Top 15 Best Rice Cookers
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If you cook rice on the gas stove, you are likely to experience burning. When you cook in the microwave, you can also experience overflowing. Therefore, the most suitable way to cook rice is by using a rice cooker.
There are many models as well as many brands, and you can be puzzled about which rice cooker to choose. That’s why I have done many pieces of research and picked up the 15 best rice cookers in this post.
Benefits of a Rice Cooker
If you usually cook rice, you probably need a rice cooker. Now I will list some advantages of the rice cooker that you should take into account.
- Cook Rice Automatically and Perfectly: You just have to measure the amount of rice and water. The rice cooker will do its job, and you don’t have to monitor the process
- “Keep Warm” Feature: After finish cooking, the rice cooker will automatically switch to the “Warm” mode.
- Easy to Clean: The components of the rice cooker are usually dishwasher safe. If you wash by hand, it is not tricky at all.
- Steam Vegetables: You can not only use the rice cooker for cooking rice, but you can also use it for cooking vegetables, tofu, potatoes, or even shrimp, fish fillets, or chicken breasts.
- Slow Cook: You can use the rice cooker as a slow cooker and prepare a fascinating dinner for your family
- Easy to Use: The programmable settings on the rice cooker are always user-friendly, all ages can use it effortlessly (of course except for young children)
What is The Best Rice Cooker?
Here is the list of my suggested rice cookers. Let’s flip through them to find the best rice cooker that is consonant with you.
- Best Overall: Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker
“Various menu settings, extra-large and easy-to-read LCD display, micro computerized advanced neuro-fuzzy logic technology, automatic “Keep Warm” and reheating cycle, detachable inner lid, built-in retractable power cord.” - Best Budget: Joseph Joseph 45002 Microwave Rice Cooker
“ Suitable for all types of grains, multi-purpose paddle, affordable price, easy to rinse and drain, 2-liter capacity, dishwasher safe, effortless to carry with the help of the paddle.” - Best Mini: Hamilton Beach Mini Rice Cooker
“ 2-in-1 steam basket, simple operation, auto “Keep warm”, nonstick cooking pot, easy-to-hold carrying handle, compact size.” - Best User-Friendly: Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Rice Grain Cooker
“Multi-functional use, ensuring high-quality cooked rice, healthy steamed meals, programmable 15-hour delay timer, nonstick inner pot, built-in steamer function.” - Best Programmable: Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker
“ Versatile capacity, pre-programmed settings, 2-in-1 steam basket, automatically shifts to warm after cooking, the delay start makes meal planning easier.” - Best for Singles: Black+Decker RC503 Uncooked Rice Cooker
“Compact capacity, automatic Keep Warm, nonstick rice pot, ideal for single servings, easy cleanup, measuring cups and spoon provided, dishwasher-safe components.” - Best Standard: Aroma Simply Stainless Rice Cooker
“Simple one-touch design, durable stainless steel pot, food-grade material, creating healthy meals, indicator lights, compact size, automatic cooking.” - Best Versatile: COMFEE’ Rice Cooker
“Multi-functional use, user-friendly design, food-grade material, easy to operate, able to cook various food, easy-to-read digital panel & LED display, nonstick for easy cleanup.” - Best Syncro: TIGER JBV-A10U 5.5-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker
“Syncro-cooking function, one-push operation, easy-to-read digital display, four cooking menus, BPA-free cooking plate, automatic Keep Warm, detachable inner steam cap.”
Best Rice Cooker Comparison Chart
Rice cookers of different models will have different functions. Therefore, you need to take account of my comparison chart to select the best rice cooker and have enjoyable cooking time.
Top 15 Best Rice Cooker Reviews
It’s time to drill into each product of the 15 best rice cookers. No more delay, let’s continue reading to see the benefits, drawbacks, and key features of each rice cooker!
1. Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker
(Best Overall)
Thanks to the Neuro Fuzzy logic technology, the Zojirushi rice cooker helps you cook rice perfectly and quickly. Moreover, this product has a high capacity than can give you about 10 cups of cooked rice at one time.
