Best Rice Cookers in 2022

Last update: November 16, 2022

Are rice cookers better than pots?

Rice cookers are better than pots for a number of reasons. First, they evenly distribute heat, which ensures perfectly cooked rice every time. Second, they're much easier to clean than pots, since there's no need to scrub the pot bottom. Third, rice cookers keep rice warm for hours after cooking, so you can enjoy a hot meal even if you're not eating it right away.

Are rice cookers worth it?

Rice cookers are one of the most commonly used kitchen appliances. They are simple to use and can cook perfect rice every time. But are they worth the money? Rice cookers range in price from $20 to $200. The most expensive ones have all the bells and whistles, like a timer, a keep warm function, and multiple cooking settings. But do you really need all those extra features? For most people, a basic rice cooker will do the trick. It will cook rice perfectly, and you can find one for under $50. So

Does a rice cooker make better rice?

A rice cooker can help to make better rice by evenly cooking the rice and ensuring that it is the correct temperature. This can help to prevent the rice from being overcooked or undercooked.

Does rice taste different in a rice cooker?

A rice cooker is a great appliance to have in any kitchen. It can cook rice quickly and easily with little to no supervision. But does rice taste different in a rice cooker? The answer is yes, rice does taste different when cooked in a rice cooker. The rice cooker cooks the rice in a moist environment, which can make the rice more tender and flavorful. Additionally, the rice cooker can keep the rice warm for hours after it is cooked, which can make the rice even more flavorful.


Instant Pot LUX Mini 3 Qt 6-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Sauté, Steamer, and Warmer Review:


My husband bought this Instant Pot for me last month, and I don't have any plans to jump off anytime soon. My three little boys require all of my attention during the day. Dinner has been so difficult to prepare, and the thought of cooking is just intimidating. I abhor cooking. I detest having to decide what to make. I detest not having access to food. THE INSTANTO POT IS HERE. Even if it hasn't fixed all of my life's issues, the situation with supper has significantly improved. It has at least made life a little bit easier to have a meat cooked (in a much shorter amount of time, without having to tend it).I admit that I was initially somewhat afraid of it. Although I was excited to use it, I had heard the horrifying tale of the mother who accidentally burned her daughter when she opened it. This caused many individuals, including myself, to be afraid of the machine. I realized that she had ignored the directions and attempted to force the Instant Pot open after studying her tale to avoid making the same error. THAT IS ABSOLUTELY NOT OKAY. If you've never read the directions before, DO THIS! Follow the instructions step-by-step as they are given. Sincerely, I leapt (maybe I yelled, maybe not) the moment the steam hole began to whistle, and I was prepared to give up. That day, I wasn't in the mood to set my house on fire. However, I listened to the instructions and trusted Instant Pot's technical authors. And they expertly and smoothly walked me through. I cooked chicken that evening. It was also good.BONUS: Boil some eggs in your Instant Pot to really wow yourself, your partner, your significant other, your friends, or anybody! Make eggs if you don't do anything else in your life. Set the timer for five minutes, add some eggs and a cup of water, and then wait an additional five minutes. Next, submerge them in freezing water. The end of that. You have flawless eggs that are simple to peel. Each time, that is true. The shells magically detach. Magic eggs. The easiest-to-peel eggs I've ever had. They may advise you to purchase additional equipment to boil the eggs, but I have no trouble cooking a dozen eggs at once on the given rack. They touch each other, yet I'm sure being that close makes them happy. Who knows? However, they have never snapped at me. Every time, they simply turn out perfectly.ADDED BONUS: Alright, I've had this dog for a while, and bone broth is now my fave thing to make with it! YUMMY PURE AMAZING BONE BROTH! In the past, when I was expecting baby #2, I simmered bone broth all day in a slow cooker. The issue was that I wanted to vomit all day long. It destroyed my life. I had nothing. I overstate. But after a while, I understood that I should probably give it another shot. Oh, is that Instagram? You can finish it in a lot less time? A little under two hours? HALLELUJAH. I'm back in business and loving how frugal my homemade bone broth makes me feel. And yes, I agree that it tastes MUCH better than store-bought goods.



