Best Rice Cooker For All Types Of Rice

Rice cookers are a game-changer for those seeking perfectly cooked grains.

But with so many options, which one truly stands out?

Burnt pots and inconsistent results can be frustrating. Thankfully, modern technology offers rice cookers that promise ease and precision. They claim to eliminate common cooking mishaps with features like automatic cut-offs and preset settings. But do they live up to the hype? Dive into our research to discover the top contenders for the Best Rice Cooker title.

Best Rice Cooker For The Home Cook: Top 9

1. Yum Asia Sakura Rice Cooker & Ceramic Bowl (Best Overall)

<Click Here For A More In-Depth Yum Asia Rice Cooker Review>

Main Features 

• Fuzzy logic technology for perfect results 
• 24-hour timer and keep warm function 
• Cooks for between 1 and 8 people 
• Seven-stage cooking process 
• Cool-lift handles and high-quality ceramic inner 

Thanks to its intelligent cooking functions, the Sakura cooks fluffy, fragrant rice for any occasion. The machine cycles through each stage flawlessly, from preheating to steaming. You’ll get perfect granules at every meal. 

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2. Zojirushi Rice Cooker (Best For Congee)

<Click Here For A More In-Depth Zojirushi Rice Cooker Review>

Main Features 

• Heats evenly through the side, bottom, and lid heaters 
• Cooks up to three cups of uncooked rice 
• Settings include: brown, long-grain, sushi, white, and congee
• Super-boiling setting 
• Timer and keep warm function 

Do you have too many kitchen gadgets languishing in the back of the cupboard? The Zojirushi is compact enough to store on the counter to use as needed. It’s pricey but cooks each meal to perfection (it also plays a little jingle when the food is ready). 

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3. Reishunger Rice Cooker & Steamer (Best For Beginners)

<Click Here For A More In-Depth Reishunger Rice Cooker Review>

Main Features 

• Suitable for all types of rice
• High performance 
• Capacity for up to six cups 
• Double-coated inner bowl 
• Steaming function 
• 8-hour warming function  

What really impressed us with this model was the low price and stylish design. The company opted for value for the money over flashy features, which every beginner appreciates. The company also provides replacement inner pots, an environmentally-friendly solution that also happens to be convenient.  

You may want to order an extra bowl so that you can prepare two batches of rice in quick succession. 

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4. Yum Asia Kumo Rice Cooker & Multi-Cooker (Best Mid-Range)

Main Features 

• 5.5-cup capacity 
• Fuzzy logic technology
• Cooks brown, short and long-grain rice 
• YumCarb setting reduces carbohydrate count by up to a quarter 
• Makes porridge 
• Doubles as a steamer and slow cooker 
• Durable inner
• 24-hour keeping warm function and timer features 
• Ten-minute warning before cooking finishes 

Despite the unhelpful instructions, the rice cooker’s presets make it simple enough to operate. The reduced-carb setting nudged this model into our top ten.  

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5. Russell Hobbs Rice Cooker (Best For Cleaning)

<Click Here For A More In-Depth Russell Hobbs Rice Cooker Review>

Main Features 

• Reasonable capacity 
• Dishwasher-safe inner and lid 
• Steamer basket  
• Keep food warm  
• 2 Year Manufacturer’s Guarantee
• An additional year warranty when you register online 

The Russell Hobbs model is reasonably priced and of excellent quality. There aren’t many features, but it cooks well, and it is very easy to clean.  

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6. M4Y Rice Cooker, Slow Cooker & Food Steamer (Best For Convenience)

Main Features 

• Cooks all types of rice
• Slow cooking function 
• Steaming basket 
• Sauté setting  
• Easy to clean 
• The inner bowl doubles as a serving dish
• Condensation capture feature 
• Wide recipe selection with instructions 
• Feeds up to ten people 

We particularly like the sauté function—there is one less dish to wash. The steam function is a bonus point as it allows you to take full advantage of limited vertical space. 

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7. Crock-Pot 2.2l Sauté Rice Cooker (Best Variable Function)

Main Features 

• Twelve-cup capacity 
• Non-stick inner 
• Toughened glass lid
• 60-minute keep-warm function 
• Simple settings 
• Dishwasher-safe bowl and accessories 
• Two-year guarantee 

The real caveat here is that the keep-warm function may be a little high. If you’re not careful, the rice will dry out and overcook. It’s an easy problem to overcome with practice, however.  

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8. Breville 1.8l Rice Cooker & Steamer (Best For Small Families)

Main Features 

• Cooks up to 8 cups 
• Toughened glass lid  
• Features a non-stick inner 
• Two settings
• Accessories and inner dishwasher-safe 
• High-quality, non-stick coating 
• One-year guarantee 

Considering the price point, this model provides everything that you need. We don’t recommend using it to full capacity, as the water is likely to boil over. It’s a pity because the rice cooker works well otherwise. 

