When it comes to preparing dinner, simplicity is key. Even if you're cooking for two, a large group of noisy youngsters, or a dozen people, keeping things simple can help reduce stress. If you have the best small rice cooker, making the ideal side dish is a breeze. A rice cooker takes the guesswork out of whether your rice will be too sticky or too dry.
We found the best mini rice cookers available today, and each one has extensive customer reviews. A purchase guide detailing the characteristics you should be on the lookout for throughout your search will also be provided. And if you have any more inquiries, please check our Frequently Asked Questions.
If given the option, it's usually preferable to make dinner in the most efficient way possible. Plus, we're here to help you find the best small rice cooker on the market.
The best small rice cookers reviews
1. Cuisinart CRC-400 - Editor’s Choice
Check out our top pick if you need a rice cooker that is easy to use yet still reliable. The Cuisinart CRC-400 has a brushed stainless steel exterior and a capacity of 8 cups, making it an ideal appliance for large families.
Although there are no sophisticated programs, you can still prepare a wide range of meals. It may take some time to figure out the cooking times.
The Cuisinart CRC-400 is a space-saving appliance because of its square design. It doesn't require a lot of space on the counter, so you can relax and cook without any hassle.
An attractive aspect of the Cuisinart CRC-400 is its three-year warranty. This warranty's extra years of coverage are particularly great given that the industry standard for rice cooker warranties is a single year. It demonstrates that Cuisinart is confident in the quality of its products and will replace or repair them if anything goes wrong.
The rice-cooking process might get messy at times. Thanks to the Cuisinart CRC-400, problems of this nature should be completely eliminated. The Teflon coating on the interior ensures that there will be no sticky residue after use. This makes cleanup a breeze.
This rice cooker's automatic warming feature is great for those who want a hassle-free appliance. The Cuisinart CRC-400 includes an automatic warm feature that kicks in after cooking is complete. This ensures that your food won't get cold, dry out, or overcook. No more rushing in the kitchen to get something together for dinner.
Capacity: 8 cups cooked; (4 cups uncooked)
Programs: none
Dimensions: 7.8 x 7.8 x 9 inches
Warranty: 3-year limited
More features: brushed stainless steel finish
Pros
Cons
2. Panasonic SR-DF101 - Best Brown Rice Cooker
Induction cooking is the newest innovation in the world of cooking technology. The Panasonic SR-DF101 makes use of induction technology rather than conventional, inefficient heating methods.
With the help of an electrical and magnetic current, the food within the pot can be heated rapidly. This allows for highly accurate control of the temperature. You can also make a lot of different kinds of food, which is always nice.
The Panasonic SR-DF101 is suitable for both white rice and brown rice cooking. You can also cook porridge, soup, and steamed vegetables.
Cooking temperatures and timings are automatically adjusted by the appliance's built-in technology. It is not necessary to keep an eye on the appliance for fear of undercooked or overcooked food.
You'll get a measuring cup, a non-scratch rice spoon, and a steaming basket with your Panasonic SR-DF101. With the steaming basket at your disposal, you'll never have to eat the same boring dinner again.
Moreover, there is a keep-warm mode to prevent food from going cold after it has finished cooking. The food won't get burned thanks to the automatic shut-off feature. Simply pick a pre-set meal program from the Panasonic SR-DF101, and the appliance will handle the rest.
Most buyers of the Panasonic SR-DF101 rice cooker have been pleased with their purchases. Given its groundbreaking technology, the only criticism is that it could have more features. There is neither a countdown timer nor a notification alarm. There are no big issues here; these are simply optional features that we may look forward to seeing in future models.
Capacity: 10 cups cooked; (5 cups uncooked)
Programs: White Rice; Brown Rice; Porridge/Soup; Quick Cook/Steam
Dimensions: 13.9 x 10.2 x 7.8 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: 12-hour delay timer; 12-hour Keep Warm function
Pros
Cons
3. Zojirushi NHS-06 - Best Value
The quality of rice varies widely. Some people like the versatility that white rice offers, while others want the added nutrients found in brown rice.
The cooking time for brown rice is often significantly longer than that of white rice, which you may not know. Therefore, it's important to get a machine that can properly cook every type of rice. Get ready to welcome the Zojirushi NHS-06.
If you're having trouble coming up with dinner ideas, go no further than this best small rice cooker for brown rice. This rice cooker can make every type of side dish you can imagine.
