7 Best Rice Cookers: A Comprehensive Review of Top Options
Rice cookers are great kitchen appliances that make cooking rice quick and easy. If you’re in the market for a new rice cooker, choosing from the many options available can be overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, we have reviewed and compiled a list of the seven best rice cookers on the market.
7 Best Rice Cookers: Our Top Picks
1. COSORI Large Maker Rice Cooker
COSORI Large Maker Rice Cooker has a capacity of 10 cups and offers 18 different cooking functions. It features Japanese-style fuzzy logic Micom technology, allowing you to adjust the texture of your rice. It also includes a stainless steel steamer, a warmer, and a timer. The cooker comes with 50 recipes and has a sleek black design
Pros:
– Large capacity
– Multiple cooking functions
– Adjustable rice texture
– Comes with recipes
– Sleek design
Cons:
– Some users have reported durability issues
price: 99.99$
2. Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2 Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker:
With a capacity of 5.5 cups, this rice cooker offers a range of features. It has a stylish stainless brown design, and Micom technology allows for precise temperature control. The cooker also has a delay timer, a keep-warm function, and a detachable inner lid for easy cleaning.
Pros:
– Precise temperature control
– Delay timer and keep warm function
– Easy to clean
– Sleek design
Cons:
– Some users have reported that the cooker takes longer to cook rice compared to other models
-price: 199.49$
3. Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker, 5.5 Cup:
Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker also has a 5.5 cup capacity and features neuro fuzzy technology, which adjusts the cooking time and temperature to ensure perfectly cooked rice every time. It has multiple menu settings and a programmable delay timer. The cooker also has a nonstick inner cooking pan and a detachable inner lid for easy cleaning.
Pros:
– Neuro-fuzzy technology for precise cooking
– Multiple menu settings
– Programmable delay timer
– Easy to clean
Cons:
– Some users have reported durability issues with the nonstick coating
-price: 200.35$
4. Best Rice Cookers: Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker:
With a capacity of 3 cups, this rice cooker is perfect for smaller households. It features a black stainless steel design and Micom technology for precise cooking. The cooker has multiple menu settings, a delay timer, and a keep warm function. It also has a detachable inner lid and a nonstick inner cooking pan for easy cleaning.
Pros:
– Compact size
– Micom technology for precise cooking
– Multiple menu settings
– Delay timer and keep warm function
– Easy to clean
Cons:
– Capacity may be too small for larger households
-price: 169.49$
5. Best Rice Cookers: Zojirushi 612252-NL-BAC05SB Micom Rice Cooker:
Zojirushi 612252-NL-BAC05SB Micom Rice Cooker has a silver-black design and a capacity of 3 cups. It features a Micom technology with fuzzy logic for precise cooking. The cooker has multiple menu settings, a delay timer, and a keep warm function. It also has a nonstick inner cooking pan and a detachable inner lid for easy cleaning.
Pros:
– Stylish design
– Micom technology for precise cooking
– Multiple menu settings
– Delay timer and keep warm function
– Easy to clean
Cons:
– Capacity may be too small for larger households
-price: 154.59$
6. Best Rice Cookers: Zojirushi NS-RPC10FJ Rice Cooker:
With a capacity of 5.5 cups, Zojirushi NS-RPC10FJ Rice Cooker has a unique tulip-shaped design. It features micro computerized fuzzy logic technology for precise cooking. The cooker has multiple menu settings, a delay timer, and a keep warm function. It also has a nonstick inner cooking pan and a detachable inner lid for easy cleaning.
Pros:
– Unique tulip-shaped design
– Micro computerized fuzzy logic technology
– Multiple menu settings
– Delay timer and keep warm function
– Easy to clean
Cons:
– Some users have reported that the cooker takes longer to cook rice compared to other models
-price: 144.49$
7. Best Rice Cookers: Nutribullet EveryGrain Cooker, 11″D x 11″W x 9″H:
Nutribullet EveryGrain rice cooker has a capacity of 10 cups and offers multiple cooking functions. It has a compact design, making it perfect for smaller kitchens. The cooker features a nonstick inner pot, a digital control panel with a delay timer, and a keep warm function.
Pros:
– Compact design
– Multiple cooking functions
– Nonstick inner pot
– Digital control panel with delay timer and keep warm function
Cons:
– Some users have reported durability issues
-price: 68.99$
Our Favorite Best Rice Cookers
The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker is our favorite rice cooker. It has a 5.5 cup capacity and features neuro fuzzy technology, ensuring perfectly cooked rice every time. The multiple menu settings and programmable delay timer provide versatility and convenience. The nonstick inner cooking pan and detachable inner lid also make for easy cleaning. Overall, this rice cooker offers excellent performance and reliability.
Factors to Consider 7 Best Optmeal Cookers
When choosing the best rice cooker for your needs, there are several factors to consider:
- Capacity: Determine how much rice you typically cook and choose a rice cooker with an appropriate capacity. Rice cookers usually advertise their capacity in cups of uncooked rice.
- Cooking Functions: Consider the cooking functions offered by the rice cooker. Basic models may only have a single rice cooking setting. In contrast, more advanced models may have multiple settings for different types of rice or additional cooking functions like steaming or slow cooking.
- Technology: Look for rice cookers with advanced technology such as fuzzy logic or Miicom technology. These technologies allow the rice cooker to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on the type of rice being cooked, resulting in perfectly cooked rice every time.
