Last updated February 17, 2022
- 5-1/2-cup computerized rice cooker and warmer with advanced Neuro Fuzzy logic technology. Wall mountable
- Multi-menu selections; automatic keep-warm, extended keep-warm, and reheat cycles. Electrical Rating - 120 volts / 680 watts
- Spherical, nonstick inner pan allows for uniform heating; LCD clock and timer; retractable cord
- Menu settings include white (regular/sushi, softer or harder), mixed, porridge, sweet, semi-brown, brown, rinse-free and quick cooking
- Measures approximately 14 by 8 by 9 inches; 1-year limited warranty, Dimensions (W x D x H) : 10-1/8 x 13 x 8-1/8 inches
A rice cooker is used to cook or boil rice. It consists of an outer pot that absorbs heat and converts it to steam, which then cooks the rice itself. When the water in the cooker has come to a boil, all you need to do is put in your ingredients (usually consisting of rice and measured water), give it about 15 minutes for the cooker to re-heat itself, put on the lid, turn it on, wait till done (usually around 20 minutes) and take off the lid when finished.
Rice cookers are also great because they clean themselves. There should be removable parts that can go into your dishwasher. If not dishwasher safe, try using soap with hot water before putting them back into the cooker.
There are 2 main parts to a rice cooker: the inner pot and the outer pot. The inner pot is where you put your ingredients, while the outer pot absorbs heat in order to create steam for cooking rice. For today’s best rice cookers, they usually come with an “idiot” setting (which is basically like a one-touch cooking option), can be programmed to start at your preferred time, come with their own serving bowl, and many more useful features.
For this review we will compare 6 factors when it comes to choosing the best rice cooker: price ($ under $50; $$ between $51-$150; $$$$ above $151 or specific brand (Zirushi); ease of use; cleaning; and customer satisfaction.
Price: $
This rice cooker is one of the cheapest options on the market, costing only $15.99 as of this writing (price subject to change). The Aroma 10-cup Digital Rice Cooker & Food steamer also comes with a free recipe book and measuring cup which is useful for beginners who don’t know how much water or rice to use yet. It boils water faster than other cookers making less noise and requires no stirring throughout cooking process. This cooker’s “Steam Tray” option allows you to steam vegetables and meats while your rice cooks below (meat must be 1 inch thick or smaller), allowing it to double as a food steamer/sauté pan for those who like to multi-task. The Aroma cooker also features a detachable nonstick pan with level measurement markings, automatic keep-warm setting, and easy open lid. It also automatically switches to “Warm” mode once cooking is complete, which means no risk of overcooking your rice if you are not present.
Overall, the Aroma 10 cup can cook plain white rice in about 30 minutes with its stainless steel steaming tray option for versatile cooking. Although this is one of the cheapest items on our list, this rice cooker received 4/5 stars from 27 reviews on Amazon (at the time of this writing), making it an exceptional value at only $15.99! Overall value score: $$
Price: $$
- 5-1/2-cup computerized rice cooker and warmer with advanced Neuro Fuzzy logic technology. Wall mountable
- Multi-menu selections; automatic keep-warm, extended keep-warm, and reheat cycles. Electrical Rating - 120 volts / 680 watts
- Spherical, nonstick inner pan allows for uniform heating; LCD clock and timer; retractable cord
- Menu settings include white (regular/sushi, softer or harder), mixed, porridge, sweet, semi-brown, brown, rinse-free and quick cooking
- Measures approximately 14 by 8 by 9 inches; 1-year limited warranty, Dimensions (W x D x H) : 10-1/8 x 13 x 8-1/8 inches
This Zojirushi rice cooker is a little bit more expensive than the Aroma, but with features such as being able to cook up to 3 cups of rice and getting it done in only 10 minutes (plus this model has one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings on Amazon), we feel that this price tag is well worth it. This Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 / NS-ZCC18 5.5 cup Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker And Warmer can be programmed for different kinds of rice (white/sushi, brown, porridge, sweet, rinse-free and quick cooking). You also get a free recipe booklet with your purchase!
