Rice cookers are **must-have kitchen gadgets**. They’re **super easy** to use and can do way more than just cook rice! From steaming veggies to making soups and stews, these **versatile devices** can do it all. To get the **most out of it**, go for the **best-rated** rice cooker around.
The best rice cooker should be efficient, versatile, easy to clean, and durable. Factors such as cooking capacity, cooking speed, safety features, and additional cooking functions should also be considered. Using the wrong or poor-quality rice cooker can lead to unevenly cooked rice, spillages, or even damage to the appliance or food.
When choosing a rice cooker, it’s crucial to pay attention to its key features such as the cooking settings, type of inner pot, and additional options include a ‘keep warm’ setting or a timer. A good rice cooker should ideally have a non-stick, durable inner cooking pot, a clear and easy-to-read digital display, and a heat-insulated handle for easy handling.
In this article, we are going to guide you with the selection process of the best rice cooker. We have meticulously researched and tested numerous models available in the market to provide you with the best options. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the features to look for and a list of the best rice cookers.
Best Rice Cooker Based on Sales
Selecting the best rice cooker is vital for a wholesome and efficient cooking experience. The right rice cooker should ideally be easy-to-use, versatile, durable and provide even cooking. With the plethora of options available, choosing the best one can be a daunting task. In this article, we have carefully compiled a list of the best-selling rice cookers to provide you with the information that will enable you to make an informed decision.
AROMA Digital Rice Cooker, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Grain Cooker, Multicooker, 2 Qt, Stainless Steel Exterior, ARC-914SBD
If you’re looking for a compact rice cooker that can also cook other grains, the AROMA Digital Rice Cooker is a great option.
Pros
- The fuzzy rice technology ensures that the rice is cooked evenly and has a perfect texture.
- The delayed start function allows you to set the cooking time up to 24 hours in advance.
- The keep warm function keeps the rice at the perfect temperature for up to 24 hours.
Cons
- The rice cooker only has a 4-cup capacity, which may not be enough for larger families or gatherings.
- The rice cooker only comes with a measuring cup and a rice spatula, so you’ll need to provide your own serving spoon.
- The rice cooker is relatively heavy, weighing in at 4.4 pounds.
We’ve used the AROMA Digital Rice Cooker to make a variety of grains, including brown rice, quinoa, and barley. The fuzzy rice technology really makes a difference in the texture of the grains, and the keep warm function is great for keeping the grains warm until you’re ready to serve them.
One thing to keep in mind is that the rice cooker only has a 4-cup capacity, so it may not be the best option if you’re cooking for a larger group. Additionally, the rice cooker only comes with a measuring cup and a rice spatula, so you’ll need to provide your own serving spoon.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact rice cooker that can also cook other grains, the AROMA Digital Rice Cooker is a great option. Its fuzzy rice technology and keep warm function make it a reliable choice for cooking perfect grains every time.
Aroma Housewares Aroma 6-cup (cooked) 1.5 Qt. One Touch Rice Cooker, White (ARC-363NG), 6 cup cooked/ 3 cup uncook/ 1.5 Qt.
If you’re looking for a rice cooker that’s easy to use and can cook perfect rice every time, the Aroma Housewares Aroma 6-cup (cooked) 1.5 Qt. One Touch Rice Cooker is a great option.
Pros
- One-touch operation for white rice, brown rice, and porridge
- Keep Warm and Steam functions
- Removable non-stick inner pot for easy cleaning
Cons
- Not suitable for cooking large quantities of rice
- Some users have reported issues with the lid not sealing properly
- The non-stick coating may chip or peel over time with frequent use
We’ve used this rice cooker several times and found it to be very convenient. The one-touch operation makes it easy to use, and the Keep Warm and Steam functions are great for keeping the rice warm and moist until you’re ready to serve it.
The removable non-stick inner pot is also a nice feature, as it makes cleaning up a breeze. However, it’s worth noting that this rice cooker may not be suitable for cooking large quantities of rice, as it only has a 6-cup cooked capacity.
Some users have reported issues with the lid not sealing properly, which can lead to rice that’s undercooked or burnt. Additionally, the non-stick coating may chip or peel over time with frequent use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a rice cooker that’s easy to use and can cook perfect rice every time for a small family, the Aroma Housewares Aroma 6-cup (cooked) 1.5 Qt. One Touch Rice Cooker is a great option. However, if you need to cook larger quantities of rice, you may want to consider a larger model.
Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer, 8 Cups Cooked (4 Uncooked), With Steam & Rinse Basket, Stainless Steel (37518)
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use rice cooker and food steamer, the Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer is a great option.
Pros
- The one-touch digital control panel makes it easy to use, with options for white rice, brown rice, and even a quick cook function.
- The keep warm function ensures that your food stays at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to serve.
- The removable steam basket allows for easy steaming of vegetables or seafood.
Cons
- The rice cooker/steamer only has a 4-cup uncooked capacity, which may not be enough for larger families or gatherings.
- The nonstick inner pot may not be as durable as other materials.
- The rice cooker/steamer is relatively heavy, weighing in at 6.6 pounds.
We’ve used the Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The one-touch digital control panel makes it easy to use, and the keep warm function is a great feature for busy cooks who need to prepare food in advance.
