Today’s rice cooker is no longer naive kitchenware to make a quick rice dish. The once simple gadget is now a multipurpose appliance. It cooks a variety of dishes in a fast, consistent, and even way. Having a snug, non-stick pot, it uses digital programs for many cooking options. Still, others link with mobile apps, voice navigators, beeps, and signal applications. Hence, they automate your entire experience.
Now, with all these attributes, how do you choose the best rice cooker for your lifestyle?
Instant Pot DUO60 – Best Multi-Purpose Rice Cooker
What We Like: The Instant Pot has been a leading rice cooker and steamer combo in the US for decades. How so? This 11.8 pounds appliance combines seven cooking capabilities in one gadget. It serves as a pressure cooker, warmer, steamer, slow cooker, rice cooker, sautés, and a yogurt maker. With 14 built-in programs, you can now automate also most any hot dish you like. Second, this rice cooker has dual pressure settings that will track the food as it cooks. You can say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked meals. All this happens at a third of the usual cooking time and saves up to 70% energy. How cool is that?
All you need to know: The Instant Pot is available as a duo or a duo crisp, with the Duo Crisp having a removable air fryer lid. Both of these varieties feature a stainless steel inner pot with clear 2/3 and ¾ markings. The container is nonreactive to acidic or alkaline food. It is easy to clean and redistributes heat evenly to all sides. There is a handy measuring cup, serving spoon, steam rack with handles, and a soup spoon. Its ten safety features include a pressure control and an anti-blockage vent. All these features ensure you prepare your meals fast, in a safe environment. However, this size is not economical for a bachelor or singles.
Specifications:
- Seven cooking functions
- 10 safety features
- 14 Built in cooking programs
- 12 Temperature settings
- Stainless Steel Inner Pot
Instant Pot LUX Mini – Best Small Rice Cooker
What we like: Like the Instant Pot Duo rice cooker, the Instant Pot Up-LUX60 v2 is a versatile kitchen must-have and one of the best small rice cookers on the market. It merges six cooking capabilities in one gadget. It plays out as a slow cooker, a steamer, a warmer, a pressure cooker, a rice cooker, and a sauté. You can use the cookbook that comes with it to practice your culinary skills. Are you an early bird planner? Then, decide on what you want to cook for the day. Next, use the three temperature settings to schedule the time and duration of the cooking. The food will cook in an even and consistent way, whether you are nearby or not. It’s an excellent way of making sure you have fresh, hot meals throughout your day.
All you need to know: This rice cooker prepares staple meals like multi-grains, soups, eggs, and meat dishes. It uses easy to follow digital inputs with bright displays and instructions. Also, the package retails with a useful cookbook and timetable to help you plan your meals. Other accessories include a rice paddle, steam rack, measuring cup, and a soup spoon. Finally, the rice cooker has ten safety checks against several misshapen. They include automatic pressure and heat control, and electrical and thermal fuses.
Specifications:
- 6 in 1 Multipurpose rice cooker
- 10 built-in cooking settings
- Third generation microprocessor
- 120volts/60Hz, 700 watts
BLACK+DECKER RC503 – Simple and Affordable Rice Cooker
What we like: Are you looking for a simplistic rice cooker that is safe and convenient for a small family? Consider the BLACK+DECKER RC503 rice cooker. This kitchenware makes an even and consistent bowl of fluffy rice every half an hour. Then, you can set the automatic keep-warm function to keep the food warm all day. This compact rice cooker has a non-stick pot with a convenient steam vent. There is a tampered glass lid allowing you to check your food as it cooks. Also, you can use the measuring cup and spoon to measure the right amounts of ingredients. Use the rice cooker’s simple interface to track your soups, veggies, oatmeal, and stews. There are two indicator lights to alert you when the food is cooking. It makes a ding sound notifying you when the food is ready, before switching to the keep warm settings.
All you need to know: The BLACK+DECKER RC503 rice cooker is single-serve kitchenware. Still, it retails in four more sizes to cater for large families or in an institution setup. Its 14-cup size is further available with or without a sauté function. Hence, you can choose the model size that is not wasteful. Next, there are safety features that ensure your food does not burn, overcook, or undercook. Other accessories include a built-in holder and a steaming basket. Despite the robust design, this rice cooker uses a less durable plastic lid handle.
