The Ultimate Rice Cooker Buying Guide 2024(Popular Brands + Up to 9.5% Cash Back)

Types of Rice Cookers

There are four main types of rice cookers you’ll come across in your search. Here’s a breakdown:

• Conventional Rice Cookers

Conventional rice cookers are likely to satisfy most consumers. They’re often basic. Some are so simple as to only have one button to get started – you add your ingredients, press the button, and voila, it cooks your rice. Many feature automatic shut off, delay, and keep warm functions as well. They’re available as small as 3 cups and up to 60-cup commercial sizes for restaurants or caterers. If you’re seeking an inexpensive rice cooker for occasional or home use, conventional models are worthy of consideration.

• Micom Rice Cookers

Popularized during the 1980s, Micom rice cookers are still a common choice for domestic users owing to the simplicity of their operation. A more advanced and expensive version of rice cooker that features a computerized micro chip; these automatically adjust cooking time and temperature using thermal sensors for perfectly cooked rice of all kinds.

• IH(Induction Heating) Rice Cooker

As the name suggests, IH rice cookers utilize induction technology to heat the entire pan, allowing for far more accurate heat distribution. Induction heating rice cookers with Micom tend to command a higher price in comparison to Micom units, largely due to the ‘newness’ of this form of technology. Rice cooked in an IH and Micom cooker is by far fluffier and tastier than that cooked on the hob, or in a conventional machine. This again is attributed to the effective conductivity of the cooking pot, which cooks the rice far more evenly than other machines. 

• Pressure IH(Induction Heating) Rice Cooker

Pressurized systems within rice cookers are a relatively new development, however, have been proven to significantly alter rice taste, texture and density – thus making it easier to digest. Pressurization within the rice pot allows for higher cooking temperatures (above the usual 212°F) in comparison to IH + Micom models. Raising the cooking temperature with pressurized heating  can change the texture and structure of the grains and starch in the rice. Rice cooked in this manner is softer, fluffier, and sweeter than that cooked in conventional and Micom machines.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rice Cooker

Types

Conventional and Micom rice cookers are more than adequate for boiling white rice, and general home use. However, if you intend on cooking brown rice (known for being notoriously tricky), or sushi rice, the speed, convenience, and superior results afforded by IH+Micom and Pressure+IH+Micom machines is vastly superior. 

Capacity

The cup measures the size of the rice cooker and they range from 4 to 18 cups. If you’re looking for a rice cooker for home use, something in the 4-5 cup range may do the job for families with two to four members。Don't buy a larger unit than you need because the rice cooker is designed to operate properly with a specific amount of rice and water.

You should also consider the space you have available in your kitchen. For the most part, rice cookers won’t take up all that much space on your counter, but if you already have a lot of appliances vying for counter space in your kitchen, you should still be careful to go with a model that will fit.

Features and Functions 

If you know you’ll only ever need it for white rice, you can get by with just about any model. If you want to be able to use it to steam vegetables while you’re making rice, make various types of rice and grains, or even use it as a pressure cooker or slow cooker, then you need a model that’s more versatile.

High-end models often feature smart controls, which let users monitor the cooking progress via an app. Some even have an alert or musical tone that informs you when the rice is ready to serve. These are nice extras, but we don’t think they are entirely necessary.

Eay to Clean

When it comes to cleaning you should choose a model with a non-stick pan. Non-stick pans, as the name suggests are non-stick, which means that you won't have to work hard to clean the pan.

Durability

When choosing the best rice cooker, it’s important to consider the quality of materials used to build it. You wouldn’t want the machine to crack or break a seal over time which would compromise the cooking process.

Popular Rice Cooker Brands

Zojirushi

Zojirushi is one of the biggest rice cooker manufactures not only in Japan, but also in the world. Their rice cooker and warmer uses an induction heating system to cook the rice from all sides. It has a sleek design with clearly marked water measurement lines which is easy to clean, easy to use and good for making a variety of rice and grains. If you really love your rice and have the money to spend, they’re one of the best options on the market.

Aroma Housewares

Aroma Housewares produces a line of modern, programmable multicookers that cook rice, grains, and much more. Aroma makes a range of rice cookers that usually provide other functions like slow cooking and steaming as well. Customers are on the whole very happy with their Aroma rice cookers. 

Hamilton Beach

Hamilton Beach has an economical line of rice cookers that range from 6 to 30 cups capacity. Their rice cooker and steamer gets lots of points from customers for making rice well. Their cookers are praised for being easy to clean, easy to use, and great for the price. 

Panasonic

Panasonic makes a range of rice cookers, including some with smart “fuzzy logic” capabilities that earn consistently solid reviews. With a mid-range price point, it’s not the cheapest out there but it is far from the most expensive. Customers say their rice cookers make great rice, are easy to use, easy to clean, and a good value for the price. 

Black and Decker

Black and Decker also sells a range of rice cookers in different sizes that get predominantly positive reviews from customers. Their rice cookers as easy to use, easy to clean, and good for the cost. Their rice cookers are stuck with the classic black and white.  If you like black and white, you’ll find a line of dependable rice cookers that are priced at the low end of the scale.

Cuisinart

Cuisinart’s brushed stainless steel kitchen appliances have a modern look, and their rice cookers are no exception. They come in 4-cup and 8-cup sizes, with a rounded square design. The brand also carries multicookers in 4-, 6-, and 7-quart sizes, as well as a 10-cup rice and grain multicooker.

Cuckoo

Cuckoo is a Korean company that boasts of superior-quality rice cookers which has been involved in cooking technology for about 40 years. They have a unique design that looks quite futuristic, with a full-color LCD touchscreen display for the most expensive model. As expected their electric rice cooker with fuzzy-logic technology is considered a safe buy. 

