Best Rice Cookers Review

​A rice cooker is one appliance that is hard to miss in most modern homes, particularly in any home where rice and whole grains are a special delicacy. It comes in handy when you want to prepare tasty dishes for the family or even a gathering of people.

Such flavorsome dishes can be white/sushi rice, brown rice, jambalaya, gumbos, stews, soups, breakfast frittatas, desserts, porridge, or even boiling some grains.  You may even opt to use your rice cooker to prepare some chicken, Caribou or even beef.

Perhaps you have been preparing your meals with an old crock pot or a stovetop pressure cooker that does not give you the exact results you desire, or it takes forever to prepare your meals.  Now, you want to toss away that appliance and get yourself a brand new rice cooker.

They come in unique sizes, design, color, price; they are powered by different technologies, and they offer diverse functionalities – that means if you hoping to purchase one, settling for the ideal one can rack your brain.

Luckily, we are here for you.  On this post, we review the top 10 best rice cookers in the industry.

This detailed review highlights all you need to know to make your purchasing decision.

Happy reading!

Top Rice Cookers Reviews – We Picked The Best For The Money

Aroma Houseware ARC-150SB

The Aroma Professional Plus, model Arc- 150sb, is more than a rice cooker. It is also a multi-cooker, a slow cooker, and a food steamer. Being a multi-cooker, you can prepare recipes like stews, soups, breakfast frittatas, desserts, gumbos, jambalaya, and so on.  It comes in two models: a basic and professional version.

You will love the shiny exterior finish, which is all stainless steel; this finish perfectly blends with other kitchen wares.  Its inner pot is coated with a nonstick finish.  On top of that, it has a piquant digital control box.  This control panel has various cooking settings and a small LCD screen that shows the timer when cooking.

Some of the functions included are White rice, brown rice, sushi rice, quick rice, slow cook, steam cook, and soup.  Then, there is a Keep-Warm setting, Slow Cook, Flash Rice, Delay Timer setting, and a Saute-Then-Simmer function setting.

With a built-in steamer function, you can prepare nutrient-rich recipes as you cook rice or soup below.  This steamer tray is removable; plus, it is spacious enough to fit a decent portion of vegetables. When not using this tray, simply detach it and store it inside the unit.

As you cook, steam rises via vent without bubbling all over lid; there are no messes to clean up, whatsoever.

Also, with the Aroma Rice Cooker, you don’t have to worry about whether you turned off the stove.  Set it and forget. The rice cooker enhances ‘nutritious cooking’; once the rice has cooked, it automatically switches to “Warm Mode”.

Cleaning this rice cooker is bliss; you only need a damp cloth to wipe it clean.

Its manual is straightforward to read; it has detailed instructions and even some additional recipes you can try you.

Lastly, it comes with accessories like a steam tray, measuring cup, a rice spatula, and a soup spoon.

Pros

• Manual has straightforward instructions
• Price friendly
• Easy to clean
• Simple to operate
• Multi-cooking functions
• Automatic Keep Warm mode
• 5-year warranty

Cons

• Shorter cord compared to other appliances
• The cord is not retractable
• The lid is not detachable

Aroma Houseware (ARC-914SBD)

If you are looking for an affordable rice cooker, the ARC-915sBD may please you. It is China made, and although it is low-priced, it rivals most high-priced rice cookers on the market when it comes to the quality of rice it produces.

It is exceptional when it comes to the quality of the food it delivers. Also, it offers several functionalities to simplify your cooking experience.

So what will you love about this rice maker? First, it cooks that yummy, soft-textured rice. Then it is simple to operate, and it is equipped with most of the cooking functions that will make your cooking experience exciting.

With a built-in steamer function and cooking options like Saute-then-Simmer and Slow Cook, you get to prepare nutritious and delicious meals with the Aroma 8-cup rice cooker, like a boss.  You can even be more creative with your meals since it has menu settings like White Rice, Brown Rice, and Steam Function.

Compact but solidly built, the ARC-914SBD has a classy look with its exterior finish, which is all stainless steel.  As for its inner pot, it has a nonstick coating.  It is a portable machine, given it has dimensions of 8.5” x 9.3” x 8.7”, and weighing about 4.2 pounds.  Although it is compact-sized, this rice cooker can prepare anywhere between two and eight cups of rice (4-cups uncooked).

