Sushi is a delicious Japanese dish that has become a favorite of foodies around the world. One of the key elements that make sushi so tasty is the sticky rice used to make it. Making perfect sushi rice requires a good quality rice cooker that can cook the rice to the right texture and consistency.
In this article, we will explore some of the best sushi rice cookers available on the market, with the Cuckoo CRP-P0609S being our Editor's Choice. We considered the capacity, as a larger one allows for feeding more people, and cooking programs for added versatility. We also evaluated the controls and ease of use, as you want to add rice, water, and flip the switch to let the cooker do the rest. Finally, we checked the cooking time and ease of cleaning for your convenience.
Whether you're a professional sushi chef or a home cook who loves making sushi, this guide will help you find the perfect rice cooker for your needs.
The Best Sushi Rice Cookers Reviews
1. Cuckoo CRP-P0609S - Editor's Choice
Cuckoo, a Korean brand, has earned a reputation for producing high-quality rice cookers that consumers are gradually beginning to recognize and trust. One of their premium models, the Cuckoo CRP-P0609S, is designed to handle any rice cooking task, including sushi rice.
This rice cooker uses the traditional method of an electric heating plate and pressure to cook rice. In addition, it offers a multi-cook function for a range of breads, soups, porridge, and even cheese or yogurt fermentation. The pre-set multi-cook functions in this cooker provide all of this versatility.
The durable and easily cleanable non-stick-coated inner aluminum pot conducts heat efficiently and responds quickly to temperature changes, resulting in good accuracy. The stainless-steel inner lid is detachable for easy hand cleaning.
Cleaning the cooker is straightforward; a high-power steam feature helps the cooker self-clean with the touch of a button.
The Cuckoo intelligent cooking algorithm manages the automated cooking timers to ensure proper cooking for the type of food being prepared.
The only significant technical flaw is the sudden opening of the lid, which could pose a safety risk if not handled carefully.
Dimensions: 10.1 x 11.6 x 14.2 inches
Weight: 14.3 lb
Capacity: 6 cups/1 lt
Warranty: 1-year limited
Power: 890 Watts
More features: X-wall diamond coated inner pan, lid locking device, automatic temperature control, LCD screen, 13 cooking programs, timer, removable inner lid
Pros
Cons
2. Hamilton Beach Commercial 37590 - Best Commercial Sushi Rice Cooker
If you're aiming to prepare sushi for a high-demand environment, such as a restaurant, you'll require a reliable device that can keep up with the elevated requirements. The Hamilton Beach Commercial 37590 is specifically designed for commercial settings and can consistently produce perfect restaurant-quality sushi rice for any number of people you may require.
With an extra-large capacity of 45 uncooked cups of rice, this rice cooker can handle large amounts of rice, producing an impressive 90 cups of cooked rice per batch. This capacity should be sufficient for any restaurant or catering business. The keep-warm function preserves the rice's freshness and texture for up to 8 hours, ensuring that any remaining rice remains suitable for consumption.
This cooker features a variety of program settings for all types of rice, including white or brown, long or short grains. It can also be used as a cooker for grits, oatmeal, porridge, and even macaroni and cheese.
The heat/simmer function keeps the correct temperature, preventing over- or undercooking, while the double-walled insulation ensures even cooking and external safety. The heated lid ensures further even cooking, making it especially useful for larger batches of rice.
Dimensions: 18.9 x 21.5 x 16.1 inches
Weight: 35.7 lb.
Capacity: 90 cups
Warranty: 1-year limited
Power: 2500 watts
More features: double wall construction, non-stick coated inner pot, digital control panel, condensation collecting cup, measuring cup, and scoop included.
Pros
Cons
3. Tiger JNP-1800-FL - Best Value
The Tiger JP-1800-FL electric rice cooker is the ideal appliance for those who prefer a back-to-basics approach without any fancy features. This reliable model has been a favorite for decades and combines classic quality with traditional cooking methods.
The cooker is available in different capacities ranging from 3 to 10 cups and comes with a heating pad. Its one-touch operation makes cooking rice quick and easy. Additionally, the auto-shutoff and keep-warm functions keep the rice at the perfect serving temperature for up to 12 hours.
This Japan-made cooker is suitable for cooking any type of rice, with the water-to-rice ratio varying depending on the type of rice. Its non-stick inner pan is easy to clean, and the retractable power cord allows for convenient storage. A removable steam vent is also included to prevent the rice from getting too moist.