The Zojirushi NHS-06 has a number of great features. The glass lid lets you keep an eye on your rice while it cooks. When it comes to rice, there will always be different tastes from person to person, regardless of the guidelines. If you can check on the rice's progress without lifting the lid, you can control the cooking time to your liking.
The Zojirushi NHS-06 includes a stay-cool knob on the lid and stay-cool handles on the side of the pot in addition to the transparent cover. There's no need to go around looking for oven gloves to avoid burning your hands.
More so, the Zojirushi NHS-06's single switch control makes it a breeze to use. And, once you've completed cooking, the bowl will stay warm, allowing you to continue preparing your main course.
Capacity: 6 cups cooked; (3 cups uncooked)
Programs: none
Dimensions: 10.1 x 14 x 8.5 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: stay-cool handles; see-through glass lid
Pros
Cons
4. Tiger JBV-A10U-W - Premium Pick
The Tiger JBV-A10U-W is Amazon's choice for the best Tiger rice cooker. Additionally, it is the best double rice cooker that we have seen. When you can have a gadget that simultaneously cooks two different foods, there's no reason to settle for a single-purpose appliance.
The Tiger JBV-A10U-W actually includes a synchronized cooking function, allowing you to cook the rice at the same time as the main dish. If you have a small household and you want to spend less time stressing over dinner, this is the best rice cooker for you.
Tiger JBV-A10U-W has four different cooking programs. You may choose between white rice, brown rice, slow cooking, and synchro cooking. These programs are excellent and, once again, make preparing dinner a breeze.
In addition to what you paid for, you will also receive some bonus items. A nonstick spatula, a measuring cup, a cooking plate, and a cookbook will also be included. If you haven't decided what to make for dinner yet, this cookbook will provide you with a wealth of options that can be cooked simultaneously in a single kitchen appliance.
Although the Tiger JBV-A10U-W is loaded with useful features, it is still rather basic. There are no notifications, for example, to notify you when your food is ready. While there are guidelines, most people will need to try different times and quantities of water and rice before they find what works best for them.
Because of its synchronized cooking feature, it's also slightly larger than regular rice cookers. Therefore, if you are in need of an option that will not take up too much room on your counter, this may not be the best choice.
Capacity: 11 cups cooked; (5.5 cups uncooked)
Programs: Plain; Synchro-Cooking; Brown; Slow Cook/Steam
Dimensions: 10.6 x 13.9 x 8.4 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: comes with a spatula; cooking plate; measuring cup and a cookbook
Pros
Cons
5. Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 - Smallest Rice Cooker
You may not prioritize cuteness while shopping for a small rice cooker, but you have to agree that it is a nice bonus. The Dash DRCM200GBRD04 is not just the prettiest item we've reviewed, but it also performs well!
Aqua, black, pink, red, and white are the five color options for the Dash DRCM200GBRD04. This rice cooker only holds two cups of rice. Although it has the smallest capacity on our list, this is still one of the best rice cookers for small amounts. If you only want a small amount of rice or you're only going to be cooking for yourself or a partner, there's no need to spend more money on a large bag.
If you only need some rice for a side dish, the Dash DRCM200GBRD04 is an excellent choice. Thanks to its compact design, it's easily portable and ideal for use in the workplace. It's the best small electric rice cooker for packing a lunch, thanks to its adorable design and small capacity.
It's true that the Dash DRCM200GBRD04 is smaller than some other small rice cookers, but it's still not as small as you might expect. Its dimensions are about the same as those of models that hold twice as much rice. So, if you believe you'll need more than two cups of rice in the near future, it's probably a good idea to get a somewhat larger item.
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
6. BLACK+DECKER RC506 - Best Warranty Terms
Since rice is so cheap, it seems logical that you would seek out a cheap rice cooker. The BLACK+DECKER RC506 is our choice for the best budget buy. It's not just affordable, but it also has certain appealing qualities that make it a strong contender.
This handy rice cooker is great for hosting large events since it can cook enough rice to serve eight cups. Because of its medium size, it can be used whether you need to cook for a large family or simply two people.
The BLACK+DECKER RC506 has a two-year warranty, so you can buy it with confidence. The warranty on this device is generous, lasting twice as long as that of comparable rice cookers, and the customer service is friendly and helpful.
