Pro kitchens all over love **rice cookers** for good reason. They’re precise, steady, and always nail that perfect rice. But to cook like a master, picking the right rice cooker is key. The best ones are **efficient**, **versatile**, and built to last. Plus, they whip up tasty, fluffy rice that your customers will crave.
Purchasing the wrong rice cooker can result in unevenly cooked rice, wastage, and even damage to your equipment and resources. Hence, it’s essential to be mindful of the features to look for. These include the capacity, pressure technologies, heating elements, and programmable settings.
Choosing a professional rice cooker haphazardly could lead to frequent breakdowns, lacklustre rice, and a compromised kitchen workflow. We want to steer you away from such misfortunes so rest assured, with extensive research and practical testing, we have prepared an in-depth guideline on how to pick the ideal rice cooker for your needs.
After rigorously testing and reviewing several professional rice cookers, we zeroed in on the ones that consistently provided the highest quality rice, had durable build, and offered diverse cooking settings and options. In this article, we will provide you with a shortlist of these top performers to aid you in making an educated decision.
Best Professional Rice Cooker
When it comes to being a professional chef or managing a kitchen, your tools can make a significant difference in your day-to-day operations. Having a reliable and efficient rice cooker can transform the quality of the rice you serve, boost productivity, and streamline your cooking processes. However, it’s crucial to select the right one. This choice may seem daunting given the plethora of options in the market. Fear not, for we’ve spent the time to research and test a variety of professional rice cookers to compile a list of the best ones that will help you make a well-informed investment.
Aroma Housewares AROMA® Professional 20-Cup (Cooked) / 5Qt. Digital Rice Cooker, Steamer, and Slow Cooker Pot with 10 Smart Cooking Modes, Including Sauté-then-Simmer®
If you’re looking for a versatile rice cooker that can also steam and slow cook, the Aroma Housewares AROMA® Professional 20-Cup (Cooked) / 5Qt. Digital Rice Cooker is a great option.
Pros
- The rice cooker comes with 10 smart cooking modes, including brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, rice porridge, and more.
- The delay timer function allows you to schedule your rice to be ready when you are.
- The keep warm function keeps your rice warm for up to 6 hours.
Cons
- The rice cooker is quite large, so it may not be suitable for smaller kitchens.
- The rice cooker is not dishwasher safe, so you’ll need to clean it by hand.
- The rice cooker’s lid can be a bit difficult to remove, especially when the rice is still hot.
We’ve used the Aroma Housewares AROMA® Professional 20-Cup (Cooked) / 5Qt. Digital Rice Cooker to make a variety of rice dishes, and it has always come out perfectly cooked. The rice cooker’s smart cooking modes make it easy to make a variety of dishes without having to worry about the cooking process.
One of our favorite features of this rice cooker is the delay timer function. It’s great to be able to schedule your rice to be ready when you are, especially if you’re short on time. The keep warm function is also a great feature, as it keeps your rice warm for up to 6 hours. This is especially useful if you’re making a large batch of rice and want to keep it warm for a few hours.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Aroma Housewares AROMA® Professional 20-Cup (Cooked) / 5Qt. Digital Rice Cooker to anyone who is looking for a versatile and easy-to-use rice cooker. It’s a great investment for anyone who loves to cook rice dishes.
Aroma Housewares ARC-954SBD Rice Cooker, 4-Cup Uncooked 2.5 Quart, Professional Version
If you’re looking for a rice cooker that can cook perfect rice every time, then the Aroma Housewares ARC-954SBD Rice Cooker is worth considering.
Pros
- The 3-in-1 function of the rice cooker allows you to cook white rice, brown rice, and oatmeal.
- The non-stick inner pot is easy to clean and maintain.
- The keep warm function ensures that your rice stays warm for up to 2 hours.
Cons
- The rice cooker is only suitable for cooking up to 4 cups of uncooked rice, which may not be enough for larger families.
- The cooker may emit a slight burning smell when cooking brown rice.
- The rice cooker is not suitable for induction stovetops.
We’ve used the Aroma Housewares ARC-954SBD Rice Cooker to cook white rice, brown rice, and oatmeal, and we’re impressed with the results. The rice is always cooked to perfection, and the keep warm function ensures that it stays warm until we’re ready to eat.
The non-stick inner pot is easy to clean and maintain, and the rice cooker is lightweight and compact, making it easy to store in our small kitchen. However, we’ve noticed that the rice cooker may emit a slight burning smell when cooking brown rice, which can be off-putting.
Overall, if you’re looking for a rice cooker that can cook perfect rice every time and is easy to clean and maintain, then the Aroma Housewares ARC-954SBD Rice Cooker is worth considering.
AROMA Professional Digital Rice Cooker, 10-Cup (Uncooked) / 20-Cup (Cooked), Multicooker, Slow Cooker, Steamer, Oatmeal Cooker, Egg Cooker, STS, 5 Qt, Gray, ARC-5200SG
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use rice cooker, the AROMA Professional Digital Rice Cooker is a great option.
Pros
- The 1500-watt power output ensures fast and even cooking, and the fuzzy logic microcomputer technology ensures optimal results every time.
- The delay timer and keep warm functions make it easy to plan your meals and keep your food at the perfect temperature.
- The non-stick inner pot and measuring cup are included for convenience, and the detachable power cord and stainless steel side handle make it easy to transport and store.
Cons
- The non-stick coating may not be very durable, and some users have reported that it can scratch or peel off over time.
- The rice paddle and serving spoon that come with the cooker are made of cheap plastic and may not be very durable either.
- The cooker may not be very suitable for cooking large amounts of rice, as the 5-quart capacity may not be enough for some households or events.