Thanks to the user-friendly design and multifunction, you can enjoy a wide range of cooking functions. If you are scared of burning when you remove the inner cooking pan, the stay-cool handle will help you remove it effortlessly.
When the cooking process is over, there will be the beep sound or programmable melody to indicate to you. You don’t need to do any guessing! There are two rice-measuring cups so you can easily measure the amount of rice.
Key Features
- Various menu settings
- Extra-large and easy-to-read LCD display
- Micro computerized advanced neuro-fuzzy logic technology
Pros
- Convenient programmable melody or beep sound indicator
- Automatic “Keep Warm” and reheating cycle
- Detachable inner lid
- Built-in retractable power cord
- Stay-cool handles for quick and effortless removal
- Spherical inner cooking pan for even heating
Cons
- Sometimes it is quite challenging to close the lid
Product Specifications
Weight | 3 pounds |
Dimensions | 13 x 8.1 x 10.1 inches |
Capacity | 5.5 cups |
Menu settings | White (regular/sushi, softer or harder), mixed, porridge, sweet, semi-brown, brown, rinse-free and quick cooking |
Accessories included | Spatula, spatula holder and 2 measuring cups (regular and rinse-free) |
Auto “ Keep Warm” | Yes |
Is it complicated to use the programmable rice cooker? Let’s find the answer in the video:
2. Joseph Joseph 45002 Microwave Rice Cooker
(Best Budget)
The Joseph Joseph microwave rice cooker looks really simple and that’s why this product has a reasonable price. You shouldn’t underestimate this product because of its looking. This product has a 2L capacity and a smart design.
And the multi-purpose rice paddle makes me surprised. The rice paddle locks the pot lid, then it becomes a convenient handle. After the cooking process ends, you can also use it for fluffing the rice and serving.
This rice cooker is suitable for all grains. And it can help you make delicious homemade rice with ease in your own microwave. This product is ideal for anyone who rarely cooks rice or just wants to cook a small amount of rice.
Key Features
- Suitable for all type of grains
- Multi-purpose paddle
- Affordable price
Pros
- Easy to rinse and drain
- 2-liter capacity
- Dishwasher safe
- Effortless to carry with the help of the paddle
Cons
- You probably need a microwave
- Not suitable for large serving
Product Specifications
Weight | 1.18 pounds |
Dimensions | 8.7 x 5.3 x 7.1 inches |
Capacity | 2 liters |
Menu settings | Not included |
Accessories included | Measuring cup and multi-purpose rice paddle |
Auto “ Keep Warm” | No |
3. Hamilton Beach Mini Rice Cooker
(Best Mini)
The Hamilton Beach rice cooker receives a lot of good comments because it can cook delicious, fluffy rice with little to no effort. You just need to place all the ingredients in the bowl and turn it on.
The rice cooker will complete its job in the best way without the needs of your monitoring. You can save time preparing other dishes for your meals. You can cook the maximum amount of 8 cups cooked rice. That’s enough for the whole family.
The cooking pot is nonstick to reduce the stress of washing. There is a steam basket that comes with the product for you to steam vegetables. And this basket is dishwasher-safe for ease of cleaning.
Key Features
- 2-in-1 steam basket
- Simple operation
- Easy cleanup
Pros
- Steam basket doubles as a rice rinser
- Able to hold 8 cups of cooked rice
- Auto “Keep warm”
- Nonstick cooking pot
- Easy-to -hold carrying handle
- Compact design
Cons
- The steam basket gets very hot after cooking. You should be careful when you remove it
Product Specifications
Weight | 2.87 pounds |
Dimensions | 8.1 x 9.6 x 8.1 inches |
Capacity | 8 cups |
Menu settings | Not included |
Accessories included | Measuring cup, rice paddle, and steam basket |
Auto “ Keep Warm” | Yes |
4. Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Rice Grain Cooker
(Best User-Friendly)
The Aroma Housewares rice cooker is an improved rice cooker that provides you with more powerful functions than the standard version. You can cook both white and brown rice. If you are a vegetable lover, you can steam veggies to include in your daily meals.
You can steam veggies and cook rice at the same time. By doing this, you can receive flawless rice and healthy vegetables but still save a considerable amount of time. The digital display is user-friendly for ease of use.
