Bring Home The Perfect Kitchen Partner - Check Out Our Pick of the Best Rice Cooker
Are you looking to purchase the best rice cooker for your culinary needs? Rice cookers can make meal preparation much faster and easier, but with so many options available, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you.
This guide will help you find the best rice cooker for your needs by going over things like size, capacity, type of rice, and budget.
When considering size, you need to think about how much space you have available. Some popular models can take up quite a bit of counter space.
You should also consider the number of people that will be eating the cooked rice; for large families or households, you may need to opt for a larger capacity cooker.
Consider the types of rice you'll be cooking with your new cooker. Different models have distinct settings that enable you to cook different types of rice, so if you plan on regularly cooking brown or wild rice, you’ll want to make sure your model can accommodate those settings.
Finally, you’ll need to consider your budget; there are plenty of decent models available at a variety of price points. Decide how much you’re willing to spend and stick within that range to ensure the best value for your money.
By following these tips, you should be able to choose the best rice cooker for your needs. With the right model, you can make delicious and nutritious meals quickly! Good luck!
How We Chose the Best Rice Cooker
Rice cookers are a must-have for any home chef, but with so many different models and features, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
Not all rice cookers are created equal. The best ones can be real lifesavers in the kitchen. But with so many different models and brands on the market, how do you know which one to buy?
GracesGuides has removed all of the guesswork from selecting a rice cooker. We have read thousands of reviews and spent hundreds of hours searching for the best rice cookers on the market. Our top picks include both budget-friendly and high-end options, so there is something for everyone.
Here are our top choices:
Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Digital Cool-Touch Rice Grain Cooker and Food Steamer, Stainless, Silver, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked)
Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Digital Cool-Touch Rice Grain Cooker
What We Love
The Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Digital Cool-Touch Rice Grain Cooker brings speed and convenience to your kitchen. Its large capacity of 2 quarts ensures large batches of meals get cooked in no time at all.
Make brown or white rice, quinoa, bulgur, farro, steamed vegetables, and more with the press of a button for perfectly cooked results every time.
The 8.6-inch D x 9.3-inch W x 8.5-inch H cooker is designed with efficiency and eases in mind, giving you professional-quality cooking at a fraction of the cost.
This budget-friendly cooker guarantees faster results than stovetop cooking and evenly cooked grains from start to finish, with no monitoring necessary.
Save time and energy by letting this convenient appliance do all the hard work while you can enjoy perfectly cooked grains!
What You Should Know
With this rice cooker and warmer, the possibilities are endless. Whether you want to enjoy a warm bowl of jambalaya or create a delicious cake, it can make all your cooking dreams come true. It also has four digital functions that are already set and an automatic keep-warm mode that will finish your dish with just the touch of a button. With its 15-Hour Delay Timer, prepping meals ahead of time is simple and easy—ensuring that delicious dishes are ready when you need them! Also, this set comes with all the tools you need. The Bonded Granite inner pot makes cooking non-stick, and the steam tray and measuring cup make things even easier. So why wait? Save time in your kitchen with this multi-functional rice cooker and warmer today!
PROs
- Very easy to use
- Doesn't take up much counter space
- Easy to clean
- It is dishwasher safe
- Non-stick
Cons
- Its cooking bowl is not dishwasher safe
Aroma Housewares Aroma 6-cup (cooked) 1.5 Qt. One Touch Rice Cooker, White (ARC-363NG), 6 cups cooked/ 3 cups uncooked Rice/ 1.5 Qt.
Aroma Housewares Aroma 6-cup (cooked) 1.5 Qt. One Touch Rice Cooker, White
What We Love
Discover the perfect rice cooker with the Aroma Housewares Aroma 6-cup (cooked) 1.5 Qt. One Touch Rice Cooker! With a simple one-touch operation, you can perfectly cook any rice, from white to brown, with ease—just add your ingredients and press a button. And with the convenient automatic keep warm feature, you'll never have to worry about under- or overcooking again. Plus, this rice cooker is great for more than just rice! Use it to make soups, jambalaya, chili, and other delicious rice dishes. For added convenience and flexibility, this cooker features a full-view tempered glass lid, a nonstick removable inner pot for easy cleaning, and a rice measuring cup and serving spoon included in the box. Make meals time after time with minimal effort in the Aroma Housewares Aroma 6-cup (cooked) 1.5 Qt. One Touch Rice Cooker!
