More than half of the world's population relies on rice as their primary source of nutrition. That's why rice cookers are so common in American households.
The Zojirushi NS-TSC10 was chosen as our top pick after our team of experts checked many different models. Since the amount of rice you can cook at once depends on the capacity of your appliances that was our initial consideration. Next, we compared each cooker's size and its many programmed features, since these factors determine the range of tasks that can be completed with your new cooker.
The Best Rice Cookers Reviews
1. Zojirushi NS-TSC10 - Editor’s Choice
This Zojirushi model is a good place to start if you're looking for the best rice cooker on the market. This model continues the company's long history of producing high-quality rice cookers.
The first striking feature is its very large capacity. If you have a large family or just want to eat a lot of rice, this is the ideal kitchen appliance for you. There should be enough food for you and your family of 11 with its 11-cup capacity.
The controls are another feature that sets this model apart from its rivals. The controls on this rice cooker are large and easy to see, making it a good option for those who may have trouble using smaller, less legible models. Because of this, finding the perfect setting is a breeze.
This model has a wide variety of preinstalled programs. You can use your cooker to make all kinds of different dishes thanks to these presets. You can use this appliance to cook a wide variety of rice, in addition to porridge and other breakfast classics.
The main disadvantage of this model is that it takes considerably longer to cook than competing appliances. To cook rice in this model takes around 1 hour. This is completely understandable, however, because it also takes this long to fully rinse the rice, which many people who make rice are unable to do. You'll still have tasty rice at the end, so it's not too bad of a situation.
Capacity: 11 cups cooked; (5.5 cups uncooked)
Programs: White/Sushi, Mixed, Porridge, Sweet, Brown, Cake, Steam, and Quick Cooking
Dimensions: 10.1 x 14 x 8.5 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: 2 delay time settings; interchangeable melody and beep signal
Pros
Cons
2. Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH - Best Brown Rice Cooker
Its versatility is best appreciated by those who prepare rice on a regular basis. Depending on the type of rice you're making, the cooking time and temperature will vary somewhat. This is an excellent option for those who enjoy eating a wide variety of rice, such as white and brown types.
It provides a wide range of pre-set cooking programs that can be used to consistently cook any kind of rice. The buttons and labels for these applications are well designed, making it simple to read and pick the desired program.
In addition to these programs, this compact rice cooker also features a delay timer. When using this timer, you can set the cooking time for the rice to coincide with your schedule. Put everything in the cooker and set the timer for when you want to start cooking. With this method, you can have rice ready whenever you want it without worrying about it drying out.
The heating system is another plus that makes this a worthwhile investment. This model is different from others in that it has a triple heater instead of just one. This not only helps to speed up the cooking process but also ensures that the heat is distributed more evenly throughout the food. A total of 6 cups of rice can be prepared in a flash with this machine.
Regular maintenance is required if you invest in this system. If not, it can start making a buzzing noise now and again. Although this sound does not indicate a decrease in performance, it can be pretty annoying, so it is better to keep it nice and clean to avoid it.
Capacity: 6 cups cooked; (3 cups uncooked)
Programs: White Rice; Jasmine White Rice; Mixed Rice; Sushi Rice; Porridge; Sweet Rice; Brown Rice; Gaba Brown Rice; Quick Cooking
Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 8 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: delay timer; triple heater
Pros
Cons
3. Tiger JNP-S10U-HU - Best Value
Having a rice cooker with a plethora of programs is great if you enjoy cooking and eating many different types of rice, but it might be inconvenient if all you want to do is cook a large batch of plain white rice for your loved ones. In that case, perhaps this model is what you've been looking for.
You can make a lot of rice at once with this rice maker, despite the fact that it only has one mode. The amount of rice it can make is 11 cups, making it one of the larger capacities available in modern rice cookers. Any busy family would greatly benefit from this, since it allows them to cook a large quantity of food in a short amount of time.
This model is one of the more durable options available because of its simplistic appearance. Interior and exterior spaces are made to be utilized often. It is reasonable to assume that this machine will continue to function reliably even if you use it to cook rice every day.
This system is also very simple to clean. To make cleanup even easier, the inner pan is totally non-stick. You can keep your rice warm for up to 12 hours in this appliance. The rice will still come out easily and without sticking. A quick wipe with some cleaner will get it ready for the next meal.
Capacity: 11 cups cooked; (5.5 cups uncooked)
Programs: none
Dimensions: 9.8 x 10.3 x 10.8 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: non-stick inner pan; Keep Warm function up to 12 hours; made in Japan
Pros
Cons
4. Aroma ARC-150SB - Largest Capacity Rice Cooker
If you come from a household where there's always a fight over who gets the last spoon of rice, this is a fantastic choice. With the largest capacity of any rice cooker on our list, this appliance is ideal for accommodating the needs of large households that regularly consume rice. The machine can produce up to 20 cups of rice at once, which is more than enough to satisfy the needs of a big family.
