Recommendations for the best rice cookers according to Wirecutter’s experts.
Choosing the right rice cooker can be a game-changer in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, a good rice cooker can make preparing fluffy, perfect rice effortless. But with so many options available, finding the best one for your needs can feel overwhelming. That’s where Wirecutter’s experts come in.
We’ve spent countless hours testing and researching dozens of rice cookers, from budget-friendly models to high-end multi-cookers. Our team of experts considered features like cooking capacity, ease of use, and overall performance to identify the 20 best rice cookers on the market.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find a curated selection of top-rated rice cookers for various cooking styles and budgets. We’ve broken down the key features to look for, explained the different types of rice cookers, and provided detailed reviews of each model.
Whether you’re looking for a basic rice cooker for everyday use or a multi-functional appliance for adventurous cooking, our guide will help you find the perfect match for your kitchen and culinary needs.
Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker & Warmer (NP-HCC10)
This high-end rice cooker from Zojirushi is known for its precision and versatility. It features a "Neuro Fuzzy" system that adjusts cooking time and temperature based on the type of rice and the amount you're making.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 5.5 cups cooked rice (10 cups uncooked)
- Features: Fuzzy Logic, Keep Warm, Reheat, Brown Rice, Mixed Grain, Quick Cook, Sushi Rice, Porridge, Sweet Rice
- Price: $$$
Reasons to buy :
- Produces perfectly cooked rice every time
- Versatile and can cook a variety of grains
- Durable and built to last
Reasons to avoid :
- Expensive
- Can be a bit large and bulky for smaller kitchens
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want the best possible rice cooking experience
- You're willing to spend a premium for quality
- You cook rice frequently
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget
- You have limited counter space
- You only cook rice occasionally
Bottom Line:
The Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker is the gold standard for rice cooking. It's incredibly precise, versatile, and produces consistently perfect results. If you're serious about your rice and want the best possible experience, this is the rice cooker for you. However, it's a significant investment, and you'll need to have the counter space for its fairly large footprint.
Instant Pot Duo Nova 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
This popular multi-cooker is a great option for those who want to do more than just cook rice. It can also be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, and more.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 5.7 quarts
- Features: Pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, yogurt making, rice cooking, warming
- Price: $$
Reasons to buy :
- Versatile and can be used for a variety of cooking tasks
- Easy to use and clean
- Relatively affordable
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as specialized for rice cooking as a dedicated rice cooker
- Can be a bit noisy when pressure cooking
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a multi-functional cooker
- You're looking for a good value for your money
- You cook a variety of meals
Don't buy it if:
- You only want to cook rice
- You're sensitive to noise
- You have limited counter space
Bottom Line:
The Instant Pot Duo Nova is a great all-around multi-cooker that can do a lot more than just cook rice. If you're looking for a versatile appliance that can simplify your cooking, this is a great option. However, if you're only interested in cooking rice, you may be better off with a dedicated rice cooker.
Tiger JNP-10E10 10-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer
This rice cooker from Tiger is known for its excellent rice cooking capabilities and its sleek design. It features a variety of settings for different types of rice and has a keep warm function to keep your rice fresh.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 10 cups uncooked rice
- Features: Keep Warm, Reheat, Brown Rice, Mixed Grain, Quick Cook, Sushi Rice
- Price: $$$
Reasons to buy :
- Produces exceptionally delicious rice
- Sleek and stylish design
- Easy to use and clean
Reasons to avoid :
- Expensive
- Doesn't have as many features as some other rice cookers
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You prioritize rice quality above all else
- You want a stylish and easy-to-use rice cooker
- You cook rice for a large family or group
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget
- You need a rice cooker with a lot of features
- You only cook rice occasionally
Bottom Line:
The Tiger JNP-10E10 is a top-of-the-line rice cooker that delivers consistently delicious results. It's a great choice for those who want the best possible rice and appreciate a sleek and stylish design. However, it's a premium product with a premium price tag, and it lacks some of the advanced features found in other rice cookers.
