The best rice cookers

Are you tired of making rice on the stove and never getting that perfect fluffy texture? Look no further than rice cookers. I recently tested several models and found that there are a few key factors to consider when selecting the perfect rice cooker. First, pay attention to the rice-to-water ratio. Some cookers require more or less water depending on the type of rice you are using. Second, consider the size of the cooker. If you are cooking for a family, you will want a larger capacity. Lastly, think about the ease of use and clean-up. Nobody wants to spend hours scrubbing a rice cooker. Based on my tests, I have found a few top contenders that meet all these criteria.

#1: Aroma 6 Cup Pot Style Cooker White

I recently purchased the Aroma 6 Cup Pot Style Cooker White and I am very impressed with its performance. It is incredibly easy to use, making it perfect for both experienced cooks and amateurs. The cooker consistently produces fluffy rice in just 15-20 minutes, eliminating the guesswork and ensuring perfectly cooked rice every time. It can handle various types of rice, including white, brown, and mixed rice. The user-friendly design and straightforward controls make it a breeze to operate. The keep-warm function is a convenient feature that allows me to juggle different dishes without worrying about timing everything perfectly. Cleaning up is also quick and hassle-free thanks to the non-stick inner pot. The compact size of the cooker is an added bonus as it doesnt take up much counter space. However, there are a couple of minor drawbacks. The larger vent hole on the lid can sometimes cause rice water to splatter on the counter, but this issue can be easily resolved by placing a folded paper towel through the handle of the lid to absorb the liquid. Additionally, the rice could be slightly softer for my personal taste, but this can be adjusted by adding a little more water than the recommended ratio. Overall, the Aroma 6 Cup Pot Style Cooker White is a fantastic kitchen appliance that delivers consistently delicious rice with ease and efficiency. Its a worthwhile investment for any rice enthusiast or anyone looking to simplify their cooking process.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Produces fluffy rice consistently
• User-friendly design
• Compact size

Cons

• Rice can be slightly scorched on the bottom
• Rice could be a little softer
• Vent hole spurts rice water
• No auto shut-off after cook cycle

#2: BLACK DECKER Cooker 6 cup White

The BLACK DECKER Cooker 6 cup White is a great rice cooker that is easy to use and easy to clean. Its perfect for camping or for a couple of people, but not suitable for larger quantities of rice. It makes perfectly cooked rice and has a steamer basket for veggies and fish. The keep warm feature is convenient for busy families. However, there are some drawbacks. The rice cooker requires careful measurement using its own non-standard measuring cup, and following specific instructions in a certain order. The rice may stick to the bottom if not stirred regularly and a non-metallic utensil must be used to avoid scratching the surface. The measuring cup and measurement markings are difficult to read. The rice cooker does not have an OFF switch, so it must be unplugged after each use. Overall, it is a convenient and reliable rice cooker, but it can be inconvenient and time-consuming to use.

Pros

• Makes great rice
• Easy to use and clean
• Comes with a steamer basket
• Has a 'keep warm' feature

Cons

• Not very large
• Instructions are confusing
• Rice sticks to the bottom of the pan
• Doesn't have an OFF switch

#3: Dash Mini Rice Cooker

I recently purchased the DRCM200GBAQ04 Steamer Removable Nonstick Function rice cooker and I am thoroughly impressed with its performance. This compact cooker is perfect for individuals or couples who want to make small portions of rice or other dishes. One of the standout features of this rice cooker is its versatility. Not only does it cook rice perfectly, but it can also be used to make grits, oatmeal, pasta, Mac & Cheese, and various flavored rice dishes. I was pleasantly surprised by how well it handled different types of rice, such as long grain, Jasmine, and Basmati. The nonstick function of the removable pot makes cleaning a breeze. It only takes a few minutes to wash the pot, lid, and paddle by hand. I havent tested it in the dishwasher, but I find it so easy to clean by hand that I dont think its necessary. The rice cooker is also incredibly easy to use. It has a simple one-switch/button operation, and it cooks one cup of rice with no fuss. However, I did experience some difficulty when I tried to cook two cups of white rice at once. It didnt cook it through entirely, so I had to adjust and cook it in smaller batches. The compact size of this rice cooker is another plus point. It doesnt take up much counter or storage space, making it ideal for small kitchens or for those who have limited space. Overall, I highly recommend the DRCM200GBAQ04 Steamer Removable Nonstick Function rice cooker. Its a reliable and versatile appliance that delivers perfectly cooked rice and other dishes with minimal effort.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Versatile
• Cooks rice perfectly
• Compact size

