Tell me you love rice but are tired of the constant disappointment of making it since your rice always turns out mushy or stony-hard. Worry not, as you are not alone. If you want to prepare rice on your own whenever the urge strikes, there is only one solution: the rice cooker. With its quickness and precision, you can make your rice sticky or fluffy however you want.
You see, the world is moving at a fast pace, and not everyone has the time to stand by the stove while they cook rice every time. This is evident from the figures that show over 209.6 thousand units of rice cookers were sold in 2022 in Thailand and worldwide.
So, are you all set to bid farewell to rice cooking hiccups and want to incorporate a rice cooker into your kitchen arsenal? Why not read the following article to figure out which one suits you the best?
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Instant Pot RIO
- Best Multi-Functional: Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Digital Cool
- Best Small: BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker
- Best High-Tech: Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker
- Best Portable: DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer
1. Instant Pot RIO
Here is RIO by Instant Pot, your perfect cooking ally. Why? Because it is more than just a basic rice cooker, making cooking more effortless than ever. Its seven different cooking modes — pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, and food warmer — combine to make it a seven-in-one appliance for a mere $99.
With its amazing 6-quart capacity, it’s a must-have device for every medium- to large-sized family. Its updated design and one-touch technology make cooking 70% faster, thus saving you valuable time. The easy-to-cook and versatile features are ready to revolutionize your culinary experience. Why settle for less when RIO is ready to adorn your kitchen countertop?
Pros
Amazing 7-in-1 functionality
Easy-to-use control panel
Super safe steam release feature
You can cook anything from rice to eggs, make yogurt to pasta
The slim design fits on any countertop
Cons
Some learning curve requires trial and error
The slow cook feature is quite hot
2. Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Digital Cool
Do you often crave having ready-to-serve rice at home when you are on the go? What if I told you that your wish has come true with the Aroma rice cooker for only $29? Incredible, isn’t it? The 15-Hour Delay Timer allows you to preset our cooking time. Moreover, after cooking, it automatically shifts to the warm option, keeping your rice fresh.
Additionally, its 2-quart capacity is ideal for small families or single people, unlike RIO. The steam tray has made cooking nutritious vegetables and meat with rice quite hassle-free. So when the Aroma is there, why care?
Pros
- Multi-Functional Use
- User-Friendly Programming
- Modernized Inner Pot
Cons
The rice cooker frequently malfunctions, leaving uncooked rice in lukewarm water
For more than one small serving of any vegetable, the steamer basket is too small
3. BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker
Say goodbye to soggy or burnt rice, as the BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker is here to give you fluffier rice for only $22. Additionally, the steam basket enables you to cook vegetables and fish simultaneously, resulting in meals that are both wholesome and well-balanced. Moreover, this cooker does not stop at rice alone; its versatile dishes, like soups and stews, will make your taste buds even happier.
Not to mention that it is the perfect kitchen appliance for small to medium servings due to its 1–6 cup capacity. Your dinner will stay warm even if it is delayed, thanks to the automatic option. So why hesitate?
Pros
Multi-Purpose Steaming Basket
Versatile Cooking Options
Automatic Keep Warm
Convenient and easy to clean
Nonstick Rice Pot
Cons
Doesn’t make 6 cups despite being advertised so
Not dishwasher safe
4. Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker
If you are tech-savvy, why don’t you try the Zojirushi rice cooker, which thinks it provides you with restaurant-style rice every time? That, too, is $189. Unbelievable, right? Its thinkable property allows it to make adjustments in temperature and cooking time.
Along with it, its spherical nonstick inner pot permits even cooking. And its inbuilt melody to signal the end of cooking time and detachable lid make cooking even more heavenly.
Pros
Advanced Fuzzy Logic technology for precise temperature and heating adjustments
Black thick spherical pan with stay-cool side handles for even heating
Easy-to-read LCD control panel for convenient operation
Delay timer with two settings for flexible meal planning
LCD clock and timer for easy monitoring and precise cooking
Cons
It takes longer cooking time
It is a bit over expensive for the limited functionality it provides
5. DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer
Whether you own a small kitchen and apartment, live in a college dorm, or are out on a camping tour, the portable and compact DASH mini rice cooker is there to flavor your taste buds. At times like these, this 2-cup mini cooker may come in handy.
Because its versatility allows you to enjoy rice but also soup, stew, pasta, and oatmeal — all in 20 minutes. To add to the game, the keep warm function prevents overcooking and overheating. Last but not least, all these features cost you only $21.
Pros
Portable and Compact
Quick and Easy
Small yet versatile
Cons
Allows hand washing only
Buying Guide for the Best Rice Cooker
When the market is saturated with plentiful rice cookers, it becomes challenging at times to pick the best one. But fidget not, as here we are explaining what features you should look for before purchasing a rice cooker.
1. Capacity
Before buying, keep in mind the number of people you need to cook for. The reason is that every cooker has a different capacity, ranging from 3, 5, and 10 cups for a small, medium, and large family, respectively.
2. Keep Warm Function
Try to buy a cooker with a “keep warm feature,” as it keeps rice at an optimal temperature before serving. Thus, it keeps them from overdrying.
3. Additional Functions
Consider a model with versatility if you want more than just a mediocre rice cooker. There are several varieties of cookers available in the market boasting features like steaming vegetables or fish simultaneously, etc.
4. Easy Cleaning
Evaluate whether the available cooker has a detachable lid and an inner pot, can be washed in the dishwasher, or requires manual cleaning.
5. Cook Settings
Ensure that the available rice steamer exhibits versatile options and has flexibility in terms of cooking a variety of dishes or not.
6. Timer and Delay Start
Look at whether the cooker provides a feature that allows you to schedule your cooking process in advance or not.
7. Nonstick Interior
A nonstick inner pot prevents food from sticking inside it and permits easy washing.
8. Price and Warranty
Set your budget and look into cookers with comparable features. Additionally, ensure that a warranty is being provided against a manufacturing fault.
9. Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews
Last but not least, popular brands do sell reliable products, and reading user reviews may give you insights into the reliability of the product.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, whenever you want to buy a rice cooker, take a look at the features described above. With appropriate capacity conforming to your family and budget, versatility, additional features, ease of use, and compactness, enjoying rice is just a click away.
By carefully analyzing the above factors, you can make a better decision. about the rice cooker that best matches your needs and requirements, and thus you can start enjoying mouth-licking rice every day.