Cuckoo CRP-HR0681F Electric Rice Cooker
This rice cooker from Cuckoo is a popular choice for its high-quality construction and advanced features. It features a variety of cooking settings, including a "pressure cooking" mode for faster cooking times.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 6 cups uncooked rice
- Features: Pressure cooking, Keep Warm, Reheat, Brown Rice, Mixed Grain, Quick Cook, Sushi Rice, Porridge, Soup
- Price: $$
Reasons to buy :
- High-quality construction
- Wide range of cooking settings
- Pressure cooking mode for faster cooking times
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be a bit noisy when pressure cooking
- Not as versatile as some other rice cookers
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a rice cooker with a pressure cooking function
- You need a durable and reliable rice cooker
- You're looking for a good value for your money
Don't buy it if:
- You're sensitive to noise
- You need a rice cooker with a large capacity
- You only cook rice occasionally
Bottom Line:
The Cuckoo CRP-HR0681F is a great option for those who want a rice cooker with a pressure cooking function. It's built to last and offers a variety of cooking settings, making it a versatile choice for a variety of rice dishes. However, it's not as versatile as some other rice cookers on the market, and it can be a bit noisy when pressure cooking.
Aroma Housewares ARC-914SB 6-Cup Digital Rice Cooker
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This rice cooker from Aroma is a budget-friendly option that offers a good balance of features and performance. It features a digital display, a keep warm function, and a variety of cooking settings.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 6 cups uncooked rice
- Features: Keep Warm, Reheat, Brown Rice, White Rice, Quick Cook
- Price: $
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Good performance for the price
Reasons to avoid :
- Doesn't have as many features as some other rice cookers
- Not as durable as some higher-end models
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You're on a tight budget
- You want a simple and easy-to-use rice cooker
- You cook rice occasionally
Don't buy it if:
- You need a rice cooker with a lot of features
- You want a rice cooker that's built to last
- You cook rice frequently
Bottom Line:
The Aroma Housewares ARC-914SB is a great value for the price. It's simple to use, cooks rice well, and has a few basic features. If you're on a budget and don't need a lot of bells and whistles, this is a great option. However, if you want a more advanced rice cooker or one that's built to last, you'll need to spend more.
Panasonic SR-KA181 10-Cup Rice Cooker
This rice cooker from Panasonic is a solid all-around option that's known for its reliable performance and straightforward design. It features a variety of cooking settings, a keep warm function, and a simple to use interface.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 10 cups uncooked rice
- Features: Keep Warm, Reheat, White Rice, Brown Rice, Quick Cook, Mixed Grain
- Price: $$
Reasons to buy :
- Reliable and consistent performance
- Simple and easy to use
- Good value for the price
Reasons to avoid :
- Doesn't have as many features as some other rice cookers
- Not as stylish as some other rice cookers
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a reliable and easy-to-use rice cooker
- You need a rice cooker with a large capacity
- You're looking for a good value for the price
Don't buy it if:
- You want a rice cooker with a lot of features
- You prioritize style over functionality
- You only cook rice occasionally
Bottom Line:
The Panasonic SR-KA181 is a good all-around rice cooker that's reliable and easy to use. It's a good choice for those who want a simple and straightforward rice cooker that consistently produces good results. It's a good value for the price, but it doesn't have as many features or stylish design as some other models.
Toshiba RC-10VSN(K) 10-Cup Rice Cooker
This rice cooker from Toshiba is another reliable option that offers good performance at a reasonable price. It features a variety of cooking settings, including a "keep warm" function, and a simple to use interface.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 10 cups uncooked rice
- Features: Keep Warm, Reheat, White Rice, Brown Rice, Quick Cook
- Price: $$
Reasons to buy :
- Reliable performance
- Simple and easy to use
- Good value for the price
Reasons to avoid :
- Doesn't have as many features as some other rice cookers
- Not as stylish as some other rice cookers
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a reliable and easy-to-use rice cooker
- You need a rice cooker with a large capacity
- You're looking for a good value for the price
Don't buy it if:
- You want a rice cooker with a lot of features
- You prioritize style over functionality
- You only cook rice occasionally
Bottom Line:
The Toshiba RC-10VSN(K) is a solid option for those who want a reliable and easy-to-use rice cooker that cooks rice well. It's a good value for the price, but it doesn't have as many features as some other models. If you're on a budget and don't need a lot of bells and whistles, this is a good option.
