Best Rice Cooker: Top Picks for Perfectly Cooked Rice Every Time

Rice is a staple food for many cultures around the world. Whether you’re making sushi or a side dish for your meal, a rice cooker can be a valuable addition to your kitchen. A rice cooker has two primary goals: cook rice to perfection and save time. [Best Rice Cooker]

Cooking rice on the stove can be a tedious process, requiring constant attention to ensure the rice doesn’t burn or come out undercooked.

A rice cooker simplifies this process by taking care of everything for you. Simply add rice and water to the cooker, press a button, and wait for it to finish.

When looking for the best rice cooker, there are a few things to keep in mind. One critical factor is the size of the cooker. If you’re cooking for a family, you’ll want a larger cooker, while a smaller one may be sufficient for an individual or couple.

Another factor to consider is the type of rice you’ll be cooking. Some cookers are better suited for specific types of rice, such as brown or sushi rice.

We spent hours researching and testing various rice cookers to identify the ones that make cooking rice easy and efficient. In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the best rice cooker, along with their features and benefits.

Best Rice Cookers

We know that cooking rice can be a bit tricky, getting the right texture and flavor can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best rice cookers on the market. Whether you’re looking for a basic model or one with advanced features, we’ve got you covered.

Our top picks offer consistent results, easy-to-use interfaces, and durable construction. Check out our list below to find the perfect rice cooker for your kitchen.

Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker and Food Steamer

If you’re looking for a rice cooker that’s versatile, easy to use, and can cook up to 8 cups of rice, then the Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker and Food Steamer is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The built-in steam function allows for healthy, nutrient-rich meals to be prepared above while rice, soup, or any other meal simultaneously cooks below.
• The programmable delay timer is great for families on the go, delivering delicious meals ready when they’re needed, up to 15 hours in advance.
• The compact capacity is perfect for preparing small individual meals or delicious side dishes.

Cons

• The inner pot can be difficult to clean.
• The rice measuring cup is not very accurate.
• The steam tray is not very large.

We recently purchased the Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker and Food Steamer and have been quite impressed with its performance. The built-in steam function is a great feature that allows us to prepare healthy, nutrient-rich meals in one pot.

We’ve used it to steam vegetables, fish, and even dumplings while cooking rice below.

The programmable delay timer is also a lifesaver for busy families. We can set it up in the morning and have a hot meal waiting for us when we get home from work.

The compact capacity is perfect for our small family, and it’s great for preparing side dishes or individual meals.

However, we did find that the inner pot can be difficult to clean, especially if rice has stuck to the bottom. We also noticed that the rice measuring cup is not very accurate, so we had to adjust the water level to get the desired texture.

Finally, the steam tray is not very large, so we had to steam our vegetables in batches.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker and Food Steamer to anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use rice cooker. It’s perfect for busy families who want healthy, delicious meals without the hassle of cooking multiple dishes.

Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Rice Cooker

We highly recommend the Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Rice Cooker for anyone looking to purchase a high-quality rice cooker. This rice cooker has a sleek design and offers various features that make cooking rice a breeze.

Pros

• The micro computerized fuzzy logic technology ensures that the rice is cooked perfectly every time.
• The automatic keep warm, extended keep warm, and reheating cycle features keep the rice warm and fresh for hours.
• The clear coated stainless steel exterior is easy to clean, and the built-in retractable power cord makes it easy to store.

Cons

• The time on the rice cooker isn’t always accurate, so you may need to adjust the cooking time manually.
• The brown rice setting takes a long time to cook.
• The measuring cup that comes with the rice cooker is smaller than a standard measuring cup.

We found that the Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Rice Cooker is incredibly easy to use. The interchangeable melody and beep signal is a nice touch, and the versatile Steam menu setting is perfect for cooking other foods. We also appreciate that this rice cooker doubles as a steamer.

Overall, the Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Rice Cooker is a great investment for anyone who enjoys cooking rice and other foods. It’s durable, easy to use, and offers a variety of features that make cooking a breeze.

Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker

If you’re looking for a simple and efficient way to cook rice for dinner, the Zojirushi rice cooker is a great option.

Pros

• The single switch control makes it easy to use.
• The see-through glass lid with a stay-cool knob allows you to monitor the cooking process.
• The stay-cool handles make it easy to transport.

Cons

• The capacity is limited to 3 cups of uncooked rice.
• The plastic spatula and measuring cup included are not very durable.
• The cleaning process can be a bit tricky.

