If you are looking for an electric rice cooker to make regular rice, whole or even the best sushi, read our best rice cooker reviews and buying guides. This will help you find exactly what you are looking for.
Let’s start this article by explaining what an electric rice cooker and steamer with stainless steel inner pot is. As its name suggests, it is just a small kitchen appliance used to cook rice. This is a pot that facilitates the mixing of rice and water, resulting in rice “to the point.” There are plenty of rice cookers and brands available right now, so it is very difficult to find the right one. Here we show you what you should take into account before you buy one and a selection of the best and most valued in the market. Without further ado, let’s discuss the things that you should take into account before buying a perfect rice cooker and read our best rice cooker reviews.
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What is a rice cooker?
It is a small pot to cook rice grains. You can cook white rice, brown rice, jasmine, yellow, sticky, and many other types of rice to your liking with this utensil. These are designed to be very easy to use. All you have to do is add the rice, add the correct amount of water, close the lid, and adjust the timer.
There will be no more dirt on your stove, no more rice stuck to your pot, and you will no longer have to burn your accompanying dish. This is really a very useful device that allows you to “configure it and not forget it”.
Buy a rice cooker: what should be noticed?
Rice cooking pots can be of different sizes and some have a “soak” function that washes the rice before cooking.
Price
As always, before buying a product it is important to determine our budget. The price range of rice cooking pots is quite varied. There are cheap models that are around 30-40 $, mid-range models between 40 and 60 $, and high-end rice cookers that can reach up to 100 $.
Capacity
They exist from a small rice cooker of 0.6 liters to a rice cooker of a high capacity of 1,5l – 2-4 liters. As for advice, we can tell you that most rice cooker shows their capacity in raw rice, we all know that once cooked rice doubles its volume, therefore when in the indications of the characteristics of the rice cooker that we are going to acquire show that it is prepared for cook 1 liter of water and rice.
Operation
Another feature that we must bear in mind when buying a rice cooker is its operation, since not all rice cooker brands use the same system.
- By this, we mean that there are programmable rice cookers. With this function, you can indicate when you want the rice cooked and ready.
- There are also rice cookers that keep the rice hot for as long as you want, so when you go to serve the rice, keep warm.
- There are also those in which you can regulate the intensity of cooking. All these options we must take into account, since there are inexpensive rice cookers that include them and other more expensive not, certainly is a plus to take into account.
Cleaning
Finally, having an easy-to-clean rice cooker is a convenience, no doubt. This is another important factor to take into account when buying. If it is made of non-stick material, such as Teflon, it will be easier to clean and rice will not stick.
Desirable features of the rice cooker
- Glass lid – with it, you can easily observe the preparation of rice.
- Cover with a hole for steam, providing its exit.
- Sliding cord for easy storage.
- The device for cooking on steam – for cooking of steam vegetables and other products.
- Non-stick coating – to ensure that rice does not stick to the walls and the bottom.
- Measuring lines – lines on the inside of the rice cooker, through which you can determine if there is a need to add water without using a measuring cup.
Electronic Features of a rice cooker
- Heating function – heats the rice to the required temperature.
- The porridge cycle is designed to make Asian rice for breakfast.
- The function of a pressure cooker is designed for the quick preparation of rice.
- Consistency regulator – allows you to choose the necessary consistency of rice and cook it softer or, conversely, crumbly.
- On/off rice cookers – as the rice is ready rice cooker is automatically turned off.
- Brews and keeps hot – the rice cooker automatically reduces heat as the rice is ready and keeps it warm (duration is adjustable).
- Automatic cooking and keeping in a warm form – a special sensor allows you to keep the rice warm for 12 hours.
How to choose a rice cooker?
- Choose a non-stick device.
- The presence of measuring lines in the pan will also be very useful.
- A transparent glass cover is not necessary. The plastic cover is preferable, because it is easier and safer to use.
- If the rice cooker has an inner lid, make sure that it is easily removed for easy washing.
- The function of maintaining rice in a warm form is needed only if you and your family use rice several times a day.
- A timer is a very useful feature and should be available.
Top 6 best selling and top-rated electric rice cookers and steamers at Amazon
Taking into account the characteristics just mentioned and others such as the price or valuations of buyers these would be the best inexpensive rice cookers on the market.
Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD 8-Cup
The Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD 8-Cup is currently the best selling rice cooker in the market. This is a great and very affordable option for your kitchen if you are new to using an electric hot pot to cook rice. This model is built to make good meals at a very low price. You’ll enjoy the easy-to-use controls that let you select white or whole rice options, set the timer, or set a delay for later cooking. It also has a warm-up feature that keeps food warm and ready to eat until it’s time to serve.
While cooking your rice, you can use the steam basket to make your favorite steamed vegetables, or you can cook meats and fish that taste delicious and are healthier when steamed. This model can also be used for soup, stew, and other mixed recipes, so this is a versatile device that you can use daily.
+ PROS
- It has a non-stick interior.
- Digital controls make it easy to use.
- Variety of different cooking functions.
- It has an attractive stainless steel finish that will look great in your kitchen.
- It is easy to clean.
- Comes with all the measuring tools you need.
– CONS
- Teflon lining may not be pleasant to some people who do not use Teflon products.
- It is very small.
- It may leak, especially when making large portions.
- Cooking time takes longer than with more advanced kitchens.