What You Should Know
The Aroma 6-Cup (Cooked) Pot-Style Rice Cooker is the perfect addition to anyone's kitchen. Its compact size makes it convenient to bring anywhere, making it ideal for family trips, camping, and more. Its inner pot and all of its parts can easily be taken out so they can be cleaned in the dishwasher, providing quick cleaning with less effort. Enjoy cooked rice with perfectly cooked 2 to 6 cups of any variety of rice at a great value price that won't break the budget. This convenient cooker has 500 watts of power and features touch control for added convenience. With its affordability and the capacity to cook multiple servings, the Aroma Rice Cooker is a great choice for busy cooks who desire quick and tasty meals!
PROs
- Fast and efficient
- Easy to clean
- Easy to use
- Ideal for a small family
- Compact
Cons
- No On/Off button
Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer, 3-Cups (uncooked), Stainless Black
What We Love
The Zojirushi Rice Cooker with Removable Nonstick Pot is the perfect kitchen helper. With its multi-menu cooking functions and a triple heater system, you can make your favorite meals faster than ever. Featuring raw short-grain white rice capacity of up to 3 cups (0.54 liters) at 6 oz./180 mL, quick cooking time, GABA brown rice setting, and sushi rice setting, you'll have all of the options you need for the perfect meal. Its removable steam vent cap lets you cook at high temperatures without making a mess, and its retractable cord makes it easy to store. All of these amazing features are controlled by an easy-to-use microcomputer that automatically adjusts cooking temperature and time, making this cooker even simpler and more convenient to use! So if you're looking for a reliable, professional way to make your favorite meals quickly, look no further than the Zojirushi Rice Cooker Steamer with Removable Nonstick Pot!
What You Should Know
The Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker has advanced fuzzy logic technology that lets it precisely calibrate heat and cooking time to make perfectly cooked rice, sushi rice, brown rice, GABA brown rice, long grain white rice, steel-cut oatmeal, or quick cooking. It has a triple heater (bottom, side, and lid) that allows for even heating, while its exterior has a clear-coated stainless steel look that will look great in any kitchen. The cooker also has automatic keep warm and reheating functions, as well as a delay timer with two settings, so you can have freshly cooked rice at any time you set. Other features such as the interchangeable melody and beep signal add to the convenience of this device. What’s more, accessories like the scoop holder, spatula holder, and measuring cup are all included so that you can get started immediately! The Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker is truly an invaluable tool for any kitchen, so don’t miss out on adding one to yours!
PROs
- It cooks sushi rice and sweet brown rice perfectly
- Easy to clean
- It can store cooked rice for at least 24 hours without it getting mushy
- Easy-to-read measure lines
- It’s good for cooking Korean sticky rice
CONs
- Users Complain that it cooks rice slowly
DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer with Removable Nonstick Pot, Keep Warm Function & Recipe Guide, 2 cups, for Soups, Stews, Grains & Oatmeal - Aqua
What We Love
If you're looking for an easy and quick way to cook up delicious meals and sides, the Dash Rice Cooker Steamer is a great choice. This rice cooker steamer not only cooks perfect rice, but it's also versatile enough to let you experiment with oatmeal, stew, soup, quinoa, pasta, and much more!
With its 2-cup capacity, you can easily make healthy-portion-controlled meals for yourself or individual serving sizes to make breakfast, lunch, or dinner for the whole family faster. The Dash mini rice cooker is so effortless to use; all you need to do is add water and your uncooked ingredients into the removable nonstick pot, then press the cook button. At most, it'll take 20 minutes for your meal to be ready. Plus, there's minimal clean-up afterward, which makes life hassle-free!
