Nothing is worse than burnt rice, and cleaning up a sticky mess is no fun for anyone. The same can be said for undercooked rice, as it is equally unappetizing. However, all of these problems can be avoided with a stainless steel rice cooker.
In our pursuit of the best stainless steel rice cooker, we evaluated 20 different products and selected 7 for inclusion in this article. We discovered that the Instant Pot DUO60 is the standout choice.
Our selection includes models with a range of capacities, from 3 cups up to 11 cups, to accommodate families of all sizes, from nuclear to extended.
Furthermore, we have included cookers that are as straightforward as possible for cooking plain rice, as well as those with multiple cooking functions for preparing dishes like oatmeal, stews, and even yogurt.
The Best Stainless Steel Rice Cookers Reviews
1. Instant Pot DUO60 - Editor's Choice
The Instant Pot DUO is undoubtedly one of the best stainless steel rice cookers available, coming in 3 qt. and 8 qt. models. This small electric cooker also doubles as a multipurpose appliance for pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming vegetables, sautéing, and warming food up.
Thanks to its embedded 3rd generation technology microprocessor, it operates at high efficiency, allowing you to prepare healthy and delicious dishes quickly while ensuring automatic pressure and temperature regulation.
Additionally, it has been lab-tested and UL certified to prevent common errors and food spoilage through multi-step safety features. With this product, cooking perfect rice is a breeze!
However, one potential downside is the steep learning curve associated with the numerous features and programs it offers. Despite the inclusion of a manual, there may be some missing information regarding cooking cycles, temperatures, and other minor features. Nevertheless, once you become familiar with it, cooking can be a breeze, particularly if you are pressed for time.
The best aspect of this product is that it operates noiselessly and provides a worry-free experience, thanks to its interior non-stick steel pot and durability.
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Cons
2. Aroma ARC-753SG - Best for Compactness
Described as restaurant-quality home cooking, the Aroma model is compact, easy to clean, and available in a 7-qt. size, complete with its steaming tray, spatula, and measuring cup.
To cook rice, simply place 3 cups of uncooked, rinsed rice and cold water inside the cooker, and the cooker will handle the rest. Once the rice is ready, the device will turn off automatically and switch to keep-warm mode, eliminating the need to keep track of time, cover the top, or worry about the rice getting cold. This fantastic small rice cooker has a self-regulating temperature and time feature!
However, be cautious not to let it stay in the keep-warm mode for an extended period, as the rice at the bottom may become sticky and crispy. There are also other models with various sizes, such as 6- and 14-cup ones, available. And despite the one-touch button, this product is also suitable for preparing soups and stews!
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3. Elite Gourmet ERC-2020 - Budget Pick
The Elite Gourmet 10-cup rice cooker is versatile and ideal for cooking different types of rice, including white, brown, long-grained, and mixed rice. Its stainless steel interior ensures that your rice doesn't discolor or stick, even if left unattended.
The cooker's exterior is designed with cool-touch handles, making it easy to transport, while keeping your hands from burning. Moreover, the interior keeps the food warm after cooking.
This model features a glass top with a steam vent, making cooking easy. However, some users have noted that water may sputter out at times when too much is added, despite the lid. Nonetheless, it has light indicators to keep you informed about the cooking process and a keep-warm mode.
Plus, you can choose between 5-cup and 20-cup capacities, all priced under $35, making it a budget-friendly option.
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4. Tatung TAC-11KN(UL) - Most Durable Rice Cooker
If you're in search of a sturdy and reliable stainless steel rice cooker, this product will surely fit the bill, while also saving you precious time and counter space.
Thanks to its advanced indirect heating system, which heats up the entire pot, you can expect even cooking and an unbeatable taste.
This versatile appliance even comes equipped with its own steaming tray, making it possible to whip up pan-Asian dishes like dim sum and noodles!
But let's not forget about the rice. This multi-function rice cooker can prepare up to 11 cups of uncooked rice (which translates to 22 cups cooked) to perfection - soft and fluffy without being mushy.
While it may be pricier than some other brands, it makes up for that with its impressive features and generous serving size, making it perfect for large social gatherings.
With its four-mode feature, you can use this cooker for different types of cooking, such as light frying, braising, and stewing. Plus, it also has a keep-warm setting and comes with additional accessories like a rice spatula and measuring cup.
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5. GoWISE USA GW22620 - Best Package
This all-in-one cooker is an absolute powerhouse and an unbeatable deal. This all-in-one rice cooker, pressure cooker, slow cooker, and steamer is a deal that's hard to beat.
The GoWISE model is a cooking powerhouse that can handle both sweet and savory dishes. From rice to meat, chicken to soup, vegetables to oatmeal, and even pies—it can handle it all.
It comes with a removable steel pot, steaming rack, and basket. The 12 pre-set cooking programs and a built-in 24-hour delay timer make it versatile and convenient. You can also choose from 12 qt. and 14 qt. models, all of which come with their own rice scooper and measuring cup. The GoWISE cooker is faster and more efficient than traditional rice cookers.
