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Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
- Best overall: Aroma Housewares Professional Rice Cooker
- Best high end: Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker
- Best affordable: IMUSA Electric Nonstick Rice Cooker
- Best for families: COMFEE’ Multi-Cooker
- Best large capacity: Black+Decker Rice Cooker
- Best for small portions: DASH Mini Rice Cooker
- Best multipurpose: Instant Pot Duo
Rice cookers are common kitchen appliances used to steam or boil rice.
Although you can also prepare rice on the stove using a saucepan or pot, rice cookers simplify and streamline the process by controlling the heat and cooking time automatically.
Many types of rice cookers are available, coming in a variety of sizes and offering a range of features and functions. As a result, deciding which product to buy can be challenging.
The rice cookers featured in this article were selected based on the following criteria:
- Materials. We looked for rice cookers made from high-quality materials that are nonstick or dishwasher-safe.
- Features. We considered products with special features like multiple cooking settings, delay timers, and warming modes.
- Value. We included rice cookers that provide a good value for the price.
- Customer reviews. The rice cookers on this list have mostly positive reviews online.
Each rice cooker has also been vetted to make sure it aligns with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Read more about our vetting process.
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($ to $$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, prices range from $19.99–$260, though this may vary depending on where you shop.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $35
- $$ = $35–$100
- $$$ = above $100
Best overall
Aroma Housewares Professional Rice Cooker
- Price: $$
- Modes: Keep Warm, White Rice, Brown Rice, Quick Rice, Sauté-then-Simmer, Quinoa, Oatmeal, Steam, and Slow Cook
- Maximum volume: 4 cups (800 grams) uncooked rice
- Best for: people looking for a convenient and cost-effective option to save time on weeknight meal prep
Featuring a removable steam tray and 8 programmable functions, this budget-friendly rice cooker is one of the best on the market.
It can prepare up to 4 cups (800 grams) of uncooked rice and includes a sauté-to-simmer function, which can be used to make stews, stir-fries, rice pilafs, and risottos.
Plus, it offers a 15-hour delay timer, making it a great option for those seeking a flexible and easy way to prepare weeknight dinners in advance.
Pros
- affordable
- equipped with a 15-hour delay timer to ease meal prep
- includes 8 programmable functions
Cons
- not dishwasher safe
- some reviewers report issues with long-term functionality
Best high end
Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker
- Price: $$$
- Modes: White, Mixed, Porridge, Sweet, Semi-Brown, Brown, Rinse-Free, and Quick Cooking
- Maximum volume: 5.5 cups (1,100 grams) or 10 cups (2,000 grams) uncooked rice
- Best for: people looking for a sleek and stylish rice cooker that can make multiple types of rice
For those seeking a high quality rice cooker that’s well-designed and durable, this model from Zojirushi may be worth the splurge.
It features a rounded, nonstick inner pan to cook the rice evenly, and it has specific modes for several rice varieties, including white rice, sweet rice, sushi rice, brown rice, and quick-cooking rice.
It’s also available in 2 sizes and can hold either 5.5 cups (1,100 grams) or 10 cups (2,000 grams) of uncooked rice.
Pros
- available in 2 sizes
- includes a rounded inner pan to cook rice evenly
- offers cooking modes for various types of rice
Cons
- on the pricey side
- designed primarily for short-grain rice
Best affordable
IMUSA Electric Nonstick Rice Cooker
- Price: $
- Modes: Warm, Cook
- Maximum volume: 3 cups (600 grams) uncooked rice
- Best for: people looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly rice cooker that’s simple and easy to use
This small, simple rice cooker from IMUSA is a great choice for those on a tight budget.
It includes a removable, nonstick pot for easy cleaning and offers a warming mode to keep your rice hot until you’re ready to eat.
Multiple sizes are available, and they can hold up to 5 cups (1,000 grams) or 8 cups (1,600 grams) of uncooked rice.
