Table of Contents
Rice cookers are a must-have item for any kitchen. They make cooking rice a breeze, but did you know that you can also use them to prepare other dishes such as quinoa, oatmeal, and steamed vegetables? With all these top-performing rice cookers available in the market, choosing the right one can be a challenging task. But fear not, our team has researched and tested a wide range of rice cookers to help you make an informed decision.
The best rice cooker for you will depend on your personal needs and cooking habits. Key factors to consider include the cooker’s capacity, cooking functions, and ease of cleaning. Moreover, the durability, brand reputation, and customer reviews are also important when deciding on the best rice cooker for your kitchen.
During our extensive testing, we focused not only on a rice cooker’s ability to quickly and evenly cook different types of rice but also on its versatility and convenience. We cooked various kinds of rice, from short grain to wild rice, quinoa, oatmeal, steamed vegetables, and even tackled the occasional risotto.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best rice cooker to meet your needs. We have spent considerable time and energy elaborately assessing these kitchen appliances to ensure that you have all the information you need. By the end of this article, you will have the knowledge required to select a rice cooker that will serve you delicious dishes for years to come.
Best Rice Cookers
Choosing the best rice cooker for your kitchen is crucial for your culinary adventures. A good rice cooker should be able to prepare a wide range of dishes, be easy to clean, and above all, should make cooking an enjoyable task. We have put together a list of the top-performing rice cookers, taking into account their efficiency, versatility, and user-friendliness, that will help you make a sound decision and create mouth-watering dishes.
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 rice cooker that’s easy to use and clean, the AROMA Digital Rice Cooker is a great option.
Pros
- The digital display and touch control make it easy to use.
- The non-stick inner pot and measuring cup make it easy to clean.
- The delay timer and keep warm function are convenient.
Cons
- The rice paddle and serving spoon are not very durable.
- The capacity is only 4 cups uncooked, which may not be enough for larger families.
- The steam vent may not always seal properly, causing some steam to escape.
We’ve used the AROMA Digital Rice Cooker to make a variety of rice dishes, and it has always turned out well. The digital display and touch control make it easy to use, and the non-stick inner pot and measuring cup make it easy to clean. We also appreciate the delay timer and keep warm function, which allow us to plan ahead and keep our rice warm until we’re ready to eat.
One thing to note is that the rice paddle and serving spoon are not very durable and may need to be replaced after a few uses. Additionally, the capacity is only 4 cups uncooked, which may not be enough for larger families. Finally, the steam vent may not always seal properly, causing some steam to escape.
Overall, if you’re looking for a rice cooker that’s easy to use and clean, the AROMA Digital Rice Cooker is a great option. Just be aware of its limitations in terms of capacity and durability.
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 is a great option.
Pros
- The one-touch operation and automatic keep-warm feature make it easy to use and ensure your rice is always cooked to perfection.
- The removable non-stick rice bowl and measuring cup make cleaning a breeze.
- The 6 one-touch programs and adjustable timer allow you to cook a variety of dishes, including white, brown, and mixed rice, oatmeal, quinoa, and even soups.
Cons
- The capacity is only 2 quarts, which may not be enough for larger families or gatherings.
- Some users have reported issues with the lid not sealing properly, which can lead to rice that is too mushy or too hard.
- The cord could be longer for more convenient placement.
We’ve used the COMFEE’ Rice Cooker to make a variety of dishes, including white rice, brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal. The one-touch operation and automatic keep-warm feature make it easy to use, and the removable non-stick rice bowl and measuring cup make cleaning a breeze. We also appreciate the 6 one-touch programs and adjustable timer, which allow us to cook a variety of dishes without having to worry about the settings.
One thing to keep in mind is that the capacity is only 2 quarts, which may not be enough for larger families or gatherings. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the lid not sealing properly, which can lead to rice that is too mushy or too hard. Finally, the cord could be longer for more convenient placement.
Overall, we think the COMFEE’ Rice Cooker is a great option for anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use rice cooker.
DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer with Removable Nonstick Pot, Keep Warm Function & Recipe Guide, 5 Quart, for Soups, Stews, Grains & Oatmeal – Aqua
If you’re looking for a compact and versatile rice cooker and steamer, the DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer is a great option.
Pros
- The compact size makes it perfect for small kitchens or for those who want to save counter space.
- The nonstick pot is removable, making it easy to clean and store.
- The keep warm function ensures that your rice or other grains stay warm until you’re ready to eat.
Cons
- The capacity is only 5 quarts, which may not be enough for larger families or for those who often cook for a crowd.
- Some users have reported that the steamer basket is a bit difficult to clean.
- While the rice cooker and steamer is versatile, it may not be able to handle very large or hardy grains or vegetables.