However, some customers have reported that the bottom layer of rice is prone to slight burning, so using a little more water than usual may help. It may take some experimentation to find the perfect water-to-rice ratio for optimal cooking.
Dimensions: 11.7 x 10.7 x 11.8 inches
Weight: 5 lb.
Capacity: 10 cups
Warranty: 1 year limited
Power: 305 Watts
More features: automatic warming up; a non-stick coated inner pan; a retractable power cord; a removable steam wand; and a measuring cup included.
Pros
Cons
4. Panasonic SR-AFG186 - Premium Pick
The Panasonic SR-AFG186 rice cooker is a premium-quality product that promises to deliver an authentic Japanese-style rice cooking experience. It comes with top-of-the-line features, including induction heating and a range of programmed cooking presets, making it a space-saving, convenient, and valuable addition to your kitchen.
Thanks to its industry-leading quality induction heating, this rice cooker enables you to cook and heat rice with precise accuracy. It uses a two-layer induction cooking method that heats a stainless steel/binchotan magnetic inner pan, ensuring even cooking.
With 13 preset cooking programs, you can make any type of rice you like, including white, quinoa, porridge, sticky rice, and brown rice. It also has a steaming and cooking option, which lets you cook porridge, soups, vegetables, and more. Additionally, a "taste catcher" is included to enhance the savory umami flavor.
The rice cooker is equipped with an automatic shutoff to prevent overcooking, and the induction cookers cool down as quickly as they heat up. The keep warm function is also handy and can keep your rice at an ideal serving temperature for up to 12 hours.
The exterior has a sleek and minimalist design, with flat touch buttons for easy navigation and effortless cleanup. While the cooker is pricey, it comes with various accessories that add value to the purchase.
One potential downside is that cooking times can be longer than expected, so it's recommended to plan ahead.
Dimensions: 10.6 x 13.7 x 245 inches
Weight: 14.1 lb.
Capacity: 10 cups/1.8 lt
Warranty: 2-year
Power: 1370 Watts
More features: 13 cooking programs; automatic warming; induction cooking; an LCD touch screen; a removable inner lid; and an adjustable steam basket.
Pros
Cons
5. Aroma Housewares MTC-8010 - Durable Pick
The Aroma Housewares MTC-8010 rice cooker is a versatile and compact multi-cooking device that makes preparing rice and a variety of other meals easy and convenient.
With a capacity of cooking 4 to 20 cups of rice at a time, this machine is perfect for small to large households. The cooker has 12 pre-set functions that allow you to prepare a wide range of dishes, including steamed vegetables, soup, tarts, cakes, and fermented yogurt.
Equipped with induction technology and a conductive heavy copper, the MTC-8010 evenly heats your food from all sides for perfect results. The 2mm-thick titanium honeycomb inner pot ensures even heat distribution. Plus, the sauté-then-simmer technology allows high sauté heat, followed by simmering for liquids.
The digital display makes it easy to set the timer and monitor the batch size. With a steam tray included, you can cook meat and vegetables while the rice is cooking, saving you time and effort.
This rice cooker comes with all the accessories you need, including a measuring cup, rice spatula, bamboo spatula, and soup ladle. Some users have found the exterior to be a bit bulky, so keep that in mind when making your purchase.
Dimensions: 11.38 x 14.25 x 11.25 inches
Weight: 12.65 lb.
Capacity: 10 cups
Warranty: 5 years limited
Power: 1250 Watts
More features: 12 cooking programs, Turbo Convection Technology, Induction Heating, a non-stick coated, 2mm thick inner pot, a measuring cup, and a scoop are included.
Pros
Cons
6. Zojirushi NP-NVC18 - Best Pre-Set Programs
The Zojirushi NP-NVC18 rice cooker is an impressive piece of rice-cooking equipment from one of the most renowned brands in the field. It boasts the most intelligent rice cooking fuzzy logic technology ever developed, ensuring consistently delicious sushi rice every time.
This multi-cooking rice cooker has a variety of pre-set programmable cooking options and functions for every type of rice, including white, brown, mixed, sweet rice, porridge, and, of course, sushi rice. It also includes an extended soaking and steaming time preset for adding extra umami flavor.
There is a setting for reducing steam to 50% of the regular, as well as a "scorch" setting that toasts the bottom rice slightly for a nice golden crispy texture.