As the rice cooks below, you can steam vegetables and meat above using the steam basket, which is big enough to fit a decent portion of vegetables. However, this steam basket is designed with BPA-free plastic material.

Once the rice has finished cooking, the machine automatically turns to “Keep Warm” mode; this mode can last up to 10 hours.  Plus, it takes around 20 minutes to steam rice.

Cleaning this unit is pretty straightforward.  Although its lid does not come off, the inside pot is removable.

Another thing you will love about this rice cooker is that it does not leave a mess after cooking; steam escapes through perforations on the lid, leaving no mess, little if any.   Once your rice is ready, this appliance will alert you with a beep sound; the beep is not loud to annoy roommates.

Accessories included: non-stick inner pot, rice measuring cup, steamer tray, steam tray, and a plastic rice spatula.

PS: it comes in a white and silver color.

Pros

• Easy to clean
• Simple to operate
• Cooks delicious rice
• Affordable price
• Compact design
• Delay timer
• Steaming function

Cons

• No timer
• Few advanced settings
• The power cord is not retractable

Instant Pot LUX Mini 3

Meet the LUX Mini 3, designed with an advanced Microprocessor Technology to take your cooking experience to the next level. It is a combination of six kitchen appliances: it is a Saute pan, a Warmer, a Steamer, a Rice Cooker, a Slow Cooker, and a Pressure Cooker.

With a built-in microprocessor, the LUX 3 does the thinking as you attend to other matters. It keeps track of time, it adjusts heat intensity; it monitors the temperature and pressure. That gives you the freedom to do other things as your meal cooks.

It is fitted with a large, nice-looking control panel. So sensitive are the digital controls, they will respond even to a slight tap.  Some of the cooking functions on this rice cooker include Soup/Broth, Meat/Stew, Saute, Rice, Porridge, Steam, Slow Cook, Pressure Cook, and even Egg settings.

On top of that, it can automatically keep food warm for up to 10 hours; plus, you can set the Delay Start setting to up to 24 hours.

The lid, the inside of the pot, and steam rack are stainless steel; they are both designed with Food Type 304 (18/8) – that means no chemical coating.  For optimal heating, the cooker is designed with tri-ply bottom, so that heat is evenly distributed.

Using the high-pressure mode, you can save energy and cooking time.  It takes approximately 20-25 minutes to cook most meals, but for meat and grains like beans, it can take up to 60-70 minutes.  Furthermore, the temperature is adjustable to a variety of settings. For instance, the Saute setting has three temperature settings.

Measuring 11.5” x 10.5” x 10.5”, this rice cooker does not take up much space. The main body, steam rack, and the cooking pot are made of stainless steel. On the side, it has handles that are always cool to touch.  The inner surface of the cooking pot has no coating; it is all steel.  Its exterior is well-polished, and it is resistant to fingerprints.

Another thing you will love about the LUX Mini-3 is that it releases less steam compared to stovetop pressure cookers. Also, while other models from LUX have both high and low-pressure values, this specific model is a high-pressure cooker only.

You can get either a 3-squat or an 8-squat.

Pros

• Smart technology simplifies cooking
• Simple to use and set up
• Saves times on cooking
• Comes with a recipe booklet
• Cooks meals without leaving a mess
• Easy-to-read digital display

Cons

• The power cord is not retractable

Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker (NS-TSC10)

If you are looking for a cooker that will stand the test of time, and one that is not overly priced, you could get the NS-TSC10 model by Zojirushi. Zojirushi’s craftsmanship spans decades of years. Just recently, the industry player celebrated 100 years of service delivery.

No doubt, you will love the compact-sized design that is matched with a polished finish. Apart from that, it comes with all those settings you need to transform your cooking experience.

One major selling point is that it is powered by a micro-computerized fuzzy logic technology; a microchip technology that simplifies the cooking process. Specifically, this technology adjusts heating time and temperature for optimal results.

Although it’s compact-sized, this machine is engineered with digital controls, sensors, and accessories to simplify your cooking experience. There is a lovely control panel with the various menu functions, like Menu settings, START/REHEAT setting, TIMER setting, and KEEP WARM setting.

This control panel is fitted with a backlit LCD screen that shows the actual timer during cooking. Attached to the main body is a handle for carrying the cooker, and on each side, it is fitted with a spatula holder attachment.  The inner pot has a nonstick coating.