We’ve used the DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer to make a variety of grains, including rice, quinoa, and barley. It’s also great for making soups and stews, as well as for steaming vegetables. The nonstick pot is easy to clean, and the keep warm function is a nice touch, especially if you’re short on time.
One thing to keep in mind is that the capacity is only 5 quarts, so it may not be the best option for those who often cook for a large group. However, if you have a smaller family or if you’re looking for a rice cooker and steamer that you can easily store away when not in use, the DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer is a great choice.
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, no-frills rice cooker that gets the job done, the Aroma Housewares Aroma 6-cup (cooked) 1.5 Qt. One Touch Rice Cooker is a solid choice.
Pros
- The one-touch operation makes it easy to use, even for beginners.
- The non-stick inner pot ensures easy cleaning and prevents sticking.
- The cool-touch handles make it easy to transport the rice cooker without burning your hands.
Cons
- The measuring cup and serving spoon that come with the rice cooker are made of cheap plastic and may not last long.
- The rice cooker may emit a slight burning smell when first used.
- The rice cooker may not be suitable for cooking large amounts of rice at once.
We’ve used the Aroma Housewares Aroma 6-cup (cooked) 1.5 Qt. One Touch Rice Cooker to cook a variety of rice dishes, and it has performed well each time. The one-touch operation is a big plus, as it eliminates the need to constantly monitor the rice as it cooks. The non-stick inner pot is also a great feature, as it ensures that the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot and makes cleaning up a breeze.
One thing to keep in mind is that the measuring cup and serving spoon that come with the rice cooker are made of cheap plastic and may not last long. Additionally, the rice cooker may emit a slight burning smell when first used, but this is a common issue with new rice cookers and should dissipate after a few uses.
Overall, if you’re looking for a simple, easy-to-use rice cooker that can cook up to 6 cups of cooked rice, the Aroma Housewares Aroma 6-cup (cooked) 1.5 Qt. One Touch Rice Cooker is a solid choice.
Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer, 3-Cups (uncooked), Stainless Black
If you’re looking for a high-quality rice cooker that can make perfect rice every time, then the Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The fuzzy logic technology ensures that the rice is cooked to perfection every time.
- The removable and washable measuring cup is a convenient feature that makes it easy to measure out the right amount of rice.
- The retractable power cord is a thoughtful design that helps to keep your countertop organized.
Cons
- The price point is a bit higher than some other rice cookers on the market.
- The non-stick inner pot can be a bit difficult to clean if you’re not careful.
- The 3-cup capacity may not be enough for larger families or gatherings.
We’ve been using the Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed with its performance. The fuzzy logic technology is a standout feature that ensures that the rice is cooked to the perfect texture every time. We’ve tried cooking a variety of rice types, from white to brown to sushi rice, and each one has come out perfectly.
Another feature that we really appreciate is the removable and washable measuring cup. It makes it so easy to measure out the right amount of rice without having to dig out additional measuring cups or spoons. And the fact that it’s dishwasher safe is a huge bonus.
The retractable power cord is also a thoughtful design that helps to keep your countertop organized. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference in keeping things tidy.
One potential downside to consider is the price point. The Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer is a bit more expensive than some other rice cookers on the market. However, we believe that the quality and performance of this rice cooker make it worth the investment.
Another potential downside to consider is the non-stick inner pot. While it’s a great feature that makes cleaning up a breeze, it can be a bit difficult to clean if you’re not careful. We recommend using a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to clean it, and avoiding harsh chemicals or scrubbers.
Overall, we’re really happy with the Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer and would definitely recommend it to anyone in the market for a high-quality rice cooker.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best rice cooker, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind when making your decision:
Capacity
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a rice cooker is its capacity. This will depend on how much rice you typically cook and how many people you need to feed. A larger rice cooker will be able to handle more rice, but it may also take up more counter space. Be sure to choose a capacity that fits your needs.
Cooking Method
There are several different methods that rice cookers use to cook rice, including traditional boiling, pressure cooking, and steam cooking. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs. For example, pressure cooking can be faster and more efficient, but it may also be more difficult to control the cooking process.
Additional Features
Many rice cookers come with additional features that can make cooking rice easier and more convenient. Some of these features may include:
- Automatic keep-warm function
- Removable lid for easy cleaning
- Multiple cooking functions (e.g. brown rice, sushi rice)
- Temperature control
- Steam vent
Consider which of these features are important to you and your cooking needs.
Price
Finally, it’s important to consider the price of the rice cooker. While more expensive models may have more features and better quality, there are also plenty of affordable options that can still cook great rice. Set a budget that works for you and look for a rice cooker that fits your needs and your price range.