Discover more and the price here
Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Rice Cooker and Warmer
This top-rated rice cooker is a great model to add to your kitchen collection. This high-end model not only looks great, but surpasses many other similar devices on the market. The first thing you can notice is its stainless steel finish, which is very easy to clean, and its modern digital controls. After using it, however, you will realize how well this device actually is.
You can use this model to make many types of rice, including white rice, mixed rice, brown rice, or even sushi rice. You can use the included steam basket to make even a tasty cake for dessert. It has a hot automatic maintenance function, or you can set it for an extended time while cooking the rest of your meal. It has a reheat cycle, very easy to clean and maintain. The retractable cable keeps it clean and clear on your kitchen countertop.
+ PROS
- It has many different functions.
- It has interchangeable alert tones.
- Includes a programmable timer.
- The controls are easy to use.
- It comes with a detailed instruction manual and a recipe book, including cake recipes.
- It has an elegant finish in modern stainless steel that looks great in any kitchen.
- Also works as a vapor.
- You can cook all kinds of rice.
– CONS
- It is more expensive than most other devices.
- The non-stick coating may peel or turn over time.
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Oster 004722-000-000 Rice Cooker
This is probably one of the best inexpensive rice cookers on the market. This pretty red rice cooker keeps the rice warm for as long as we want. Through its tempered glass lid, we can see if the rice is ready and if it has entered the heating mode. Made of non-stick material, it also has a removable tray that is easy to clean to cook steamed rice. It is one of the smallest models in the market, ideal for a couple, since with just 0.6 liters serves about 6 cups of rice. On the other hand, its small size makes it very functional and comfortable, especially at the time of storage.
It has 350 watts of power, more than enough to prepare rich and fast rice. Another point in favor of this rice is that it also prepares steamed food, besides the rice. Although if you are looking for steam cooking maybe you are more interested in a steamer.
+ PROS
- Easy to use and clean.
- Allows folks to steam food while rice cooks below.
- Good value and price for what it offers.
– CONS
- Some reports said that rice crusting on the bottom layer and boil-over issues.
- Only one color choice.
- No clock or timer options.
- Small capacity is not ideal for large households.
Discover more and the price here
ZOJIRUSHI rice cooker 0.54L NS-LLH05-XA
Our fourth model comes directly from the Far East, literally. The model Zojirushi NS-LLH05-XA is an authentic Japanese rice cooker, very easy to use, and with reduced maintenance. This product has a capacity of 0.54 liter, which makes it very easy to make up to one kilo of rice cooked without worries.
Thanks to its LCD screen you can configure all kinds of parameters of its operation, including options to prepare other types of rice or seeds without problems. And since your inner vessel has a non-stick coating of high quality you will not have problems with the glue of rice or the cleaning of the appliance. With so many functions it is easy to understand why this product has been considered the best rice cooker by consumers.
+ PROS
- The rice is exceptional, even if you are not capable, without any discussion.
- Cook different types of rice, soup, and pies.
- Timer and functions keep rice warm up perfectly for up to 24 hours.
– CONS
- We find nothing except the price.
Discover more and the price here
Black & Decker RC3406 Rice Cooker and Steamer
If you want a high-quality device that is not too complicated, it fits the bill. This model does not have all the digital controls that can be confusing to use, making it very simple. This does not mean that it is not designed to do its job, however, you will find that cooking the perfect rice and steamed vegetables is like a dream.
This model creates up to six cups of cooked rice, and you can also use the steam basket to steam other foods at the same time, resulting in a faster meal and avoiding clutter in your kitchen. The cooking bowl is non-stick, so you do not have to worry about your food being stuck or burnt, and it is removable, making it easy to clean. It also has a heating option to keep your food at the perfect temperature until it is time to serve.
+ PROS
- It allows you to cook rice or steam various foods.
- Comes with a measuring cup and a spoon.
- It has very easy to read instructions.
- It is very simple to clean.
- You’ll get a better warranty than other models.
- It works very quickly.
– CONS
- Water can be drained with the use of larger volumes of rice.
- It’s a bit small.
- The non-stick coating may peel or turn over time.
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Cuisinart CRC-800 8-Cup Rice Cooker
We come to the end of the best rice cooker reviews and buying guide and present this powerful machine. This model of the brand Cuisinart has a capacity of 1 liter, more than enough for 3 or 4 diners, always depending on the amount, of course. We can highlight its finishes, since it is made of stainless steel and comes with a non-stick removable glass tray, to facilitate its extraction and a drain, the rice will not remain stuck and we can wash it before preparing it. Another important function is the programming of the rice.
You can set the time at which you want to finish the cooking process, and once the cooking is finished keep your rice lukewarm for the necessary time, until you want to serve it. So it will always be hot. It comes standard with several accessories, such as a tempered glass bucket, a drainer to wash the rice before its preparation, and a lid. Also, it is very easy to clean.
+ PROS
- Extra-large capacity.
- Easy to use and clean.
- Versatile for different types of food.
– CONS
- No timer
- The top gets very hot
Discover more and the price here
That’s all for now, folks. We hope that you have found the perfect device through this list of the best rice cooker reviews and buying guides.
Do you still not know which one to buy, and you have no idea what could be the best electric rice cooker machine for your needs? Please leave a comment below. A member of our staff will reply as soon as possible to help.