So why wait? Get your Dash Mini Rice Cooker Steamer today and start enjoying deliciously prepared meals in no time.
What You Should Know
The Dash mini rice cooker with Keep Warm Technology is the optimal choice for convenient single-serve cooking. With just a simple button press, your meal will be prepared in less than 20 minutes—effortless and fast! Its helpful "keep-warm" function naturally maintains meal temperature, so you never have to worry about food going cold. The nonstick pot is removable and an absolute breeze to clean up, simplifying your kitchen tasks! Besides rice, the cooker can also be used to make quinoa, oatmeal, or pasta, making it incredibly versatile for daily snacks or quick meals. Its small size makes it great for dorm rooms and apartments with limited space. It is also very useful for modern living. Outstanding design and convenience? Dash Mini Rice Cooker is a stellar deal for sure.
PROs
- Great for single servings
- Fast cooking
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Very compact
CONs
- The outside of the cooker becomes extremely hot
Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer, 8 Cups Cooked (4 Uncooked), With Steam & Rinse Basket, Stainless Steel (37518)
Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer
What We Love
When it comes to healthy, delicious cuisine, the Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker and Food Steamer will deliver every time. An essential for any kitchen, this easy-to-use appliance lets you cook perfectly fluffy rice, flavorful whole grains, cozy hot cereal, and nutritious steamed vegetables—all with just the touch of a button. Using its impressive pre-programmed settings, you can have the perfect pot of rice ready in no time. And to make meal planning even easier, this multi-tasking machine can steam seafood or vegetables while cooking rice underneath! With the Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker and Food Steamer in your kitchen arsenal, creating healthy one-pot meals is simpler than ever—so get creative and start cooking up something delicious today!
What You Should Know
The Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker and Steamer is the ideal kitchen appliance to help you make all of your favorite rice and grain dishes, allowing you to perfectly cook 2-8 cups of cooked rice or grains with ease. Incredibly easy to use and convenient, this remarkable appliance comes with a 2-in-1 basket that serves both as a rinser and a steamer, as well as a measuring cup so you can easily determine the right amount of water needed for perfect results. Additionally, a serving paddle makes it simple to quickly dish up cooked meals. Moreover, its 64 Fluid Ounces capacity provides plenty of room for large portions, while its stainless steel design ensures it blends into any kitchen scenery. Finally, its user-friendly programmable controls and plastic lid seal in steam for ultimate versatility in your cooking experience. With all these outstanding features, the Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker and Steamer are perfect for any home chef!
PROs
- easy to clean
- Solidly built
- Very versatile
- Compact
- Great as a gift
CONs
- Comes with a very short cord
Best Rice Cooker FAQs
Buying a rice cooker can be confusing because there are so many different types available.
Do you know the difference between a fuzzy logic rice cooker and a pressure cooker? What about a steamer or an air fryer?
We have put together this list of frequently asked questions to help you make the best decision for your needs.
Which brand rice cooker is best?
Choosing the right rice cooker can be a daunting task due to the myriad of options available in the market. When looking for a good rice cooker, it is important to consider features such as power, capacity, cooking time, and ease of use.
One of the top brands for home use is Aroma Housewares. They offer an array of models from basic ones with lower capacities to others with larger capacities that serve up to 12 cups of cooked rice at once - perfect if you have a large family or frequently entertain guests!
Another popular brand when it comes to rice cookers is Zojirushi which has dedicated itself entirely to creating excellent kitchen appliances since 1918. Zojirushi offers several models suited for different needs including those suitable for steam-cooking fish, vegetables, or even porridge dishes! These appliances come with advanced functions such as 'keep warm' settings to keep your rice warm after cooking without losing any flavor or texture - ideal if you’re preparing meals ahead of time!
Overall, when selecting the best brand of rice cookers there are many factors that should be taken into consideration but both Aroma Housewares and Zojirushi offer reliable products sure to meet all your requirements and provide years of delicious meals made easily!
Why are Japanese rice cookers better?
