10 Best Rice Cookers for All Types of Rice, Ranked 2024 (Zojirushi,Tiger,Panasonic)
- For such a small grain, rice can be surprisingly hard to cook. Those without the knowledge and practice of how the rice and water ratio works will no doubt find that their rice comes out gloopy, burnt or chewy, instead of the fluffy accompaniment they were hoping for.
Different rice varieties, such as those ideal for risotto, long grain, jasmine and basmati, mean that the chore of cooking your rice becomes even harder. But the addition of a rice cooker could be just what you need to take the confusion out of the process.
Some rice cookers will have pre-set functions or timers, while others work on the weight of the rice and water to tell you when your rice is ready. Some of the bigger models also have other functions, including frying and baking.
We reviewed a number of different rice cookers – from compact models, which work in the background to bigger rice cookers, which have multiple uses – and tested them on how easy they were to use, how long they took, how fluffy our rice came out and if they’re good value for money.
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#1. Zojirushi NS-ZCC Neuro Fuzzy® Micom Rice Cooker
($230.99, Get Up To 4% Cash Back with Abt Electronics)
FEATURES
Capacity: 10-cup
Programs: white (regular/sushi, softer or harder), mixed, porridge, sweet, semi-brown, brown, rinse-free and quick cooking
Dimensions: 11.1 x 14.25 x 9.5 in.
Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: two measuring cups, non-stick rice spoon/scooper, rice spoon holder, and recipes included
For all types of rice, including sushi rice, Jasmine rice, and Basmati ric
Zojirushi from Japan makes the most popular rice cooker in the world. And the NS-ZCC model definitely deserves to be named the best rice cooker of 2024. It uses high-tech and advanced neuro-fuzzy logic technology, allowing the smart home device to “think for itself.”
Unlike regular rice cookers that respond to temperature by automatically turning on and off, the technology allows it to determine and adjust to the ideal temperature and time to perfectly cook the selected type of rice.
Whether you’re craving for plain, white rice or you’re in the mood to make some sushi, the Zojirushi NS-ZCC18 can cook the most suitable and perfect taste for you.
What We Love:
Zojirushi's best-selling cooker
Pre-programmed cycles
Custom cycle option
Rinse-free menu setting
Delayed-start timer option
Heavy-duty construction
Lock-tight, sealed lid
Durable nonstick interior
Automatic reheating cycle
Keep-warm cycle
Extended keep-warm option
Sturdy carrying handle
Retractable cord
What We Don't Love:
Spilling condensate
#2. Zojirushi NS-TSC Fuzzy Logic Micom Rice Cooker
($189.99, Get Up To 4% Cash Back with Abt Electronics)
The Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer not only cooks flawless rice but also comes with a steaming basket to double as a steamer and a cake menu setting to bake cakes. Built-in retractable power cord for easy storage.
What We Love:
Pre-programmed cycles
Custom cycle option
Cake baking menu setting
Steam cook function
Delayed-start timer option
Automatic reheating
Keep-warm cycle
Extended keep-warm option
Heavy-duty construction
Lock-tight, sealed lid
Durable nonstick interior
Sturdy carrying handle
Retractable cord
What We Don't Love:
Space consuming
Not dishwasher safe
#3. The Zojirushi NS-YAC18
($238.99, Get Up To 4% Cash Back with Abt Electronics)
FEATURES
Capacity: 10-cup
Programs: white, umami, mixed, sushi, porridge, sweet, brown, GABA brown, rinse-free, quick cooking and slow cook
Dimensions: 11.1 x 16 x 10.75 in.
Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: delay timer, automatic keep-warm
The Zojirushi NS-YAC18 takes rice cooking to the next level with the GABA setting that holds brown rice at a lower temperature for an extended time to enhance flavor. It also comes with other built-in settings for white rice, umami, mixed, sushi, porridge, sweet, brown, rinse-free, quick cooking, and slow cooking for soups as well as a delay-timer with two functions.
This meal-maker uses the same computerized Fuzzy logic technology found in the Zojirushi NS-ZCC18 to automate optimal settings for varied cooking cuisines and cooking styles. It holds a maximum of 10 cups of raw rice, and the automatic keep-warm function is activated when the rice is ready to keep it hot.