It has a huge selection of cooking functions, including Mixed, Rice, White/Sushi Rice, Brown Rice, Steam, Cake, Porridge, and Quick Cooking.

More importantly, the NS-TSC10 is outstanding at what it does.  You want neatly steamed rice, or fluffy yellow sponge cake or some hot porridge early in the morning, the NS-TSC10 has got you covered.  It is capable of cooking up to 10 cups of uncooked rice, which yields 20 cups of cooked rice.

Because it has a steaming basket, you can steam your veggies and other delicacies as you cook the rice below.

Also, this machine makes beeping sounds (which you can interchange with a melody) to alert you are when preparing those tasty meals. The machine beeps when cooking begins; when you set the timer; and when cooking/reheating completes. If you don’t like the beeping sounds, you can disable the sounds.

Cleaning the rice cooker is not a challenge.  You only need a soft, damp cloth. The inner lid set has a knob, which when pulled, the lid detaches for easier cleaning.

The package includes these accessories: Spatula, spatula holder, steaming basket, and a measuring cup.  Plus, it comes with a well-detailed manual that shares some tips on how to cook various kinds of delicious recipes.

Pros

• Perfectly cooks fluffy, tasty rice
• The lid is detachable
• Easy to clean
• It has a retractable cord
• Compact, sleek design
• Beeps and melodies
• It has a programmable delay timer
• It is portable

Cons

• Expensive
• No Slow Cooker

Zojirushi NS-ZCC18-10 Cups

The NS-ZCC18 features the same compact, sturdy design as the NS-TSC10 model.   Although they share some similar features, there are some striking differences; for example, this model does not have a steaming basket, and it is heavier compared to the NS-TSC10.

Like the NS-TSC10 model, it is powered by Microcomputer Technology, a smart technology that automatically adjusts cooking time and food temperatures, depending on which rice you are cooking.  With MICOM Technology, you will find the NS-ZCC18 simple to operate with the multiple functions it offers.

The main body construction includes the inner pot that has a nonstick coating, a lid, and a well-configured Control Panel.  Fitted on this control panel are a backlit LCD screen and a variety of cooking functions.   This backlit screen shows the clock as well as the timer.

Some of the cooking functions to experiment with include White Rice, Regular/Sushi, Softer, harder, Brown, Mixed, Porridge, and even a setting for Quick Cooking.

In the same way, the NS-TSC10 model alerts you with beeps or melodies, this one does the same thing. When it comes to cleaning, it is overly simplistic, especially because the lid is detachable.

Its manual is detailed with straightforward instructions, and they have listed some recipes to spice up your cooking experience. It even has steps on how to cook rice in case you don’t have much experience in the kitchen.

Lastly, it comes with accessories like a Spatula, Spatula Holder, 2-measuring cups,

Pros

•  It comes with a retractable code
• Simple to operate
• Easy to clean
• Multi-cooking selections
• Smart technology enhances cooking
• Delay timer program
• Automatic Keep Warm mode

Cons

• No steaming basket
• Costly

Tiger Corporation JBV-A1OU-W

The Tiger Corporation JBV-A1OU-W is yet another Rice Cooker that is worth the money.  It prepares delicious rice, even Japanese who have owned several rice cookers would love it. Although it does not come with some whistles and bells that you would find in other models, it is amazing when it comes to cooking.

A pot of rice takes 25-35 minutes to cook.  It is hard to believe a product in this price range can rival some of the high-priced machines.

The rice cooker automatically monitors cooking temperatures thanks to an Automatic Cooking Logic System.  Also, with tacook, you get to access four cooking menu settings, including The Synchrony-cooking function – with this functionality, you are able to free your time as it allows you to cook rice inside the inner pot while another dish cooks inside the tacook steam basket.  Its operational panel is quite straightforward, with all the control settings well-labeled.

Don’t let the simple look, and lack of digital display fool you.  This Rice cooker comes engineered with the vital settings and controls you need to experiment with your meals. The operational panel has four main cooking settings: Brown rice, Plain Rice, Slow Cooking, and Synchrony-cooking.  Although it lacks a Delay Timer function, it does have a Keep Warm function.

Some of the buttons (The Plain Rice and Off/Cancel button) are designed with Convex sides for those who are visually impaired.  Although it lacks a display, the menu controls have lamp indicators to signal to you which mode of cooking you are on. Also, it is incorporated with various beeping sounds to alert you when steaming, warming, cooking, or when the appliance malfunctions.