Pros
- inexpensive
- available in 2 different sizes with varying capacities
- includes a removable pot for easy cleaning
Cons
- limited modes available
- lacks features found in other rice cookers, such as delay timer
Best for families
COMFEE’ Multi-Cooker
- Price: $$
- Modes: Manual/DIY, Yogurt, Soup/Stew, Oatmeal, Cake, Rice, Slow Cook, Pasta, Brown Rice/Quinoa, Steam, Veggies, Meat
- Maximum volume: 10 cups (2,000 grams) uncooked rice
- Best for: anyone interested in a multi-functional rice cooker that’s ideal for batch cooking
This high-capacity rice cooker can hold up to 10 cups (2,000 grams) of uncooked rice, making it an excellent option for families and large households.
It offers 17 unique functions and can be used as a rice cooker, yogurt maker, slow cooker, steamer, soup pot, and more.
It also features a built-in handle for portability, a nonstick inner pot, and a 24-hour delay timer for flexible meal prep.
Pros
- versatile with 17 functions
- high capacity for batch cooking
- equipped with a 24-hour delay timer
Cons
- may not be as user-friendly as other models
- available in only one size
Best large capacity
Black+Decker Rice Cooker
- Price: $–$$
- Modes: Cook, Warm
- Maximum volume: 3 cups (600 grams), 6 cups (1,200 grams), 14 cups (2,800 grams), 16 cups (3,200 cups), 28 cups (5,600 grams) cooked rice
- Best for: families and large households seeking a simple rice cooker that’s dishwasher safe and easy to clean
If you’re looking to make large quantities of rice for dinner parties or family gatherings, check out this rice cooker from Black+Decker.
Multiple sizes are available, including one model that can prepare up to 14 cups (2,800 grams) of uncooked rice.
Plus, it includes a steam basket, a nonstick inner pot that’s dishwasher safe, and a mode that automatically keeps rice warm once it’s finished cooking.
Pros
- variety of sizes to choose from
- inner pot is dishwasher safe
- holds up to 14 cups (2,800 grams) of uncooked rice
Cons
- doesn’t offer any other modes or functions
- some reviewers note that rice tends to burn or stick to the bottom
Best for small portions
DASH Mini Rice Cooker
- Price: $
- Modes: Cook, Warm
- Maximum volume: 1 cup (200 grams) uncooked rice
- Best for: individuals and couples with limited counter space looking for a compact and multi-purpose rice cooker
Whether you’re short on space or only cooking for one, this mini rice cooker from Dash can be a great addition to your kitchen.
It holds up to 1 cup (200 grams) of uncooked rice and can also be used to prepare a variety of other recipes, including oatmeal, pasta, soups, stews, and quinoa dishes.
What’s more, it includes an automatic warming function and a nonstick, removable inner pot for easy cleaning.
Pros
- compact and portable
- available in multiple colors
- user-friendly
Cons
- not ideal for families or those who prefer batch cooking
- offers fewer functions than other products
Best multipurpose
Instant Pot Duo
- Price: $$–$$$
- Modes: Soup/Broth, Meat/Stew, Bean/Chili, Poultry, Rice, Multigrain, Porridge, Steam, Yogurt, Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Sauté, Keep Warm
- Maximum volume: 2 cups (400 grams), 4 cups (800 grams), or 5 1/3 cups (1,067 grams) uncooked rice
- Best for: people looking for a sturdy rice cooker that doubles as a pressure cooker and slow cooker
The Instant Pot Duo can not only be used as a rice cooker but also offers 13 programs, enabling you to use it as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, and yogurt maker.
The 6-quart (5.7-liter) model is the most popular and can make up to 4 cups (800 grams) of uncooked rice. However, there are several other sizes available to fit a variety of needs.
It’s also designed with 10 built-in safety features, a 24-hour delay timer, and a removable, dishwasher safe inner pot.