Specifications:
- Automatic keep warm settings for up to
- Detachable nonstick inner pot
- Ready indicator lights
- 120 volts/60 Hz, 200 watts
Aroma Housewares ARC-954SBD – Popular 4-Cup Digital Rice Cooker
What we like: Do you like preparing all your meals in advance? Or you want to concentrate on other family matters while making dinner? Then, the Aroma Housewares ARC-954BD rice cooker is your best pick. It comprises of a rice cooker, slow cooker, sautés, and a steamer. All you have to do is switch the one-touch button and let it run on its own. There is a convenient tampered glass lid allowing you to see your food as it cooks. It’s an excellent gadget for preparing one-pot meals of all types of grains, meats, and vegetables. It uses a one-touch button to operate it. Once the food is ready, you can turn on the keep warm function and let it stay warm for up to 15 hours nonstop.
All you need to know: The rice cooker retails with a measuring cup, BPA-free steam tray, and a spatula. All these components are effortless to remove, clean, and store. Now, you can steam your veggies as you cook your meat in the same pot. Its quick cook function saves you up to 50% cooking time. The only setback is that its automatic keep-warm setting can burn food when left running for too long. You may have to unplug the rice cooker after some time.
Specifications:
- Teflon coated aluminum pot
- Saute then simmer function
- Automatic keep warm settings
- 120 volts / 60Hz, 300 watts
Aroma Housewares ARC-150SB – Large 20-Cup Rice Cooker
What we like: Are you preparing a meal with tough-to-cook grains for a large family? Consider using the Aroma Housewares ARC-150B. This 3-in-1 digital rice cooker combines a slow cooker, a steamer, and a rice cooker. It prepares 10 cups of hard grains, rice, veggies, and jambalaya. Plus, it even bakes cakes! With a built-in steamer, all your dishes will keep their nutritional value and flavor. Use all three cooking functions at the same time to deliver a quick meal. Hence, it’s your go-to cooking appliance when you are on a tight schedule.
All you need to know: The Aroma Housewares ARC-150B is in a sleek stainless steel exterior design. It has easy to follow digital control on a large display. Decide between a slow cook, steam, flash rice, and white rice. The keep-warm function allows you to keep your dish hot all day. Then, the delay timer lets you set your food to start or resume cooking up to 15 hours after you put it in the rice cooker. Also, there is a convenient BPA free measuring cup, serving spatula, soup spoon, and a steam tray. All the parts are easy to use, clean, and store. Besides, the aluminum inner pot is safe for cooking acidic or alkaline food.
Specifications:
- Aluminum inner pot
- Built-in steamer
- User friendly digital controls
- 120 volts /60 Hz, 860 watts
Zojirushi NS-TSC10 – Smart Rice Cooker with Retractable Cord
What we like: The Zojirushi NS-TSC10 is a Micom rice cooker and warmer with many add-ons. This sleek kitchenware uses fuzzy logic technology. Its digital programs that include cake settings are easy to operate. Hence, you can use this premium rice cooker to make brownies, rice dishes, soups, veggies, and meats. The rice cooker uses a crystal LCD unit for its settings. There are a convenient clock and timer with interchanging beep and sound signals. You can use these settings to know when your food is ready. Better still; opt for the two delay time settings to schedule your cooking when not around. This rice cooker has a stainless steel exterior for its modern look. Its Teflon coated inner pot and removable inner lid circulate heat for even cooking. And, its BPA-free steam basket holds 1 to 4 cups of veggies.
All you need to know: This rice cooker can keep food warm for 12 hours after cooking. Hence, you can plan all your day’s meals in the morning and enjoy hot meals all day. Its minimalist features include a retractable power cord for a busy kitchen countertop. There are distinct markings for water levels on the inner pot and clips for the rice paddles. Yet, this rice cooker is more expensive than other rice cookers with similar features.
Specifications:
- Fuzzy logic technology
- Induction heating system
- 2 Delay time settings
- Retractable power cord
- 120 volts/ 60 Hz, 610 watts
Zojirushi NS-ZCC18 – Rice Cooker Made in Japan
What we like: The Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy is a compact, spherical rice cooker and warmer. This spherical style is best for circulating heat from a convectional heating model. Also, it uses advanced Neuro Fuzzy Logic Technology. This technique alters the cooking time and temperature according to the food. Hence, even cooking results in a perfect dish. Indeed, this Micom rice cooker can think for itself. Eight cooking settings allow you to cook many meals at the same time. Alternate between quick-cooking, porridge, rinse-free, mixed, sweet, white, brown, and semi-brown rice settings. Use this to cook dishes with all types of grains, porridge, and soups, oatmeal, veggies, and fish.
All you need to know: The rice cooker has an easy to use LCD for display. Its melody and beep indicators alert you when food starts to cook and when it is ready to serve. Its keep-warm settings and reheating cycle enable you to enjoy a hot meal hours after cooking. Also, there is a handy spatula with a holder. And, a measuring cup for regular and rinse-free rice, respectively. All these additions are easy to use, clean, and store. There is a foldable handle that is ideal when traveling. A retractable power cord saves on countertop spaces. Other highlights include a 2-time delay setting to postpone your cooking as you wish.