We recently purchased the Zojirushi rice cooker and have been using it regularly for our rice dishes. The single switch control makes it easy to start the cooking process, and the see-through glass lid with a stay-cool knob allows us to monitor the rice as it cooks.

The stay-cool handles also make it easy to transport the rice cooker from the kitchen to the dining table.

However, the capacity of the rice cooker is limited to 3 cups of uncooked rice, which may not be enough for larger families or gatherings. The plastic spatula and measuring cup included are also not very durable and may need to be replaced over time.

Additionally, the cleaning process can be a bit tricky, especially when trying to clean the non-stick inner cooking pan.

Overall, we would recommend the Zojirushi rice cooker for those who are looking for a simple and efficient way to cook rice for dinner. It’s a great option for small families or individuals who don’t need to cook large quantities of rice at once.

Instant 20-Cup Rice Cooker

If you’re looking for a rice cooker that can do more than just cook rice, the Instant 20-Cup Rice Cooker is a great option. With 8-in-1 functionality, it can cook grains, quinoa, mixed grains, slow cook, sauté, steam, and keep your food warm.

Plus, with CarbReduce technology, you can reduce carbs and sugar in rice up to 40% without sacrificing taste and texture.

Pros

• 8-in-1 functionality makes it versatile for cooking different types of food.
• CarbReduce technology reduces carbs and sugar in rice up to 40% without sacrificing taste and texture.
• Easy-to-use 8 smart cooking presets make cooking effortless.

Cons

• The unit is quite large and may take up a lot of counter space.
• The non-stick coating may wear off over time with frequent use.
• The price point may be higher than other rice cookers on the market.

We recently purchased the Instant 20-Cup Rice Cooker and have been impressed with its versatility and ease of use. The 8-in-1 functionality allows us to cook different types of grains and even slow cook meals.

The CarbReduce technology is a game-changer for those who want to reduce their carb and sugar intake while still enjoying rice.

The 8 smart cooking presets take the guesswork out of cooking time and temperature settings, making it easy to use even for beginners.

One thing to keep in mind is that the unit is quite large and may take up a lot of counter space. Additionally, with frequent use, the non-stick coating may wear off over time.

However, the unit is easy to clean with a non-stick cooking pot, stainless steel CarbReduce steam basket, and removable inner lid that are all dishwasher safe.

Overall, we highly recommend the Instant 20-Cup Rice Cooker for those looking for a versatile and easy-to-use rice cooker with CarbReduce technology.

Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker

We highly recommend the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy rice cooker & Warmer for anyone looking for a high-quality rice cooker that can cook perfect rice every time.

Pros

• The advanced Fuzzy Logic technology allows the rice cooker to make fine adjustments to temperature and heating time, resulting in perfect rice every time.
• The 5-1/2-cup capacity makes 10 cups of cooked rice, perfect for a family or small gathering.
• The variety of cooking functions including white (regular/sushi, softer or harder), mixed rice, porridge, sweet, semi-brown, Brown, rinse-free, and quick cooking, make it versatile and easy to use.

Cons

• The price point is higher than other rice cookers on the market.
• The black thick spherical pan is difficult to clean and requires extra attention.
• The unit is quite large and takes up a lot of counter space.

We were impressed with the even heating provided by the spherical, nonstick inner pan and the easy-to-read LCD control panel. The programmable melody or beep audio indicator was a helpful feature, indicating when the cooking cycle had ended.

The automatic keep warm, extended keep warm and reheating cycle, delay timer with two settings, and built-in retractable power cord made it convenient and easy to use.

Overall, if you’re willing to invest in a high-quality rice cooker, the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy rice cooker & Warmer is an excellent choice.

DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer

We highly recommend the DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer for anyone looking for a compact and easy-to-use rice cooker that can also handle a variety of other foods.

Pros

• The 2-cup capacity allows for easy portion control or quick and easy meals for one or two people.
• The quick and easy set-it-and-forget-it process means you can have a steamed meal or side ready in less than 20 minutes, with minimal clean-up.
• The keep-warm function and indicator light ensure that your food stays hot and ready to eat without overcooking or overheating.

Cons

• The 2-cup capacity may not be sufficient for larger families or those who frequently cook for guests.
• Some users have reported difficulty with the non-stick coating peeling or flaking off over time.
• The lack of advanced features and settings may not be suitable for more experienced cooks or those who want more control over their cooking process.

We found the DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer to be a versatile and convenient addition to our kitchen. In addition to cooking rice, we were able to use it to make oatmeal, quinoa, soup, and even pasta.

