Best Rice Cookers of 2024: Rice So Good, You’ll Forget About Takeout!
Rice is the most consumed staple food across the globe. It is central to countless dishes and cuisines, bringing warmth and comfort to meals every day. However, cooking rice perfectly is an art that not everyone can master easily. This is where rice cookers enter the picture, a revolutionary appliance that guarantees perfectly cooked rice every time.
With the best rice cookers, you not only save valuable time and effort but also ensure consistency in your cooking. They help in maintaining the nutritional value of the rice while freeing up your stovetop for other cooking tasks.
Here we’ve curated a list of the top rice cookers available in the market, each with unique features to meet your specific cooking needs and preferences. Delve into our comprehensive guide and find the perfect rice cooker to elevate your culinary adventures.
Quick Pick Section
| Product Name | Capacity | PowerSource | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zojirushi Rice Cooker |  | 1.05 quarts | Corded electric | Check Price On Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker |  | 1.43 quarts | Corded electric | Check Price On Amazon |
| Instant Zest Rice Cooker |  | 8 cups | Corded electric | Check Price On Amazon |
| Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker | 1.5 quarts | Corded electric | Check Price On Amazon | |
| Toshiba Rice Cooker | 6 cups | Corded electric | Check Price On Amazon | |
| Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker | 6.71 quarts | Corded electric | Check Price On Amazon | |
| Elite Gourmet Rice Cooker |  | 3 cups | Corded electric | Check Price On Amazon |
List of the 7 Best Rice Cookers of 2024
1. Zojirushi Rice Cooker – Our Top Pick
Key Specs
- Capacity – 1.05 quarts
- Power Source – Corded electric
The Zojirushi Rice Cooker, our KD4U Top Pick award winner, is an excellent choice when it comes to cooking delicious rice every time! We love its advanced micro-computerized fuzzy logic technology that allows you to achieve the perfect texture for any type of rice. Plus, it has a 5.5-cup capacity and comes with a bunch of handy features to make cooking rice a breeze.
A few features that stood out for us are its warming function and delayed timer. The rice cooker has a well designed clear-coated stainless steel exterior that makes it super easy to clean, and you can also use this rice cooker as a steamer with its versatile steam menu setting.
2. BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker – Runner Up
Key Specs
- Capacity – 1.43 quarts
- Power Source – Corded electric
The BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker, our KD4U Runner Up award winner, is a must have kitchen appliance for anyone seeking convenience and versatility in their cooking. With its 6-cup capacity, you can easily prepare anything from single servings to satisfying family meals. We were very impressed with how easy it is to clean the non-stick rice pot, and the steamer basket is just perfect for whipping up healthy dishes with fish, vegetables, and more.
In addition, safety is a top priority with this rice cooker. It’s ETL-listed and even has an automatic Keep Warm feature to ensure your rice stays ready without getting overcooked. The BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker has got you covered with all the essential tools and equipment, like a measuring cup and spoon, to make meal preparation a breeze.
3. Instant Zest Rice Cooker – Great Design
Key Specs
- Capacity – 8 cups
- Power Source – Corded electric
The Instant Zest Rice Cooker is an awesome choice for busy cooks or those with limited space. With its convenient one-touch cooking system, you can whip up perfectly cooked rice, oatmeal, and grains in a jiffy! We absolutely loved how it comes with a steamer tray, making it super easy to steam veggies, fish, and other delicious foods. With its multiple functions and sleek appearance, The Instant Zest Rice Cooker is an excellent choice for our KD4U Great Design award!
The compact size is just right for individual meals or side dishes, and the non-stick ceramic coating on the cooking pot makes cleaning up super easy. And guess what? It even comes with a rice measuring cup and rice spoon, both of which you can pop in the dishwasher for extra convenience.
4. Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker – Multi Function
Key Specs
- Capacity – 1.5 quarts
- Power Source – Corded electric
The Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker is a must have for anyone who wants to effortlessly prepare delicious meals for any occasion. It’s super easy to use with just a simple one touch operation. You can cook up to 6 cups of any variety of rice, making mealtime convenient and stress free. Impressively, It’s not just for rice! You can whip up soups, jambalaya, chili, and so much more.
Our favorite part of the product was that the full view tempered glass lid allows you to easily monitor your cooking progress. Also, the removable nonstick inner pot is easy to clean and can be removed and used to serve your food. The set also includes a rice measuring cup and serving spatula for added convenience.
5. Toshiba Rice Cooker – Moisture Sensor
Key Specs
- Capacity – 6 cups
- Power Source – Corded electric
The Toshiba Rice Cooker is an excellent overall choice. This large, versatile rice cooker offers 7 cooking functions, including Mixed Rice, Quick Rice, Brown Rice, and more. Thanks to Fuzzy logic technology, the appliance can sense the moisture of the rice and automatically adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly.
It also has a detachable power cord, which makes things easier. We really like how the lid locks firmly in place while cooking, so you don’t have to worry about any spills. And there’s a steam vent cap to keep the hot steam from escaping while cooking. Plus, it automatically shuts off the heating element when the cooking is done.
6. Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker – Large Capacity
Key Specs
- Capacity – 6.71 quarts
- Power Source – Corded electric
Cooking delicious and healthy meals just got a whole lot easier with the Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker! It’s perfect for families or gatherings, thanks to its large capacity. We’ve compared the product to other similar ones and we were genuinely impressed by its 6 pre-programmed settings. You can whip up a variety of foods in no time.
It even comes with a 2-in-1 rice rinser/steam basket to make rinsing rice super quick to prevent clumping. The cooker’s impressive capacity can handle anything from a cozy dinner to a feast for the whole crew! You can cook 2 to 14 cups of rice, grains, veggies, and more and with its digital display and delay-start timer, you’ll always know when your delicious meal will be ready.
7. Elite Gourmet Rice Cooker – Best Value
Key Specs
- Capacity – 3 cups
- Power Source – Corded electric
If you’re on the lookout for an affordable and versatile rice cooker, you don’t need to search any further than the Elite Gourmet Rice Cooker, our KD4U Best Value award winner! This amazing rice cooker from Elite Cuisine has got all your needs covered. It comes packed with awesome features that guarantee perfectly cooked rice every single time. Plus, it even has a handy “Keep Warm” function that keeps your rice fresh and warm for hours!
We were pleasantly surprised by the cool-touch side handles and its tempered glass lid, so you can easily keep an eye on your rice whenever you feel like it. It’s got a pretty decent capacity too. So go ahead and grab one of these bad boys and enjoy some seriously delicious rice!
How Did We Choose the Best Rice Cookers
Finding the best rice cooker is not an easy task. It takes careful analysis of all the product’s features and specifications to determine which ones truly stand out. That’s why we undertook the challenge and sorted through dozens of rice cookers to bring you the ultimate list of the best ones. We also considered different types of rice when sorting through hundreds of user reviews.
We also considered the ratios of water to rice to ensure that each rice cooker could achieve perfectly cooked rice every time. We had to make sure each rice cooker was capable enough with a range of grains to guarantee the best value and quality no matter what kind of rice or grains you desire to cook.
Buying Guide – What to Look for Before Choosing the Best Rice Cookers
Choosing the perfect rice cooker for your kitchen is essential for ensuring each cup of rice is cooked to perfection. It’s not just about convenience but also about the quality of the rice it produces. Consider these three crucial factors before deciding to ensure your rice is always cooked flawlessly, whether it’s sushi rice, basmati rice, or any other type.
1. Capacity
Before investing in a rice cooker and warmer, consider the amount of rice you generally cook. If you usually cook a large batch of rice, opt for a cooker with a larger capacity of at least 10+ cups. But if you wanna cook for your small family, you can consider a cooker with at least 3 or 4+ cups capacity.
2. Type of Rice
The type of rice you frequently cook is another essential factor. Different types of rice, such as sushi rice, basmati rice, and others, may require distinct cooking settings. Some high end rice cookers have specific rice settings for different rice types, ensuring each grain is cooked to perfection, enhancing the quality of the rice.
3. Additional Features
Examine the additional features that a rice cooker offers. Some cookers come with accessories like a rice paddle, facilitating easy handling and serving. Others have advanced settings for cooking different types of rice, ensuring your sushi rice is as impeccable as your basmati, and each grain stands separate, contributing to delicious, fluffy rice.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
1. Can I cook different types of rice in a rice cooker?
Yes, most rice cookers can cook various types of rice, including jasmine rice and other varieties. Make sure to select the correct setting for the type of rice you are cooking to ensure optimal results.
2. How much uncooked rice can I cook in a rice cooker?
The capacity depends on the model. Rice cookers typically range from a 3-cup rice cooker to a 10-cup electric rice cooker. The size you choose depends on how much rice you typically eat or how many people you cook for.
3. Can I keep my rice warm in a rice cooker?
Yes, most rice cookers have a feature that keeps your rice warm after it’s cooked. This feature allows you to eat rice at a desirable temperature even after some time has passed.
4. Is there a mini rice cooker available?
Yes, mini rice cookers are available for those who have limited kitchen space or cook smaller amounts of rice. Despite their compact size, they efficiently make rice and often have features similar to larger models.
5. Can a rice cooker also work as a pressure cooker?
Some rice cookers, particularly electric pressure cooker models, have a pressure cooking function in addition to standard rice cooking options. This feature allows you to cook rice more quickly as compared to traditional methods.
Conclusion – A Few Final Words!
Navigating the world of the best rice cookers can seem a daunting task, but considering your specific needs can narrow down the options significantly. With the different rice varieties and the unique rice and water ratio required, using a rice cooker can help eliminate the guesswork and ensure consistently well cooked rice.
So, you no longer have to worry if the rice comes out undercooked or overcooked. The ability to cook different types of rice without having to constantly monitor it provides not only convenience but also frees up your time for other culinary tasks.
Above is a list of the top rice cookers we carefully selected through our comprehensive review process. Hopefully this guide will help you choose one in accordance with your own personal needs. Thanks for reading!
0 Comments