Other features that customers like in this cETLus- listed product are the legible LCD control panel, the spherical inner cooking pan, and heating system that limits heat loss, and the detachable inner lid. A number of people had issues with the power cord coming loose. Furthermore, this cooker is more expensive compared to other models on our list.
What We Love:
Computerized technology
Enhanced GABA flavor
Numerous cooking programs
Legible LCD control pan
Dual-function timer
What We Don't Love:
Loose cord
Fairly pricy
#4. Tiger Corporation Jbv-A10U-W 5.5-Cup Mincom Rice Cooker
($74.99, Get Up To 4% Cash Back with Abt Electronics)
FEATURES
Capacity: 5.5-cup
Programs: synchrony-cooking, plain rice, brown rice, slow cooking
Dimensions: 10.6 x 13.9 x 8.4 in.
Warranty: 1-yeare limited
More features: easy to use, includes non-stick spatula, cooking plate, measuring cup and cookbook
Tiger JBV-A10U multi-functional rice cooker allows you to prepare two dishes simultaneously with the new tacos synchronized cooking function. With minimal preparation and the press of a button, Tiger Automatic Cooking Logic, system actively monitors cooking temperatures to create the perfect meal. Unlike other rice cookers, Tiger cooking plate is specially designed so the flavors from the cooking plate do not affect the flavor or texture of the rice. With a large easy to operate one-push menu, making rice has never been simpler.
What We Love:
Synchronized cooking
Simple to operate
Easy to clean
Unique cooking plate
Numerous accessories
What We Don't Love:
Peeling pot
Cooker could be more reliable
#5. Midea MB-FS5017
($73.99, Get Up To 4% Cash Back with Abt Electronics)
FEATURES
Capacity: 10-cup
Programs: white rice, congee, quick rice, brown rice(wholegrain or wild rice), baby porridge, oatmeal, soup(broth or more liquid-based cooking), steam, stew (roast or beans, or less liquid cooking), slow cook(up to 10h) and reheat
Dimensions: 16.7 x 12.5 x 12.5 in.
Warranty: 30-day return period
More features: 24-hour delay timer, includes measuring cup, two spoons, food steamer.
Midas MB-FS5017 is one of the best brown rice rice cookers that brings Midas Touch to your food. It's designed to hold 10 cups of uncooked rice for 3 to 10 people and includes a measuring cup, two spoons and a steamer to ensure you take the correct measurements you need to make a variety of meals for consistent results. You'll also benefit from 11 pre-programmed settings for cooking white rice, porridge, instant rice, brown rice (whole or wild), baby porridge, oatmeal, soup (broth or more liquid cooking), steam , stews (roasted meat or beans, or less liquid cooking), slow cook up to 10 hours, automatic keep warm and reheat functions, and a 24-hour delay timer so you can enjoy your meal at your convenience.
It operates using touchscreen controls and a digital LCD panel, which can take some time to figure out. Also, some users don't like the keep warm feature.
Customers love the Topaz Honeycomb for pot making for efficient heat distribution and retention, as well as evenly cooked meals, easy cleaning and sleek design.
What We Love:
Easy to read LED display
Touch button on the panel
T2.0 mm inner pot with a non-sticking coating
Multi-function cooking by manual settings
24 hours preset timer
What We Don't Love:
Might take time to get used to the menu
The keep-warm function can spoil the rice
#6. Aroma ARC-150SB
($39.99, Get Up To 4% Cash Back with Abt Electronics)
FEATURES
Capacity: 10-cup
Programs: white rice, brown rice, flash rice, steam, slow cook
Dimensions: 10.75 x 11.13 x 11.25 in.
Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: 15-hour delay timer, automatic keep-warm, cool-touch body, easy to clean
The new and improved Aroma 20-Cup Digital 3-in-1 Rice Cooker, Food Steamer and Slow Cooker is designed to cook a good variety of dishes. The new function Flash Rice cooks those tough-to-cook grains quicker. Now get your homemade dinner ready in a snap!
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 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 4-quart slow cooker, furthering its use as a meal-making powerhouse. The programmable 15-hour delay timer is great for families on the go, delivering delicious rice ready when it's needed. And when the cooking is done, the inner cooking pot and all accessories remove for easy cleanup.