Using superior induction heating technology, this rice cooker ensures that the cooking temperature is more flexible and precise than ever. When paired with the cooker's fuzzy logic AI technology, you get a device that will produce the best possible cooking results. With a platinum-infused nonstick inner cooking pot, your sushi rice will cook as evenly as it does accurately.
An LCD display makes it easy to navigate and use the many available features, including the numerous cooking modes, extended keep-warm mode, reheat function, and delay timer.
Of course, this cooker's many enhanced features come at a higher price point than some may prefer, but they make the cooking process significantly easier and more convenient.
Dimensions: 10 x 15.3 x 8.6 inches
Weight: 13 lb
Capacity: 5.5 cups/ 1 lt
Warranty: 1-year limited
Power: 1240 Watts
More features: LCS control panel, delay timer, steam-reduce option, detachable inner lid, automatic warming up, non-stick coated inner pan.
Pros
Cons
Things to Consider
When it comes to making the perfect sushi rice, the humble rice cooker can be an indispensable tool in your kitchen. However, there are many factors to consider when selecting the right appliance for your needs. From features and specifications to helpful tips, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. To simplify the process, we've created this buying guide to answer your questions and provide you with the essential information you need to choose the best rice cooker for your sushi-making needs.
Do you need a special rice cooker for sushi rice?
While it is not necessary to have a special rice cooker for sushi rice, having a rice cooker with specific features can make it easier to achieve perfect sushi rice.
Sushi rice requires a specific cooking method and the right texture to make it sticky enough to be molded into sushi rolls. Some rice cookers have settings specifically designed for cooking sushi rice, which can help to ensure the perfect texture and consistency.
Additionally, some rice cookers have features such as fuzzy logic technology, which allows for precise temperature and cooking control. This can be particularly useful when cooking sushi rice, as it requires a delicate balance of moisture and temperature to achieve the right texture.
How to cook sushi rice in a cooker?
Features to consider while buying the best sushi rice cooker
To optimize the use of your rice cooker for making sushi, it's important to consider certain specific features that will help you determine the most suitable cooker for this task.
Reliable brand
For those in search of a reliable rice cooker, it is recommended to opt for well-known brands within the industry. Purchasing from lesser-known brands can be a gamble, so it is important to conduct thorough research and read customer and professional reviews before making a decision.
Japanese manufacturers such as Tiger and Zojirushi are renowned for producing some of the best rice cookers available. However, other brands such as Panasonic, Aroma, Hamilton Beach, and Cuckoo have also recently developed high-quality rice cookers and have established a reputable presence in the market.
Rice Cooker Capacity
Rice cookers come in a wide range of capacities, starting from 3 uncooked cups and going all the way up to over 50 cups. The right capacity for you depends on your intended use for the cooker, whether at home or in a restaurant. It's really quite simple: the larger the capacity, the more people you can serve.
It's important to note that rice cooker capacities are typically listed for both uncooked and cooked rice. As uncooked rice expands during cooking, it yields a larger volume of cooked rice. So, you need to consider how many cups of cooked rice your cooker can hold, to avoid making too little, and check the uncooked capacity, to ensure you don't overfill the pot.
It's also important to consider the size of your kitchen and the number of people you will be cooking for. Once you have determined how much rice you need and how much space you can allocate, you can choose a model accordingly.
Cooking programs
Multi-functional cookers can be an excellent choice as they offer a wide range of cooking programs in a single, compact device. Some advanced rice cookers can work as pressure cookers, steam vegetables, prepare soups, cook meat, and even ferment yogurt, giving you great versatility.
Moreover, there are specific programmed settings for various rice types that adjust the temperature and cooking time for each type, including sushi rice.
Rice cooking type
The heating method of rice cookers can differ, and each type has its own advantages. The ideal type of cooker depends on your preferences and the type of rice you plan to cook.
An electric rice cooker, the most common type, uses a heated plate at the bottom along with a combination of convection and pressure. The heater heats the inner bowl and water inside, and the resulting steam carries the heat for the entire cooking process.
Gas rice cookers work in the same way, but with an open flame as the heat source. These cookers are faster but require more maintenance. They impart a more authentic taste to the rice, which is particularly noticeable in sushi.
Induction cookers are a newer technology that use alternating electric current, magnetism, and friction to generate heat instead of powering a heating plate beneath the pot. These cookers respond faster and more precisely to temperature adjustments, resulting in more even cooking. If the inner pan is a conductor, the rice will cook evenly on all sides.