The BLACK+DECKER RC506 may be inexpensive, but it offers several helpful features for its low cost. Once your food is done cooking, it is automatically warmed.
So that you don't have to rush to serve your meal immediately after it's cooked, this will automatically switch on to maintain a warm temperature. Keep in mind that rice can quickly become overcooked if left in the warm mode for too long.
The rice cooker's inner bowl is coated with a non-stick material, making cleanup a breeze. The entire reason for using a rice cooker in the first place is to avoid scraping burnt rice off the bottom of a pan, and thankfully, the BLACK+DECKER RC506 eliminates this problem.
Capacity: 6 cups cooked; (3 cups uncooked)
Programs: none
Dimensions: 10 x 9 x 5.5 inches
Warranty: 2-year limited
More features: auto Keep Warm function; nonstick bowl; tempered glass lid
Pros
Cons
Things to Consider
When you have a lot of small appliances in your kitchen, it can be hard to justify buying something new. But if you're someone who cooks rice frequently and wants to simplify your evening meal prep, then a small rice cooker is a great investment.
Make sure you are fully informed about rice cookers before making any purchases. This buying guide will tell you about important things to think about and answer any other questions you might have.
Features to consider while choosing a small rice cooker
Thinking about the features you'd want will help you choose a product that's a good fit for your needs. So, you can buy only one rice cooker and not have to worry about buyer's regret.
Capacity
When looking for a rice cooker, it's important to think about how much rice you'll need to cook at once. The rice cookers included in this article are all quite small, although they still come in a few different sizes.
The capacity of the cute but little Dash DRCM200GBRD04 is just two cups of cooked rice. The Tiger JBV-A10U-W, on the other hand, can hold eleven cups of cooked rice.
Most importantly, keep in mind that the total capacity will include both cooked and uncooked portions. The uncooked capacity of rice is typically twice its cooked capacity.
If you have your heart set on a particular rice cooker but you're worried that it could be too big or too small, it's worth taking a quick look at the other models that the same brand offers.
Many of the units are available in a variety of sizes. You can choose between three, six, or 10 cup capacities of the Zojirushi NHS-06, for example. More options are always a good thing, and sometimes the solution to your problem is just next door.
Programs
Appliances like rice cookers are made to simplify your life. A rice cooker not only facilitates the cooking of rice but also a wide variety of other items.
Since convenience is of paramount importance, many rice cookers come with pre-programmed settings. You may easily prepare oatmeal by finding and selecting the oatmeal program. The rice cooker will adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
There is a wide variety of program options available on each of the rice cookers we reviewed. Some, for example, have no programs. Others, such as the Panasonic SR-DF101, have white rice, brown rice, porridge, and steam programs.
A program that allows for steamed food is really useful. There are models like the Panasonic SR-DF101 that come with a steamer insert, perfect for cooking vegetables or even fish. This induction model is unquestionably one of the best small rice cooker steamers.
Consider a rice cooker with many cooking programs if you want to use it for more than just rice. Even if you can use any rice cooker for different dishes, the convenience of one with built-in programs is unmatched.
Dimensions
A small rice cooker is ideal if you just need to make food for a few people, have a small kitchen, or both. If there are only two of you living at home, you probably have a smaller home, such as a townhouse or condo. As a result, counter space and storage space in the kitchen will be limited.
Before you buy a small rice cooker, find out how big it is. This will help you avoid problems with space in the future.
The rice cookers we've selected here vary greatly in size and shape. Some are taller or wider than others. Again, all sizes are different, but on average, they're 13 by 10 by 7 inches.
The most important thing you can do is pick a permanent place for your rice cooker, as well as a convenient spot to use it while cooking. Then, you can narrow down your search using these measurements. A little additional work is required, but the results are well worth it.
Warranty
Some people are good with technology. Though some are, some aren't. Whether you're a pro or a novice tinkerer, a warranty is a must for any electrical device.
A standard one-year guarantee covers most rice cookers. That's not fantastic, but it should get you through the first year while you work out the issues. The first year is when any manufacturing problems may appear; therefore, a warranty is needed.
But if you're worried about your new investment, the Cuisinart CRC-400 is a good option to consider. There is a fantastic three-year warranty on this product.
There's a good reason why Cuisinart is such a household name. With such high quality in production, it's no surprise that the manufacturer provides such a long warranty.