When it comes to rice cookers, Japanese models are known for their superior performance and quality. The reason why they're better than many other options on the market is that they are designed with features specifically tailored to cooking Japanese-style rice.
Japanese rice cookers tend to feature a "fuzzy logic" settings designed for cooking sushi-style rice. This allows the cooker to detect changes in temperature throughout the cooking process. These models often feature a timer setting that can be programmed for when you want your meal ready.
Japanese manufacturers also pay close attention to detail and use only high-quality materials such as stainless steel and cast iron so that they last longer than their counterparts from other countries. Some of them even come with accessories like steam trays or removable non-stick inner pots that are perfect for making foods such as omelets or steamed vegetables.
In conclusion, due to their superior engineering combined with advanced technology, quality materials used in construction plus added extras like timers and steam trays, Japanese rice cookers offer impressive performance far above other competitors on the market today – making them an excellent choice when looking for one suitable for your needs!
What rice cooker do Asians use?
Asians have a wide variety of great rice cookers to choose from, depending on their individual needs. When selecting the right one, it is important to consider a few factors such as size, type of cooker (such as electronic or induction), brand reputation, and user reviews.
Electronic Rice Cookers are the most common type and feature digital interfaces that allow for precise temperature control during cooking. They also come with an array of additional features such as timer settings, delayed start functions, and multiple programs for different types of rice cooking. Popular brands include Zojirushi, Aroma Housewares, and Cuckoo Electronics.
Induction Rice Cookers are designed with speed in mind - they can cook up to three times faster than traditional electronic models. Heat ranges can be adjusted more accurately than with electric models which makes them great for experimenting with recipes. Popular brands include Panasonic, Tiger Corporation, and Sanyo Electric Co Ltd.
Overall it is best to research what works best for you based on your own culinary needs before making a purchase decision - this may vary from one person/household to another but should ultimately meet your expectations in terms of taste, appearance, and convenience when preparing meals!
What brand of rice cooker do the Japanese use?
When it comes to rice cookers, Japanese people have a strong preference for reliable and quality brands. The most popular Japanese brand of rice cooker is Zojirushi. It is one of the most well-recognized and trusted names in Japan when it comes to kitchen appliances, having been around since 1918.
Zojirushi’s range of high-end electric rice cookers come in different models with many features such as induction heating technology for even heat distribution, timers for automating the cooking process, keep warm functions that preserve texture and flavor better than other brands, and other advanced technologies to improve overall cooking performance.
For households on a budget, there are also cheaper, non-branded generic models available from major electronics stores such as Amazon Japan or online retailers.
Fortunately, no matter your financial constraints or needs when looking for a great rice cooker, the Japanese public have got you covered. Zojirushi is one of the top brands providing an extensive range to select from and other outlets across Japan offer more economical options. The selection provided ensures that everyone can find something suitable regardless of budget size!
What Other rice cookers are available on the market?
When it comes to searching for the best rice cookers on the market, there is no shortage of options to choose from. In fact, over the past few years, an increasing number of rice cooker manufacturers have emerged offering a wide range of products with various features and price points.
The most popular choices in terms of features are typically models that offer preset cooking programs, adjustable timers, and an automatic keep warm feature which allows cooked food to stay at a desired temperature without overcooking. Other bells and whistles include voice-guided cooking instructions, reheating capability, delay start functions and smart home integration such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity for remote control capabilities.
For those who prefer more basic models with fewer features but don't mind spending less money there's also plenty of cheaper alternatives available such as traditional Japanese style rice cookers that use ceramic bowls instead of nonstick cooking surfaces inside as well as digital pressure cookers with programmable settings like multiple pre-set functions including white/brown/sushi rice option or slow roast setting
In addition to choosing from different designs and materials used for their construction (stainless steel body vs plastic body) you can usually find some interesting aesthetic touches on more premium models like sleek touchscreen LCD displays or colorful LED lights outside casing allowing users customize the way their appliance looks in kitchen countertop.