Since the product will automatically switch to “Keep Warm” after cooking, so there is no need for monitoring the cooking process. The inner pot is nonstick so you can effortlessly clean it.
Key Features
- Multi-functional use
- Ensuring high-quality cooked rice
- Healthy steamed meals
Pros
- Suitable for both white and brown rice
- Programmable 15-hour delay timer
- Nonstick inner pot
- Built-in steamer function
Cons
- The rice cooker cooks fastly, but the rice taste isn’t as good as other products
Product Specifications
Weight | 3.6 pounds |
Dimensions | 8.2 x 9 x 8.5 inches |
Capacity | 8 cups |
Menu settings | White rice, brown rice, flash rice, steam |
Accessories included | Nonstick inner pot, rice paddle, rice measuring cup, steamer tray |
Auto “ Keep Warm” | Yes |
5. Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker
(Best Programmable)
The Hamilton Beach programmable rice cooker has a dual steam basket. You usually use the steam basket to steam vegetables. With this product, you can use the steam basket to rinse rice before cooking to prevent clumping.
There are six preset menus for you to cook whichever you like without the need for guessing. Whether you want to cook food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this rice cooker is on the brink to serve.
Key Features
- Versatile capacity
- Pre-programmed settings
Pros
- 2-in-1 steam basket
- Great for oatmeal, grits, and cream of wheat
- Automatically shifts to warm after cooking
- The delay start makes meal planning easier
Cons
- Poor customer service
- This product has a rather short lifespan
Product Specifications
Weight | 4.8 pounds |
Dimensions | 10.8 x 10.8 x 11.1 inches |
Capacity | 14 cups |
Menu settings | White Rice, Quick Rice, Whole Grain, Heat/Simmer, Steam Cook, and Hot Cereals |
Accessories included | Steam basket, rice measuring cup |
Auto “ Keep Warm” | Yes |
6. Instant Pot Lux Mini 6-in-1 Electric Rice Cooker
The Instant Pot electric rice cooker is a 6-in-1 product. This product is not only a rice cooker, but it can also be a pressure cooker, a rice cooker, a sauté, a steamer, a slow cooker, and a warmer. One product can replace six kitchen appliances.
The LCD display is easy-to-read, and you can operate the product quickly by only one touch. Thanks to the high-pressure settings, this rice cooker can cook fastly and reduce cooking time up to 70%.
That’s not all, you can adjust the temperature to perfectly fit with your recipes. There are three temperatures in Saute for searing, simmering, or thickening. There are three temperatures in Slow Cook, too.
Key Features
- 3 temperatures in sauté & slow cook
- Multi-functional product
- Easy one-touch controls
Pros
- High-pressure settings
- Adjustable temperature settings
- Large display panel
- Dishwasher-safe lid and steam rack
- 10 smart built-in programs
Cons
- The cooking instruction comes with the product is defective. You should not follow it
Product Specifications
Weight | 8.5 pounds |
Dimensions | 11.5 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches |
Capacity | 3 quarts |
Menu settings | Soup/Broth, Meat/Stew, Egg, Saute, Rice, Porridge, Steam, Slow Cook, Pressure Cook, Keep Warm |
Accessories included | Stainless steel steam rack without handles, rice paddle, Soup Spoon, measuring cup, recipe booklet (English) manual and time table |
Auto “ Keep Warm” | Yes |
7. Black+Decker RC503 Uncooked Rice Cooker
(Best for Singles)
The Black+Decker rice cooker has a small capacity of 3 cups. This size ideal for a single person or a small family. This cooker belongs to the standard type with two simple functions: Cook and Keep Warm.
The simple design of the product makes it extremely easy to use. Because the product has the auto “Keep Warm” function, the rice can retain in the good condition until serving. The pot is nonstick and removable so you can effortlessly clean it.
Coming with the product is the measuring cup and the plastic spoon. The measuring cup helps you measure the perfect amount of rice for cooking. The plastic spoon prevents scratches to the nonstick cooking pot.