The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10’s “Neuro Fuzzy Logic” technology ensures perfect results every time. It has a built in retractable power cord, translucent exterior (so you don’t burn yourself when checking to see if rice is done), and an automatic keep warm setting that goes up to 12 hours. The NS-ZCC10/18 even comes with settings for Brown Rice / White Rice / Extended Keep Warm so it’s great for people who eat all types of rice!
Overall, the digital display on the Zojirushi gives you precise settings, allowing you to set timers or delay cooking times so your food will be ready when you are. Priced at $114.95 as of this writing, this might seem like quite an investment but considering all the features plus its 4+ star rating on Amazon, it’s definitely worth the price. Overall value score: $
Price: $$$$
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: Features 9 menu options such as white rice, GABA rice, multrigrain/brown rice, porridge, slow cook, reheat, and more amongst a multi-cook function that cooks every grain from quinoa to oatmeal
- KITCHEN STAPLE: From small family gatherings to entertaining a few guests, this rice cooker provides the perfect serving amount with a 12-cup (cooked) capacity
- EASY TO USE: Effortlessly create meals with features like user-friendly digital controls, an LCD display, an included rice measuring cup for precise measuring, and Fuzzy Logic technology that is designed to cook rice flawlessly every time
- PREMIUM QUALITY: Featuring a nonstick inner pot with superior durability, a detachable inner lid to occasionally remove and clean, and an excess water drainage tray—cooking and clean up are a breeze!
- TRUSTED BRAND: Internationally known for superior quality and with over 40 years of industry experience, CUCKOO has perfected the art of cooking rice and crafting products made with integrity
Although this rice cooker is one of the pricier appliances on our list, it comes with around everything you could imagine to cook your perfect cup of rice. The Cuckoo CRP-G1015F 10 cup Electric Pressure Rice Cooker And Warmer can even cook perfect sticky sushi rice too! This machine also has an “idiot” setting to give you foolproof cooking every time, beeps when cooking is done (and if there are any errors), and has a detachable inner lid for easy cleaning. It also has advanced technology that combines pressure and temperature along with fuzzy logic to make sure that your perfect steamed rice is coming out every time. The CRP-G1015F also has dual pressure settings for slow cooking and fast cooking which allows you to cook your food faster than other rice cookers if desired.
In addition, the Cuckoo CRP-G1015F 10 cup Electric Pressure Rice Cooker And Warmer comes with its own measuring cup and a spatula. Additionally, this product boasts a 4+ star rating on Amazon from over 700 reviews! Overall value score: $$$$
Price: $$$$$
- JAPANESE-STYLE RICE COOKER* – Industry leading induction cooking which creates an electrical current inside the pot to heat and cook rice, porridge, soup and more
- ADVANCED FUZZY LOGIC TECHNOLOGY – A Micro-computer makes delicate adjustments in cooking times and temperatures for precise cooking and more consistent results
- ONE TOUCH COOKING – Easily choose a pre-programmed setting to cook anything from brown rice, white rice, glutinous rice, mixed rice, short or long-grained rice – cooked to restaurant-quality perfection
- KEEP WARM FEATURE - The rice cooker's automatic shut-off function prevents overcooking, while its handy keep-warm setting activates automatically when cooking is complete, holding contents at an ideal serving temperature for up to 12 hours
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES - Along with the steaming basket, the rice cooker provides a special measuring cup for portioning the desired amount, as well as a non-scratching rice spoon for authentic Asian-style service
If money is not an issue when it comes to buying appliances or wanting the latest technology in your kitchen, then the Panasonic SR-ZGC10 5 1/2 Cup (Uncooked) Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker is a great choice for you! The Panasonic Neuro Fuzzy Rice cooker comes with all the bells and whistles to make your perfect rice every time. This model makes 10 cups of cooked rice which is equivalent to 50 ounces or about 14-1/2 cups raw uncooked rice). It also has a power saving mode which automatically switches from cooking to warming after your food is done. Although it might be seen as a con by some people, this feature prevents overcooking if you forget that your machine is turned on.
