Koreans love their rice. In fact, the average Korean eats about 60kg of rice per year! That’s a lot of rice, and it’s no wonder that they have some of the best rice cookers in the world.
We’ve looked into many models and chose the best Korean cookers for you. Cuckoo CRP-P0609S became our top choice. When looking for the best Korean rice cooker, first thing you need to consider is the capacity. Most Korean households have at least 4 members, so you’ll likely find a cooker with at least 6-cup capacity. Secondly, you need to make sure that the cooker comes with a steamer basket. This is essential for cooking perfect rice. Lastly, you’ll want to get a cooker with a keep warm function, which comes in handy for busy families.
The Best Korean Rice Cookers Reviews
1. Cuckoo CRP-P0609S - Editor's Choice
The CUCKOO CRP-P0609S is our top pick for best Korean rice cooker because it has an optimal capacity, a handy LED display panel, and simple touch controls. It also comes with a steamer basket, a keep warm function, and an auto-clean function. The stainless steel X-Wall inner pot with premium nonstick diamond coating is scratch-resistant and easy to clean. The CUCKOO CRP-P0609S also has a voice navigation feature in English, Korean, and Chinese.
The Cuckoo CRP P0609S has an advanced system that detects and adjusts the temperature and pressure automatically to ensure your rice is perfectly cooked every time. The model has innovative technology that offers a safe steam release, which softly and quietly releases the steam for a convenient and safe experience. The model also has other safety features including an overheat alarm, which is ideal for busy family homes, where you may get a little distracted when you’re preparing dinner.
What stands out?
- Non-stick inner pot Detachable inner lid
- Can double as a pressure cooker
- High quality build
- Simple touch controls
- Overheating alarm
- Safe steam release function
- Fuzzy Logic technology
What cons did we manage to find?
- Some users found the machine a bit noisy
- Quite heavy for a rice cooker of this capacity
2. CUCKOO CRP-LHTR1009F - Premium Pick
The Cuckoo CRP-LHTR1009F is a high-end 10-cup capacity rice cooker that uses induction heating for even and consistent cooking. It has a 304 food-grade stainless steel inner pot with premium X-Wall nonstick black coating that is scratch-resistant, built to last and easy to clean. The LED touch-controls are user-friendly, and the 3-language voice guide (Korean, Chinese, English) is a nice feature. The reheat option and keep-warm function are both appreciated conveniences.
The CUCKOO CRP-LHTR1009F is one of the newer Cuckoo models and is one of the most hi tech options on the market. This rice cooker is ideal for those who are serious about making different types of rice perfectly. You can choose between pressure cooking and non pressure cooking and there are 16 built in settings for a variety of dishes including scorched rice, veggie rice and even baby food.
What are our favorite features?
Large capacity16 menu optionsLED touch-controlsFuzzy Logic technology for perfect resultsAuto-clean function
What could be better?
- Expensive
- Not ideal for small families or single people
3. CUCKOO CR-0631F - Best Value
The CUCKOO CR-0631F is a great rice cooker that has a lot of features making it very user-friendly, such as the digital controls and LCD display. The detachable inner lid is also a great feature, as it makes it easy to clean. The 10 menu options give you a lot of flexibility in terms of cooking rice, and the included rice measuring cup ensures that you always measure the rice correctly. The non-toxic nonstick inner pot is also a great feature, as it is very durable and easy to clean. The excess water drainage tray is also a great feature, as it allows you to easily remove any excess water that may have been left over from cooking.
While there are some excellent Cuckoo models on the market, if your budget is a little tight, you don’t need to compromise too much with the Cuckoo CR 0631F. This is one of the more budget models that still has a six cup capacity and can cook your rice perfectly. Of course, there are some compromises, such as a lack of delay timer and no fancy menu settings, but if you’re after a more basic rice cooker, this one offers great value for money.
Why is it special?
- 10 menu options
- User-friendly
- Digital controls
- LCD display included
- Rice measuring cup
- Detachable inner lid
- Non-stick and non-toxic Inner pot
- Smart functions
What are the flaws?
- The menu display is a bit small to read
4. CUCKOO CRP-DHSR0609FD - Most Menu Options
The CUCKOO CRP-DHSR0609FD is a top-of-the-line rice cooker that has a 6-cup capacity and 17 menu options. Some of the menu options include GABA rice, brown rice, glutinous/white rice, sushi rice, sticky rice, pressure cook, multi-cook, and bread baking along with auto-clean. This rice cooker also has an energy-saving smart algorithm that automatically detects the grain type and internal temperature. The eco-friendly stainless steel inner pot has a X-Wall nonstick coating that is easy to clean. The LED touch controls are user-friendly and the 3-language voice guide (Korean, Chinese, English) is helpful. There is also a preset timer, reheat option, and keep-warm function.