Specifications:
- Fuzzy logic technology
- 2 time delay settings
- Retractable power cord
- 8 cooking settings
- Automated keep warm setting
Zojirushi NHS-06 – Simple Non Stick Rice Cooker
What we like: Zojirushi is famous for its high-end kitchenware. Still, the company makes functional rice cookers for the minimalist kitchen. One such model is the small-size Zojirushi NHS-06. This kitchenware doubles up as a rice cooker and a steamer. Plus, it uses a nonstick pan, a see-through glass lid, and convenient handles for transport. A thermostat and a one-touch button ensure you have a perfect dish always. Once the food is ready, you can revert to keep warm settings and keep the food hot for another 5 hours. Use it to prepare many dishes, including fluffy brown rice, veggies, and meats.
All you need to know: Accessories include a measuring cup, a spatula, and a steam tray. These extras are easy to wash in a dishwasher. It fits tiny countertop spaces. Hence, it is ideal for singles, college students, and small families. Its detachable power cord is useful in cramped spaces. But this rice cooker is not suitable for all types of rice. The rice cooker retails with a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Specifications:
- Nonstick inner pot
- See-through glass lid
- Automatic keep warm functions
- BPA free steam tray
- One touch switch
Tiger JNP-S55U-HI – High Quality Rice Cooker for Small Households
What we like: The Tiger JNP-S55U-HI is a traditional rice cooker and warmer. Yet, its functional design is fit for a modern family. First, it uses a nonstick inner pan to cook and warm food evenly. To start cooking, you can press the one-touch button that is quite distinct on the exterior. Also, there are convenient indicator lights that go on and off, alerting you when the food is ready. Then, it keeps it hot for another 12 hours or until the time you are set to serve. The rice cooker’s exterior is of brushed stainless steel make. For, it is fingerprint resistant, staying clean, especially in a public kitchen set up. Both the inner pan and lid are removable and safe for the dishwasher. The device uses a retractable power cord to save on countertop spaces.
All you need to know: You can use this rice cooker to prepare or warm brown rice, quinoa, veggies, and stews. Here, a cup of jasmine rice takes about 15 minutes to get done. It is in attractive styles, including a floral design that can blend in with your kitchen.
Specifications:
- Keep warm settings up to 12 hours
- Teflon coated, aluminum inner pot
- Indicator lights
IMUSA USA GAU-00011 – Cheap Little Rice Cooker
What we like: The IMUSA USA GAU-00011 is a multipurpose cooker with simplistic features. Its three model sizes make 1 to 10 servings. And, when it is by an 80-year-old household brand, you can expect a functional, durable piece at a bargain price. First, the rice cooker uses a nonstick coated pot to cook your meals in half an hour. You can track your food through the tampered glass lid with steam vent. Plus, there are convenient indicator lights to alert you when the food is ready to serve. Then, it switches to keep warm settings. In turn, it keeps your dish hot throughout the day, ensuring you enjoy a hot meal whenever you want.
All you need to know: All the essential parts, including the aluminum inner pot, are detachable. They are easy to clean and safe for the dishwasher. The rice cooker retails with a convenient measuring cup and serving spoon. Yet, it retails with no steam basket. The rice cooker has an electrical rating of 300 watts for its 3-Qt size. It is an energy-saving option, especially for persons with a busy lifestyle.
Specifications:
- Aluminum nonstick coated inner pot
- Automatic cook and warm switch
- Indicator lights
Tiger JBV-A10U-W – Rice Cooker and Steamer
What we like: The Tiger JBV-A10U-W rice cooker and steamer is a Micom appliance with simple traits. For, it has four cooking settings, that is, a synchro cooking function that allows two foods to cook at the same time. A slow cook option brings out perfect soups, stews, and beans. Other settings are for plain and brown rice. You can use the one-touch switch to operate any of these settings. Then, there is an automatic keep-warm function that keeps the food hot all day. But, there is no delay timer.
All you need to know: The rice cooker is of a robust design. It comes with a non-stick coated inner pan, a steam basket, and a spatula for your convenience. Are you trying out your culinary skills with the rice cooker? Use the convenient cookbook to discover the full potential of your investments. There is also a measuring cup to help you with precision. This functional appliance is exceptional for a small family, singles, or college students.