The compact size makes it perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or RVs, and the fun color options add a pop of personality to any kitchen decor.

The set-it-and-forget-it process was a major time-saver, and we appreciated the keep-warm function that kept our food at the perfect temperature until we were ready to eat.

We did notice that the non-stick coating seemed to wear down over time, but we were able to mitigate this by using non-metal utensils and being careful not to scratch the surface.

Overall, we think the DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer is a great choice for anyone looking for a compact and easy-to-use rice cooker that can also handle a variety of other foods.

NutriBullet EveryGrain Cooker

If you want to cook perfect grains every time, the NutriBullet EveryGrain Cooker is a great option.

Pros

• The EveryGrain Cooker has presets for every grain, and a steam program for veggies, fish, and more.
• The 10-cup cooking pot is perfect for families and the included steaming basket allows for simultaneous cooking.
• The EveryGrain Cooker is made from durable plastic and comes with dishwasher-safe accessories.

Cons

• The non-stick cooking pot is not dishwasher safe.
• The markings on the inside of the pot are not very helpful for small portions.
• There is no indicator for excess water.

We think the NutriBullet EveryGrain Cooker is a great choice for anyone who wants to cook grains without worrying about the details.

The EveryGrain Cooker is easy to use and the presets ensure that your grains are cooked to perfection. The included steaming basket is a great addition for multitasking meal prep. The EveryGrain Cooker is also durable and comes with dishwasher-safe accessories, making it easy to clean.

However, the non-stick cooking pot is not dishwasher safe, which can be inconvenient for some people. Additionally, the markings on the inside of the pot are not very helpful for small portions. Lastly, there is no indicator for excess water, which can lead to overcooking.

Overall, we think the NutriBullet EveryGrain Cooker is a great investment for anyone who wants to cook perfect grains every time.

Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker

If you’re looking for a compact and user-friendly rice cooker, the Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker is a great option.

Pros

• It perfectly prepares 2 to 6 cups of any variety of cooked rice.
• The one-touch operation with automatic Keep-Warm makes it easy to use.
• It’s great for soups, jambalaya, chili, and so much more!

Cons

• The 1.5-quart capacity may not be enough for larger families or gatherings.
• The nonstick removable inner pot may scratch easily.
• It doesn’t have a timer function for delayed cooking.

We recently purchased the Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker and have been impressed with its performance. It’s very easy to use, with simple instructions for loading rice and water.

We appreciate the automatic Keep-Warm function, which keeps the rice at the perfect temperature until we’re ready to serve. It’s also versatile enough to cook other dishes like soups and stews.

One downside is that the 1.5-quart capacity may not be enough for larger families or gatherings. Additionally, we’ve noticed that the nonstick removable inner pot can scratch easily, so we recommend using non-abrasive utensils.

Finally, it doesn’t have a timer function for delayed cooking, which may be a dealbreaker for some.

Overall, we would recommend the Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker for anyone looking for a compact and user-friendly option. It’s perfect for small households or those who enjoy cooking rice and other dishes in small batches.

Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker

If you’re looking for an easy and convenient way to make perfectly cooked rice or other one-pot meals, the Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker is a great option.

Pros

• The compact size is perfect for small households or for those who only need to cook small amounts of rice.
• The one-touch operation and automatic warm mode make it easy to use and keep food warm without the need for monitoring or stirring.
• The nonstick inner pot and accessories are easy to clean, making cleanup a breeze.

Cons

• The starch tends to bubble up and splash out of the vent hole in the lid, which can be messy.
• The capacity is limited to 2-4 cups of cooked rice, so it may not be suitable for larger families or those who need to cook larger quantities.
• The quality of the materials may not be as durable as some other rice cookers on the market.

We recently tried out the Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker and were impressed with how easy it was to use. The one-touch operation and automatic warm mode made it a breeze to cook rice without having to constantly monitor it.

We also appreciated the compact size, which made it easy to store and perfect for small households.

However, we did notice that the starch tended to bubble up and splash out of the vent hole in the lid, which could be a bit messy.

Additionally, the capacity is limited to 2-4 cups of cooked rice, so it may not be the best option for larger families or those who need to cook larger quantities.

Overall, we think the Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker is a great option for those who need a simple and convenient way to make perfectly cooked rice or other one-pot meals. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and perfect for small households.

BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker 16-Cup (Cooked) with Steaming Basket, Removable Non-Stick Bowl, White 16-cup rice cooker

If you’re looking for a rice cooker that can handle cooking large quantities of rice at once, the BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup Rice Cooker is a great option. While it may not be the most convenient way to cook rice, it gets the job done and offers some useful features.