More features
There are many different types of rice cookers, each with its own set of features. The majority of them now come with pots that are non-stick. This is a great time-saver because nobody like having to scrape burnt rice out of a pot.
Clear glass lids let you watch your rice without allowing precious heat to escape. Cooking to perfection relies on having a clear view of what you're doing.
Some rice cookers offer accessories with your purchase. Some models, including the Tiger JBV-A10U-W and the Dash DRCM200GBRD04, provide tool sets that include spatulas. A cookbook is another useful item.
Most rice cookers can be used to make other foods as well, so a cookbook will provide you with lots of ideas.
How to Use a Rice Cooker
So you bought your favorite rice cooker. You're excited to finally get your hands on it. But how should one go about doing this? Please read the included instructions before trying to use the product. Even if you're familiar with using a rice cooker, the process of using a new rice cooker may be slightly different.
Knowing the ideal rice-to-water ratio is important. Typically, you'll need two cups of water for every cup of rice. On the other hand, not everyone likes the same rice. Reduce the water amount if you want your rice to be stickier. Another method is to cook the rice for a longer period of time than is called for in the recipe.
In addition, time is important. Cooking time for brown rice is often close to double that of white rice. Rice cooking time can also be influenced by whether or not the rice has been soaked prior.
The correct use of a rice cooker requires careful attention to the instructions. Some may have programs available that allow you to pick a setting with a single button press. This is useful, but remember to check your food the first time you utilize a pre-programmed setting.
Don't freak out if this seems too complicated. No matter what you use to cook food, there will always be room for personal preference. You'll know what works best for you after just one or two rounds. After that, everything will go smoothly, and there will be good food.
After you've finished cooking the rice in your rice cooker, be aware of any extra features it may have. Once the rice is done cooking, most rice cookers automatically switch to a warming setting to keep the food warm.
You can go ahead and complete preparing the rest of the dinner without worrying about taking the rice out of the cooker right away. Don't leave the rice on the warming setting for too long or it may dry out.
When you're done in the kitchen, it's time to clean up. The majority of rice cookers are made with a non-stick coating. You can use a spatula to easily remove any leftover rice. Then put the bowl insert in the sink and use dish soap to clean it.
FAQs
How do I clean the cooker?
Rice cookers come into contact with food and so require regular cleaning, but because they are appliances, they may be extremely difficult to clean.
Take the inner pot out of the rice cooker first. Soak it in with dish soap and warm water. It is possible that an overnight soak will be required, depending on how much food is stuck. Make sure it's clean by scrubbing it with a cloth. Allow everything to air dry.
In order to clean the exterior of the rice cooker, use a sponge soaked in soapy water.
Can I also make any other dishes apart from just cooked rice?
Yes! In addition to cooking rice, a rice cooker is versatile enough to be used for cooking a wide variety of foods. Oatmeal, stews, steamed vegetables, and risotto are just a few examples.
The user guide can come with a recipe book, depending on the type of appliance you buy. If you don't know how to use a rice cooker, there are many simple websites that demonstrate its capabilities.
How long does it take to cook?
When using a rice cooker, white rice normally only needs about 20 minutes to be fully cooked. However, brown rice might take up to 40 minutes to cook. Keep in mind that each rice cooker is slightly different, so always refer to the user guide.
Also, the first few times you use your rice cooker, there will be some trial and error involved. You may need to experiment with different cooking times to achieve the desired doneness, as everyone has their own preference.
Our Verdict
Since rice is used in so many dishes, it only makes sense to invest in a high-quality rice cooker.
In our opinion, the Cuisinart CRC-400 is the best small rice cooker. The three-year warranty on this appliance is another proof of its high build quality. Because of its square design, it takes up little space when not in use. Also, it's a breeze to implement.
If you enjoy cutting-edge technology, consider our pick for the best brown rice cooker. The Panasonic SR-DF101 makes use of precise cooking methods. Whether you're making white or brown rice, porridge, or steamed vegetables, the simple controls ensure wonderful results every time.
Finally, the Zojirushi NHS-06 is a good option to think about if you prefer to change things up sometimes. The Best Value option can be used with different types of rice, and it won't become dry and unappetizing. Numerous contenders for the title of "best small rice cooker" made it onto our shortlist.
With any luck, you'll be able to use this information to pick an appliance whose features will make your life easier when it comes time to make dinner.
Enjoy your rice!