BLACK+DECKER CRC10W 10-Cup Rice Cooker
This rice cooker from BLACK+DECKER is a budget-friendly option that offers basic features and reliable performance. It's a good choice for those who are just starting out with rice cookers or who don't cook rice frequently.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 10 cups uncooked rice
- Features: Keep Warm, Reheat, White Rice, Brown Rice
- Price: $
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Reliable performance
Reasons to avoid :
- Doesn't have as many features as some other rice cookers
- Not as durable as some higher-end models
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You're on a tight budget
- You want a simple and easy-to-use rice cooker
- You cook rice occasionally
Don't buy it if:
- You need a rice cooker with a lot of features
- You want a rice cooker that's built to last
- You cook rice frequently
Bottom Line:
The BLACK+DECKER CRC10W is a good value for the price. It's a simple and easy-to-use rice cooker that cooks rice well. If you're on a budget and don't need a lot of bells and whistles, this is a good option. However, if you want a more advanced rice cooker or one that's built to last, you'll need to spend more.
Hamilton Beach 33181 Rice Cooker
This rice cooker from Hamilton Beach is another affordable option that offers basic features and good performance. It's a good choice for those who are just starting out with rice cookers or who don't cook rice frequently.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 4 cups uncooked rice
- Features: Keep Warm, Reheat, White Rice, Brown Rice
- Price: $
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Good performance
Reasons to avoid :
- Doesn't have as many features as some other rice cookers
- Not as durable as some higher-end models
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You're on a tight budget
- You want a simple and easy-to-use rice cooker
- You cook rice occasionally
Don't buy it if:
- You need a rice cooker with a lot of features
- You want a rice cooker that's built to last
- You cook rice frequently
Bottom Line:
The Hamilton Beach 33181 is a good value for the price. It's a simple and easy-to-use rice cooker that cooks rice well. If you're on a budget and don't need a lot of bells and whistles, this is a good option. However, if you want a more advanced rice cooker or one that's built to last, you'll need to spend more.
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Cuisinart CRC-450 4.5-Cup Rice Cooker
This rice cooker from Cuisinart is a good option for those who want a compact and easy-to-use rice cooker. It features a variety of cooking settings, a keep warm function, and a simple to use interface.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 4.5 cups uncooked rice
- Features: Keep Warm, Reheat, White Rice, Brown Rice, Quick Cook
- Price: $$
Reasons to buy :
- Compact and easy to store
- Simple and easy to use
- Good performance
Reasons to avoid :
- Doesn't have as many features as some other rice cookers
- Not as durable as some higher-end models
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You have limited counter space
- You want a simple and easy-to-use rice cooker
- You cook rice for a small family or group
Don't buy it if:
- You need a rice cooker with a lot of features
- You want a rice cooker that's built to last
- You cook rice for a large family or group
Bottom Line:
The Cuisinart CRC-450 is a good option for those who want a compact and easy-to-use rice cooker. It's a good value for the price, and it cooks rice well. If you have limited counter space and don't need a lot of bells and whistles, this is a good option. However, if you want a more advanced rice cooker or one that's built to last, you'll need to spend more.
Proctor Silex Easy Select Rice Cooker
A simple and affordable rice cooker that's great for basic rice cooking.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 6 cups cooked rice
- Features: White rice, brown rice, and porridge settings
- Price: Around $20
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Makes decent rice
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited features
- Not the best for brown rice
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You're on a tight budget
- You only need a basic rice cooker for white rice
Don't buy it if:
- You want a rice cooker with more features
- You often cook brown rice
Bottom Line:
The Proctor Silex Easy Select Rice Cooker is a no-frills option that's perfect for those who just need a simple way to cook rice. It's not the most advanced rice cooker on the market, but it gets the job done and is very affordable. If you're looking for a rice cooker that can do more than just cook white rice, you'll want to look elsewhere. But if you're just looking for a basic rice cooker that won't break the bank, the Proctor Silex Easy Select Rice Cooker is a good choice.
Waring WCR100 10-Cup Rice Cooker
A large capacity rice cooker that's perfect for feeding a crowd.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 10 cups cooked rice
- Features: White rice, brown rice, and porridge settings
- Price: Around $40
Reasons to buy :
- Large capacity
- Affordable
- Easy to use
Reasons to avoid :
- Not the best for brown rice
- Can be a bit noisy
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You often cook for a large group
- You're on a tight budget
Don't buy it if:
- You want a rice cooker with more features
- You're looking for a quiet appliance
Bottom Line:
The Waring WCR100 10-Cup Rice Cooker is a great option for those who need a large capacity rice cooker. It's not the most advanced rice cooker on the market, but it's affordable and easy to use. If you're looking for a rice cooker that can do more than just cook white rice, you'll want to look elsewhere. But if you're just looking for a basic rice cooker that can feed a crowd, the Waring WCR100 10-Cup Rice Cooker is a good choice.