Pros

• The 16-cup capacity is great for cooking large quantities of rice at once, making it perfect for family dinners and large gatherings.
• The steaming basket is a useful addition that allows you to cook healthy meals with vegetables, fish, and more.
• The removable nonstick bowl makes cleanup a breeze, as it is completely dishwasher-safe.

Cons

• The cooking process can take longer than other methods, so it’s not the most convenient way to cook rice.
• The rice can sometimes come out a bit mushy, so it takes some trial and error to get the perfect consistency.
• The unit can be quite large and take up a lot of counter space.

We found that the BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker was easy to use and offered some useful features. The 16-cup capacity was perfect for cooking large quantities of rice at once, which made it great for family dinners and large gatherings.

The steaming basket was a useful addition that allowed us to cook healthy meals with vegetables, fish, and more. We also appreciated the removable nonstick bowl, which made cleanup a breeze as it was completely dishwasher-safe.

However, the cooking process can take longer than other methods, so it’s not the most convenient way to cook rice. We also found that the rice can sometimes come out a bit mushy, so it takes some trial and error to get the perfect consistency.

Additionally, the unit can be quite large and take up a lot of counter space, so it may not be the best option for those with limited space.

Overall, if you’re looking for a rice cooker that can handle cooking large quantities of rice at once, the BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup Rice Cooker is a great option. However, if you’re looking for something more convenient or space-saving, you may want to consider other options.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best rice cooker, there are several factors to consider. In this buying guide, we will discuss the key features you should look for in a rice cooker to ensure that you get the best product for your needs.

Capacity

The first thing to consider when choosing a rice cooker is the capacity. Rice cookers come in a range of sizes, from small models that can cook one or two cups of rice to large models that can cook up to 10 cups of rice.

The capacity you choose will depend on your household size and how often you plan to use the rice cooker.

Cooking Settings

Another important factor to consider is the cooking settings. Most rice cookers come with basic settings for cooking white rice, brown rice, and sushi rice.

Some models also come with additional settings for cooking other grains like quinoa or oats. Look for a rice cooker that has the cooking settings you need for your favorite rice dishes.

Ease of Use

Ease of use is also an important consideration when choosing a rice cooker. Look for models that are easy to operate and have clear instructions. Some models come with digital displays and intuitive controls, while others have simple on/off switches.

Durability

Durability is another important factor to consider when choosing a rice cooker. Look for models that are made from high-quality materials and have a sturdy construction. Rice cookers with non-stick coatings are also a good option, as they are easy to clean and maintain.

Additional Features

Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you. Some rice cookers come with a steaming basket for cooking vegetables or fish, while others have a delay timer that allows you to set the cooking time in advance.

Look for models that have the features you need to make cooking rice as easy and convenient as possible.

In summary, when choosing a rice cooker, consider the capacity, cooking settings, ease of use, durability, and any additional features that may be important to you. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find the best rice cooker for your needs and enjoy perfectly cooked rice every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated rice cooker brands?

When it comes to the best rice cooker brands, there are several options to choose from. Some of the most popular and top-rated brands include Zojirushi, Panasonic, Tiger, Aroma, and Cuckoo.

What is the best budget rice cooker?

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly rice cooker, we recommend the Aroma Housewares 6-Cup Pot-Style Rice Cooker. It’s affordable, easy to use, and can cook up to 6 cups of rice at once.

What is the best rice cooker recommended by America’s Test Kitchen?

According to America’s Test Kitchen, the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker is the best rice cooker on the market. It’s a bit pricey, but it delivers perfectly cooked rice every time and has a range of features that make it worth the investment.

What is the difference between a 3-cup and 5-cup rice cooker?

The main difference between a 3-cup and 5-cup rice cooker is the amount of rice they can cook at once. A 3-cup rice cooker can cook up to 3 cups of uncooked rice, while a 5-cup rice cooker can cook up to 5 cups of uncooked rice.

Which rice cooker brand is known for durability and reliability?

If you’re looking for a rice cooker that’s durable and reliable, we recommend the Zojirushi brand. They’re known for their high-quality products that last for years and have a range of features that make cooking rice easy and convenient.

What features should I consider when buying a rice cooker?

When buying a rice cooker, there are several features to consider. Look for a cooker with a non-stick inner pot, a timer or delay-start function, and different cooking settings for different types of rice. You may also want to consider the size of the cooker and its overall design. View more.