We’ve used the AROMA Professional Digital Rice Cooker for several weeks now, and we’re overall satisfied with its performance. The rice and other dishes we’ve cooked in it have always turned out well, thanks to the accurate and even heating provided by the 1500-watt power output and fuzzy logic microcomputer technology.
One of the things we like most about this rice cooker is its versatility. In addition to cooking rice, it can also be used as a multicooker, slow cooker, steamer, oatmeal cooker, and egg cooker, which makes it a great all-in-one kitchen appliance. The delay timer and keep warm functions are also very convenient, as they allow us to plan our meals and keep our food warm until we’re ready to eat.
However, we have noticed that the non-stick coating on the inner pot can be a bit delicate, and it may scratch or peel off over time if not handled carefully. The rice paddle and serving spoon that come with the cooker are also made of cheap plastic and may not be very durable. Additionally, the 5-quart capacity may not be enough for some households or events, so keep that in mind if you’re planning to cook large amounts of rice.
Overall, we think the AROMA Professional Digital Rice Cooker is a great choice for anyone who wants a versatile, easy-to-use, and reliable rice cooker. With its accurate and even heating, delay timer and keep warm functions, and non-stick inner pot, it’s a great investment for any home cook.
Zojirushi NS-TSC18 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer, 10-Cups
If you’re looking for a high-quality rice cooker that can handle larger quantities of rice, the Zojirushi NS-TSC18 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer is a great option.
Pros
- The fuzzy logic technology ensures perfect cooking every time, whether you’re making plain rice or more complex dishes.
- The multi-menu function allows you to choose from a variety of cooking options, including brown rice, sushi rice, and porridge.
- The removable and washable measuring cup and spoon make it easy to measure out the perfect amount of rice and water.
Cons
- The price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious buyers.
- The 10-cup capacity may not be enough for very large families or dinner parties.
- The non-stick inner pot may require special care to avoid scratching.
We’ve used the Zojirushi NS-TSC18 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer to make a variety of rice dishes, and it has consistently produced great results. The fuzzy logic technology is impressive, as it adjusts the cooking and heating cycles based on the type of rice and the amount of water used. This ensures that the rice is cooked evenly and has the perfect texture.
One of the standout features of this rice cooker is the multi-menu function. This allows you to choose from a variety of cooking options, including brown rice, sushi rice, and porridge. This is especially useful if you’re making more complex rice dishes, as it ensures that the rice is cooked to the right consistency.
Another nice feature is the removable and washable measuring cup and spoon. This makes it easy to measure out the perfect amount of rice and water, and the cup and spoon can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher.
Overall, we highly recommend the Zojirushi NS-TSC18 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer to anyone who is looking for a high-quality rice cooker that can handle larger quantities of rice. While it may be a bit pricey, the quality and performance of this rice cooker are well worth the investment.
AROMA® Professional 6-Cups (UnCooked) / 3Qt. 360° Induction Rice Cooker & Multicooker (ARC-7606GR)
If you’re looking for a rice cooker that can handle small to medium-sized portions, the AROMA Professional Induction Rice Cooker & Multicooker is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 360° Reversed Induction Heating Technology ensures even heating and cooking, resulting in perfect and fluffy rice every time.
- The cooker is versatile and can be used as a rice cooker, steamer, warmer, and multicooker. It can also be used for various types of rice, including white, brown, sushi, and mixed rice.
- The inner lid and steam vent make it easy to release pressure and serve the cooked rice without any hassle.
Cons
- The cooker is only suitable for small to medium-sized portions, making it less ideal for larger families or gatherings.
- The non-stick surface may not be as durable as other materials, requiring careful handling and cleaning.
- The cooker may take up some counter space due to its compact size.
We’ve used the AROMA Professional Induction Rice Cooker & Multicooker for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The 360° Reversed Induction Heating Technology ensures that the rice is cooked evenly, resulting in perfectly cooked and fluffy rice every time. We’ve also tried cooking different types of rice, and the cooker has performed well each time.
The cooker is also versatile and can be used as a rice cooker, steamer, warmer, and multicooker. This makes it a great option for those who want to cook different dishes without having to purchase multiple appliances. The inner lid and steam vent also make it easy to release pressure and serve the cooked rice without any hassle.
However, the cooker is only suitable for small to medium-sized portions, making it less ideal for larger families or gatherings. Additionally, the non-stick surface may not be as durable as other materials, requiring careful handling and cleaning. Finally, the cooker may take up some counter space due to its compact size.
Overall, if you’re looking for a rice cooker that can handle small to medium-sized portions and can cook different types of rice, the AROMA Professional Induction Rice Cooker & Multicooker is a great option to consider.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a professional rice cooker, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various models to identify the key features that make a rice cooker stand out.
Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider is the capacity of the rice cooker. This will depend on how much rice you typically cook and how many people you are feeding. A larger capacity rice cooker is ideal for catering events or large families, while a smaller one is perfect for individuals or small households.
Cooking Technology
Another important factor to consider is the cooking technology used by the rice cooker. Some models use traditional methods, such as soaking and steaming, while others use advanced technology like fuzzy logic or microcomputers to monitor and adjust the cooking process. The type of technology used will affect the quality and consistency of the rice.
Material
The material of the rice cooker is also an important consideration. Stainless steel is a popular choice due to its durability and ease of cleaning. However, other materials like ceramic or non-stick coatings may be preferred for their non-stick properties or heat retention.
Additional Features
Finally, it’s worth considering any additional features that the rice cooker may have. Some models come with a steamer basket or warming function, while others may have a timer or keep-warm function. These features can make the rice cooker more versatile and convenient to use.
In summary, when choosing a professional rice cooker, it’s important to consider the capacity, cooking technology, material, and any additional features. By taking these factors into account, you can find a rice cooker that meets your needs and produces perfectly cooked rice every time.
