Cooking **oatmeal in a rice cooker** is a quick, easy, and **healthy breakfast** choice, perfect for folks with hectic mornings. A rice cooker not only substitutes stovetop cooking but also provides great **flexibility** for making different types of oatmeal. Picking the right rice cooker is crucial to get the best results.
A good rice cooker for oatmeal should be easy to use, delivers even cooking, and comes with features to prevent burning or overflowing. The wrong one can leave you with undercooked, lumpy oatmeal or a messy kitchen. It’s better to look for a rice cooker that offers variable settings and programmable options, ensuring that your oatmeal will come out just right every time.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the best rice cooker for oatmeal. Utilizing years of experience, exhaustive research, and hands-on testing, we have identified the models that consistently deliver perfect oatmeal. By the end, you will have all the information necessary for choosing the best rice cooker for oatmeal that is sure to enhance your breakfast game considerably.
Best Rice Cooker for Oatmeal
Selecting the right rice cooker for your oatmeal is just as crucial as picking out the ingredients themselves. The cookers should be easy to operate, have varied settings, and consistent heat delivery, just to name a few factors. Moreover, the plethora of options available in the market can make the decision-making process a bit overwhelming. Fear not, for the following list ranks the top rice cookers for oatmeal based on our in-depth analysis, ensuring you make the best choice to suit your needs.
Instant Pot Zest 8 Cup One Touch Rice Cooker
If you’re looking for a compact rice cooker that can cook up to 8 cups of cooked rice, the Instant Pot Zest 8 Cup One Touch Rice Cooker is a great option.
Pros
- One-touch operation for perfect rice every time
- Cooks up to 8 cups of cooked rice
- Compact and portable design
Cons
- No pressure cooking functionality
- May not be suitable for larger families or gatherings
- Some users have reported issues with the lid
We’ve been using the Instant Pot Zest 8 Cup One Touch Rice Cooker for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The one-touch operation makes it easy to use, and the rice always comes out perfectly cooked.
The compact and portable design is also a plus, especially if you have limited counter space. It’s easy to clean and store away when not in use.
However, it’s important to note that this rice cooker does not have pressure cooking functionality, which may be a deal-breaker for some users. Additionally, it may not be suitable for larger families or gatherings, as it can only cook up to 8 cups of cooked rice.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and easy-to-use rice cooker that can cook perfect rice every time, the Instant Pot Zest 8 Cup One Touch Rice Cooker is definitely worth considering.
AROMA® Rice Cooker, 3-Cup (Uncooked) / 6-Cup (Cooked), Small Rice Cooker, Oatmeal Cooker, Soup Maker, Auto Keep Warm, 1.5 Qt, White, ARC-393NG
If you’re looking for a small rice cooker that can also make oatmeal and soup, the AROMA® Rice Cooker might be a good option for you.
Pros
- The cooker is very easy to use, with a one-touch operation that makes cooking hands-free.
- The non-stick inner pot is very easy to clean, and the exterior of the cooker is also very easy to clean.
- The automatic keep-warm feature is very convenient, as it keeps the rice warm for up to 2 hours after cooking.
Cons
- The cooker is not very large, with a capacity of only 3 cups of uncooked rice, so it might not be suitable for larger families or groups.
- The steam release feature can be a bit messy, as it can cause some steam to escape and make a mess on your countertop.
- The cooker is not very versatile, as it can only make rice, oatmeal, and soup. If you’re looking for a cooker that can make a variety of dishes, this might not be the best option for you.
Overall, we found the AROMA® Rice Cooker to be a very convenient and easy-to-use option for making small batches of rice, oatmeal, and soup. The one-touch operation and automatic keep-warm feature make it a great option for busy individuals or small households. However, if you’re looking for a larger cooker or one that can make a variety of dishes, you might want to consider other options.
The non-stick inner pot is a great feature, as it makes cleaning up a breeze. The exterior of the cooker is also very easy to clean, which is a plus. The steam release feature can be a bit messy, but it’s not a major issue. We found that the cooker was able to cook rice evenly and consistently, and the oatmeal and soup turned out well too.
Overall, if you’re looking for a small rice cooker that can make oatmeal and soup, the AROMA® Rice Cooker is a solid choice. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and comes with some convenient features that make cooking a breeze.
DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer with Removable Nonstick Pot, Keep Warm Function & Recipe Guide, Half Quart, for Soups, Stews, Grains & Oatmeal – Black
If you’re looking for a compact rice cooker that can also steam food, the DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer is a great option.
Pros
- The compact size makes it perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms.
- The keep warm function ensures that your food stays at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to eat.
- The nonstick pot is easy to clean and doesn’t require any oil for cooking.
Cons
- The capacity is only 1.5 cups of uncooked rice, which may not be enough for larger families or groups.
- The steam vent can be difficult to clean and may require some extra effort.
- The lid can be difficult to remove without spilling the contents of the pot.
The DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer is a great option for those who are short on space in their kitchen. It’s also a great choice for those who want a rice cooker that can also steam food. The keep warm function is a nice feature that ensures your food stays warm until you’re ready to eat.
One of the best things about this rice cooker is its compact size. It’s perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms where space is at a premium. The nonstick pot is also a great feature that makes cleaning up a breeze. You don’t need to use any oil for cooking, which is a nice touch.
However, the capacity of this rice cooker may not be enough for larger families or groups. It can only cook 1.5 cups of uncooked rice at a time, which may not be enough for everyone. The steam vent can also be difficult to clean and may require some extra effort. Additionally, the lid can be difficult to remove without spilling the contents of the pot, which can be frustrating.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact rice cooker that can also steam food, the DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer is a great option to consider.
