is a great appliance for any kitchen. It can cook up to 4 cups of rice at a time, making it perfect for small families or single individuals. The cooking pot is made of durable stainless steel, and the tempered glass lid ensures that heat and moisture are sealed during cooking. The cooker comes with a measuring cup and steamer basket, so you can easily make perfect rice every time.
It also has a keep-warm function, so your rice will stay hot until you’re ready to eat. The detachable cord also makes it easy to store. Plus, the compact size is perfect for small kitchens or apartments. It also has a simple cleanup, with a dishwasher-safe pot and lid.
Pros
- Modern Look
- Automatically Works
- Made With Sturdy Material
Cons
- Not Cooks Properly
What To Look For in Rice Cookware?
There are many things to keep in mind while buying a rice cooker. You must check the cooker for some features to avoid any problems. If you’re buying a rice cooker, do check it for the following features:-
Capacity
The first thing to look for in a rice cooker is its capacity. This depends on you how much capacity you need in the rice cooker. If you need the rice cooker for small or single servings, go for the smaller capacity cooker. But if you want the cooker for large servings, you will need a large capacity cooker.
Even and consistent cooking
Even and consistent cooking is one of the important things to look for while buying a rice cooker. Do check if the rice cooker cooks evenly and doesn’t leave out any portion or it may create an issue for you later on.
Keep-warm and quick-cook settings
Definitely look for these settings in the rice cooker as it saves a lot of time and effort. The keep-warm function comes in quite handy when you have cooked the rice already but want to consume it sometime later. The quick cook function is also very useful at times when you want to cook in less time or are in a hurry.
Fuzzy logic
The rice cookers with fuzzy logic are better ones as they can be operated with computer chips. It is a perfect cooker for making rice as you don’t need to do the guesswork, all the work is done by the cooker and you are served with perfect rice.
Speed
This is also an important feature to look for in a rice cooker. The more the speed, the better the cooker. Many rice cookers take more than the required time to cook an average amount of rice. So, it is always better to check beforehand for the speed of the cooker.
Nonstick cooking pot
Do check if the cooker is non-stick or not before buying. The non-stick cooker is the better one as the food doesn’t stick to the surface and it is less messy. It also makes it a lot easier to clean and maintain the rice cooker.
Alert or musical tone
This feature is also an important one. It often happens that you forget to switch off the rice cooker and this can cause accidents. The alert or musical tone signifies you that the food is ready and now you can switch off the cooker.
How to Use a Rice Cooker?
A rice cooker can also make food items other than rice, like Polenta, Grains, Oatmeal, Lentils, vegetables, and much more.
On the other hand, if you are new to using a rice cooker and want to know how to use a rice cooker, then this subpart of the article could be really helpful or you.
In this segment, we’ve provided the basics of using a rice cooker. Here are some steps you need to follow to cook rice in a rice cooker:
- First, take some rice and measure it.
- Now, wash/rinse the rice.
- After rinsing, put that rice in your rice cooker.
- Now, take the water according to the rice and add it to the cooker.
- Finally, cover the rice cooker with its lid.
- Switch on the cooker and leave it to cook. The time taken to cook must be mentioned in the manual.
- After a specific time, check whether the rice is cooked or not. If yes, switch it off; if it is not cooked yet, cook it for some more time.
- The rice is ready to eat.
What else to make in your rice cooker?
As stated before, a rice cooker is not for cooking only rice. You can also cook various other food items in a rice cooker. Some of those food items are:
Frittatas
This is an italian delicacy made with fried beaten eggs containing meat and vegetables. It looks like an omelette.This is one of the dishes that can be cooked in a rice cooker easily. You can cook this when you want to try something new or on some special occasion.
Steamed fish
You can make steamed fish in a rice cooker, either on the steam rack or with the help of a foil. You can cook the fish with rice or without it, it totally depends on you. Many people like to eat fish with rice, it truly tastes delicious. If you are looking for some recipes to try in your rice cooker, do check this out.
Porridge
Porridge is yet another thing that you can easily cook in the rice cooker. Just put the oats, water and salt in the cooker and switch it on. Now, set the timer and leave it to cook. When the timer goes off, take the porridge out and enjoy!
Soup
You can also make soup in your rice cooker with its boiling feature. Just put the contents for making the soup and set it to boil. The keep warm function will not let your soup cool down until you’re ready to drink it. The rice cooker can make the soup in very less time so don’t forget to give it a try.
Apple sauce
The apple sauce is also one of the things that can be made with the rice cooker. This is one of the delicacies that can be made with ease in a rice cooker. With its aroma and delicious taste, you’ll surely give it a try.
FAQs
Are rice cookers worth it?
As stated earlier, that fully depends on you. If you’re a huge fan of rice or consume it on a daily basis, yes the rice cookers are worth it. It saves a lot of your time and efforts. A rice cooker is quite durable and versatile so it can cook different types of rice and various dishes without much effort. It is a good equipment that we would recommend you to invest in. The rice cooker cooks the rice perfectly and the taste will surely please your taste buds. It is quick and you don’t need to check from time to time if the rice is cooked or not. But, if you don’t consume rice on a daily basis or don’t really need the rice cooker, don’t go for it. It is always better to have a rice cooker in your kitchen, whether for daily usage or occasionally. It is never a bad choice to buy a rice cooker.
How long does white rice take to cook in a rice cooker?
Usually, it takes about 20-30 minutes to cook white rice in the rice cooker. Then again, it depends on what type of cooker you are using to cook it. If the cooker has a quick cook feature, it may take less time to cook the rice. But if your cooker is manual and not equipped with those features, it may take longer than the desired time. We would recommend checking the features of the cooker before buying it as it may cause issues later.
What size rice cooker should I get?
For this, you need to be clear about your purpose of buying the cooker. If you have a large family and more people who consume rice on a daily basis, go for a large size rice cooker as the medium or small size cooker will take more time to cook the food. If you are single or have a small family, buy a small or medium sized cooker, whatever fits your needs. Consider the factors like usage and family size for deciding the size of the rice cooker. Hence, this also depends on you and your needs. So, choose wisely.
Conclusion
Rice cookers are a great investment for anyone, whether you’re a college student living on your own or a busy mom with a large family to feed. They’re not just for people who love rice – they can also be used to cook quinoa, oatmeal, and other grains. And if you have one that doubles as a steamer, it’s like getting two appliances in one!
After careful consideration of all the different factors (price, features, reviews), these ten models came out on top. Whether you’re looking for an affordable option or something more high-end, there’s sure to be a perfect rice cooker for you on this list. We hope this list has helped you find the best rice cooker for your kitchen!