Rice is the staple dish in many countries around the world, it is a staple food for more than 3.5 billion people! When it comes to cooking rice, many methods have evolved, but modern technology has triumphed with the invention of rice cookers. Making the perfect rice every time, in a convenient and time effective manner. No more burnt rice and spoiled meals, no more burnt pots and definitely no more mushy tasteless rice.
To help you along your journey to making the perfect fluffy rice , we review some of the best rice cookers available.
Read our top 10 picks to see which one works for you!
Top 10 Best Rice Cooker Reviews
1. Zojirushi NS-ZCC10
For starters, this high-quality rice cooker can offer you multiple selections with its heating and warming settings. For instance, there is a specific selection for keeping warm, another for reheat, and yet another for extended keep warm. So you can easily cook you rice and keep it nice and warm and fluffy until you are ready to serve. Additionally with a non stick base, you no longer have to worry about rice getting stuck at the bottom. The precision LCD clock/timer helps you to keep an eye on cooking times as well as set the rice to cook for a specific time which we found to be one of the best features of a rice cooker such as this.
Another plus is the wide range of menus to choose from. Including porridge, brown rice, and many more. We love the Zojirushi for its ease of use, quality built and great functionality, you can’t go wrong with this rice cooker if you are looking for convenience and speed. Watch the video for more information on this fantastic rice cooker.
- Incorporated with the latest fuzzy technology
- Easy to read LCD monitor and timer
- Nonsticky pan and base
- Can cook a wide variety of rice
- Rice should be measured in the provided cup only
- item is fairly lightweight so will need to be handled with care
2. Instant Pot Rio
One of the best-rated rice cookers straight from the Instant Pot’s factories, these incredibly smart yet easy to use rice cookers will make your cooking experience a breeze.
There are a number of models available in the Instant Pot range with varying cup sizes and functions. In this review we take a look at one of our favorites from Instant Pot, the Instant Pot Rio 7 in 1 multi function cooker, used by many to replace traditional electric or gas ovens, yes, it’s a versatile machine. It comes in three sizes and styles. If your feeding a family of four then the 6 quart is perfect for your needs. The multi function capabilities include rice cooker, slow cooker, pressure cooker, yogurt maker and warmer to name a few. This is a very versatile machine which will save you money, time and space in your kitchen.
First and foremost, the 7-in-1 functionality is fantastic. Rather than having several kitchen gadgets, this sleek and compact device replaces many. Including steaming and sauteing,
The Instant Pot produces fluffy and perfectly cooked rice, rice cooking has never been easier, no guesswork or hassle here.
Another great feature is the pressure cooker function. It significantly reduces cooking times, so when you have had a busy day, you can rustle up a meal in no time at all. We were able to prepare some real gems with the Rio including tender stews, fall-off-the-bone ribs, or flavor-packed soups,
The slow cooker function is equally impressive. No need to spend hours hovering in the kitchen waiting. With the slow cooker function you can simply set it and forget it.
We also tried the yogurt-making feature, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise and surprisingly easy,
Additionally you can use the saute function to brown meats and sauteing onions and garlic before pressure cooking.
Verdict: buy one!
- Stainless Steel interior
- Heat resistant and not prone to damage
- Easy to clean
- User-friendly control panel
- Pre-set cooking options
- Delay start
- Additional accessories
- Value for money
- Some areas not easy to clean
- Some menu instructions are not clear
Instant Pot Duo Plus
3. Oster Titanium Infused Rice Cooker with Steam Tray
A swift rice cooker from the Oster range, this product is built for convenience and quality. It is can easily prepare up to 6 cups of rice, which turned out pretty well for us when used to feed 4 people. The titanium element makes this a premium product. Its efficient and does exactly what it says on the tin. If you looking for a simple rice cooker to take the fuss out of rice cooking, this is the one for you.
Operation is remarkably simple and straight forward, as all you have to do is exert a single touch to get things running. This single button push makes using this rice cooker a dream without any fuss at all.
Once cooked, the product can retain that optimum temperature so that the food inside does not go cold. This enables you to serve food even after you are done cooking. This is an easy to clean rice cooker, and evidence of this is how easily the inner pot can be removed and cleaned.