Key Features
- Compact capacity
- Automatic Keep Warm
- Nonstick rice pot
Pros
- Ideal for single servings
- Easy cleanup
- Measuring cups and spoon provided
- Dishwasher-safe components
- Indicator lights
Cons
- Not suitable for serving a large number of people
- The indicator light stops working after a few months
Product Specifications
Weight | 2.43 pounds |
Dimensions | 8 x 8 x 6.5 inches |
Capacity | 3 cups |
Menu settings | Not included |
Accessories included | Measuring cups, plastic spoon |
Auto “ Keep Warm” | Yes |
8. Instant Zest Rice Cooker
The Instant Zest rice cooker provides you with five smart preset menus. You can quickly cook white rice, brown rice, mixed grains, quinoa, and oatmeal in one push of a button. The status indicators will let you know which stage your cooking process is.
You can quickly cook nutritious and delicious meals for your family without effort. You can use this rice cooker as a warmer of all dishes. Moreover, you don’t need to worry about overheating as there is built-in protection against overheating.
As this is a lightweight product, you can easily store it after use. The inner pot has a ceramic coating for easy cleanup and more even heating.
Key Features
- Lightweight
- 5 smart preset menus
- Bright, bold display and status indicators
Pros
- Built-in protection against overheating
- Easy to store
- Extra- thick inner pot
- Effortless to clean
- High-quality interior
Cons
- Quite challenging to clean because the inner pot surface is sticky after a few times use
Product Specifications
Weight | 9.55 pounds |
Dimensions | 13.6 x 12.9 x 12.8 inches |
Capacity | 20 cups |
Menu settings | White rice, brown rice, mixed grains, quinoa, and oatmeal, saute, steam |
Accessories included | Steamer tray, rice measuring cup, and rice spoon. |
Auto “ Keep Warm” | Yes |
How to use the Instant Pot Zest Rice and Grain Cooker? Watch the video and you’ll know:
9. Proctor Silex Rice Cooker & Food Steamer
With the Proctor Silex rice cooker, you can cook rice, quinoa, and barley without having to set the timer or boiling the water. What you have to do is just place the ingredients into the pot and press the button.
If you want to steam salmon to zucchini, use the steam basket included to help you. After finishing cooking, the rice cooker will automatically shift to Warm. You just relax and wait for the delicious and fluffy rice.
You are scared of stressful cleaning tasks. Don’t worry! The inner pot is nonstick for ease of hand was. And the accessories are dishwasher-safe, there is nothing to worry about cleanup.
Key Features
- Nonstick cooking pot
- Make fluffy and perfect rice
Pros
- Able to cook whole grains and cereals
- Automatic “Keep warm”
- Indicator light
- Ease to use and clean
Cons
- The product looks rather small
- There is only “cooking” function
Product Specifications
Weight | 3.22 pounds |
Dimensions | 8.6 x 11 x 7.6 inches |
Capacity | 8 cups |
Menu settings | Not included |
Accessories included | Steam basket, measuring cup, rice paddle |
Auto “ Keep Warm” | Yes |
10. Aroma Simply Stainless Rice Cooker
(Best Standard)
The Aroma simply stainless steel rice cooker is favored by a lot of people since it has a durable stainless steel inner pot. It’s worthless buying a product that has a short lifespan. Therefore, choosing a longlasting product like this rice cooker is a wise option.
Like other standard rice cookers, this product is simple to operate. You can pour up to 3 cups of uncooked rice into this rice cooker. After cooking, it can give you 6 cups of flawless and fluffy rice.
If you are in the mood for jambalaya, veggies, or even a fluffy cake, the Aroma stainless eel rice cooker can accomplish all of them.
Key Features
- Simple one-touch design
- Durable stainless steel pot
Pros
- Food-grade material
- Creating healthy meals
- Indicator lights
- Compact size
- Automatic cooking
Cons
- The steam vent hole is so big that it can create a mess after cooking
Product Specifications
Weight | 4.4 pounds |
Dimensions | 8.2 x 8.1 x 10.3 inches |
Capacity | 6 cups |
Menu settings | Not included |
Accessories included | A rice spatula and measuring cup |
Auto “ Keep Warm” | Yes |
11. COMFEE’ Rice Cooker
(Best Versatile)
The COMFEE’ rice cooker has 12 digital cooking programs to suit all your purposes. This product features a DIY program that enables you to make anything you want, even it is yogurt, cake,..