Instant Pot

Instant Pot has taken the world by storm—and for good reason. This sleek, programmable pressure cooker can be used as a rice cooker, steam, slow cooker, pressure cooker, yogurt maker and warmer. You can even use it to sauté vegetables. Its versatility and mid-range price point make it the top choice for millions of home cooks throughout the country and around the world.

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Complete Stand Mixer Buying Guide 2024(Popular Brands+Review)

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The 6 Best Rice Cookers in 2024

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Price: $79.99/6QT. + Up To 2.5% Cash Back at Macy's

The best-selling Instant Pot Duo multicooker not only replaces 7 appliances, but it also speeds up cooking by 2-6 times and saves up to 70% of the energy used in traditional cooking methods. The Duo line features a solid range of Smart Programs and features that will revolutionize the way you cook.

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 comes in 3 convenient sizes to suit the way you cook: 3, 6 and 8 Quarts. All sizes come with 13 standard one-touch Smart Programs — Soup/Broth, Meat/Stew, Bean/Chili, Slow Cook, Sauté, Rice, Porridge, Steam, Yogurt, Keep Warm, and Pressure Cook, while the 6 and 8-Quart Duo boast two extra presets for Multigrain and Poultry.

Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Rice Cooker

Price: $143.99/5.5 cup at Amazon

Zojirushi NS-TSC10 is one of the best values on the market. Their “Fuzzy Logic” technology allows the machine to think for itself and make fine adjustments to temperature and heating time to cook perfect rice of any type each and every time. It has a wide range of settings too: white (regular/sushi, softer or harder), mixed, porridge, sweet, semi-brown, brown, rinse-free, and quick cooking. While it worked incredibly well in all our tests the only downside is speed—it takes up to 45 minutes for white rice. However, with the delay cook, automatic keep warm, extended keep warm, and reheat settings this won’t be an issue. It’s extremely easy to clean and includes a spatula, a spatula holder, a steam tray, and 2 rice-measuring cups (regular and rinse-free).

Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker & Warmer

Price: $170.99/5.5 cup + Up To 6% Cash Back at Home Depot

The Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer features advanced Neuro Fuzzy logic technology, which allows the rice cooker to 'think' for itself and make fine adjustments to temperature and heating time to cook perfect rice every time. Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer HAS built-in retractable power cord. It has Built-in retractable power cord.

• Advanced Neuro Fuzzy logic technology

• Automatic keep warm, extended keep warm and reheating cycle

• Spherical inner cooking pan and heating system

• Delay timer (2 settings)

• Built-in retractable power cord

• Menu settings include white (regular/sushi, softer or harder), mixed, porridge, sweet, semi-brown, brown, rinse-free and quick cooking

Aroma Housewares ARC-150SB Rice Cooker

Price: $38.94 + Up To 6% Cash Back at Home Depot

The new and improved AROMA@ 20-Cup Digital 3-in-1 Rice Cooker, Food Steamer and Slow Cooker (ARC-150SB)is designed to cook a large variety of delicious dishes. The ultra-durable Bonded Granite TM nonstick inner pot lasts 8x longer than pots made of other materials and will not chip or flake during heavy use! The inner pot is also completely toxin free and dishwasher safe which makes for stress-free cooking and simple cleanups. This convenient cooker perfectly yields 4 to 20 cups of any variety of rice with specialized functions for both White and Brown Rice. Once the rice has finished, it will automatically switch to Keep Warm so there's no need for monitoring or stirring. The new Flash Rice function cooks those tough-to-cook grains quicker than ever before. The Steam Tray allows for healthy steaming of meats and vegetables, even as rice cooks below! With AROMA'S Slow Cook function your rice cooker transforms into a 5-quart slow cooker, furthering its use as a meal-making powerhouse. 

Hamilton Beach Rice and Hot Cereal Cooker

Price: $49.99 + Up To 9.5% Cash Back at Hamilton Beach

This model offers more settings than you typically find in a rice cooker at this price point including “White Rice”, “Quick Rice”, “Whole Grain” for brown rice, farro, quinoa, and other grains, “Heat/Simmer” for soups, stews, and beans, “Steam Cook” for veggies, meat, fish, and dumplings and, “Hot Cereal” for oatmeal and porridge. It comes with a steam tray and has simple push button controls plus a 15-hour delayed start function, an automatic keep-warm setting and gives quick and consistent results with an impressive 14-cup cooked capacity. Measuring in at only 10.25 H x 10.25 W x 9.5 D it won’t crowd your kitchen.

Black+Decker RC503 Rice Cooker

Price: $13.99/cup + Up To 6% Cash Back at Home Depot

Dinner is easier with the BLACK+DECKER 3-Cup Electric Rice Cooker. Cooking takes just 20-30 minutes, and then the unit’s automatic “keep warm” function kicks in to keep the delicious, fluffy rice ready to serve long after cooking is complete. Cleanup is a cinch with this small rice cooker thanks to the dishwasher-safe, nonstick rice pot and tempered glass lid. This personal rice cooker is perfect for single servings or dinner for two with a 1 to 3-cup capacity. Plus, use it to prepare quinoa, risotto, sushi rice, soups, stews, and even oatmeal!

Quick Tips for Tasty Rice

1. Rinse your rice before cooking. Rinsing the rice beforehand will not only give it a more consistent texture and eliminate any pesticides that may be present, but it will also create less foam inside the cooker and keep it from bubbling over. 

2. Use the correct water to rice ratio. Typically, rice is measured using a dry cup and water is measured by volume, but in the case of rice cookers, you should use the same measuring cup to measure both rice and water. Check out the chart below for more specific information:

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