Unlike many of the other cookers in the product line up, the Cuckoo CRP DHSR0609FD has a sophisticated dark hematite finish that gives it an aesthetic edge over other models. It also features induction heating. Compared to the traditional bottom plate heating of a Korean rice cooker, induction technology means that the inner pot is completely surrounded with heat for more efficient and quicker cooking, without compromising on the quality of your cook. So, you can enjoy delicious, perfectly cooked rice every time.
What makes it special?
- 17 menu options
- Energy-saving smart algorithm
- Stainless steel inner pot with X-Wall nonstick coating
- LED touch controls
What cons did we find?
- Lots of functions to learn
- Not great with oats
- No auto-clean function
5. CUCKOO CMC-QSB501S - Most Versatile Rice Cooker
The CUCKOO CMC-QSB501S is an 8-in-1 pressure cooker that can also function as a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, food warmer, yogurt maker, sous vide, and sauté pan. It has a modern LED screen and touch controls for ease of use. This pressure cooker also has a 2-language voice guide (English, Chinese) to help with cooking. It can cook meals up to 70% faster than traditional stovetop cooking methods. The 5-quart 2-ply nonstick inner pot is constructed of food-grade stainless steel and aluminum for durability and even heating. This pressure cooker has a 26 PSI (178 KPa) rating. It comes with a rice spatula, rice measuring cup, detachable inner lid, steam plate, product manual, and recipe book.
Like many of the Cuckoo models, the CUCKOO CMC-QSB501S incorporates a number of safety features such as the digitally programmed automatic steam release and a keep warm mode. However, this model also has an auto clean function. This is an unusual feature that uses pressure cooker steam to sanitize the cooker and the 2PLY Clad inner pot. So, if your sticky rice ended up a little too sticky, you don’t need to worry about a tricky clean up.
What makes it special?
- 8-in-1
- Modern LED screen with touch controls
- Preset timer
- 2-language voice guide (English, Chinese)
- Cooks meals up to 70% faster than traditional stove
What cons did we find?
- The instruction doesn’t have Korean version
Things to Consider
If you’re looking for a new rice cooker and are interested in Korean culture or cuisine, you may be wondering if there are any special considerations to keep in mind. In fact, there are a few things that make Korean rice cookers unique, and we’ll go over them in this buying guide. We’ll also give you some tips on what to look for in general, whether you’re buying a Korean rice cooker or any other type.
Benefits of Korean Rice Cookers
There are a few things that make Korean rice cookers stand out from the crowd. For one, they often come with multiple cooking settings, so you can find one that best suits your needs. They also typically have a detachable power cord, so you can easily move it around as needed.
Another benefit of Korean rice cookers is that they’re often made with stainless steel or ceramic inner pots. This material is known for being durable and non-stick, so it’s easy to clean. It also helps to evenly distribute heat, so your rice comes out perfectly cooked every time.
Finally, Korean rice cookers are often more affordable than other brands on the market. So, if you’re looking for a quality cooker that won’t break the bank, you may want to consider one of the options we discuss above.
How to Choose the Best Korean Rice Cooker
Now that you know a little more about what makes Korean rice cookers special, let’s talk about how to choose the best one for your needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop:
Brand
There are not so many Korean rice cooker brands on the US market. The most popular is the Cuckoo, which is known for its high quality and durability. You may also want to check out our reviews of the best Cuckoo rice cookers to see what all the hype is about.
Capacity
Most Korean rice cooker come with the capacity of 6 cups and more
Korean rice cookers come in a variety of capacities, from small 3-cup cookers to large 16-cup ones. Choose the size that best suits your needs. If you have a large family or entertain often, you may want to opt for a larger cooker.
Materials
As we mentioned above, Korean rice cookers often have stainless steel or ceramic inner pots. These materials are durable and non-stick, so they’re very easy to clean. We have compiled a nice list of the best stainless steel rice cookers if you want to know more.
Menu Options
Many Korean rice cookers come with multiple menu options, so you can choose the one that best suits according to your needs and meal preferences. For example, some have a “quick” or “brown rice” setting. We also recommend checking out our list of the best rice cookers for brown rice if this is your favorite type of rice.
Cooking Settings
Multiple settings allow you to cook different kinds of rice and some even allow you to make soups
As we mentioned above, Korean rice cookers typically come with multiple cooking settings. This means you can use them for more than just cooking rice. Some even have a slow cooking function, so you can use them to make stews and soups.