Aroma Housewares 20 Cup Cooked (10 cup uncooked) Digital Rice Cooker, Slow Cooker, Food Steamer, SS Exterior (ARC-150SB) Review:


Was initially dubious, but I'm really happy with my purchase. After years of the rice sticking to the pan, or coming out overcooked or undercooked, I stopped making rice. Less hefty pastas were introduced as a result of healthier eating, and we tried to increase the amount of rice in our meals. The fact that this gadget serves as a rice cooker, crock pot, and vegetable steamer makes it convenient on both a financial and counter space level. Reviews were mostly mixed, with many people complaining that they either couldn't figure it out (found it difficult to follow instructions) or that the rice didn't turn out good after using it. After using it for the past two to three months, I'd have to conclude that either those folks don't comprehend the instructions—which are, in my opinion, fairly simple to follow—or it was an operator error. My rice cooker is AMAZING. Unlike the pan on the stove, I can leave it and it will always turn out perfectly.Additional features include the large spoon for rice that is provided and stores inside the cooker when not in use.2. When not in use, the supplied cup, which has measurements on the side, is stored within the cooker.3. The inside metal bowl of the cooker is simple to clean (literally just a damp cloth will do — nothing sticks, burns, etc.), detaches for simple cleaning without worrying about water damage to the appliance, AND has measurements on the inside of the bowl so you know you're getting the right amount of water and rice every time. removes the need for guesswork.4. The manual is simple to read. "Cooking Rice," "Steaming Vegetables While Cooking Rice," and so forth. Has a useful removable piece with "Quick cooking recommendations" for serving sizes that sits on my refrigerator.5. The steamer tray is detachable, offers plenty of space, and is stored in the machine when not in use. With a little room to spare, I can typically put two 10–12 ounce frozen vegetable packs inside. However, other than that, it's not a big concern. This tray does appear to pick up some of the color of the more colored vegetables (like carrots with an orange tinge). Simple cleanup.The only drawback I can identify is that this appliance's chord is a little bit shorter than the ones on my other appliances. Instead of having a wad of cord scurrying about the cabinet, I can draw it up through the handle just once and let it hang while not in use. Take that whatever you want.Since the seller doesn't publish much, I uploaded photographs for easier viewing. When contrasting these with other brands or models, this was one of my main problems. I was interested in the interior and how everything came together or fell apart. So hopefully this will be useful to someone. For size reference, the coffee container in the photographs is a huge Sam's Club coffee can.One item to keep in mind is that the cover on this unit does not completely off. On one side, it is hinged to something. Grab the handle and effortlessly open the door by pressing the huge button with your thumb (light weight lid also). When serving rice, the lid stays open without crashing to the ground. Alternatively, the metal bowl can be removed.Conclusion: IT'S WORTH THE MONEY! Every time, great rice at a great price! reduces the effort of using numerous pans, can be used as a steamer tray for vegetables or food, and can be used for complete meals (like a crock pot). I would unquestionably suggest this to anyone.



Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer, 1.0-Liter Review:


The change in rice quality astonished me greatly, and I'm quite pleased with this rice cooker. It easily outperforms both stovetop cooking and pressure cooking in my Instant Pot. Although it has several shortcomings, I am willing to overlook them in light of how delicious the finished rice is.I prepared some rice using regular tap water and Tamanishiki premium short grain white rice as a point of comparison. Prior to cooking, I rinsed and drained the rice six times, and I'm doing it at a high altitude (around 5,500 feet).Pros: —This rice cooker produces properly cooked rice every time. It is light and sticky, easily removed from the cooker, and excellent for eating with chopsticks. It resembles the fine rice that is frequently offered in restaurants.—The inner non-stick pot is simple to take out and clean. I don't need to soak the cooking vessel before cleaning when I cook on the stovetop or in my Instant Pot because there isn't any rice or any film left over.—The cooker has an integrated reel that allows you to easily store the power cable wound up. It was a pleasant surprise because I didn't notice this in the product description.—Water levels for varying amounts of uncooked rice are marked on the inside pot. This is actually quite useful.Because the clock runs on batteries, it keeps the correct time even when unplugged. This is a pretty thoughtful addition.—The device is dead simple to use.Cons: Even without the steamer basket, the cooker is unable to store the supplied scoop or paddle inside of itself. Given that it is so near to becoming possible to do so, this is a little frustrating. Everything would fit within if the scoop were a bit shorter and wider, and if the paddle were approximately an inch shorter on the handle. This is a significant advantage of the Instant Pot because it can store its power cord, trivets, ladle, and rice paddle inside of itself.—The internal pot is only designated for water levels for as low as 1.0 cup uncooked rice, despite the fact that the handbook claims the cooker can produce batches of as little as 0.5 cups of rice. You must measure the water yourself if you're making a tiny quantity (the amounts are given in a provided manual insert). Additional lines inside the pot, which would have been so simple to add, could have prevented this.—Instead of referring to a typical US cup, this cooker refers to the provided scoop when referring to a "cup" of rice. This is a reference to the Japanese definition of a serving of uncooked rice, which equates to about 2/3 of a typical US cup. Although this isn't all that bad, it should be remembered. Save that scoop for later! (Which may be stored inside, making it simpler to accomplish!)—The cooking process lasts one hour, which is four times as long as traditional rice cooking. However, it is worthwhile because the cooking cycle also includes time for soaking and steaming.Although the instruction booklet specifies that it is made for medium and short-grain rice, it does give alternate water measurements for long-grain rice. Remember that the marks within the cooking pot cannot be used to measure the water when cooking long-grain.Conclusion: If you're thinking about buying this device and have read reviews, you're probably wondering, like me, whether the outcomes are really worth the hype. I firmly believe they are. There is absolutely no need for me to cook rice any other manner now that I have this cooker. Simply put, the outcomes don't compare well to rice cooked on a stovetop or in an Instant Pot. I heartily suggest the equipment, but it's up to you to decide if that makes it worth the price of entry. The only issues I have with this item are small nitpicks and gripes. It accomplishes its function quite well, and I'm happy with my purchase in every way.



Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker Review:


I just realized while browsing Amazon that I had had this rice cooker for 15 years! Therefore, I felt that it merited assessment. I have only ever used it to cook brown and white rice, using it on average once or twice a week.It does spit and spurt, particularly when preparing brown rice (probably due to additional "stuff" in the brown rice causing foamier bubbles, in addition to needing more water for brown rice). It's fine as long as you cover it with a towel while it's cooking (a flour sack towel works excellent for this) and the lid is correctly seated (not floating on water or a stray rice grain). However, I don't have a neat countertop. I always check that the lid is properly seated before covering it with a tea towel or kitchen towel. Even brown rice rarely receives a pre-soaking from me. You need one of those rice cookers with hinged, locking lids if you don't want any spurts; they have unique gaskets and methods to control bubbling and overflow. This more straightforward design has the advantage of being less bulky and simple to clean with warm water and a dish brush.Regarding complaints regarding the quality of your cooking, you should actually utilize the water ratios on the rice packaging rather than the standard ones that come with the rice cooker. I would use 1 cup rinsed rice: 1.25 cups water for Japanese-style short or medium grain white or haiga (partially milled) rice (Nishiki, for instance, Botan Calrose). The 6 oz. cup that is included with the cooker is this one. I also use a medium grain brown rice from Japan called Kagayaki, which performs remarkably well with just 1 cup rinsed rice: 2:25 cups of water, and cooks without pre-soaking just well. Sadly, I found that brown rices' water requirements vary significantly, thus YMMV.I use a straightforward plug-in switch at the wall to turn things off because I don't like to repeatedly plug and unplug items. It's similar to this GE Grounded On/Off Power Switch, Plug-In, White, Energy Efficient, Space Saving Design, UL Listed, 15A, 120VAC, 1800W, 25511, which I discovered years ago at my neighborhood hardware store.The bottom does appear extremely hot, which is the major drawback for the 1.2L model (the intermediate size; I believe it holds a maximum of 5-6 cups of uncooked food). 1 cup of uncooked rice usually yields rice that is dry and crispy on the bottom. I usually make batches of 2 cups uncooked rice at a time, and I've found that batches of 2-3 cups work best. If you turn it off in under 30 minutes, the bottom can become a little bit brown but won't dry out too much. It's certainly inconvenient, though, and is the only issue that has ever prompted me to look into a another rice cooker.I'm still giving it five stars, though, because it has proven to be a workhorse and consistently yields wonderful rice for my needs.



Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer, 8 Cups Cooked (4 Uncooked), With Steam & Rinse Basket, Stainless Steel (37518) Review:


Having used it for two months, it performs admirably. The moist rice makes delicious porridge and steamed vegetables, and I'm happy with it! The "beep" might be louder because it occasionally goes unnoticed and the vegetables overcook as a result. I simply set my own timer to ensure that I can remove the vegetables on time. Additionally, it is great that I can cook the vegetables OVER THE RICE and kill two birds with one stone, but the timing of the vegetables varies when I cook them over the rice, so I typically attempt to steam the vegetables separately. Overall, it's the best rice maker I've ever owned. Although the additional capabilities may not be as straightforward or useful as they could be, I got it to cook rice, and it does that job PERFECTLY. The additional features are a fantastic bonus for a great price.