The removable steam basket is also a nice touch, as it allows for easy steaming of vegetables or seafood. We’ve used it to steam broccoli and carrots, and it worked like a charm.
However, we do have a few minor complaints about the rice cooker/steamer. The 4-cup uncooked capacity may not be enough for larger families or gatherings, so it may not be the best option for those who need to cook for a crowd. Additionally, the nonstick inner pot may not be as durable as other materials, so it may need to be replaced after a few years of use.
Overall, we think the Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer is a great option for those who want a versatile and easy-to-use rice cooker and food steamer. Its one-touch digital control panel, keep warm function, and removable steam basket make it a great choice for busy cooks who need to prepare food quickly and easily.
BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker 6-Cup (Cooked) with Steaming Basket, Removable Non-Stick Bowl, White
If you’re looking for a compact rice cooker that can cook up to 6 cups of cooked rice, then the BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The non-stick rice bowl and measuring cup make it easy to measure and cook rice.
- The keep warm function ensures that your rice stays warm until you’re ready to eat.
- The rice cooker is easy to clean, thanks to its removable parts.
Cons
- The rice cooker can only cook up to 6 cups of cooked rice, which may not be enough for larger families.
- The rice cooker is not suitable for cooking other types of grains, such as quinoa or barley.
- The rice cooker is not as durable as some of the more expensive models on the market.
We’ve used the BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker and found it to be a great option for those who are short on counter space. The non-stick rice bowl and measuring cup make it easy to measure and cook rice, and the keep warm function ensures that your rice stays warm until you’re ready to eat. The rice cooker is also easy to clean, thanks to its removable parts.
One of the downsides of the rice cooker is that it can only cook up to 6 cups of cooked rice, which may not be enough for larger families. Additionally, the rice cooker is not suitable for cooking other types of grains, such as quinoa or barley. Finally, the rice cooker is not as durable as some of the more expensive models on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact rice cooker that is easy to use and clean, then the BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker is a great option to consider.
COSORI Rice Cooker Maker 18 Functions Multi Cooker, Stainless Steel Steamer, Warmer, Slow Cooker, Sauté, Timer, Small & Mini Appliance for 2/4/6/8 People, JapaneseStyle, Olla Arrocera, 10 cup Uncooked
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use rice cooker, the COSORI Rice Cooker Maker is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 18 functions allow for a variety of cooking options, including white rice, brown rice, sushi, oatmeal, and more.
- The fuzzy logic technology ensures perfectly cooked rice every time.
- The delay timer and keep warm functions make it easy to plan meals in advance.
Cons
- The rice paddle and measuring cup are not removable, which can make cleaning the pot a bit tricky.
- The lid can be a bit difficult to clean, especially around the pressure release valve.
- The pot is made of stainless steel, which can get hot during cooking and make it a bit difficult to handle.
We’ve been using the COSORI Rice Cooker Maker for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed with its performance. The 18 functions make it easy to cook a variety of different types of rice, and the fuzzy logic technology ensures that they all come out perfectly cooked. We also appreciate the delay timer and keep warm functions, which make it easy to plan meals in advance and keep rice warm for longer.
One thing to keep in mind is that the rice paddle and measuring cup are not removable, which can make cleaning the pot a bit tricky. The lid can also be a bit difficult to clean, especially around the pressure release valve. Additionally, the pot is made of stainless steel, which can get hot during cooking and make it a bit difficult to handle.
Overall, we think that the COSORI Rice Cooker Maker is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use rice cooker. It’s easy to use, cleans up easily, and produces perfectly cooked rice every time.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a rice cooker, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. We have used and tested various rice cookers, and we can confidently say that the following factors are essential when choosing the best rice cooker.
Capacity
One of the most critical factors to consider when choosing a rice cooker is its capacity. The capacity of a rice cooker determines how much rice it can cook at once. It is essential to choose a rice cooker with a capacity that matches your needs. If you often cook rice for a large family or group of people, a rice cooker with a higher capacity would be more suitable.
Cooking Method
Another factor to consider when choosing a rice cooker is its cooking method. There are two primary cooking methods used in rice cookers: the traditional method and the fuzzy logic method. The traditional method uses a simple mechanism that relies on the amount of water and rice to determine when the rice is cooked. On the other hand, the fuzzy logic method uses advanced technology to monitor the rice’s moisture levels and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is essential to choose the one that suits your needs.
Material
The material used to make a rice cooker is also an essential factor to consider. Rice cookers are made from various materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, and non-stick coatings. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. For instance, stainless steel rice cookers are durable and easy to clean, while non-stick coatings are excellent for cooking sticky rice.
Additional Features
Finally, it is essential to consider any additional features that a rice cooker may have. Some rice cookers come with features such as a keep-warm function, a removable lid, and a steam vent. These features can make cooking and serving rice more convenient. However, it is essential to ensure that these features are necessary for your needs before choosing a rice cooker with them.
In conclusion, when choosing a rice cooker, it is essential to consider its capacity, cooking method, material, and any additional features. By considering these factors, you can ensure that you get a rice cooker that meets your needs and preferences.