Dash Rapid Rice Cooker
A compact and affordable rice cooker that's perfect for small households.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 2 cups cooked rice
- Features: White rice, brown rice, and quinoa settings
- Price: Around $20
Reasons to buy :
- Small and compact
- Affordable
- Makes decent rice
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited capacity
- Not the best for brown rice
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You live alone or in a small household
- You're on a tight budget
Don't buy it if:
- You want a rice cooker with more features
- You often cook for large groups
Bottom Line:
The Dash Rapid Rice Cooker is a great option for those who are looking for a small and affordable rice cooker. It's not the most advanced rice cooker on the market, but it's perfect for small households and makes decent rice. If you're looking for a rice cooker that can do more than just cook white rice, you'll want to look elsewhere. But if you're just looking for a basic rice cooker that won't take up too much counter space, the Dash Rapid Rice Cooker is a good choice.
Mueller Austria Rice Cooker
A versatile rice cooker that can also be used to steam vegetables and make porridge.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 10 cups cooked rice
- Features: White rice, brown rice, porridge, and steam settings
- Price: Around $40
Reasons to buy :
- Versatile
- Affordable
- Large capacity
Reasons to avoid :
- Not the best for brown rice
- Can be a bit noisy
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a rice cooker that can also be used to steam vegetables
- You often cook for large groups
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for a quiet appliance
- You want a rice cooker with more features
Bottom Line:
The Mueller Austria Rice Cooker is a versatile option that can be used to cook rice, steam vegetables, and make porridge. It's not the most advanced rice cooker on the market, but it's affordable and has a large capacity. If you're looking for a rice cooker that can do more than just cook rice, the Mueller Austria Rice Cooker is a good choice. But if you're looking for a rice cooker that's super quiet or has a lot of advanced features, you'll want to look elsewhere.
Aroma Housewares ARC-996SB 6-Cup Rice Cooker and Food Steamer
A versatile rice cooker that can also be used to steam vegetables and make porridge.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 6 cups cooked rice
- Features: White rice, brown rice, porridge, and steam settings
- Price: Around $30
Reasons to buy :
- Versatile
- Affordable
- Makes decent rice
Reasons to avoid :
- Not the best for brown rice
- Can be a bit noisy
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a rice cooker that can also be used to steam vegetables
- You're on a tight budget
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for a quiet appliance
- You want a rice cooker with more features
Bottom Line:
The Aroma Housewares ARC-996SB 6-Cup Rice Cooker and Food Steamer is a versatile option that can be used to cook rice, steam vegetables, and make porridge. It's not the most advanced rice cooker on the market, but it's affordable and makes decent rice. If you're looking for a rice cooker that can do more than just cook rice, the Aroma Housewares ARC-996SB 6-Cup Rice Cooker and Food Steamer is a good choice. But if you're looking for a rice cooker that's super quiet or has a lot of advanced features, you'll want to look elsewhere.
Gourmia GRC990 Digital Rice Cooker
A digital rice cooker with a variety of features, including a keep-warm function and a timer.
Read more about this on The 22 Best Rice Cookers on Amazon: Detailed Guide
Specifications :
- Capacity: 10 cups cooked rice
- Features: White rice, brown rice, porridge, and steam settings, keep-warm function, timer
- Price: Around $50
Reasons to buy :
- Versatile
- Digital controls
- Large capacity
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be a bit noisy
- Not the best for brown rice
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a rice cooker with a variety of features
- You often cook for large groups
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for a quiet appliance
- You want a rice cooker that's specifically designed for brown rice
Bottom Line:
The Gourmia GRC990 Digital Rice Cooker is a versatile option that can be used to cook rice, steam vegetables, and make porridge. It has a variety of features, including a keep-warm function and a timer. It's not the most advanced rice cooker on the market, but it's a good value for the price. If you're looking for a rice cooker that can do more than just cook rice, the Gourmia GRC990 Digital Rice Cooker is a good choice. But if you're looking for a rice cooker that's super quiet or has a lot of advanced features, you'll want to look elsewhere.