It may seem compact and simple but when it comes to engineering, it is solidly constructed. The pot and the steam tray are sturdy.

The JBV-A1OU-W holds a capacity of 5.5 cups of uncooked rice; that yields about 10 cups of cooked rice.  If you are serving a gathering of people, then you can go for the 10-cup capacity, which is a few dollars less twice the 5.5-cup capacity cooker.

Although its lid does not come off, cleaning the entire cooker is a simple job.  Also, when the rice cooks, it does not leave a mess all over.

Accessories included: Cooking plate, Measuring Cup, non-stick spatula, and Cookbook.

Pros

• Simple to clean
• Inner steam basket is detachable
• Automatic Keep Warm setting
• You will love the Synchro-cooking feature
• Affordable price

Cons

• No timer or clock
• The nonstick coating peels off with time

Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB

Meet yet another rice cooker model by Zojirushi, the NS-LGC05XB.  Many have praised this rice cooker for its results: the rice comes out fluffy, and tasty; and, as for the steel cut oatmeals, they come out with that soft texture.

It features the same solid engineering from Zojirushi – stainless steel body, fitted with a carrying handle, and a spatula holder – however, it comes with unique menu settings.  Apart from the ordinary settings (White/Mixed Rice, Brown Rice, and Sushi Rice), it has menu functions for Steel Cut Oatmeal, Long Grain White Rice, and GABA Brown Rice.

This model relies on a technology known as on Fuzzy Logic, an advanced technique that monitors the cooking settings. Settings like Temperature, Timer, and pressure are automatically adjusted.

Its control panel looks spectacular – it is fitted with unique digital control buttons, and stunning, backlit LCD display. Some of the menu settings include a Keep Warm button, a Start/Reheat setting, and a timer setting; all these settings have a tiny light indicator

This will even fit in a small space as it measures 11.9 x 9.1 x 7.5 inches. And in case you want to carry it around, it is not heavy as it weighs only six pounds. When it comes to serving, it has a cooking capacity of 3 cups (uncooked rice).

You will love that it leaves no messes to clean up after cooking. And as you cook your dishes, this model will alert you beeps, which you interchange with a melody. Also, it is easy to clean since the inner pot can be removed, and the inner lid is detachable.

It comes with these accessories: Spatula, measuring cup, and a Spatula holder.

Pros

• Smart technology simplifies cooking
• Stylish, compact design
• Delay timer
• Choose between the beep signal and a melody
• Comes with various accessories
• Has retractable cord

Cons

• Not ideal for a large serving
• Costly

Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker

Perhaps all you want is to find a rice cooker that will fit a small space, and not break the bank while at it – the Cuisinart CRC-400 rice cooker fits that description.  Weighing 7.4 ounces, it is an incredibly lightweight unit. When it comes to size, it takes up a space measuring 10.7 x 10.1 x 9.9 (inches) – even if you have limited space, this unit should find a home.

Its main frame has been rigidly constructed with stainless steel, which makes it effortless to clean.  On the sides, it has handles that are chrome plated so you don’t get burned by the hot steel when cooking.  Also, the lid has a knob that is chrome-plated for this purpose.

The top of the lid is made of glass, and it has a steam vent.  As for the inner bowl, it is made of Aluminum, and its inside has a nonstick coating. Its steaming basket is made from stainless steel while the lid is all glass.

Also, this unit is fairly simple to use.  Prepare those delicious veggies, noodles, and rice – at a press of a button.

It comes with a stainless steel steam tray; this allows you to cook your rice as you steam your favorite vegetables on top.  The Cuisinart CRC Rice cooker has a capacity of 4-cups uncooked rice; once the rice expands, that can be up to 8-cups of fluffy, delicious rice.

The unit has LED Indicators for “Warm” and “Cook” functions; it’s easy to tell which mode you are on when cooking.  The rice cooker automatically switches to Warm mode once the rice is ready.  Because it does not have an off switch, it stays in Warm Mode until you unplug the appliance.

It will impress you that as you prepare your rice with this machine, water does not bubble all over, leaving a mess. However, if you cook without having inserted the steam basket, that creates a mess.

This unit comes with accessories, such as a calibrated measuring cup, and a rice paddle.