Warming Function
Some Korean rice cookers come with a warming function that keeps your rice warm for up to 12 hours. This is a great feature if you want to be able to eat rice throughout the day.
Fuzzy Logic
Korean rice cookers often come with fuzzy logic, which is a feature that allows the cooker to automatically adjust the cooking time and temperature. This is great if you’re new to cooking rice, as it takes the guesswork out of the process.
Detachable Power Cord
As we mentioned above, many Korean rice cookers come with a detachable power cord. This is a great feature if you need to move your cooker around as needed.
Power Consumption
Korean rice cookers use from 500 to 1,500 watts of power. The wattage depends on the size and features of the cooker.
Warranty
Korean rice cookers typically come with a 1-year warranty. However, some brands offer a longer warranty of up to 5 years.
Price
Korean rice cookers can range in price from $90 to $600. Choose the one that best fits your budget.
Accessories
Measuring cup, spatula and steamer basket are typical accessories that come with rice cookers
Some Korean rice cookers come with accessories, such as a measuring cup, serving spatula, or steamer basket. These can be great additions if you want to make sure you have everything you need to cook rice.
Other Features to Consider
There are a few other features you may want to consider when choosing a Korean rice cooker. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Delayed Start Timer: This is a great feature if you want to be able to set your rice cooker to start cooking at a later time.
- Reheat Function: This is a great feature if you want to be able to reheat your rice without having to cook it again.
- Portability: Some Korean rice cookers are portable, so you can take them with you when you travel. This is a great feature if you want to be able to enjoy rice while on the go.
How to Use a Korean Rice Cooker
Remember to let the cooked rice rest for a few minutes before serving
Now that you know how to choose the best Korean rice cooker for your needs, let’s talk about how to use it. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Read the Manual
The first thing you should do when using a new rice cooker is to read the manual. This will help you understand all the features and how to use them.
2. Rinse the Rice
Before cooking, it’s important to rinse the rice in cold water. This will help remove any impurities and make the rice cook more evenly.
3. Add Water
Once you’ve rinsed the rice, add water to the pot. The amount of water you need will depend on the type of rice you’re cooking. For example, brown rice requires more water than white rice.
4. Cook the Rice
Once you’ve added the water, turn on the rice cooker and let it cook until the rice is done. Depending on the type of rice you’re cooking, this can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
5. Let the Rice Rest
Once the rice is cooked, it’s important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the rice absorb all the water and become more fluffy.
6. Serve the Rice
Once the rice has rested, use a spoon or spatula to scoop it into bowls. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
FAQ
How long does it take to cook rice in a Korean rice cooker?
The amount of time it takes to cook rice in a Korean rice cooker will depend on the type of rice you’re cooking. For example, brown rice requires more time than white rice. Typically, it takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to cook rice.
Can I use a Korean rice cooker to cook other things besides rice?
Yes, you can use a Korean rice cooker to cook other things, such as vegetables or soup. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature depending on what you’re cooking.
What is the best way to clean a Korean rice cooker?
The best way to clean a Korean rice cooker is to rinse the pot with warm water and then use a mild soap if needed. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, as this can damage the pot.
Do I need to use special rice for a Korean rice cooker?
No, you don’t need to use special rice for a Korean rice cooker. However, we recommend using short-grain rice, as it will cook more evenly.
I’m having trouble cooking rice in my Korean rice cooker. What should I do?
If you’re having trouble cooking rice in your Korean rice cooker, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure you’re using the correct amount of water. Second, try cooking the rice for a shorter or longer period of time. And third, make sure the rice is properly rinsed before cooking.
Our verdict
After carefully considering all the factors, we’ve decided that the best Korean rice cooker is the Cuckoo CRP-P0609S. It’s made with high-quality materials and has plenty of features that make it easy to use. It comes with 12 menu options and a variety of safety features.
The CUCKOO CRP-LHTR1009F is a premium quality rice cooker that comes with a 10-cup capacity, 16 menu options, user-friendly LED touch-controls, and a preset timer. The Fuzzy Logic technology ensures that your rice comes out perfectly cooked and an auto-clean function makes it very easy to maintain.
The CUCKOO CR-0631F is our third pick of the best Korean rice cookers for those looking for one with plenty of features like 10 menu options, user-friendly digital controls, and a super durable nonstick inner pot.
We hope our guide has helped you choose the best Korean rice cooker for your needs. Now that you know how to use one, it’s time to get cooking!