Sunbeam 36868 Rice Cooker and Steamer
A versatile rice cooker that can also be used to steam vegetables and make porridge.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 6 cups cooked rice
- Features: White rice, brown rice, porridge, and steam settings
- Price: Around $30
Reasons to buy :
- Versatile
- Affordable
- Makes decent rice
Reasons to avoid :
- Not the best for brown rice
- Can be a bit noisy
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a rice cooker that can also be used to steam vegetables
- You're on a tight budget
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for a quiet appliance
- You want a rice cooker with more features
Bottom Line:
The Sunbeam 36868 Rice Cooker and Steamer is a versatile option that can be used to cook rice, steam vegetables, and make porridge. It's not the most advanced rice cooker on the market, but it's affordable and makes decent rice. If you're looking for a rice cooker that can do more than just cook rice, the Sunbeam 36868 Rice Cooker and Steamer is a good choice. But if you're looking for a rice cooker that's super quiet or has a lot of advanced features, you'll want to look elsewhere.
Elite Cuisine ERC-1600-BK Digital Rice Cooker
A digital rice cooker with a variety of features, including a keep-warm function and a timer.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 10 cups cooked rice
- Features: White rice, brown rice, porridge, and steam settings, keep-warm function, timer
- Price: Around $40
Reasons to buy :
- Versatile
- Digital controls
- Large capacity
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be a bit noisy
- Not the best for brown rice
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a rice cooker with a variety of features
- You often cook for large groups
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for a quiet appliance
- You want a rice cooker that's specifically designed for brown rice
Bottom Line:
The Elite Cuisine ERC-1600-BK Digital Rice Cooker is a versatile option that can be used to cook rice, steam vegetables, and make porridge. It has a variety of features, including a keep-warm function and a timer. It's not the most advanced rice cooker on the market, but it's a good value for the price. If you're looking for a rice cooker that can do more than just cook rice, the Elite Cuisine ERC-1600-BK Digital Rice Cooker is a good choice. But if you're looking for a rice cooker that's super quiet or has a lot of advanced features, you'll want to look elsewhere.
Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-Cup Induction Heating Rice Cooker
A premium rice cooker that uses induction heating to cook perfect rice every time.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 5 cups cooked rice
- Features: White rice, brown rice, porridge, and mixed rice settings, keep-warm function, timer
- Price: Around $200
Reasons to buy :
- Cooks perfect rice
- Variety of features
- Durable
Reasons to avoid :
- Expensive
- Not the best for large groups
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You're serious about cooking rice
- You want a rice cooker that's built to last
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget
- You often cook for large groups
Bottom Line:
The Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-Cup Induction Heating Rice Cooker is a premium rice cooker that cooks perfect rice every time. It uses induction heating to evenly distribute heat and cook rice perfectly. It also has a variety of features, including a keep-warm function and a timer. It's not the most affordable rice cooker on the market, but it's well worth the price if you're serious about cooking rice.
Tiger JAX-S10U 10-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer
A high-quality rice cooker that's perfect for large families.
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Specifications :
- Capacity: 10 cups cooked rice
- Features: White rice, brown rice, mixed rice, and porridge settings, keep-warm function, timer
- Price: Around $150
Reasons to buy :
- Large capacity
- Cooks perfect rice
- Variety of features
Reasons to avoid :
- Expensive
- Not the most compact
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You often cook for large groups
- You want a rice cooker that's built to last
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget
- You're looking for a compact rice cooker
Bottom Line:
The Tiger JAX-S10U 10-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer is a high-quality rice cooker that's perfect for large families. It has a large capacity and cooks perfect rice every time. It also has a variety of features, including a keep-warm function and a timer. It's not the most affordable rice cooker on the market, but it's well worth the price if you're looking for a reliable and durable rice cooker that can feed a crowd.
So, there you have it! We hope this guide helps you find the best rice cooker for your needs. Whether you're looking for a basic model to cook white rice or a multi-functional cooker that can handle everything from brown rice to sushi rice, there's a rice cooker on this list for you.
We've also included a few tips for choosing the right rice cooker, so you can be sure to make the best purchase for your kitchen. Finally, remember that cooking rice is a simple process, and with the right tools, it can be even easier. So go ahead and give one of these rice cookers a try – you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
As always, please let us know if you have any questions or feedback on our guide. And don't forget to check back with us for updates, as we're always on the lookout for the latest and greatest rice cookers on the market.
Happy cooking!
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