The inclusion of safety features also makes this a fantastic pick for families of all sizes, but especially those with young children. The exterior of this device remains comfortably cold to the touch even after it has heated up and is actively cooking. This will help keep your children from getting burned by mistake.
The anti-skid pads on the base are another wonderful safety feature. This machine will remain in place in the event of an unintentional bump, unlike many smaller models. You can keep the rice cooker where it belongs on the counter without worrying about any spills.
Although this is a great cooker with a multitude of programs, you should watch the time your rice spends in it. Its heating system is excellent; however, it gets a little hot on the warming setting. Although this isn't a major issue as long as you let the rice sit for a while, leaving it in the cooker for too long might cause the rice to become overcooked and dry.
Capacity: 20 cups cooked; (4 cups uncooked)
Programs: White Rice; Brown Rice; Keep Warm; Flash Rice; Steam; Slow Cook
Dimensions: 11.1 x 11.2 x 10.8 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: cool-touch body; anti-skid pads
Pros
Cons
5. Cuckoo CRP-EH03 - Premium Pick
One more thing to think about when shopping for a good rice cooker is how long it will last. The last thing you want, especially if you eat rice frequently, is for your cooker to break down on you.
Buying this model guarantees you won't have to worry about it happening. Because of its sturdy construction and thick exterior, this cooker will hold up well over time. Obviously, this results in it being on the larger side, but taking into consideration the fact that it will serve you well over the next several years without failing may make the extra space well worth it.
As an added convenience, this model's wide display makes it simple to keep track of the remaining cooking time and the particular program you've selected. With such a sizable screen, you can be confident that your rice cooker is consistently producing delicious results. As an added bonus, the buttons are large and intuitive, making it simple to switch between different modes.
The voice navigation system is another feature that sets this model apart from its competitors. You can use your voice to navigate through the system's many cooking options. All three of these languages—Korean, Chinese, and English—are supported by this method.
Capacity: 6 cups cooked; (3 cups uncooked)
Programs: Rice; Mixed Rice; Nu Rung Ji (scorched rice); Brown Rice; Gaba Rice, and more
Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 10 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: made in Korea; 3-language voice navigation
Pros
Cons
6. Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker and Steamer - Best Rice Cooker/Steamer
One can never have too much versatility in their rice cooker. The more programs you can use and the more capacity you have, the better off you will be. Particularly if you need to use your cooker for other dishes as well. While rice is tasty, it should not be your sole source of nutrition.
If you invest in this cooker, you can cook any dish you can imagine. This handy appliance can quickly cook both rice and hot cereal. One of its best qualities is that it can double as a steamer. Vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and green beans can all be steamed with this model's integrated steam basket. You'll be able to whip up plenty of healthy and satisfying meals using the tools already at your disposal.
In spite of its small size, this cooker can accommodate a large quantity of food, whether you're cooking rice or something else. If you live in a tiny house, you'll appreciate how little room it takes up in the kitchen thanks to its compact design.
The one major disadvantage of this model is that it is quite difficult to clean. Its small size is largely responsible for this. Because of their small size, the appliances' inner workings can be a pain to clean around and under. If you want your cooker to continue working properly, you must thoroughly remove all traces of old food.
Capacity: 8 cups cooked; (4 cups uncooked)
Programs: White Rice; Whole Grain; Hot Cereal; Steam; Warm
Dimensions: 8.3 x 9.7 x 9.9 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: comes with a rice rinser and a steam basket
Pros
Cons
7. Oster 6-Cup Rice Cooker with Steamer - Best for Beginners
Even though rice cookers are quite simple to use, not everyone should buy a high-end one. Getting a rice cooker with a ton of bells and whistles can be overkill if this is your first time buying one. This rice cooker is ideal for someone who has never used one before because of how simple it is to use.
In reality, with this specific model, all you need to do is load the appropriate amount of rice, add water, and turn it on. The rice cooker will take care of the rest, turning out perfectly cooked rice each and every time. Of course, the pot of rice will always be the same, too, so if you're someone who needs a lot of variety in their life, you might want to go elsewhere and purchase a model with a wider range of cooking options.
The model's small size is also a notable characteristic. The reduced capacity is offset by the fact that it may fit more easily into a compact cooking space. This is a great buy if you're short on kitchen space but yet want to cook tasty food for yourself.
This machine doesn't have any complicated programs to worry about, but it does offer some handy extras. For example, once the rice is done cooking, this model will turn off and enter warming mode without any more intervention from the user. It also contains easy-to-read indicators to let you know when your rice is done cooking.