- Keep Warm Function: A keep warm function is useful for the rice cooker to keep the cooked rice warm until you are ready to serve. Some rice cookers also have an extended keep-warm function that can keep the rice warm for longer periods.
- Nonstick Inner Pot: A nonstick inner pot makes it easier to clean the rice cooker after use. Look for rice cookers with a high-quality nonstick coating that is durable and long-lasting.
- Timer and Delay Start: A timer feature allows you to program when you want the rice cooker to start cooking. This is convenient for busy schedules or when you want to have rice ready for a specific mealtime.
- Size and Design: Consider the size of the rice cooker and whether it will fit comfortably in your kitchen. Choose a design and color that matches your kitchen decor and personal preferences.
- Price: Set a budget and choose a rice cooker that fits within your price range. It’s important to balance affordability and the features you desire.
- Brand Reputation: Consider the brand’s reputation and read reviews from other customers to ensure that the rice cooker is known for its reliability and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does a rice cooker work?
A rice cooker uses a heating element to heat the inner pot containing the rice and water. When you add rice and water to the cooker and turn it on, the cooker detects the temperature and moisture levels and adjusts the cooking time and temperature accordingly. Once the rice is cooked, the cooker switches to a “keep warm” mode to maintain the temperature until you are ready to serve.
- Can I cook other grains besides rice in a rice cooker?
Many modern rice cookers have settings for cooking other grains like quinoa, oats, barley, and more. These settings may require adjusting the cooking time and water ratios to ensure proper cooking. Check the instruction manual of your rice cooker for specific instructions on cooking different grains.
- How long does cooking rice in a rice cooker take?
The cooking time for rice in a rice cooker varies depending on the type of rice and the quantity being cooked. Generally, it takes around 20-30 minutes for most types of white rice and longer for brown rice or other whole grains. Some advanced rice cookers have specific settings for different types of rice, which can help optimize the cooking time.
- Are rice cookers easy to clean?
Yes, rice cookers are typically easy to clean. Most models come with a nonstick inner pot, which makes it easy to remove cooked rice and clean the pot afterward. The inner pot and accessories, like the lid and steam tray, are usually dishwasher safe, but it’s always important to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance.
- Can I steam vegetables or meat in a rice cooker?
Yes, many rice cookers come with a steam tray or basket that allows you to steam vegetables, meat, and other foods while the rice is cooking. This is a convenient way to prepare a complete meal in one appliance. Follow the instructions provided with your rice cooker for steaming different types of foods.
- Can I use a rice cooker for other cooking methods, such as slow cooking or baking?
Some rice cookers have additional cooking functions like slow cooking or baking, but these features are rare in most rice cookers. If you are interested in these cooking methods, consider multi-functional cookers designed for various cooking tasks.
- Can I leave the rice cooker unattended while it is cooking?
Rice cookers are designed to be safe for unattended cooking. Once the rice is cooked, the cooker automatically switches to the “keep warm” mode. However, it is always recommended to follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer and never leave any appliance unattended for extended periods.
The Tests
To determine the best rice cookers, we conducted various tests and evaluations. Here are the key aspects we tested:
- Cooking Performance: We cooked different types of rice, such as white rice, brown rice, and sushi rice, to assess how well the rice cookers handled different grains. We evaluated the cooked rice’s texture, consistency, and overall quality.
- Ease of Use: We assessed how easy it was to set up and operate each rice cooker. We looked for clear instructions, intuitive controls, and user-friendly features such as a digital display and preset.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: We evaluated the ease of cleaning the rice cooker, including the inner pot, lid, and accessories. We looked for nonstick surfaces and dishwasher-safe parts for convenient cleaning.
- Additional Functions: We tested additional functions or features, such as steaming vegetables, slow cooking, or baking, to see how well they performed and if they added value to the rice cooker.
- Durability and Build Quality: We examined the build quality and materials used in each rice cooker to assess its durability. We also considered customer reviews and feedback regarding the longevity and reliability of the rice cookers.
- User Experience: We considered customer reviews and feedback to assess the overall user experience and satisfaction with each rice cooker.
Based on these tests and evaluations, we determined the best rice cookers that offer excellent performance, ease of use, durability, and customer satisfaction.
Other Oatmeal Cookers We Tested
In addition to the top oatmeal cookers we reviewed and recommended, we tested several others. Though they didn’t make it into our top picks, here are a few additional oatmeal cookers we tested:
- Dash Express Electric Cooker: This small electric cooker has a 1.6-liter capacity and is designed for cooking oatmeal and other grains. It features a temperature control dial and a keep-warm function. However, we found that the oatmeal sometimes stuck to the bottom of the cooker, making it harder to clean.
- Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker can cook oatmeal. It has a capacity of up to 8 cups of cooked oatmeal. However, the oatmeal sometimes came out slightly mushy and overcooked.
- Ovente Electric Rice Cooker: With a 1.5-liter capacity, this rice cooker can also cook oatmeal. It has a keep-warm function and a removable non-stick inner pot for easy cleaning. However, the oatmeal sometimes stuck to the pot, making it harder to clean.
- BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Rice Cooker: This rice cooker can cook up to 6 cups of cooked oatmeal. It has a removable non-stick bowl and a keep-warm function. However, the oatmeal sometimes came out slightly watery and less creamy than desired.
While these oatmeal cookers have their merits, they still need to meet our criteria for the top picks. However, they may still be suitable options depending on your preferences and needs.