Also, several unique accessories are provided, and these include the steaming basket, rice measuring cup, and spoon. All this provides you with the ultimate rice cooking set.
Finally, you do not have to miss out on cooking other types of dishes either, as this rice cooker can support more than rice cooking . You can cook your favorite oatmeal, potatoes, and steamed vegetable in this product, and the outcome will be fantastic every time.
- Can cook more than one dish type
- Is very easy to clean
- Easy to use
- Can keep food warm until served.easy to use
- Must measure rice only using the cup provided
- Not a set and forget rice cooker
4. Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer
When searching for the best rice cooker, no list is complete without Hamilton Beach. With a over 100 years of experience coupled with excellence and quality, Hamilton Beach rice cookers offers something truly premium.
First off, the capacity of this product is quite robust. With a capacity between 2 and 8 full cups of rice, you can decide on just how much you need beforehand.
With some top-quality programming, this product comes with predefined programmed settings that include cooking food and steaming it at the touch of a single button.
Rice is not the only dish you can cook. However, you can also go all out on seafood and vegetables for a healthy dining experience. How about having your porridge ready for you in the morning!
This product also function’s as a rice rinse and rice steamer. By rinsing rice, you can prevent coagulation or stick of rice grains. This helps create and cook a more refined texture of rice.
As the name implies, the steaming the rice to the desired degree, and this can be achieved in the same setting.
Finally, make use of a wide range of accessories provided, and this includes a rinser and steamer, measuring cup to weigh out the rice, and paddle to help you serve the delicious meal straight from the pot.
This is a strong contender on our list of rice cookers, we love the delay start function which as you can imagine is so convenient and will ensure your rice is cooked just in time.
- Features both rinser and steamer
- Includes accessories like cup and paddle
- Can be used to cook vegetables
- Compact and easy to clean
- Not the best cooking instructions
- Heavier than most due to quality build.
5. Cuisinart CRC-800 8-Cup Rice Cooker
The question “what is the best rice cooker for me?” is not answered until we review a product from Cuisinart stores. The CRC-800 not only has a robust capacity but also comes with a plethora of features.
You will not fall short of rice when cooking with this rice cooker. With a 8 cup max capacity, you can cook delicious rice and make excellent meats and veggies.
Manufactured from the finest brushed and polished stainless steel. Making this rice cooker strong and highly durable against scratches and wear and tear.
One of our favourite features is the ability to stay warm right after cooking, ensuring that the food inside is always warm and can be served hours after cooking. A very convenient feature for all you busy cooks out there.
Additionally, the Cuisinart CRC-800 is also one of the best nonstick rice cookers around in the market. With its steel made basket and coated aluminium cooking bowl, there is no reason to worry about food sticking to the bottom of the cooker.
Furthermore, the accessories provided are of top quality, to say the least, and include a cooking bowl, glass lid for covering, paddle, a very precise measuring cup to scoop the rice. This rice cooker is an excellent choice if you are looking for a premium product with great functionality
- Made of durable brushed steel
- The lid keeps food safe from dust or dirt
- Can switch to warm mode once cooking is done
- Compact square design
- non-retractable cord
- Non-lockable lid
Buy now
6. Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup
When reviewing the best nonstick rice cooker out there, it would be a real shame to leave out the NHS-06 from Zojirushi. This compact, 3 cup rice cooker is what you have been looking for if you want a quick meal fix. This Zojirushi is incredibly easy to use and operate, making it a popular choice with fluffy rice lovers.
We love the signal switch control, which adds to Zojirushsi’s user-friendliness; transparent glass lid and heat proof handles and non stick pan. A nifty and neat measuring cup is included, weighed at 6 ounces, and each serving corresponds to 0.75 serving a US cup. So for one 6 ounce serving, you get the equivalent of 3 cups of rice in the US cup.
This budget friendly rice cooker ticked all our boxes for cost effectiveness, ease of use and easy to clean. Its a simple machine which helps you create the perfect fluffy rice every single time.