Capacity: 6 cups cooked; (3 cups uncooked)
Programs: none
Dimensions: 9.2 x 10.2 x 9.5 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: auto Keep Warm and Cooking indicators
Pros
Cons
8. Dash DRCM200GBRD04 - Budget Pick
This is the best model to choose if you want to save money without sacrificing quality when purchasing a rice cooker. For starters, it is really simple to use. Put in the right quantity of rice and water, and the cooker will handle the rest.
It's also worth noting that this model's size is rather modest. This compact model can easily fit on any kitchen counter or within any cabinet, regardless of how cramped your kitchen may be.
The compact size of this model is a major selling point, as you will likely display it proudly on your counter. This cooker is available in a selection of colors, allowing you to choose one that best suits your kitchen's aesthetic. Even if you leave it out all the time, the exterior won't show too much wear and tear thanks to its resistance to scratches.
This model's affordability is bolstered by the fact that it includes everything you'll need to cook rice immediately after unboxing it. A measuring cup and mixing paddle are included with the purchase of this device. The cup is extremely important given that the majority of rice measures do not go by normal cups but rather follow instructions for preparing rice.
However, this model's size is its main downside. The capacity of this rice cooker is limited, so you can't use it to feed more than a few people. The two-cup capacity severely restricts the amount of rice that can be cooked at once.
Capacity: 2 cups cooked; (1 cup uncooked)
Programs: none
Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.5 x 16 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: multiple color options; comes with a mixing paddle and a measuring cup
Pros
Cons
Things to Consider
Everything you need to know to purchase the best rice cooker available is covered here. We have also addressed other commonly asked questions; check those out if you still have queries.
Why buy a separate appliance for cooking rice?
You should consider buying a rice cooker instead of making rice on the stove because of the many benefits it offers. The following are some examples:
Convenient
The convenient of a countertop rice cooker is probably the most compelling argument for its purchase. Making rice the traditional method in a pot requires constant monitoring to prevent under- or overcooking.
You must also watch out for a potential boil over. Naturally, this process diverts your focus from other activities, such as spending time with loved ones or preparing other meals. The convenience of a rice cooker lies in the fact that it is completely self-contained and can be left unattended while it does its work.
Saves Time
In addition to the ease of use, a rice cooker also saves a great deal of time. Since you don't have to keep an eye on the rice cooker, it simply takes a few minutes to prepare a pot of rice.
Making rice in a pot on the stove takes roughly 20–25 minutes in total, so this method is a major time saver. If you have a hectic schedule and a large family to feed, you probably don't want to spend an hour cooking just one dish for dinner.
Perfect Every Time
A rice cooker is a great way to ensure perfectly cooked rice every time since it takes the guesswork out of the cooking process. Automatic rice cookers are made to work reliably, the same way every time.
With rice that has this consistency, it is much easier to always prepare a bowl of rice that is suitable for either lunch or dinner. In addition, it frees up a lot of your time, allowing you to put more effort into the other parts of your meal, resulting in a more well-rounded and healthy dinner for your loved ones.
Easy
Another advantage of rice cookers over using a pot on the stovetop is how simple they are to use. For the best price and most basic models, simply put the rice in the cooker, add the recommended quantity of water, and turn on the heat. The rest is handled by the cooker.
An important benefit is that, even with a high-end model, you won't have to go through a long and complicated series of steps to cook your food.
Other Functions
Although the name "rice cooker" might indicate otherwise, you can prepare more than just rice with your new kitchen gadget. If you choose the right model, you may be able to prepare everything from sushi to birthday cakes! This versatility makes a rice cooker a useful appliance in every kitchen, regardless of the number of people that need to be fed.
Features to consider while choosing a rice cooker
Buying a new rice cooker isn't as simple as just picking one out of the store, though; there are several factors to consider. Here, we'll cover all you need to know to zero in on the best rice cooker for your specific requirements.
Capacity
Before you go out and buy a new rice cooker, the first thing you'll want to do is figure out how much rice you typically cook at once. You'll need a larger model if your family is really big. In this way, you can make enough rice to satisfy everyone's hunger. Larger models often cost more, so if you're searching for a bargain, go for a smaller one.
The Aroma Housewares ARC-150SB is the best option if you're in the market for a large-capacity rice cooker. A wonderful choice for those with big families, this model can cook up to 20 cups of rice at once. However, if you're the only one eating at home, you may save some cash by purchasing a model like the Dash DRCM200GBRD04.
Programs
As important as it is to choose a rice cooker that can produce perfectly cooked rice, it's also wise to search for one that offers a wide variety of other settings. When shopping for a rice cooker, look for one with many presets so that you can make other things while rice cooks automatically.