Ultimately whether you're looking for a reliable budget choice or luxurious model packed with advanced technology one thing is certain - thanks industry has something perfect for everyone - so just make sure to do your research beforehand by reading reviews from reputable sources online before choosing your favorite product.
What is the best method of making rice?
The best method of making rice is, without a doubt, the absorption method. The absorption method requires submerging the grain in equal volume of water for 20 minutes, then draining and allowing it to steam. This technique is extremely popular as it leads to fluffy, yet not mushy grains that are also consistent in texture throughout.
For best results, use white long-grain rice such as basmati or jasmine, and be sure to rinse the grains before cooking them. As well as providing extra flavor and aroma, rinsing removes excess starch from the surface which can lead to overly sticky or clumpy rice when cooked by this method.
First, cover 1 cup of long-grain white rice with cold water. Use your hands to move the grains around in the bowl; you'll notice "starch" particles being released into the water; discard them along with any other debris on your Rice packet/container before trying this amazing absorption method. Stir and rinse for two minutes, then drain through a fine mesh strainer (or cheesecloth).
Once you strain your rice, transfer it back into a large bowl of 1 ½ cups cold tap water (or more as needed) for each cup used before. Please note that if living at higher altitudes use less water since different amounts are required by altitude. Let the mixture sit uncovered in warm temperatures between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit (18–30 degrees Celsius). Leave it to stand for 20 minutes.
If you give the rice a generous amount of time to rest after washing, the leftover moisture from removing starches will be able to absorb back into each grain. This process creates perfect al dente and fluffy textures!
After bringing a pot of boiling water to high heat, add salt and oil if desired. Once the temperature has reached its optimum level, stir in your pre-soaked rice mixture. When you see the beef start to brown at its edges - about 5 minutes later - reduce the flame and cover with a tight lid until it is cooked through; this should take around 17 minutes altogether. Serve immediately upon completion!
Which rice cookers come with an instant pot?
There are many rice cookers that offer the convenience of an Instant Pot. These products allow you to quickly and easily make perfectly cooked grains while minimizing effort and providing a more reliable cooking experience overall.
The Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker & Warmer (NF-ZCC10/18) comes with a number of features including "Fuzzy Logic technology", which helps it measure out just the right amount of water for perfect rice every time. It also offers different settings for various types of grains like white or brown rice, as well as short or long-grain varieties.
Another popular option is the Aroma Housewares 8-Cup Digital Rice Cooker with Steam Tray (ARC-914SBD). This one comes equipped with an Instant Pot feature that allows you to pressure cook your food in no time at all. The product includes multiple settings including browning, steam control, low heat setting, and automatic shut-off options.
Can I use a basic rice cooker?
Absolutely! A basic rice cooker can be a great way to prepare healthy and delicious meals. Rice cookers are especially useful for quick, one-pot meals that don't require you to stand over the stove stirring constantly. They can also handle large batches of food quickly and easily, making them ideal for large dinner parties or potlucks.
When it comes to basic rice cookers, there are many advantages. First of all, they are easy to use—simply add the ingredients and set the timer; when it's done your meal will be cooked perfectly every time. Basic models feature one-touch operation so you don't have to worry about complicated programming or settings changes. Additionally, their cooking pots are usually removable which makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, they often come with steaming trays which allow you to steam vegetables while preparing other dishes like curry or stew without having to stand by the stove stirring continuously.
While basic models may not offer as many advanced functions such as pre-programmed settings and nonstick surfaces as some higher-end models do, they still provide great value in terms of convenience and quality meals at an affordable price point. So if you're looking for an easy way of preparing delicious meals without spending too much money on an expensive appliance then a basic rice cooker is definitely worth considering!
Best Rice cooker for You
After reading this guide, we hope you feel more confident in your ability to find the best rice cooker for your needs. Remember to consider the size and capacity of the machine, as well as its features. If you have any questions that we didn’t answer, reach out to the manufacturer or leave a comment below. And finally, if you’ve found the perfect rice cooker for your home, click on the link to buy it now!
Click the button below to visit the Best Rice Cooker on Amazon.