Proctor Silex 37534Nr Rice Cooker, 8 Cups Cooked, White Review:


This one keeps it straightforward and doesn't attempt to outdo humanity's greatest innovation, the rice cooker, which we now know to be. For a few years, I used a different automatic rice cooker with a lot of features. However, making plain white rice takes 40 minutes, and the water level needed to be exact to ensure nice rice. When it comes to rice, I cannot stand that sort of disgraceful conduct. Additionally, cleaning it was more difficult, and I hardly ever utilized the other features anyhow.Therefore, when I was looking for a new one, I wanted it to be very fundamental and reliable. You shouldn't tamper with rice unless you want to offend the stomach lord. This one completes the task flawlessly. Rice that is shiny, crisp, and flaky can be prepared in 20 minutes. The percentage of water doesn't matter as much. Too much water is typically not an issue with simple cookers because good rice absorbs a lot of water and the remainder escapes as steam. Unless you purchase an expensive one with a lid that is hole-free. Purchase this or any other of the many basic, inexpensive rice cookers like it if you love rice, which you should. The most gorgeous cuisine on the planet may be obtained in the simplest, quickest, most hassle-free manner possible. I would definitely advise against purchasing a fancy, pricey one. This is one of those situations where complexity is superfluous and simplicity is preferable. I consume rice on a daily basis, and practically everyone I know cooks it with a basic rice cooker. I hope my analysis is useful.



Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 Mini Rice Cooker Steamer with with Removable Nonstick Pot, Keep Warm Function & Recipe Guide, Aqua Review:


I purchased this little rice cooker as a present for myself because I enjoy rice but my spouse does not. It's excellent, and I've had it for about a month. Simply add the rice, the water, and hit the cook button. I was concerned that the warming feature, which kicks in after cooking is complete, might cause the rice to overcook, but every time I've gotten beautiful sticky rice that tastes exactly how I want it. The rice cooker is considerably more convenient than a stovetop, takes up very little space, and is simple to clean. Although it must be unplugged in order to turn off, it's really not a big deal. It comes with a measuring cup and instructions, but I've been getting good results with a 2 (water) to 1 (rice) ratio.



Aroma Simply Stainless Rice Cooker, White [Cooks 3 cups of uncooked rice] Review:


I've already over-thought everything, so there's no need to do it again. A rice cooker, that is. No fuzzy logic exists. There are no various settings. When you touch the button, the rice is cooked. I'm done now. (See "SCIENCE!" at the conclusion of this review for more information.)I prefer the rice and whatever we put in the Instant Pot to be ready at the same time, so we bought a rice cooker to go with it.1) The pot is made entirely out of stainless steel. Lack of a non-stick coating That's why we purchased it. As much heat as possible will be transferred up to the pot from the base of the pot, which is shaped to sit flat on the heating element.2) I use a pat of butter to flavor and avoid sticking when I cook rice or quinoa. However, if kept in "Keep Warm" for too long (around an hour), the rice will adhere to the inner pot's bottom. The answer? After serving out seconds, unplug the appliance to avoid crispy rice in the bottom. Additionally, a brief soak in the sink in silence will release any adherents if rice does become stuck.3) Before cooking, I measure the rice into the inner pot and rinse it twice with cold water, swirling each time. This gives the rice a more restaurant-like flavor and texture by washing part of the starch from the outside of the rice kernel. According to what I understand, brown rice needs to be thoroughly rinsed in order to prevent both the pit from bubbling over and the rice from being a sticky, gloppy mess.4) I sip from the pot's included cup. To use the fill numbers on the side of the pot, you must use this 1-gou measurement. 3 gou of rice, water to the #3 mark on the pot, and start the video.5) I purchased the 4-year Asurion warranty for it. Why? Because of quality control standards, the likelihood that the rice pot's element or thermocouple (see below) may malfunction eventually is simply higher for any model of rice pot priced under $150. If the pot shoots craps, I get a new one for the extra $2 or so it cost me.I'm done now. This tiny gem is doing well so far.SCIENCE! How does it determine when your rice is finished? similar to how your furnace recognizes when a space has warmed to a comfortable level. A thermocouple (a temperature-activated switch) is located within the heating unit and keeps the heating element on as long as the water boils (212 degrees Fahrenheit) inside the pot. The thermocouple switches off the high heat when all the water has boiled out and the temperature within the pot starts to rise.