In addition, the SR-ZGC10 5 1/2 Cup (Uncooked) Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker has settings for white rice, brown rice, mixed rice, sweet porridge, cake and steam-reduce. This unit also has a retractable cord, nonstick inner cooking pan, rapid rice setting for white rice (40 minutes), extended keep warm cycle of up to 12 hours, slow cook menu for soups or stews plus more! Priced at $172.50 on Amazon as of this writing it is definitely one of the highest priced items on our list so if you are okay with spending the money – go for it! Overall value score: $$$$$
Price: $$$$$
5) Aroma Housewares ARC-150SB 15 Cup Rice Cooker And Food Steamer
- Multi-functional use: whether you are in the mood for a hearty jambalaya, steamed veggies and rice, or even a fluffy cake. You can accomplish it all with Your rice cooker. The possibilities are as creative as you are.
- Nutritious & Delicious – The built-in Steam function allows for nutrient-rich meals to be prepared above while rice, soup, or any other meal simultaneously cooks below, allowing you to save time without sacrificing quality.
- Slow Cook Function – This multicooker not only includes all of your favorite cooking options like cooking rice and grains, but also possesses the Slow Cook function that allows meals to simmer low and slow.
- User-Friendly Programming – This product is a proud member of our “set it and forget it” mentality. It's incredibly simple to operate using our user-friendly digital panel that switches to Keep Warm mode automatically once cooking is finished.
- XL Capacity – 20-cup capacity yielding 4 to 20 cups of cooked rice. Its large capacity can house small individual meals, prepare sizeable family meals, and is also great for entertaining!
The Aroma Housewares ARC-150SB 15 Cup Rice Cooker And Food Steamer is by far the least expensive appliance on our list, costing only around $36.00 on Amazon as of this writing! Don’t let the low price tag fool you though – it still packs a powerful punch in its own right. It has settings for white rice, brown rice, steamed veggies, soup/stews and more. This unit is expandable up to 20 cups total capacity which means that you can cook all your food at once or cook less if desired. The Aroma Housewares ARC-150SB 15 Cup Rice Cooker And Food Steamer also boasts an automatic Keep Warm cycle which holds your food at serving temp for up to 12 hours!
In addition, the Aroma Housewares ARC-150SB 15 Cup Rice Cooker And Food Steamer has a detachable power cord for easy storage, latching lid for carrying to the table if needed, stainless steel steaming tray and an included rice spatula. The bowl of this unit is made out of durable nonstick material which makes it easier to clean up afterwards plus allows you to cook with little oil. Overall value score: $
Price: $$
6) Aroma Housewares ARC-150SB 15 Cup Rice Cooker And Food Steamer w/Automatic Keep Warm Cycle
At around $39.00 as of this writing on Amazon, the Aroma Housewares ARC-150SB 15 Cup Rice Cooker And Food Steamer w/Automatic Keep Warm Cycle may seem like more than the previous model above but in fact, this particular model is different in that it has an Automatic Keep Warm Cycle which automatically switches from cooking mode to warming mode when the rice is all done. It also comes with a digital display for ease of use and a 3 year limited warranty.
In addition, the Aroma Housewares ARC-150SB 15 Cup Rice Cooker And Food Steamer w/Automatic Keep Warm Cycle boasts delay timer setting so you can set your cook time ahead of time, steaming tray with side handles making it easy to transport food to the table if needed plus it has little rubber feet on the bottom of the unit so that it doesn’t slide around on your counter top while its running. Overall value score: $
Price: $$
7) Hamilton Beach Digital Simplicity Deluxe Rice Cooker And Food Steamer
- ENJOY MAXIMUM COOKING VERSATILITY FROM BREAKFAST TO DINNER. Prepare a practically endless variety of dishes with this one multi-function cooker. Make rice, whole grains and hot cereal, or steam seafood, eggs, vegetables and more
- PREPARE MEALS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: The removable nonstick pot of the Hamilton Beach rice cooker steamer is large enough to feed your whole family — it fits up to 8 cups/2 quarts of cooked rice.*
- ONE-TOUCH COOKING WITH PREPROGRAMMED OPTIONS: Simply press the right button to perfectly cook white rice, whole grains or hot cereal. A countdown timer shows you how much time is left. The rice cooker automatically switches to warm when cooking is complete
- VERSATILE 2-IN-1 STEAM/RINSING BASKET: The versatile steam basket on the electric rice cooker doubles as a colander. It's great for rinsing rice or grains before cooking, or use it to steam everything from salmon to brussels sprouts as your rice cooks
- PERFECT FOR ONE-POT MEALS. Steam seafood or vegetables while rice cooks below for fast, easy one-pot meals. Great for making homemade fried rice, shrimp with rice and more.