Price range
It is important to find a rice cooker that fits your needs while staying within your budget. The price of a rice cooker is often determined by the number of features it offers. You can find affordable rice cookers for as low as $60, but they may not have the advanced features you desire, which can be found in a more expensive model that costs around $350. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the features you need and how much you are willing to spend to have them.
Controls and ease of use
Rice cookers with one-touch operation, such as the JNP-1800-FL from Tiger, are the easiest and most common to use. These cookers require you to simply add rice and water and then flip the switch to start the cooking process. They are straightforward to use and are particularly useful if you plan to make the same type of rice repeatedly.
More advanced and expensive electric rice cookers have additional functions that require navigation through touch or button controls. These allow you to select from preset cooking modes, set timers, or delay start times depending on the type of rice you want to prepare. These cookers have many presets, which eliminates the need for guesswork when cooking different rice types.
Highly advanced models, like the Zojirushi NP-NVC10, feature "fuzzy logic" technology that can automatically adjust the temperature and cooking time for optimal results. The interface includes a display and button controls to choose from various presets.
Cooking time
The cooking time of rice varies depending on the type of rice and the specific cooker being used. For example, sushi rice can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to cook.
Warranty
When selecting a rice cooker, it's important to consider the warranty offered by the brand. Most rice cookers come with a 2-year warranty, but at minimum, you should look for a product with a 1-year limited warranty.
Design
When it comes to the design of the rice cooker, it's important to consider not only the aesthetics but also the insulating capabilities. If you have limited kitchen space or young children around, it's best to choose a rice cooker that stays cool to the touch or cools down quickly to prevent any potential burns.
Accessories
Accessories can enhance your cooking experience, and most rice cookers come with standard accessories like a rice spatula and measuring cups designed for rice portions. Higher-end cookers may also include a spatula holder or steaming basket for convenient storage and multitasking.
Easy to clean
Easy cleaning is essential, and most rice cookers have a nonstick coating in their inner pots for effortless cleaning. It's recommended that the inner pot and lid are removable for easier hand cleaning and to prevent food from sticking. Stainless steel pots, though durable, can be challenging to clean.
Sushi rice recipe and tips
To ensure that your rice cooker makes perfect sushi rice, there are some steps you should follow. Although the cooker can cook the rice perfectly to the grain, you need to take some measures to prepare it.
It's important to always rinse the rice. This is a basic step for cooking almost any type of rice. Rinsing the rice thoroughly helps to remove any pesticide residue and gives the rice a more uniform texture. Additionally, the rice will foam less while cooking and produce fewer bubbles. Rinse the rice with cold water until the water runs clear to eliminate excess starch.
For perfect sushi rice, it's essential to soak the rice before cooking. Leaving the rice unsoaked causes the grains to expand too quickly, leading to a mushy texture. When measuring the water-to-rice ratio, use the measuring guides in your inner pot or the special rice measuring cup. For traditional short-grain white rice, the ideal water-to-rice ratio is 3:2.
After cooking, let the rice sit for about 10 minutes to allow excess moisture to steam out and complete the cooking process without becoming too dry. Once settled, let the rice cool down for enhanced flavor.
FAQs
What type of rice do I need to make good sushi rice in a cooker?
For optimal sushi rice, it's recommended to use white short-grain Japanese rice, also known as japonica. If unavailable, medium-grain California rice can be used as a substitute. Both are considered "sushi rice" due to their stickiness, which is crucial for sushi preparation.
How to clean a sushi rice cooker?
To clean the inner pot (and sometimes the inner lid), soak them in warm water and gentle dish soap. Avoid using harsh detergents that could discolor the pot or abrasives like powder detergent or steel wool that could damage the nonstick coating. Wipe other components, like the heating plate and exterior, with a damp cloth, and don't let any leftover residue sit for too long.
Can I cook sticky rice in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can make sticky rice in a rice cooker, but proper cleaning and soaking of the rice are crucial to achieving the desired texture. After cooking, letting it sit for a bit can enhance the flavor.
Our Verdict
Our top choice is the Cuckoo CRP-P0609S for its precise and intelligent cooking algorithm that delivers consistently accurate results for all types of rice. Simply add the rice and water, and let the cooker do the rest.
For high-volume cooking, the Hamilton Beach Commercial 37590 is a great option, with a non-stick inner pan and double-wall construction that can cook up to 90 cups of rice.
For those who prefer a more traditional approach to making sushi rice, we recommend the reliable JNP series rice cooker from Tiger, which has been a household favorite for many years.