As one of the best electric stainless steel rice cookers on the market, it has plenty of perks: an easy-to-read digital display, a powerful 1000+ watt rating, and a starter pack with more than 50 pressure cooking recipes, tips, and tricks.
The keep-warm feature works for up to 20 hours, and it has automatic timing and temperature adjustment controls. Plus, it comes with a 1-year warranty and free lifetime support from GoWISE USA. Unfortunately, some owners reported that the pressure valve could be more reliable.
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Cons
6. Oyama CFS-F18W - Best Multi-Layered Steel Bowl
The Oyama CFS F18W boasts a stainless steel triple-layered bowl that avoids chemical non-stick coatings, cooking both white and brown rice in minutes, without any hassle. This ensures that you can cook soft and fluffy rice quickly, even when you're short on time.
Despite the rice grains sticking to the bottom slightly, if you're after a Teflon-free cooker with even heating, then this product is a must-have in your kitchen. Although some users have mentioned that the scoop is of poor quality, it's a minor issue that can be quickly resolved by purchasing a replacement.
The unit employs a 3-dimensional heating system that heats the base, sides, and lid, while also keeping your rice warm for up to 24 hours after cooking. The front panel lights indicate whether it is still cooking or has switched to the keep-warm mode. The stainless steel steamer tray included with the product enables you to use it for steaming vegetables, meats, and poultry.
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Cons
7. Lotus Foods Stainless Steel Rice Cooker and Steamer - Easiest to Clean
This cooker boasts a 100% stainless steel pot and a steaming tray without any harmful chemical coatings. This allows for easy rice preparation while preserving the flavor and nutritional value of your meal. Plus, it won't soak up any odors or leave behind any rust or peels, resulting in easier clean-up.
The stainless steel steamer that comes with this product is a game-changer. Not only is it great for steaming vegetables, but it's also perfect for making various cuisines, especially dim sum and dumplings, which are popular among Chinese and Thai food enthusiasts. Additionally, the steamer tray works exceptionally well with tortillas, moo shu pancakes, spring roll wrappers, and rice skin wrappers.
Once your food is fully cooked, this machine switches to a warm mode, maintaining heat at a lower temperature. However, users need to be attentive and turn the cooker off completely once they're done to avoid burning the food. Also, the lack of measuring marks inside the bowl can make it challenging to know how much of each ingredient to add.
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Things to Consider
Whether you cook rice occasionally or regularly, you can't ignore the convenience offered by rice cookers. Of course, you still have to go through the pre-cooking steps of washing and measuring the rice, oil, and water.
However, once that's done, you can skip the hassle of checking on your rice constantly because your stainless steel rice cooker will automatically complete the cooking process and keep your food warm until it's ready to be served.
Things to consider before buying a stainless steel rice cooker
Stainless steel rice cookers are renowned for their non-reactive properties, which help to preserve the taste, aroma, flavor, and nutritional value of your food. Additionally, the stainless steel interior of these cookers makes for an easy cleaning process.
Nevertheless, before you rush out to purchase the best stainless steel rice cooker available, there are a few factors you should consider. To make things easier for you, we have highlighted these factors below.
Capacity
Rice cookers are available in various capacities that are measured by the number of cups the cooker can make. It's important to note that cups can be measured for both cooked and uncooked rice. Therefore, it's essential to check the capacity before making your purchase. For instance, the Tatung TAC-11KN(UL) cooker can cook up to 11 cups of uncooked rice, which equates to 22 cups of cooked rice.
If the capacity is specified in quarts, you can determine the amount of cooked rice you can get by multiplying the number by 4.
Before deciding which model to buy, consider your family size and how many cups you typically make for a single meal. For larger families who cook rice frequently, the Instant Pot DUO60 is an excellent choice, as it can make up to 12 cups of rice at a time.
Programs
Most rice cookers on the market nowadays offer more than just rice cooking functionality. Manufacturers have recognized the increasing demand for multi-purpose kitchen appliances, prompting them to integrate various cooking programs into their rice cookers.
This means that you can prepare a wide variety of meals using just one device, saving you money and counter space that would otherwise be occupied by separate appliances such as steamers, pots, and pressure cookers.
For example, the GoWISE USA GW22620 rice cooker not only makes perfect rice but also features 12 preset cooking programs that can be used to prepare dishes like meat, poultry, vegetables, and slow-cooked desserts. Each program is designed to be hassle-free, thanks to an automated cooking timer and self-adjusting temperatures for different dish types.
Additionally, most rice cookers now come with a warm mode that keeps your food warm and ready to serve for several hours after cooking, making it even more convenient.
Ease of use
Let’s face it – in today’s fast-paced world, no one has the time or patience to deal with complicated manuals and confusing program settings. Therefore, ease of use should always be a key factor when purchasing a rice cooker.
Many stainless steel rice cookers offer simple one-touch controls. All you have to do is add the rice, water, and other flavorings, press the start button, and the cooker will take care of the rest, cooking everything to perfection and automatically switching off when finished.