What We Love:
Large capacity
Sturdy stainless construction
Multiple integrated programs
15-hour delay timer
Low pricing
What We Don't Love:
Non-removable lid
Rice dries or turns brown if Keep Warm function works quite long
#7. Panasonic 5 Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker with Fuzzy Logic and One
($74.99, Get Up To 4% Cash Back with Abt Electronics)
FEATURES
Capacity: 5-cup
Programs: white rice, porridge, soup, brown rice, quick cook, steam
Dimensions: 9.6 x 13.4 x 7.8 in.
Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: automatic keep-warm, includes measuring cup, rice scoop, steaming basket
Cook like a pro with the Fuzzy Logic Rice Cooker. The micro-computer controlled cooker features easy, 1-push operation. The cooker includes six menu settings, a compact design and a detachable cord for additional convenience. With a steaming basket, the cooker has a 5-cup capacity. Microcomputer controlled Easy 1-push operation 6 menu settings Compact design Detachable cord Steaming basket 5-cup capacity.
What We Love:
The lid is easy to lift with a push of a button
5-cup capacity
Auto shut-off
Several preset settings
Warms food for up to 12 hours
What We Don't Love:
Non-detachable lid
No timer
#8. Cuisinart CRC-800P1 8-Cup Rice Cooker
($89.99, Get Up To 4% Cash Back with Abt Electronics)
FEATURES
Capacity: 10-cup
Programs: risotto, sauté, rice, steam, slow cook low/high
Dimensions: 12.5 x 11.7 x 10.6 in.
Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: non-stick bowl, removable cord
Make generous portions of perfect rice every time with the Cuisinart 8 Cup Rice Cooker. With a built-in steam tray for sides and add-ins, you can create healthy dishes for the whole family at the touch of a button. This smart Rice Cooker also switches automatically to Warm once the rice has cooked, keeping your dishes hot while the chrome-plated handles stay cool to the touch. Clean-up is easy too, thanks to the steam vent that helps prevent splattering and the nonstick coating.
What We Love:
Compact and versatile
Substantial capacity
Sturdy build
Multiple preset programs
Easy to clean and operate
What We Don't Love:
Some units malfunction
How to choose the best rice cooker for you
Electric rice cookers can vary dramatically in price. All the models we’ve tested start at just over $20 and peak as high as $330, with mid-range models costing around $100. The reason for this huge variance in price is due to the differences in the way cheap rice cookers work compared to costlier models.
All electric home rice cookers consist of a removable bowl (usually ceramic or metal) that fits inside a pot. At the bottom of the pot is a heating element. Once the bowl is filled with water and rice and you’ve started the cooking process, the heating element boils the water.
Some cheap rice cookers will turn off the heating element once the boiling point has been reached and maintained for a set period; others will cease boiling once the weight of the bowl’s contents has decreased past a certain point, due to the rice absorbing some water with the rest boiled away as excess steam. At this point, your rice should be ready to eat.
The majority of mid-range and high-end rice cookers take a more sophisticated approach. Most models costing around $100 or more are equipped with processors, commonly marketed as “fuzzy-logic” or “AI” chips, and sensors. They can automatically adjust the cooking time, the temperature and the rate of temperature increase, similar to the way you would do so manually using a saucepan and the temperature controls on your hob.
Are all rice cookers capable of cooking any type of rice?
Most cheap rice cookers can only cook long-grain rice and even then only to a basic standard of quality. Basmati, the curry house staple we’re all familiar with, is a long-grain rice. Pricier rice cookers can handle other types – notably short-grain rice, the type used in risotto as well as Thai and Japanese dishes, and more unusual rice-based dishes using presets chosen from a control panel on the front of the rice cooker.
What makes for good-quality cooked rice is inherently subjective, but we think the vast majority of people would agree with our criteria. White long grain rice should have fully separate grains that don’t stick or clump together, as well as a soft bite.
Short grain rice, on the other hand, should stick together and be fluffy and soft too – much more so than long grain rice. Neither type of rice should be sodden with excess water that hasn’t been boiled away, as this makes for very unpleasant eating. To measure that, we weigh the bowl for each rice cooker filled with enough short-grain rice for two people and the appropriate amount of water before cooking. We then weigh the finished results (and subtract the weight of the bowl itself, of course, from both figures). The greater the difference in the before and after weights, the better the rice should be
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