Aroma Arc Rice Cooker and Food Steamer, 3-Cup (Uncooked) 6-Cup (Cooked) (2 Pack Black) Review:


Reading the directions for this rice cooker from Aroma, a company that creates an amazing variety of different cookers, made me incredibly happy because it specifies different water levels depending on whether you are cooking white or brown rice. Hello, don't the other manufacturers realize that there is a difference in reality? To cook brown rice properly, extra liquid is needed. Do yourself a tremendous favor and make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly according to the instructions. I can't stress this specific tip enough since it truly does make a difference and keeps the rice from burning or sticking to the bottom of the cooking dish in addition to preventing liquid spillover. A teaspoon of cooking oil should be added for every two measured cups of dry rice. Safflower oil is what I use because it doesn't change the taste of the rice and because I also use it in the wok.This is a tiny little cooker that is only suitable for one or two people, especially for cooking brown rice, which can only be cooked with a maximum of 2 cups of uncooked rice before yielding 4 cups of cooked rice. My husband and I are empty-nesters, so this is ideal.I prepared 4 cups of brown rice in 45 minutes today after preparing 2 cups in around 40 minutes yesterday night. The rice in both batches turned out perfectly! I produced 4 more cups of rice and steamed frozen haricot vert during the final 10 minutes of cooking after entirely letting the appliance cool. OMG(osh!) We won't ever need to order rice again when we order Thai or Chinese meals. It is prepared in the time required for delivery by this tiny marvel.Update 12/23/16: I still adore this tiny rice cooker so much! This appliance, in my opinion, is the best I've bought in a while. This tiny marvel simply cooks with all of its might! Every time, it produces a beautiful ascent. Once more, rinsing the rice is the key.9.12.17 update: Still amazing!



Aroma Housewares ARC-954SBD Rice Cooker, 4-Cup uncooked 2.5 Quart, Professional Version Review:


Okay. Based on the rice it produces, its ease of use, and its design, I'll give it five stars. Yes, it does produce nearly flawless rice, including white, brown, wild, and other grains. It includes a tiny measuring cup. The internal water level markings, which are not particularly visible, are calibrated for the quantity of these tiny cups of grain you use. But why is the cup just approximately 3/4 cup? Because that is 1 gou, which is how much rice is often served in Japan. It's not a big deal, though. It also doesn't matter if it's challenging to read the water markings inside. Simply mix one measure of rice with one measure of water. I know. That's not the standard ratio for rice cooked on a stove.At start, there is some learning involved. I use more water when I cook brown rice—probably 1.5 cups of water for every cup of rice. And certain types of rice need more water since they are drier than others. You can, in my opinion, add a bit more water, but you don't want to add too little because the rice won't be entirely cooked. For instance, I accidentally used a full one cup measure but added water to the line for two gou because I forgot about the tiny measuring cup. My rice was a little bit undercooked.Keep in mind that the cooker is capable of detecting when the water has been absorbed. Because the temperature cannot rise above 212F while there is free water in the pot, rice cookers function (at sea level). So, once the pot temperature reaches about 212F, all that needs to be done is to stop cooking and raise the temperature to warm. It works for all grains because of this. Thus, the rice is only truly cooked when the water has been absorbed by the grains.You will now notice that various rice cooker recipes and cooker types propose all kinds of different ratios. For white rice, many people use a ratio of 1.5:1. With a 2:1 ratio, quinoa is more content. Any reasonable approximation will do as long as you use enough water to completely boil the grain after the water is gone. If you add a little bit extra water than is necessary, the food will continue to cook until it is absorbed. It might become a little softer than you'd want, but that's the worst that can happen. When you open the pot and discover it isn't quite done, you can even correct it. Simply add a little more water to restart the cycle. Intake of that water will still be detected by the cooker. That is what makes a rice cooker so wonderful. It also doesn't have to be watched, so it can sort of peek under the lid for you.


How do I choose an electric rice cooker?

When choosing an electric rice cooker, it is important to consider the size of the unit, the features offered, and the price. The size of the unit will determine how much rice it can cook at one time, which is important to consider if you have a large family or entertain often. The features offered by the different units can vary, but some common features to look for include a keep-warm function, a timer, and a removable pot. The price of the unit will also vary, so it is important to find one that fits your budget.

How long does a rice cooker last?

How much should I spend on a rice cooker?

You should spend as much as you can afford on a rice cooker. The better the quality, the more consistent your rice will be.

Is it OK to open a rice cooker while cooking?

If you're wondering whether it's okay to open a rice cooker while cooking, the answer is yes! It's perfectly fine to open the lid to check on the rice or to add ingredients.

What else can you cook in a rice cooker?

A rice cooker is not just for cooking rice. It can also be used to cook other grains, such as quinoa, couscous, and barley. You can also use it to cook beans, stews, and soups.

What is a good cheap rice cooker?

A good cheap rice cooker is one that can cook rice evenly and quickly without sticking, and one that is easy to clean. Some models have a keep warm function that can be handy, but not all models do.