Some rice cookers even feature digital controls with LED screens, displaying automatic keep-warm functions, steaming, stewing, and more. For those looking to take it a step further, there are options like the Instant DUO pot, which includes a 24-hour delayed cooking time setting, allowing you to focus on other tasks without worry.
Dimensions
The size of a rice cooker is determined by its length, width, and height. With the advent of modern stainless steel models, you can have a cooker that takes up minimal kitchen space while still cooking a good amount of rice per batch.
For those seeking the most compact unit available, the Aroma ARC-753SG is worth considering. With a capacity of 6 cups of cooked rice, it may be sufficient for a small family. These small units are also convenient to move around and are easier to use and clean.
Warranty
When purchasing a rice cooker, it's essential to check for the brand's warranty. Most brands provide a warranty for a minimum of one year. A more extended warranty period generally indicates the manufacturer's confidence in the product.
For additional information, you can refer to the product's description or visit the official website of the brand. Keep in mind that this is a long-term investment, and a rice cooker with a good warranty and after-sales service will give you excellent value for your money.
Cooking accessories
Accessories can add extra value to a rice cooker. Many quality brands include measuring cups and rice scooping spatulas with their cookers. Some models, such as the GoWISE USA GW22620, even come with cookbooks, providing guidelines for various dishes, including stews, pie fillings, porridge, chili gravy, noodles, and pasta.
Most rice cookers also have steaming trays, which allow you to opt for healthy options like steamed vegetables, fish, and dumplings.
While some rice cookers come with free accessories like racks, trays, and spoons, others charge extra for them. Therefore, it's important to check what's included in the package before making your purchase, especially if you're buying online.
Prices
Price is perhaps the most important consideration when buying any product. The price will be a key make or break for you when you’re buying a rice cooker. There are so many brands out there, offering cookers starting at $20 and going up to $400 models. Obviously, the price also depends on the capacity, number of programs, and add-ons.
On average, you can expect the price of a good quality rice cooker to be between $80 and $120. For instance, the Instant Pot DUO60 boasts multiple programs, a 24-hour delayed cooking start, and automatic pressure and temperature adjustments.
If you want to get something sturdier and simpler, the Tatung TAC-11KN(UL) cooker has four different cooking modes, a keep-warm function, a steaming tray, and an incredibly durable construction, due to which it costs $140.
However, if you’re on a budget and looking for rice cookers that can make small portions, fret not. You can go for cookers such as the Elite Gourmet ERC-2020, which cost as little as 35 dollars apiece.
FAQs
Can I store the food in the stainless steel bowl after cooking?
Stainless steel rice cookers are a great investment because you can both cook and store your food in them easily without worrying about the food going bad or reacting with the metal. Steel is a non-reactive metal that won't take away the natural flavors or aromas of your food.
Additionally, stainless steel cookers don't have any coatings like Teflon, making them safe and healthy for cooking food with high nutritional value. Steel also doesn't react with acidic foods or syrups and is easy to clean without chipping, peeling, or rusting.
How should I clean my stainless steel rice cooker?
It's best to clean your stainless steel rice cooker with hot water and dishwashing liquid. Most rice cookers have detachable steel bowls, which makes cleaning quick and easy. Once detached, remove any food particles from the bowl and wash it carefully.
Then, hand dry the bowl with a non-abrasive cloth to prevent drying marks and water spots on the surface. Alternatively, you can use natural cleaning solutions such as lemon, vinegar, or apple cider, which are inexpensive and effective at removing tough food stains.
How long do stainless steel rice cookers last?
The lifespan of stainless steel rice cookers can vary from 2 to 8 years or more, depending on their quality. Some stainless steel cookers may not last more than a year due to poor quality materials or improper care.
To ensure the longevity of your rice cooker, clean it with a soft sponge and avoid over-boiling or reheating food inside it. Also, don't leave food inside for extended periods on the keep-warm mode, as prolonged heating can damage the coating of old-style inner steel pots.
Our Verdict
Let's dive into the crux of the matter now that we've covered all the bases: which stainless steel rice cooker should you select? To make your decision even simpler, we've curated the top 3 options from our review.
First up, let's discuss the Editor's Choice, the Instant Pot DUO60, which is available in 3 qt., 6 qt., and 8 qt. sizes. This cooker is a multi-purpose electrical appliance that cooks food incredibly quickly. It is UL-certified and lab-tested, with multiple auto-safety mechanisms. The best part? It's budget-friendly and operates quietly.
Next on the list is the Aroma ARC-753SG rice cooker. We adore its compact design, which is very convenient if you have limited kitchen space. Despite its small appearance, it has a 6-cup cooked rice capacity. Additionally, it includes a one-touch operation and a keep-warm function.
Last but not least, our final winner is the Elite Gourmet ERC-2020 rice cooker, which features a tempered glass lid with a steam vent, cool-touch handles, and prevents rice from sticking. What's more, the price point is quite low.
We hope this information has assisted you in making an informed purchase decision. All you need to do now is select the best stainless steel rice cooker, sit back, and let it work its magic. Enjoy your meal!