Pros
- includes 10 built-in safety features (like overheating protection and locking lid)
- available in 3 sizes
- multi-purpose, with 13 different programs
Cons
- heavy
- relatively expensive
| Price | Volume (uncooked rice) | Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aroma Housewares Professional Rice Cooker | $$ | 4 cups (8,000 g) | • affordable • equipped with 15-hour delay timer to ease meal prep • includes 8 programmable functions | • not dishwasher safe • some reviewers report issues with long-term functionality |
| Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker | $$$ | 5.5 cups (1,100 g); 10 cups (2,000 g) | • available in 2 sizes • includes spherical inner pan to cook rice evenly • offers cooking modes for various types of rice | • pricey • designed primarily for short-grain rice |
| IMUSA Electric Nonstick Rice Cooker | $ | 5 cups (1,000 g); 8 cups (1,600 g) | • cost-effective • available in 2 different sizes with varying capacities • includes removable pot for easy cleaning | • limited modes available • lacks features found in other rice cookers, such as delay timer |
| COMFEE’ Multi-Cooker | $$ | 10 cups (2,000 g) | • 17 functions • high capacity for batch cooking • equipped with 24-hour delay timer | • may not be as user-friendly as other models • only available in one size |
| Black+Decker Rice Cooker | $–$$ | 1.5 cups (300 g); 3 cups (600 g); 7 cups (1,400 g); 8 cups (1,600 g); 14 cups (2,800 g) | • variety of sizes to choose from • inner pot is dishwasher safe • holds up to 14 cups (2,800 grams) of uncooked rice | • doesn’t offer any other modes or functions • some reviewers note that rice tends to burn or stick to the bottom |
| DASH Mini Rice Cooker | $ | 1 cup (200 g) | • compact and portable • available in multiple colors • user-friendly | • not ideal for families or those who prefer batch cooking • offers fewer functions than other products |
| Instant Pot Duo | $$–$$$ | 2 cups (400 g); 4 cups (800 g); 5 1/3 cups (1,067 g) | • includes 10 built-in safety features • available in 3 sizes • 13 different programs | • heavy • relatively expensive |
There are several factors to keep in mind when shopping for a rice cooker.
First, you’ll want to decide which features are important to you.
For example, while some rice cookers feature a simple on/off switch, others come equipped with multiple programs and modes designed for specific ingredients or cooking methods.
Additionally, many rice cookers are made with nonstick or dishwasher-safe materials, which can help simplify cleanup after you cook.
You’ll also want to consider your budget, as rice cookers can cost anywhere from $20 to $200.
Finally, keep in mind that rice cookers can range in size, so you’ll want to factor in the capacity of the appliance as well.
If you’re using a rice cooker for the first time, figuring out how to get perfectly cooked rice can be tricky.
Here are a few tips to get started:
- Measure your rice: To begin, simply measure whichever variety of rice you’re ready to prepare and place it in the rice cooker. Optionally, you can also rinse your rice first, which removes excess starch to improve the texture.
- Add water: The amount of water that you should use depends on the specific type of rice and cooking method. In most cases, you should use the same amount of water as you would for stovetop cooking, which is often 2 cups water for each cup of rice. However, if you’re using a pressure cooker, this amount may vary.
- Start the rice cooker: For simple rice cookers, you might only need to click the “cook” button to get started. For other models, you may need to select the specific type of rice or choose a cooking mode.
- Cook your rice: While your rice is cooking, you can start preparing other ingredients for your meal or simply wait for it to finish. It can take between 20 and 45 minutes for your rice to fully cook, though this can vary depending on many factors, including the type of rice and rice cooker you’re using.
- Let it set: Once your rice cooker is finished, it may make a noise or simply switch to “warm” mode. Be sure to check to make sure it’s fully cooked and let it set for around 10 minutes before you fluff it with a fork and serve.
Which brand of rice cooker is best?
There are many high quality brands of rice cookers. Each of them varies in terms of the specific modes and functions available.
Aroma Housewares is a good option that is also very affordable. Other popular brands include Zojirushi, Instant Pot, and Black+Decker.
How long does cooked rice last in the fridge?
Cooked rice can be refrigerated for up to 4–6 days to maintain quality and freshness (1).
Why is the Zojirushi rice cooker so good?
The Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker features a rounded inner pot to cook rice evenly and offers modes for various different types of rice. It’s also easy to use and available in 2 sizes, depending on your personal needs and preferences.
Why are Japanese rice cookers better?
Many Japanese rice cookers are equipped with computer chips, which make adjustments to the cooking time and temperature to ensure rice is cooked properly. Some people also prefer Japanese rice cookers because they often feature modes for multiple types of rice, which may be useful if rice is a key ingredient in your diet.
If rice is a regular part of your diet, investing in a high-quality rice cooker can be a great way to simplify meal prep.
There’s a wide range of rice cookers on the market, many of which vary in terms of the features and functions they offer.
Be sure to consider the materials, price, size, and features to find a rice cooker that works for you.