- Transparent lid
- Comes with the cooking chart to explain serving guidelines
- Easy operation
- Handles are resistant to heat and always cool to touch
- budget friendly
- Must only be cleaned with mild detergent.
Buy Now
7. Aroma – ARC-5000SB Digital Rice, Food Steamer, Slow, Grain Cooker,
When looking for the best rice cooker, we need to include a review of the Aroma ARC 5000. The ARC-5000 is the complete rice and works exceptionally well for cooking all types of rice and grains.
With a strong ceramic inner pot, you can cook the most delicious meals in no time at all. It provides a good alternative to the nonstick coating, and food can easily be removed without using detergent.
The latest cool touch technology ensures that the handle is always cool and comfortable to touch. There are no limits to what you can cook using this cooker. From steaming veggies to cooking soup, rice, and even sweet dishes like tarts and cakes, go all out with this product that is a trademark of versatility.
Furthermore, there are many features to choose from, such as steaming, programmable controls, warm mode, slow and fast speed ratings, and so on.
Finally, enjoy the handy accessories such as the plastic rice paddle, bamboo rice paddle, soup ladle, and tray for the veggies.
This is without doubt one of the best rice cookers available. Its cost effective, simple and make from quality materials.
- Comes with a wide range of accessories
- Multiple features for easy use
- Stainless steel inner pot
- Smart Carb function
- very budget friendly
- Cooking instructions may need to altered for perfect rice
- lid cannot be removed for cleaning
Buy Now
8.Hamilton Beach Mini Rice Cooker & Food Steamer,
This two-in-one rice steamer and rinser feature all the best features you could possibly hope for in a rice cooker. We love the steam basket, allowing you enjoy steaming your favorite vegetable to serve nice and hot. The product itself holds eight full cups of cooked rice and 4 cups of uncooked rice.
With simple operation and user-friendly features, there is no reason to doubt why this product is so popular. You can easily switch to warm mode to ensure your food is kept warm and fresh to serve.
The removable nonstick cooking pot is not just easy to remove but easy to clean. Furthermore, this product is also dishwasher proof, so washing it will not be a big problem.
The accessories included are all top-notch, with a measuring cup, rice paddle, and cooking pot, all for free!
- Dishwasher safe
- 2 in 1 function as steamer and rinser
- Large capacity
- Easy to use.
- Better functionality with other Hamilton Beach products
Choose your Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker or Multi-cooker
9.Pars Automatic Persian Rice Cooker – Tahdig Rice
We decided to include a review of the Pars Persian rice cooker since Tahdig rice has become so popular. For those of you who love to experiment with different rice dishes, Tahdig is definitely one to try. Before we dive in we need to explain what Tahdig Rice is and how you can make this Persian delicacy and impress your Persian friends.
Tahdig rice, a beloved Persian dish, is a culinary delight that combines fragrant, fluffy rice with a delectably crispy crust. The word “Tahdig” itself translates to “bottom of the pot” in Farsi, which perfectly captures the essence of this dish. The contrasting textures of the fluffy rice and crispy crust make each bite a delightful experience for the senses.
Compared to some of the other rice cookers in this review the Pars Tahdig cooker is a tad on the expensive side. Considering the quality of the materials are not premium, we have to report that this rice cooker whilst works well to create that crispy bottom Tagdig rice. It is definitely not a budget friendly option. Having said that the brand still has a lot going for it.
First up there is wide range of rice cooker sizes available from 3 cup all the way up to 20 cup and the price remains stable across the brand. We opted for the 4 cup model which can cater for 3-4 people. We also loved the customizable timer, which can assist you to produce just the right Tagdig. We found you need to make your own adjustments for cup sizes and the number of people to be served and timings since the instructions are not very clear.
If you want to start experimenting with Tagdig rice, this rice cooker is certainly for you.
- Teflon coated
- Can make very good Tagdig
- Customisable timer
- Poor instructions
- Maybe too flimsy for some
Buy Now
10.Toshiba Induction Low Carb Rice Cooker 3 Cup (Uncooked)
This Toshiba rice cooker review is looking at the 2 models the mini rice cooker and the low carb rice cooker. The mini is perfect for cooking beautifully fluffy rice for 2-3 people. Whereas the low carb version makes healthy low carb meals every time. Both are perfect for a small kitchen as it is compact. The benefits don’t end there, this rice cooker from Toshiba is a quality brand and premium build.