With the capacity of 20 cups, you can not only cook rice for a crowd, but you can also cook 3-6 pounds of meat or a whole chicken to serve when your family has a guest. This cooker is probably the perfect product for family use, party, outdoor activities,…
The cool-touch handle makes it easy and safe for you when you open the lid. Thanks to the nonstick coating, clean the inner pot is a breeze. The external housing is made of stainless steel so you can easily wipe it with a damp cloth.
Key Features
- Multi-functional use
- User-friendly design
- Food-grade material
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Able to cook various food
- Easy-to-read digital panel & LED display
- Nonstick for easy cleanup
- Portable cool-touch handle
- 12 digital cooking programs
Cons
- None
Product Specifications
Weight | 7 pounds |
Dimensions | 11 x 10.8 x 10.8 inches |
Capacity | 20 cups |
Menu settings | Quick Rice, White Rice, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Saute, Pasta, Steam, Soup, Stew, DIY, Slow Cook, Chili |
Accessories included | Nonstick inner pot, rice paddle, ladle, rice measuring cup, steamer tray |
Auto “ Keep Warm” | Yes |
12. Elite Cuisine ERC-003 Electric Rice Cooker
Are you fed up with watching the pot on your stovetop? Let’s purchase the Elite electric rice cooker to save more time. From 3 cups of uncooked rice, you can make up to 6 cups of fluffy rice quickly.
With the heavy-duty construction, this rice cooker is longlasting and can serve you for years to go. Thanks to the “Keep Warm “ function, your food can maintain in fresh and warm conditions before serving.
You can steam vegetables or seafood in this rice cooker since the producers also provide you with the steaming attachment.
Key Features
- 6-cup capacity
- Excellent performance
Pros
- Cook and Warm indicator lights
- Heavy-duty construction
- Removable aluminum cooking pot for easy cleaning
Cons
- This product is not ideal for large serving
Product Specifications
Weight | 3 pounds |
Dimensions | 8.8 x 7.7 x 8.8 inches |
Capacity | 6 cups |
Menu settings | Not included |
Accessories included | Steamer attachment |
Auto “ Keep Warm” | Yes |
13. IMUSA USA GAU-00011 Electric Nonstick Rice Cooker
The Imusa Usa Gau rice cooker has what you usually need for a rice cooker. With this rice cooker, you can make delicious rice whin minutes. You can not only save time, but you can also save money because this product uses less energy.
The tempered glass lid helps you quickly have a view of your cooking process if you want. There is an air vent so you can use this product as a steamer. There are cooking and warm indicator lights to let you know when the cooker switch to warm mode.
The cooking pot is detachable and nonstick, so the cleaning task has become less stressful for all housewives.
Key Features
- Automatic Cook/ Warm switch
- Time-saving
- Cost-effective
Pros
- Tempered glass lid
- Removable cooking pot
- Easy to use and clean
- Cooking and Warm indicator lights
Cons
- The indicator lights are off after a short time using
- No steaming basket included
Product Specifications
Weight | 2.6 pounds |
Dimensions | 8.2 x 9.1 x 6.4 inches |
Capacity | 3 cups |
Menu settings | Not included |
Accessories included | Measuring cup, serving spoon |
Auto “ Keep Warm” | Yes |
14. Cuisinart CRC-400P1 CRC-400 Rice Cooker
The Cuisinart rice cooker looks different than other products. It has a modern square shape. This product allows you to cook perfect rice as well as steam meat and vegetables. You can conveniently use the built-in tray to steam food while the cooker is working.
The chrome-plated handles are cool to touch, which helps protect your hands from burning. After cooking, cleaning is a breeze because the inner pot is nonstick. Although the shape is quite strange, this product still has traditional controls of cook and warm.
