Compact rice cookers add great value to any kitchen. They make cooking rice simple and always give perfect results. Individuals, couples, and small households especially love them for their small size, easy use, and space-saving design. However, not every rice cooker meets all needs. Look for one that cooks evenly, is easy to clean, and lasts a long time.
Here, we explore the best small rice cookers that should be on top of your list. We have invested significant time researching, testing, and analyzing various models to identify the ones that stand out. By the end of this article, you should be well-informed and equipped to select the perfect small rice cooker for your kitchen needs.
Best Small Rice Cooker 4 Cup
Choosing the right small rice cooker for your kitchen can significantly impact your overall cooking experience. You want a cooker that is easy to operate, built to last and can deliver perfectly cooked, fluffy rice every time. With numerous options available in the market, finding the perfect one can be a daunting task. We’ve tested, analyzed, and created a list of the best small rice cookers, which should guide you in making a well-informed decision.
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 simple and reliable rice cooker, 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 settings
- Keep warm and extended keep warm functions
- Non-stick rice measuring cup and serving spoon included
Cons
- Not suitable for cooking soup or stews
- Only comes with a rice measuring cup and serving spoon
- No delay timer
We’ve used this rice cooker for a few months now and it has performed well. The one-touch operation is convenient and the rice always comes out cooked perfectly. The keep warm and extended keep warm functions are also great for keeping the rice warm for longer periods of time.
The non-stick rice measuring cup and serving spoon are also a nice touch and make it easy to measure and serve the rice. We also appreciate that the rice cooker is easy to clean and the measuring cup and serving spoon are both dishwasher safe.
However, it’s important to note that this rice cooker is not suitable for cooking soup or stews. It also only comes with a rice measuring cup and serving spoon, so you’ll need to provide your own bowls and utensils for serving. Finally, there is no delay timer, so you’ll need to plan your rice cooking in advance.
Overall, if you’re looking for a simple and reliable rice cooker, the Aroma Housewares Aroma 6-cup (cooked) 1.5 Qt. One Touch Rice Cooker is a great option. It’s easy to use, cleans up well, and always produces perfectly cooked rice.
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 and easy-to-use rice cooker, the AROMA Digital Rice Cooker is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The built-in microcomputer and 4-in-1 function allow for perfect cooking of rice, porridge, oatmeal, and soup.
- The non-stick coating and measuring cup make it easy to use and clean.
- The automatic keep-warm function ensures that your rice stays warm and delicious.
Cons
- The capacity is only 4 cups uncooked, which may not be enough for larger families or gatherings.
- The steam release knob can be difficult to turn at times.
- The cord storage underneath the rice cooker can be a bit flimsy.
We’ve been using the AROMA Digital Rice Cooker for a few weeks now, and we’re overall happy with its performance. The rice it cooks is always fluffy and well-cooked, and the automatic keep-warm function is a nice touch that ensures our rice stays warm until we’re ready to eat.
One thing to note is that the capacity is only 4 cups uncooked, which may not be enough for larger families or gatherings. However, if you’re cooking for one or two people, this rice cooker is perfect.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the steam release knob can be a bit difficult to turn at times. This isn’t a huge issue, but it’s something to be aware of. Additionally, the cord storage underneath the rice cooker can be a bit flimsy, so you’ll want to be careful when storing it.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and easy-to-use rice cooker, the AROMA Digital Rice Cooker is definitely worth considering. Its 4-in-1 function and automatic keep-warm feature make it a great choice for anyone who wants perfect rice every time.
Aroma Housewares 4-Cup (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker with Automatic Warm Mode, Steamer, One-Touch Operation, White (ARC-302-1NG)
If you’re looking for a rice cooker that’s easy to use and clean, the Aroma Housewares 4-Cup Rice Cooker is a great option.
Pros
- The one-touch operation makes it easy to use, and the automatic keep warm feature ensures that your rice stays warm and fluffy until you’re ready to serve it.
- The removable lid and non-stick rice pot make it easy to clean, and the steam vent helps to prevent messy spills.
- The rice cooker is compact and lightweight, making it easy to store and transport.
Cons
- The rice cooker only has a 2-cup capacity, which may not be enough for larger meals or families.
- The rice cooker may not be suitable for cooking other grains or dishes, as it is specifically designed for rice.
- The rice cooker may take some trial and error to get the perfect texture and consistency of rice.
We’ve used the Aroma Housewares 4-Cup Rice Cooker to make a variety of rice dishes, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The one-touch operation makes it easy to use, and the automatic keep warm feature ensures that our rice stays warm and fluffy until we’re ready to serve it.
Cleaning the rice cooker is also a breeze, thanks to the removable lid and non-stick rice pot. The steam vent helps to prevent messy spills, making it even easier to clean up.