Pros

• Automatic Keep Warm
• Cool-touch handles
• Glass lid with steam vent
• Brushed stainless steel finish

Cons

• No off-switch button

Tiger JNP-S55U-HU

Tiger brand has made a name for itself with their top-of-the-line products. The Tiger JNP-S55U-HU is another one of the brand’s creations.  Although it lacks advanced features like digital control menu functions, it does not disappoint when it comes to preparing those pleasant-tasting dishes like rice.

With this cooker, the rice cooks evenly, and it comes out soft. Whether you want to cook short grain rice, long grain rice, white rice or brown rice – best believe it that this baby can handle it.

Its main frame is rigidly crafted; this main body is made of plastic although it is finely polished to look like stainless steel. If not keen, it is hard to notice unless you touch it. Its inner pot is designed with Aluminum, and its Teflon coated. This model comes in different sizes: 3-cup; 4-cup; 5.5-cup, 8-cup and even 10-cup.

It has a small steam collector, where all the excess team collects; this means no mess when cooking. The lid has a vent for releasing the steam. Another thing you will love is that it takes less time for your rice to cook.  This baby cooks Jasmine rice in around 15 minutes.

This unit does not have an advanced Control Panel, like some models out there. It only has one switch button for powering on the appliance.  Slightly above the switch button, it has two main modes: Cook and Keep Warm.  The Automatic Keep Warm mode can last up to 12 hours.

Also, when it comes to cleaning, it’s easy. Although you cannot detach the lid, its steam vent is removable.

The Package includes rice measuring cup, a spatula, and a spatula holder.

Pros

• It automatically goes to Warm Mode
• It has a retractable cord
• Simple to operate and clean
• Japanese brand
• Compact design
• Reasonable cost

Cons

• It has no digital display
• It has no advanced control panel
• It has no steaming basket
• There are specific cooking settings

Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH Rice Cooker

If rice is one of your favorite delicacies, and you love to experiment with a variety of rice menus, the NP-HCC10XH from Zojirushi is your unit.  Apart from having superb engineering, and a sleek look, the rice cooker is wonderful when it comes to cooking a variety of rice menus.

Whether you want Brown Rice, GABA brown rice, Germinated Brown Rice, Basmati, or Jasmine rice, this rice cooker delivers splendid results.  You cannot cook rice the way this machine can.

In case you are wondering, the major difference between this model and the NT-TSC18 is the heating system technology. This model uses the Induction Heating (IH) technology while the former uses MICOM technology.

However, it features the same rigid frame as other models. Its exterior is all stainless steel matched with a grey finish. This exterior is clear-coated to make it easy to wipe clean. The frame is fitted with an advanced control panel that has various digital controls; also, it has an irresistible LCD display. This easy-to-read LCD display shows both the clock and time.

Thanks to Superior Induction Heating (IH), an advanced heating technique that relies on a magnetic field to heat the inner cooking pan, this rice cooker automatically adjusts the cooking temperatures.  Also, the cooker evenly receives heat during cooking because it receives heat from three directions: from the lid, side, and bottom.

It takes like an hour to cook Jasmine Rice, which may feel like a long wait, but the rice comes out perfectly; soft-textured.  Furthermore, this cooker does not leave wet spots.  Once the rice has finished cooking, the cooker automatically switches to Keep Warm mode; however, you can opt for the Extended Warm mode that lasts for days.

This model features a variety of menu Cooking settings: White Rice, Regular, Softer, Harder, Quick, Mixed, Sushi, Porridge, Brown and GABA brown rice. As you cook your rice, the machine will alert with a melody or a beep sound. You can pick between either.

Cleaning is easy, especially because the inner pot and the lid can be removed.  Lastly, it comes with accessories like a Spatula, Spatula holder, and a measuring cup.

Pros

• Japan-made model
• Delay Timer; up to 2 settings
• Keep Warm and Extended Keep Warm modes
• Easy to clean
• Stylish, compact design
• Cooks soft-textured rice

Cons

• No steaming basket
• It is costly
• The power cord is not retractable

Final Thoughts

You have made up your to replace your old cooker or perhaps you are getting a new one for the first time – you are now in a position to make a smart decision. Hopefully, our review has been a guide to you as you make this critical purchasing decision.  Compare and contrast the above products, then go with the model that most probably suits your purpose.