Aroma Housewares ARC-994SB Rice & Grain Cooker Slow Cook, Steam, Oatmeal, Risotto, 8-cup cooked/4-cup uncooked/2Qt, Stainless Steel
If you’re looking for a versatile rice cooker that can also steam and slow cook, the Aroma Housewares ARC-994SB is a great option.
Pros
- The 3-in-1 function allows you to cook rice, steam vegetables, and slow cook stews and soups all in one pot.
- The keep warm function keeps your food at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to eat.
- The easy-to-read measurement cup and lines make it easy to measure and cook the perfect amount of rice.
Cons
- The lid can be difficult to remove, especially if you’ve added a lot of liquid to the pot.
- The non-stick coating can scratch and chip over time if not handled carefully.
- The cord can be a bit long and may get in the way if you’re short on counter space.
We’ve used the Aroma Housewares ARC-994SB to cook a variety of grains and legumes, and it always comes out perfectly cooked. The slow cook function is great for making hearty stews and soups, and the steam function is perfect for steaming vegetables or seafood.
One thing to keep in mind is that the lid can be a bit difficult to remove, especially if you’ve added a lot of liquid to the pot. It’s also important to handle the non-stick coating with care to prevent scratching and chipping. Overall, though, we think the Aroma Housewares ARC-994SB is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use rice cooker.
Narcissus 3.5-Cup Rice Cooker for 1-3 People, Multifunctional for Rice, Oatmeal, Quinoa – Slow Cook, Steam, Cook & Steam Together, Blue
If you’re looking for a small rice cooker that can cook just the right amount of rice for one to three people, the Narcissus 3.5-Cup Rice Cooker is a great option.
Pros
- The fuzzy rice technology ensures that the rice is evenly cooked and has a tender texture.
- The removable lid makes it easy to clean and adds a stylish touch to the rice cooker.
- The rice cooker is multifunctional and can also be used to cook oatmeal, quinoa, and other grains.
Cons
- The rice cooker is only suitable for cooking small amounts of rice, which may not be enough for larger households.
- The non-stick coating may not be durable and could potentially chip or peel over time.
- The rice cooker is not induction cooktop compatible, which may limit its versatility.
We’ve used the Narcissus 3.5-Cup Rice Cooker and found that it performs well in cooking small amounts of rice. The fuzzy rice technology ensures that the rice is evenly cooked and has a tender texture, which is especially important for those who prefer their rice to be fluffy and well-cooked.
The removable lid is a great feature that makes cleaning the rice cooker a breeze. It also adds a stylish touch to the rice cooker, making it a great addition to any kitchen.
While the rice cooker is multifunctional and can also be used to cook other grains such as oatmeal and quinoa, it may not be suitable for larger households due to its small capacity. Additionally, the non-stick coating may not be durable and could potentially chip or peel over time, which may require occasional re-seasoning.
Overall, the Narcissus 3.5-Cup Rice Cooker is a great option for those who are looking for a small rice cooker that can cook just the right amount of rice for one to three people. Its fuzzy rice technology, removable lid, and multifunctional capabilities make it a great addition to any kitchen.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best rice cooker for oatmeal, there are a few key factors to consider. We have used and tested various models to identify the ones that make perfect oatmeal every time.
Capacity
The capacity of the rice cooker is an important factor to consider. It is important to choose a rice cooker that can accommodate the amount of oatmeal you plan to make. A larger capacity rice cooker is ideal for those who plan to make oatmeal for multiple people.
Functionality
The functionality of the rice cooker is another important factor to consider. Look for a rice cooker that has a “porridge” or “oatmeal” setting. This setting will ensure that the oatmeal is cooked to the perfect consistency.
Material
The material of the rice cooker is also an important factor to consider. Look for a rice cooker made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel or non-stick coating. These materials are durable and easy to clean.
Price
The price of the rice cooker is also an important factor to consider. Look for a rice cooker that fits within your budget. Keep in mind that a higher price does not always guarantee better quality.
In summary, when looking for the best rice cooker for oatmeal, consider the capacity, functionality, material, and price. By considering these factors, you can choose a rice cooker that will make perfect oatmeal every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a rice cooker to make perfect oatmeal?
When looking for a rice cooker to make oatmeal, it is important to choose one with a “porridge” or “oatmeal” setting. This setting will ensure that the oatmeal is cooked to the perfect consistency. Additionally, a rice cooker with a non-stick coating or stainless steel interior will make cleaning up a breeze.
Can a regular rice cooker be used to make oatmeal, or do I need a specific model?
While a regular rice cooker can be used to make oatmeal, it may not cook the oatmeal to the perfect consistency. A rice cooker with a “porridge” or “oatmeal” setting is specifically designed to cook oatmeal to the perfect consistency.
How do I clean a rice cooker after making oatmeal?
To clean a rice cooker after making oatmeal, allow the oatmeal to cool and then rinse the rice cooker with warm water. Use a mild dish soap and a soft sponge or cloth to clean the rice cooker. Rinse the rice cooker thoroughly and dry it before storing.
What are the benefits of using a rice cooker to make oatmeal?
Using a rice cooker to make oatmeal is a convenient and efficient way to prepare oatmeal. A rice cooker will cook the oatmeal to the perfect consistency and keep it warm until it is ready to be served. Additionally, a rice cooker is easy to clean and can be used to cook other grains and dishes.
How do I store leftover oatmeal made in a rice cooker?
To store leftover oatmeal made in a rice cooker, allow the oatmeal to cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. Store the oatmeal in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for up to three months.
Are there any rice cookers specifically designed for making oatmeal?
Yes, there are rice cookers specifically designed for making oatmeal. These rice cookers typically have a “porridge” or “oatmeal” setting and are made with materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