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9. Buffalo Commercial Rice Cooker (Best For Small Business Use)

Main Features 

• Cooks up to 4.2 litres of dry rice 
• Durable stainless-steel outer 
• Stay-cool handles 
• Heavy-duty inner 
• Even heating
• Non-stick surface 
• Speeds up cooking time 
• High-quality materials 
• Two-year warranty 

The product is a workhorse, and it isn’t flashy or fancy. Don’t expect it to replace many other appliances, but the price makes it an excellent investment for larger families. The average home will find it a bit much. 

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Best Rice Cooker FAQ 

What Should I Know Before Buying A Rice Cooker? 

The first consideration is to work out what you want to use it for and the right capacity. You don’t need to purchase extra features that you won’t use. Good intentions often lead to excessive kitchen gadgets, but you’ll appreciate it more if it’s part of your typical kitchen experience. 

You should also check the reviews to ensure that the features are accurate. The advertised capacity may be in question, where one person’s portion size differs vastly from another’s ideal. It’s also wise to check the dimensions of the machine to see if it will fit into your kitchen comfortably.  

What Features Should I Look For? 

The top feature is that the rice cooker automatically shifts between cooking and keeping warm. It’s also helpful to choose a model that can steam food. If you like one-pot cooking, a sauté function is fantastic.  

A good safety feature includes automatic shut-offs, especially if you’re a person who likes to prepare food ahead of time and use the delayed timer feature while you’re out of the house. 

How To Use A Rice Cooker 

The secret to fluffier rice is to soak it for about fifteen minutes beforehand and then rinse it vigorously. After the water runs clear during rinsing, put your choice of rice into the cooker and fill the water to the desired level. Select the setting according to the type of rice, pop on the lid, and let the machine work its magic.  

If you’re preparing other types of food in the cooker, consult the manufacturer’s manual for suggestions on how to achieve the best results. Many multi-purpose models have preset buttons that take the guesswork out of the process. As long as you ensure the correct ratio of liquid to food, a rice cooker is an incredibly simple device to use.  

What Can Be Cooked In A Rice Cooker? 

Despite the name, most brands are versatile. If you can boil the food in a pot on the stove, you can probably do the same with these appliances. A rice cooker can make everything from brown rice to porridge and yoghurt. You might even try using the machine to boil eggs, bake pizza or cook macaroni and cheese. Ever wondered how to make your own sushi? Here's our take on sushi rice.

Top-end models even have a cake-baking function, which is perfect for baking banana bread or even scones. However, even the simplest models make it possible to prepare most types of oat porridge and grains.  

You may need to experiment with cooking times to get the best results.  

Are Rice Cookers Dangerous? 

If the rice cooker switches off automatically when it is finished cooking, it isn’t a safety hazard. However, any heated appliance requires a clear area around it to guard against fire or melting possibilities. It’s best to position it in a place with ventilation on all sides and somewhere that allows the steam to escape freely. 

Is A Rice Cooker Worth It? 

Yes, if you prepare rice as a regular part of your meal plans, it may prove worth the investment. It makes the cooking process much simpler, and machines with multiple functions provide greater versatility for small families.  

However, a rice cooker is not always worth it if you have other options or are not prone to cooking rice very often.

It cooks large quantities and is generally more energy-efficient than using the stove. The chances of the food burning are much lower, and you may be able to speed up cooking times with some foods.  

The primary advantage of these appliances is that you don’t have to check on them regularly. Once you get the water ratios right, you will happily enjoy consistent results. If you’re someone who forgets to set a timer, a rice cooker may prove invaluable.  

Will My Rice Cooker Speed Up The Cooking Process? 

Some models do have functions to accelerate matters, but most cooking times will be similar to what is possible on a stove. The best rice cooker speeds up the results slightly because of the even heat distribution. It also allows you to leave food cooking safely while you’re out, which saves a lot of time. 

Can I Put a Rice Cooker In The Dishwasher? 

You cannot soak electrical parts, but you can place the bowl and the lid (if it’s detachable) into the dishwasher. All you’ll need to clean the rest of the machine is a damp cloth and some elbow grease.  

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The Best Rice Cooker Feeds The Soul 

The Best Rice Cooker Overall is the Yum Asia Sakura Rice Cooker & Ceramic Bowl. The multi-purpose device will prove a valuable addition to any kitchen. If you require a more convenient option, the M4Y Rice Cooker, Slow Cooker & Food Steamer are competitive in their own rights. 

Each reviewed machine has distinct advantages earning them a spot on this list. However, all choices provide exceptional quality, reliable performance, and useful features. The next step is to consider features and capacity. Do you want a multifunctional device, an entry-level model, or a rice cooker to feed an army?  

Once you establish what’s important to you, the decision is easy.