Rice cookers and slow cookers are must-have kitchen gadgets. They save time and make cooking easy, letting you whip up anything from perfect rice to delicious stews. But, not every cooker is the same, and choosing the right one changes the taste and variety of your meals. Picking the **best rice cooker and slow cooker** matters a lot, so we’ve tested and researched several models to find the best one for your cooking needs.
When looking to get a rice cooker or slow cooker, it’s pivotal to consider various factors such as cooking capacity, cooking presets, heat distribution, and size. Additionally, some models are designed with innovative, time-saving features that allow for easy, integrated cooking. But again, the wrong models could result in undercooked or burnt foods, or devices that fail to function as advertised.
In this buying guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to select the perfect rice cooker or slow cooker for your kitchen. Whether you want a cooker that can handle big batches or something more compact, that can prepare a variety of meals, or even one with a host of smart features for ease of use. We’ve tried, tested, and teased out the strengths and weaknesses, of some of the best rice cookers and slow cookers in the market.
Best Rice Cooker and Slow Cooker
Choosing the right rice cooker and slow cooker is tantamount to exceptional cooking outcomes. While both appliances serve different cooking purposes, they are equally vital for meal preparation. When selecting the best rice cooker and slow cooker, it’s all about the details: the type of cooking programs, serving capacity, ease of use, and budget. Given a crowded market full of options, choosing the best one can be a daunting task. Not to worry – in this guide, we’ll provide you with our meticulously researched and tested list of the best rice cookers and slow cookers, aimed at making your decision-making process a breeze.
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 vegetables, then the Aroma Housewares ARC-994SB is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The detachable rice paddle and steam vent cap make it easy to clean and serve the rice.
- The automatic keep warm function ensures that the rice stays warm for up to 2 hours.
- The non-stick rice basket and inner pot make it easy to clean and prevent the rice from sticking.
Cons
- The rice cooker only has a 4-cup uncooked capacity, which may not be enough for larger families or gatherings.
- The non-stick coating may not be durable and could potentially chip or peel over time.
- The rice cooker may not be suitable for cooking larger quantities of rice or grains.
We’ve used the Aroma Housewares ARC-994SB rice cooker to make a variety of rice dishes, including plain white rice, brown rice, and even sushi rice. The rice always comes out perfectly cooked and fluffy, and the automatic keep warm function is a great feature that ensures the rice stays warm for up to 2 hours.
One of the best things about this rice cooker is the detachable rice paddle and steam vent cap. These features make it easy to clean and serve the rice without having to worry about spills or messes. The non-stick rice basket and inner pot are also a great feature that makes cleaning up a breeze.
However, one downside to this rice cooker is its smaller size. With a 4-cup uncooked capacity, it may not be suitable for larger families or gatherings. Additionally, the non-stick coating may not be as durable as some other rice cookers on the market, and could potentially chip or peel over time.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile rice cooker that can also steam vegetables, the Aroma Housewares ARC-994SB is a great option to consider. It’s easy to use, clean, and produces perfectly cooked rice every time.
COMFEE’ Rice Cooker, 6-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi Cooker, Slow Cooker, Steamer, Saute, and Warmer, 2 QT, 8 Cups Cooked(4 Cups Uncooked), Brown Rice, Quinoa and Oatmeal, 6 One-Touch Programs
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use rice cooker, the COMFEE’ Rice Cooker might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The one-touch cooking functions make it easy to cook different types of rice, porridge, soup, oatmeal, and even yogurt.
- The stainless steel material is durable and easy to clean, while the inner non-stick coating ensures even heating and prevents sticking.
- The rice cooker comes with a measuring cup, rice spoon, and steam basket, making it convenient to use and store.
Cons
- The rice cooker only has a 2-quart capacity, which might not be enough for larger families or groups.
- Some users have reported that the rice cooker can be difficult to clean thoroughly, especially around the heating element.
- While the rice cooker is relatively compact, it might not fit in smaller kitchens or cabinets.
We’ve used the COMFEE’ Rice Cooker to cook a variety of rice dishes, from plain white rice to more complex recipes with vegetables and seasonings. The one-touch cooking functions have made it easy to achieve perfect results every time, without having to worry about adjusting the heat or timing.