While the rice cooker is compact and lightweight, its 2-cup capacity may not be enough for larger meals or families. Additionally, the rice cooker may not be suitable for cooking other grains or dishes, as it is specifically designed for rice. It may take some trial and error to get the perfect texture and consistency of rice, but we’ve found that the Aroma Housewares 4-Cup Rice Cooker is a great option for those who want a simple and easy-to-use rice cooker.
Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker (ARC-302NGBL), Blue
If you’re looking for a compact and easy-to-use rice cooker, the Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker (ARC-302NGBL), Blue is a great option.
Pros
- The non-stick coating ensures easy cleaning and prevents sticking, making it easy to cook and serve perfect rice, quinoa, oatmeal, and more.
- The transparent lid allows you to monitor the cooking process without opening the lid, reducing heat loss and ensuring perfect results every time.
- The rice cooker is fully automatic and keeps rice warm until serving, making it convenient to use and ensuring delicious results.
Cons
- The rice cooker has a capacity of only 4 cups cooked, which may not be enough for larger families or gatherings.
- The rice cooker is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as other materials.
- The rice cooker may not be suitable for cooking larger grains or vegetables.
This rice cooker is perfect for those who want to make perfect rice, quinoa, oatmeal, and more with minimal effort. The non-stick coating ensures easy cleaning and prevents sticking, while the transparent lid allows you to monitor the cooking process without opening the lid, reducing heat loss and ensuring perfect results every time. The rice cooker is fully automatic and keeps rice warm until serving, making it convenient to use and ensuring delicious results.
However, the rice cooker has a capacity of only 4 cups cooked, which may not be enough for larger families or gatherings. Additionally, the rice cooker is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as other materials. Finally, the rice cooker may not be suitable for cooking larger grains or vegetables.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and easy-to-use rice cooker for small portions, the Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker (ARC-302NGBL), Blue is a great option to consider.
BLACK+DECKER 3-Cup Rice Cooker, RC503, 1.5-cup Uncooked Rice, Steaming Basket, Removable Non-Stick Bowl, One Touch
If you’re looking for a simple and compact rice cooker, the BLACK+DECKER RC503 may be worth considering.
Pros
- One-touch operation
- Compact size
- Removable non-stick bowl and steamer basket
Cons
- Only suitable for small portions of rice
- May not be suitable for cooking other types of grains
- Plastic construction may not be as durable as stainless steel or other materials
We’ve used the BLACK+DECKER RC503 to cook small portions of rice, and it has performed well. The one-touch operation is convenient, and the compact size of the rice cooker makes it easy to store in a small kitchen.
One of the standout features of this rice cooker is the removable non-stick bowl and steamer basket. This makes it easy to clean and prevents rice from sticking to the bottom of the bowl. The rice cooker also comes with a measuring cup and serving spoon, which are handy for measuring out the correct amount of rice and serving it up.
However, there are a few downsides to this rice cooker. It is only suitable for cooking small portions of rice, so it may not be suitable for larger families or those who frequently cook larger quantities of rice. Additionally, it may not be suitable for cooking other types of grains, such as quinoa or barley.
The plastic construction of the rice cooker may also be a concern for some users. While it is lightweight and easy to clean, it may not be as durable as rice cookers made from stainless steel or other materials.
Overall, if you’re looking for a simple and compact rice cooker for small portions of rice, the BLACK+DECKER RC503 is worth considering. However, if you need to cook larger quantities of rice or other types of grains, you may want to look for a more versatile rice cooker.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a small rice cooker, there are a few factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some of the key features to look for:
Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a small rice cooker is the capacity. The capacity of the rice cooker will determine how much rice it can cook at once. If you are looking for a rice cooker for personal use or for a small family, a 4-cup rice cooker should be sufficient. However, if you have a larger family or if you frequently cook rice for a larger group, you may want to consider a rice cooker with a larger capacity.
Cooking Method
Another important factor to consider is the cooking method. There are two main types of rice cookers: those that use induction heating and those that use traditional heating. Induction heating rice cookers are more energy-efficient and tend to cook rice more evenly, but they can be more expensive. Traditional heating rice cookers are more affordable, but they may not cook rice as evenly.
Additional Features
Finally, it’s worth considering any additional features that the rice cooker may have. Some rice cookers come with a keep-warm function, which can be useful if you frequently cook rice in advance. Others may have a steam function, which can be useful for cooking other types of grains or vegetables. Consider which features are important to you and choose a rice cooker that meets your needs.
In summary, when choosing a small rice cooker, it’s important to consider the capacity, cooking method, and any additional features that may be important to you. By taking these factors into account, you can find a rice cooker that meets your needs and helps you cook perfect rice every time.