There's a good chance that the Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker and Steamer is the ideal rice cooker for your needs. With this fantastic model, you can prepare a lot of delectable meals with only the touch of a button, thanks to its many convenient pre-set cooking programs.
As you could expect, the price is the main drawback to picking a cooker with a lot of programs. Stick with a basic and inexpensive model, like the Tiger JNP-S10U-HU, if all you need to cook is rice.
Dimensions
The size of your new rice cooker is another important factor to think about. Having enough room for it in your kitchen is the primary reason for this.
The place where you set it up is another consideration. Just make sure it fits on your counter by measuring its dimensions if you plan to leave it there permanently. However, if you plan on placing your new appliance inside a cabinet, you will need to take precise measurements of the interior of the cabinet in question.
Models like the Zojirushi NS-TSC10, which have a huge capacity and a lot of features, can be quite a little larger than the average of these cookers. If your kitchen is on the smaller side, you may want to consider a compact rice cooker. Otherwise, you won't get the most out of it, and it will end up taking up your entire room.
Warranty
A good warranty is something to keep an eye out for when shopping for a new appliance. If anything were to break under regular usage, you would be covered. Be careful, though; many vendors say their warranties cover everything when in fact they just cover certain parts or functions.
All of the cookers we've recommended come with warranties and are manufactured by reputable brands, but it's still a good idea to carefully check the specifics of any warranty information you receive. In that way, you will know exactly what is and isn't included in the warranty's coverage.
With this assurance, you won't have to worry about having to spend money for any unexpected maintenance.
More features
Rice cookers may seem like simple kitchen tools, but there are a few things you should consider. A non-stick inner pan is one such feature that could be useful to you. You expect your new cooker to simplify your life, but if it's a hassle to clean, it won't do much of either. A non-stick pan is preferable since it facilitates easy cleanup.
When shopping for a new rice cooker, a rice rinser may also be an important accessory to consider. Since pre-rinsing the rice is required regardless of how you plan on preparing it, investing in a rice rinser is a no-brainer.
The Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker and Steamer is a good example of a product that not only helps you save money but also helps you save space in your kitchen by including a rinser in the box.
Another consideration that should not be overlooked if you have kids is safety. In contrast to many competing models, the Aroma Housewares ARC-150SB's body stays comfortably cold to the touch. This eliminates the risk of someone getting burned intentionally, which is a huge plus.
How to cook ideal rice in a rice cooker
If you prepare rice frequently, a rice cooker may prove to be an indispensable kitchen appliance. These devices work by quickly heating the water added to the cooker.
Because the cooker is sealed, the air pressure above the water is reduced, causing it to boil much faster than a regular pot of water. Simply follow these instructions to make the perfect bowl of rice for every meal:
- Read the manual for your new rice cooker thoroughly before using it for the first time.
- Take the capacity of your machine into account when determining how much rice to measure (or as much as you wish to cook). There is a significant difference between the stated capacity and the actual usable capacity; therefore, be sure to read the information on the dry rice capacity as well as the cooked rice capacity.
- You'll need to add two cups of water for every cup of rice you put in the rice cooker. You can also season with salt to taste.
- Set the cooker to your selected settings and let it cook. Estimated time to complete: 20 minutes.
FAQs
How much water do I need to add?
There are two factors to consider when determining how much water to add to your cooker. The first factor is the type of rice you plan to use. The quantity of rice being prepared is the second consideration in determining the right amount of water.
As a general rule of thumb, each cup of rice calls for an additional 1.5–2 cups of water. That should be plenty of water to boil the rice thoroughly.
What’s the best model for cooking brown rice?
It's likely that the Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH is the best model for brown rice. Depending on the specific brown rice you're making, you can choose from a wide variety of programs on this rice cooker. This will allow you to cook the perfect bowl of brown rice every time, no matter what type of brown rice you're making.
Is it possible to cook rice for sushi in one of such devices?
There's good news if you're on the hunt for a rice cooker to make sushi rice. Many different models have a setting for sushi rice, making it simple to make the perfect meal. The Zojirushi NS-TSC10 and NP-HCC10XH are two examples of such models.
Our Verdict
The Zojirushi NS-TSC10 is the best rice cooker you can get if you're looking for a single appliance to do it all. This sturdy and well-made model can handle a big family and has plenty of features to keep everyone pleased. We strongly advise you to look into this model.
The Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH is the best pick if you want to use your new rice cooker to cook brown rice. The numerous preloaded programs in this model make the cooking of almost any type of rice a breeze.
The Tiger JNP-S10U-HU is the best rice cooker for those with hectic schedules. This device is not only simple to use, but also simple to clean. Given its time-saving qualities, it's a terrific choice for busy people.