The stainless steel material of the rice cooker is sturdy and looks great on the countertop, while the non-stick inner pot ensures that the rice doesn’t stick or burn. The included measuring cup, rice spoon, and steam basket are also thoughtful touches that make the rice cooker more convenient to use.
However, we do think that the 2-quart capacity of the rice cooker might be too small for some users, especially if they frequently cook for larger groups. Additionally, some users have reported issues with cleaning the rice cooker thoroughly, which could be a concern for those who prioritize ease of maintenance.
Overall, we would recommend the COMFEE’ Rice Cooker to anyone who is looking for a versatile and easy-to-use rice cooker for their home kitchen.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use kitchen appliance, the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The Instant Pot Duo is a 7-in-1 multi-cooker that replaces up to 7 appliances, making it a great space-saving option for small kitchens.
- With 15 one-touch programs, this pressure cooker is easy to use and can help you cook a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to rice and porridge.
- The Instant Pot Duo also features a built-in microprocessor that helps regulate pressure and temperature, ensuring that your food is cooked evenly and to perfection.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the Instant Pot Duo can be a bit noisy during operation, which may be a concern if you’re planning to use it in an apartment or other shared living space.
- While the Instant Pot Duo is easy to use, it may take some trial and error to get the timing and pressure settings just right for certain recipes.
- The Instant Pot Duo’s 6-quart capacity may not be enough for larger families or for cooking larger quantities of food.
Overall, we’ve found the Instant Pot Duo to be a great investment for anyone looking to streamline their kitchen appliances and cook more efficiently. With its 7-in-1 functionality, easy-to-use interface, and built-in safety features, this pressure cooker is a great choice for both beginner and experienced cooks.
If you’re looking for a pressure cooker that can help you cook a variety of dishes quickly and easily, the Instant Pot Duo is definitely worth considering. With its 15 one-touch programs, you can easily cook everything from soups and stews to rice and porridge, and the built-in microprocessor ensures that your food is cooked evenly and to perfection.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Instant Pot Duo can be a bit noisy during operation, so if you’re planning to use it in an apartment or other shared living space, you may want to consider using it during quieter hours. Additionally, while the Instant Pot Duo is easy to use, it may take some trial and error to get the timing and pressure settings just right for certain recipes.
Overall, we highly recommend the Instant Pot Duo to anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use pressure cooker that can help them cook more efficiently and enjoy delicious meals at home.
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 compact rice cooker that can cook up to 3 cups of rice, the Narcissus Rice Cooker is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The fuzzy rice technology ensures that your rice is cooked to perfection, with every grain being soft and tender.
- The removable lid makes it easy to clean and allows you to add water or oil while cooking.
- The rice cooker is multifunctional and can also be used to cook oatmeal, quinoa, porridge, and soup.
Cons
- The rice cooker is not suitable for cooking large amounts of rice, making it unsuitable for large families or gatherings.
- The non-stick inner pot may not be durable and could potentially chip or peel over time.
- The rice cooker is not induction compatible, limiting your cooking options.
We’ve been using the Narcissus Rice Cooker for a few weeks now and have found it to be a reliable and convenient option for cooking rice. The fuzzy rice technology ensures that the rice is cooked evenly and to the perfect level of doneness every time. The removable lid makes it easy to clean and add water or oil while cooking, and the rice cooker’s compact size makes it easy to store in small kitchens.
One downside to the rice cooker is that it’s not suitable for cooking large amounts of rice, making it unsuitable for large families or gatherings. Additionally, the non-stick inner pot may not be durable and could potentially chip or peel over time. Finally, the rice cooker is not induction compatible, limiting your cooking options.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact rice cooker that can cook up to 3 cups of rice, the Narcissus Rice Cooker is a solid choice that offers reliable performance and convenient features.
Aroma Housewares 20 Cup Cooked (10 cup uncooked) Digital Rice Cooker, Slow Cooker, Food Steamer, SS Exterior (ARC-150SB),Black
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use rice cooker, the Aroma Housewares 20 Cup Cooked (10 cup uncooked) Digital Rice Cooker is a great option.
Pros
- The built-in microprocessor ensures perfect cooking every time, whether you’re making rice, soup, or steaming food.