The Hamilton Beach Digital Simplicity Deluxe Rice Cooker And Food Steamer is a great choice for those that want a simple and easy to use model with almost no bells and whistles. This unit has only two settings – white rice, brown rice and steam/simmer. It can make up to 20 cups of cooked rice which is equal to about 11-1/2 cups uncooked rice). Priced at around $45.00 on Amazon as of this writing, this unit has an added keep warm cycle after the rice is done cooking (3 hours).
To add, the Hamilton Beach Digital Simplicity Deluxe Rice Cooker And Food Steamer has an easy to clean, removable nonstick inner pot and a detachable power cord so you can easily store it away when needed – plus it comes with its own rice scoop. Overall value score: $
Price: $
8) Oster 4722 Rice Cooker And Food Steamer
- Holds 3 cups of dry rice. Prepares up to 6 cups of cooked rice; Cord length: 28 inches
- Compact rice cooker with one touch controls ideal for rice, soul, fondue, and more
- 1 liter vegetable steamer tray to cook vegetables, fish, and more
- Tempered glass lid lets you check on food as it cooks. Includes measuring cup and non scratch rice paddle spoon
- Automatic keep warm feature keeps rice hot; auto shut off prevents food from burning
The Oster 4722 Rice Cooker And Food Steamer cooks up to 20 cups of cooked rice which is about 11-1/2 cups of uncooked rice). Priced at around $50.00 on Amazon as of this writing, the Oster 4722 has slow cook settings for soups or stews plus steaming tray & steam rack included. The start button start cooking right away (no need to preheat) and has a keep warm function after the rice is done cooking (uses little water for this).
To add, the Oster 4722 Rice Cooker And Food Steamer has a stainless steel steaming tray and an easy to clean nonstick inner pot. Overall value score: $
Price: $$
9) Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer
- Micro computerized fuzzy logic technology. Capacity Up to 5.5 cups / 1.0 liter,Dimensions (W x D x H) 10-1/8 x 14 x 8-1/2 inches. The electrical rating is 120 volts / 610 watts
- Automatic keep warm, extended keep warm and reheating cycle
- Easy to clean clear coated stainless steel exterior, 2 delay time settings
- Interchangeable melody and beep signal
- Built in retractable power cord
The Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer is one of the most expensive units on our list at around $170.00 on Amazon as of this but it is also one of the best. This particular unit is able to cook up to 5-cups of uncooked rice or 20 cups cooked rice, has a micom technology that allows for perfect cooking every time and it comes with its own measuring cup and steam tray.
To add, the Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer makes it easy to cook brown rice, mixed rice plus there are multiple settings so you can choose what kind of texture your food should have when finished – from firm to tender. Overall value score: $
Price: $$
Conclusion: After conducting extensive research on available models on the market as well as compiling buyer reviews from around the web, we deem the Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer to be the best on our list. As such, it has been awarded our prestigious “best of” award for 2022!
- Micro computerized fuzzy logic technology. Capacity Up to 5.5 cups / 1.0 liter,Dimensions (W x D x H) 10-1/8 x 14 x 8-1/2 inches. The electrical rating is 120 volts / 610 watts
- Automatic keep warm, extended keep warm and reheating cycle
- Easy to clean clear coated stainless steel exterior, 2 delay time settings
- Interchangeable melody and beep signal
- Built in retractable power cord
Why would we give it such a high honor? We based this decision on several key factors including ease of use and clean up, durability and reliability, capacity and ability to cook different types of rice, affordable pricing and overall value (i.e., how much you get out of your purchase).
While some consumers feel that the price tag is higher than average they also agree that this unit is definitely worth every penny – especially if you’re someone who eats a lot of rice.
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