The Toshiba has a thick inner pot resulting in lovely evenly cooked rice. The simple menu is easy to use for a straight forward cooking experience.
No only that this rice cooker includes the key features of a rice cooker, including auto warm function, non stick base and timer function. Furthermore you can make various other dishes including soups, porridge and vegetables
It may not be the cheapest option for a rice cooker on the market but it certainly provides value for money
- Dishwasher safe
- Keep warm function
- Simple and easy to use
- Fuzzy logic functionality
- Sensitive controls
- Mini only suitable for 2-3 person meals
Choose your Toshiba Rice Cooker
Top 10 Best Rice Cooker Verdict
So that brings our Top 10 Best Rice Cooker review to an end. All the rice cookers are top quality and will provide you many years of perfect fluffy rice as well as a plethora of other dishes depending on the rice cooker you choose. Our top choices are the Instant Pot Rio and the Toshiba Induction Low Carb Rice Cooker. So if your still cooking rice on a stove, read through our review and upgrade your rice cooking style. Happy rice cooking!
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ)
1. Why should I use rice cooker?
Rice is a staple and popular food choice around the world. The most obvious question to ask is “Why should I buy a rice cooker when we have stove?” I also wish to ask you “why use a car when we can walk?”
Most people screw up simple tasks every day and cooking rice is one among them. A rice cooker helps us cook rice faster and much easier. A rice cooker can cook your rice to perfection, saving you time and money.
2. Which is the right rice cooker for me?
Choosing the right rice cooker is an important consideration. The size of a rice cooker is an important decision as you need to understand the number of cups of rice you’ll cook at a time. Rice cookers come in various sizes. A 3-cup rice cooker is that the smallest capacity then comes 4-cups. A 5-cup rice cooker is common and 10-cup is that the largest. Each cup of rice will provide you double-boiled rice which means for 3-cup of rice you’ll get a maximum of 6 bowls of boiled rice. If you simply cook 3-cup of rice daily then it’s recommended you purchase the smallest rice cooker.
3. How do I make sushi rice?
Sushi rice is usually served in Japan. Sushi rice means steamed rice. For perfect sushi, you need to follow some steps.
Type of rice: For a bowl of perfect sushi rice I highly recommend you use short-grain Japanese rice. Because the consistency and flavor of short-grain rice are far better than long-grain rice or Jasmine rice.
Preparing rice: Before start cooking, wash the rice a few times to reduce the starch content. Now soak the rice for about a half-hour before cooking. This simple trick will ensure your rice is nice and fluffy.
Cooking: you can cook sushi rice on a regular stove or for added convenience use a rice cooker.
Seasoning: Seasoning is that the most vital and last part of cooking sushi. For seasoning, you’ll need vinegar, salt, and sugar.
4. How long does it take to cook rice in a rice cooker?
The cooking time of rice cookers depends on different types of rice and also the quantity of rice and water. The typical cooking time of 1-cup short-grain rice will take 13 minutes, 25 minutes for parboiled rice, the whole grain will take 40 minutes, and the rice will take 50 minutes. Cooking times also may vary because of the model of rice cooker. Most rice cookers have timer and keep warm functions for added convenience.
5. What else can I cook in a rice cooker?
Yes, if you own a rice cooker, you’ll be able to cook many dishes besides cooking rice. such as:
1. Porridge
2. Rice pudding
3. quick bread
4. Hard-boil Eggs
5. Chicken chili
6. Cinnamon apple
7. Taco soup
8. Pizza
9. Vegetable Frittata
10. Chocolate scone
Please follow and check the instructions of your rice cooker when attempting to cook other (non rice) recipes.
Final Words
As you can now see, getting the ultimate rice cooker is dependent on several factors, and different people have different opinions of the best. But the ones reviewed here all encompass vital features to make a mundane chore like cooking rice fun and interesting. So, wait no more, and utilize technology to the fullest today!