- The easy-to-read and use digital control panel makes it simple to set the cooking cycle, timer, and keep-warm function.
- The non-stick stainless steel pot is durable and easy to clean, and the detachable power cord makes storage a breeze.
Cons
- The capacity is only 10 cups uncooked, which may not be enough for larger families or gatherings.
- The lid can be difficult to remove, especially when the rice is still hot.
- The keep-warm function may not keep the rice as warm as you’d like for extended periods of time.
This rice cooker is a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable and easy-to-use appliance. The built-in microprocessor ensures that the rice is cooked perfectly every time, and the digital control panel makes it simple to set the cooking cycle, timer, and keep-warm function. The non-stick stainless steel pot is durable and easy to clean, and the detachable power cord makes storage a breeze.
The capacity of 10 cups uncooked may not be enough for larger families or gatherings, but it is perfect for smaller households. The lid can be difficult to remove, especially when the rice is still hot, but this is a minor inconvenience. The keep-warm function may not keep the rice as warm as you’d like for extended periods of time, but this is to be expected with most rice cookers.
Overall, the Aroma Housewares 20 Cup Cooked (10 cup uncooked) Digital Rice Cooker is a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable and easy-to-use rice cooker.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best rice cooker and slow cooker, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various models to identify the critical features that make a difference in cooking performance.
Capacity
One of the essential factors to consider when choosing a rice cooker and slow cooker is the capacity. The capacity of the cooker determines the amount of food it can cook at once. It is crucial to choose a cooker with the right capacity to avoid overcrowding or underutilizing the cooker.
Cooking Functionality
Another critical factor to consider is the cooking functionality. A good rice cooker and slow cooker should have multiple cooking functions to accommodate different types of dishes. For instance, a rice cooker with a slow cook function can cook rice, stews, and soups.
Material
The material of the cooker is also an essential factor to consider. The material determines the durability, ease of cleaning, and heat retention of the cooker. Stainless steel and non-stick coatings are popular materials for rice cookers and slow cookers due to their durability and ease of cleaning.
Price
Price is another critical factor to consider when choosing a rice cooker and slow cooker. The price determines the quality and features of the cooker. It is essential to choose a cooker that fits your budget while still meeting your cooking needs.
In summary, when choosing the best rice cooker and slow cooker, it is essential to consider the capacity, cooking functionality, material, and price. By considering these factors, you can choose a cooker that meets your cooking needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a rice cooker and slow cooker combo?
When looking for a rice cooker and slow cooker combo, it is important to consider the size, cooking functions, and ease of use. A good combo should have a large enough capacity to cook a sufficient amount of rice and slow cooked dishes. It should also have multiple cooking functions, such as white rice, brown rice, porridge, and slow cook. Additionally, it should be easy to use and clean.
How do I choose the best rice cooker for my needs?
To choose the best rice cooker for your needs, consider the type of rice you will be cooking, the amount of rice you will be cooking, and any additional features you may want, such as a keep warm function or a removable lid. It is also important to consider the size and weight of the rice cooker, as well as its energy efficiency.
What are the benefits of using a rice cooker with a slow cook function?
Using a rice cooker with a slow cook function allows you to cook rice and slow cooked dishes at the same time, saving you time and energy. It also allows you to customize the flavor and texture of your rice and slow cooked dishes by adjusting the cooking time and temperature.
Can a rice cooker and slow cooker combo effectively replace a separate rice cooker and slow cooker?
Yes, a rice cooker and slow cooker combo can effectively replace a separate rice cooker and slow cooker. In fact, a combo may be more convenient and cost-effective than purchasing two separate appliances.
What are the top-rated rice cooker and slow cooker combos currently available?
Some of the top-rated rice cooker and slow cooker combos currently available include the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer, the Cuckoo Electric Pressure Rice Cooker and Warmer, and the Cosori 6-in-1 Rice Cooker and Slow Cooker.
What are the key differences between a rice cooker and a rice steamer?
A rice cooker is designed to cook rice, while a rice steamer is designed to steam rice. A rice cooker typically has a built-in heating element and a thermostat, while a rice steamer relies on external heat sources, such as a stove or microwave. Additionally, a rice cooker may have additional functions, such as a keep warm function or a slow cook function, while a rice steamer is typically more basic in its functionality.