Specifications:
- Steamer and rice cooker
- Synchro-cooking
- One touch cooking
- BPA free accessories
Aroma Housewares ARC-753SG – Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Inner Pot
What we like: When it comes to Aroma Housewares, you can only expect industry-leading kitchen appliances. This tradition of high-quality standards is also in the ARC-753G model. It’s a white instant pot with a surgical-grade 304 stainless steel inner pot. Though of a minimalist style, this is a multipurpose gadget. It will steam, cook, bake, and warm a variety of grains, veggies, cake, soups, and stews. Then, its automatic keep-warm settings keep the food hot for hours until when you are ready to serve. Finally, there is a one-touch switch to alternate between cook and warm options.
All you need to know: You can remove the inner pot, steam tray, and lid, then wash them in a dishwasher. But the steam tray retails as a separated item. It also has a serving spoon and a measuring cup for precise ingredients. The ARC-73G model is an energy-saving rice cooker, using 300 watts for its 3-Qt size. It is light, compact, and durable. Its simplistic design suits those who want to get a grip on its functionalities. There is a large model for 7-Qt, which is enough for a large family. This 14-cup size is further available as a digital rice cooker.
Specifications:
- Non-stick stainless steel inner pot
- One touch operation
Colorful Mini Rice Cooker from Dash – Pick Your Favorite Color
What we like: Do you struggle with leftovers? Check out the 2-cup size Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 mini rice cooker and steamer. It is one of the most versatile rice cookers available in five color variations. This small kitchenware makes your fluffy rice, soups, meats, and veggies for two in 20 minutes. Yet, it comprises of attractive features found in large and more sophisticated models. For example, there is a keep warm setting to maintain your hot food in the pot for hours before you serve. Its indicator lights alert you when your food is ready. This way, you do not overcook, burn, or undercook your dishes. This rice cooker is excellent for campers and business travelers. And, its 200 watts electrical rating is a definite energy saver.
All you need to know: The rice cooker retails with a handy recipe guide to practice your culinary skills. It also has a steamer insert, measuring scoop, and a rice paddle. Hence, you can use it to steam your food. All these accessories are safe for the dishwasher. Still, you ought to take precautions when using it near children. It tends to get very hot when in use.
Specifications:
- BPA free nonstick inner pot
- Indicator lights
- Automatic keep warm settings
Oster Rice Cooker and Steamer
What we like: The Oster Rice Cooker and Steamer is one-touch kitchenware. It prepares all types of grains, stews, soups, and meats in the shortest time. This compact device uses a tampered glass lid that lets you peep at the food as it cooks. Its inner pot is of a nonstick design that distributes heat to all sections of the food. This pot has distinct markings for the exact water levels. Once done, the automatic shut-off goes off. And, the indicator lights alert you from far that your food is ready to serve. But, should you leave it unattended, it will switch to the keep warm mode. This way, it keeps your food hot for several hours before you remove it. There is a steaming basket for your veggies and fish. Both the pot and the lid are easy to clean in the dishwasher.
All you need to know: The rice cooker is excellent for cramped kitchen countertops. It has a retractable power cord for such small spaces. Again, it sells at an affordable price. It comes with the essential accessories, that is, a measuring cup and a rice paddle. Yet, it has not timer typical of other rice cookers.
Specifications:
- Rice cooker and steamer
- Nonstick coated inner pot
- Tampered glass lid
- Automatic shut-off option
- Automatic keep warm settings
Why You Should Get a Rice Cooker
A rice cooker is a must-have for any modern family. It automates most of your cooking as follows: –
- It quick-cooks, bakes, steams, warms, and slow-cooks all types of meals.
- Rice cookers ensure you cook your food evenly, consistently, and effortlessly.
- They are fast and allow you to schedule your cooking as and when you want.
- They have many safety features that protect from accidents, overcooking, undercooking, and spills.
- They use BPA free parts that are safe for your food.
- The device has detachable parts that save on space, are easy to clean, and store.
- Most rice cookers retail in sleek designs that blend in with your kitchen décor.
Cheap Rice Cooker Vs. Expensive Rice Cooker
Cheap rice cookers have basic cooking and safety functions. Such cookers may use a plastic exterior and accessories. Also, only cook and warm a small variety of food. They use an analog design to operate it. And, most of the parts may be permanent. But, expensive rice cookers use many technologies to give you the freedom to cook the way you want.
Highlights of the cheap rice cooker:
- Minimalist design, fewer sizes, and colors
- Some cook rice only
- Basic temperature controls
- Basic accessories
Highlights of the expensive rice cooker:
- Advanced digital controls including fuzzy logic technology
- Are instant pots, replacing up to seven kitchen appliances with one device
- One-touch operation
- Surgical grade stainless steel inner pot
- Built-in delay timers and alarms
- Indicator lights
- Quick cook settings
- Automated keep warm functions
- Reheating cycles
- More accessories
- More sizes, colors, and designs