Key Features
- Brushed stainless steel housing
- Modern square shape
Pros
- Tradition level controls
- Warm and cook indicator lights
- Tempered glass cover with stainless rim and chrome-plated knob
- Chrome-plated stay-cool handles
Cons
- Poor aftersale service
Product Specifications
Weight | 7.4 ounces |
Dimensions | 10.7 x 10.1 x 9.9 inches |
Capacity | 4 cups |
Menu settings | Not provided |
Accessories included | Paddle and measuring cup |
Auto “ Keep Warm” | Yes |
Please spend some time watching the video to know how to cook rice in the Cuisinart rice cooker:
15. TIGER JBV-A10U Micom Rice Cooker
(Best Syncro)
The Tiger rice cooker lets you cook two dishes at the same time with the Tiger’s own ‘tacook’ synchronized cooking function. Moreover, this rice cooker allows you to cook plain rice, brown rice, and even slow cook in one product.
To use the ‘tacook’ synchronized cooking function, you just simply cook rice in the inner pot. Place the food you want to cook on the plate and press start. The Tiger’s cooking plate has a unique design that won’t affect the flavor of the rice when you cook two of them at the same time.
The Tiger’s cooking plate is made of BPA-free material, so you don’t need to worry that it will affect the quality of the food.
Key Features
- Syncro-cooking function
- One-push operation
- Easy-to-read digital display
Pros
- 4 cooking menus
- Nonstick coating for easy cleanup
- BPA-free cooking plate
- Automatic Keep Warm
- Detachable inner steam cap
Cons
- The coating peels off after a few months of use
Product Specifications
Weight | 5.7 pounds |
Dimensions | 13.9 x 10.6 x 8.4 inches |
Capacity | 5.5 cups |
Menu settings | Plain rice, Brown rice, Slow cook, Synchrony-cooking |
Accessories included | Non-stick spatula, Cooking plate, Measuring cup and Cookbook for using “Synchrony-cooking” function |
Auto “ Keep Warm” | Yes |
Check the ‘tacook’ synchronized cooking function by watching the video below:
Factors to Consider Before Buying
To make sure you will get the best rice cooker with the money you spend, you should pay attention to these factors!
Capacity
Whenever you buy a kitchen gadget, the capacity is necessary to note. This feature depends on the number of people you will serve. If you eat rice every day and your family has a lot of people, it is better to go for a product with extensive capacity.
In case you rarely eat rice or you just live alone, you should only go for the product with a small capacity or a microwave rice cooker for a lower price.
Type
There are three common types of rice cookers: programmable, standard, and microwave. If you fancy having a multifunctional product to cook various dishes, it is advisable to choose the programmable rice cooker.
Programmable usually has a higher price than other types. Therefore, if you just need t cook rice, go for the standard version is the best choice. The standard version is simple to operate, and it can cook rice perfectly.
Abut microwave rice cooker, this product has the lowest price in the three types so it’s suitable for people who rarely eat rice.
Accessories
A rice cooker usually comes with a steam basket, rice paddle, and measuring cup. A steam basket is necessary when you want to steam vegetables when you are cooking rice. The measuring cup helps you quickly measure the amount of rice for perfect cooking.
About the rice paddle, you should use plastic or wood paddle to prevent scratching to the nonstick surface inner pot.
Safety
Rice cooker is favored because it is safe to use. However, you should note that the inner or the steam basket becomes boiling after cooking. If you want to remove it, you should use a cloth to prevent your hand from burning.
Versatility
The programmable rice cooker gives you a good chance of cooking various dishes in just one product. There are preset menus for you to quickly cook every kind of meal you want in only one button.
There are beep sound or melody to let you know when the cooking process ends. It is very convenient to use. This version usually has a higher price, but the convenience it brings will make you satisfied.
FAQs
The FAQs part consists of my answers for the frequently asked questions on the market. Through these answers, you can have a fulfilling view of how to pick up the best rice cooker.
My Top Pick
The product that makes me satisfied the most is the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker since it is easy to use and clean. Moreover, the preset menus help me cook a wide range of my favorite dishes with ease.
How’s about you? Have you made a decision? Which is the best rice cooker for you? Do you know any best rice cooker? Feel free to share your thoughts with me! If you find my reviews useful, please remember to share it!