Cons

• May need trial and error to get rice-to-water ratio right
• Slow to start boiling
• Overflow issue with larger quantities
• Lid rim can be difficult to clean

#4: Aroma Housewares UNCOOKED Steamer ARC 743 1NG

I have tested the Aroma Housewares UNCOOKED Steamer ARC 743 1NG and I must say, its a pretty great buy. It does exactly what it says it does - cooks rice perfectly. The non-stick pot is a great improvement from older models, as it doesnt scratch easily. Though it does scorch the rice a little sooner, it doesnt scorch as much as the old one. The only drawback is that it doesnt give clear feedback when the rice is done. Also, the cooked rice tends to stick to the bottom if the starch isnt rinsed well. But overall, for the price, its a worthwhile investment.

Pros

• Affordable price
• Easy to use
• Compact size
• Includes steamer insert

Cons

• Lack of feedback when rice is done cooking
• Rice can stick to the bottom
• No audio indicator when cooking is complete
• Short power cord

#5: Aroma Housewares ARC 914SBD Cool Touch Stainless

I recently purchased the Aroma Housewares ARC 914SBD Cool Touch Stainless rice cooker and I am incredibly satisfied with its performance. As someone who grew up eating rice daily, I have tried many rice cookers over the years and this one ticked all the boxes for me. The most important factors for me are whether the rice is cooked to the right consistency, how easy it is to clean, and if it can cook enough rice for my family. This rice cooker passed all these criteria with flying colors. It may look small, but it can cook 8 full cups of perfectly done rice – translucent and slightly sticky, just how I like it. The water lines are clearly marked, making it easy to measure the correct amount of water. The cooking time is also reasonable, with the white rice setting taking about 35 minutes in total. Cleaning the pot is a breeze and I appreciate the cool touch stainless steel design. The only drawback I can think of is that it may take longer to cook rice compared to the stove, but the convenience and peace of mind this rice cooker provides outweighs that for me. Overall, I highly recommend the Aroma Housewares ARC 914SBD Cool Touch Stainless rice cooker for its impressive performance, small footprint, and ease of use.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Set it and forget it
• Perfectly cooked rice
• Can cook other grains

Cons

• Takes longer than cooking rice on the stove
• Short power cord
• Reflective control panel
• Small size for larger batches of rice

#6: Instant Pot Multi Use Programmable Pressure

I recently purchased the Instant Pot Multi Use Programmable Pressure cooker and so far, it has been a great addition to my kitchen. The smaller size is perfect for me since Im not cooking for a large family. Its easier to move around and store in my cabinet. The Instant Pot works well and cooks food evenly. However, it doesnt always save time. The sear function, while convenient for some, is faster and easier for me to do on the stove. Additionally, the heating up and cooling down time adds to the overall cooking time, making it at least an hour to cook anything. One major drawback is the steam release valve. The open and closed positions are marked, but its difficult to see due to the small black lettering on a black background. This can be a safety concern if you accidentally lean in to read it. Its also easy to grab the valve from the top, which can cause burns when opening. I wish there were safer alternatives for the steam release valve. The silicone seal absorbs food odors, but it doesnt bother me much. Some users buy extra silicone rings for different types of cooking to prevent odor transfer. The instant pot offers various settings and can even be used as a slow cooker. Overall, Im happy with my purchase. The Instant Pot is a versatile and efficient kitchen appliance, although it may not be the best option for quick cooking or for those who prefer stovetop or oven cooking. Its important to be cautious of the steam release valve and keep it away from children and pets.

Pros

• Works well
• Cooks well
• Can set pressure and time manually
• Has a slow cooker setting

Cons

• Takes longer than expected due to heat up and cool down time
• More pieces to clean up
• Safety issues with steam release valve
• Silicone seal absorbs food odors

Conclusion

"Rice cookers are a versatile and time-saving kitchen appliance that can greatly simplify the process of cooking rice. They ensure perfectly cooked and fluffy rice every time, without the hassle of constantly monitoring the stove. With various features like programmable timers, keep-warm functions, and different cooking settings, rice cookers offer a convenient and customizable cooking experience. Not only can they cook rice, but they can also be used for steaming vegetables, making soups, and even baking cakes. Additionally, rice cookers are energy-efficient and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for any kitchen. Whether you are a busy professional, a college student, or a home cook looking to simplify your meal preparation, investing in a rice cooker can greatly enhance your cooking experience. "