Rice cookers are having a moment. Though they've been commercially available since the 1950s, the humble rice cooker has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity. It's obvious why: a rice cooker is the easiest way to enjoy perfectly cooked rice.
Are you on the hunt for a rice cooker and don't know where to start? Start here.
Read on for our tips on how to find a good rice cooker at any price point. We've even included our top picks to make the search even easier.
Top Rated Rice Cookers of 2024
Which rice cookers are people choosing nowadays?
The Most Loved Rice Cooker
The Panasonic 1.5L Induction Heating Rice Cooker is the top reviewed model of 2024, with a 4.9 average star rating (out of 5).
This model features Induction Heating, which ensures even cooking and delivers rice with reduced starch. It also uses sensors and precise temperature control to ensure rice is cooked perfectly, every time.
It also features 11 menu options: Reduce Starch Rice, Enhanced Taste, White rice, Quick/Quinoa, Long-grain Rice, Brown Rice, Multigrain, Congee/Soup, Cake, Reheat and Steam. It also has a 15 minutes reheat/warming setting and keeps warm function.
Panasonic 1.5L Induction Heating Rice Cooker SRHL151KST Reviews
Customers love this model's design and quality. They say it's simple to use and easy to clean, and the size is good. Customers praise Panasonic for their consistently good rice cooker range.
Some customers mention that it can take longer to cook than other rice cookers. Another reviewer was disappointed that there's no recipe book included.
Get your Panasonic 1.5L Induction Heating Rice Cooker here.
A Top Rated Alternative for Perfectly Cooked Rice
The Breville the Set & Serve™ 7 Cup Rice Cooker is another well-loved model. The Breville makes 17 cups of cooked rice out of 7 cups of dry rice.
With a non-stick cooking bowl, glass lid and user friendly functions, this rice cooker is fantastic for those just wanting to easily make a big old batch of rice.
The Set & Serve also comes with a steamer basket for steaming vegetables, fish and chicken. The removable cord means you can serve it in the machine for a true one pot meal.
Breville the Set & Serve™ 7 Cup Rice Cooker BRC310BSS Reviews
Customers say this model is easy to use and makes excellent, fluffy rice. They say the size is perfect for a family of five, and that it's easy to clean.
Some customers, however, don't like the removable cord.
Features to Consider in a Rice Cooker
What features should you look for when buying a rice cooker?
Capacity
Think about how much rice you need to cook at once. You will see most rice cooker models measure their capacity in cups. This refers to cups of dry rice. As a rule of thumb, one cup of uncooked rice equals about three cups of cooked rice.
Cooking Settings and Pre-Set Programs for Brown Rice or Other Rice Types
Do you want a basic rice cooker with an on/off switch and timer? Or something with a range of pre-set programs for different types of rice and grains?
If you're confident with your water to rice ratios then go for the first option. The second option is great for those who want to take all guesswork out of the cooking process. A range of pre-set functions are great if you cook different kinds of rice, because cooking white rice is slightly different from cooking brown rice or sushi rice.
Timer, keep-warm functions, and delayed start
Most models will come with a timer, with some having more advanced timing functions than others. If you need flexibility on your serving time, pick a model with a keep-warm function. This way, the rice won't go cold and gross between cooking and serving.
For even more flexibility on time, choose a model with a delayed start function. Put the rice and water in before work and come home to cooked rice after work for maximum convenience.
User interface and ease of use
Browse the different user interfaces to find one you like. Watch reviews on YouTube and social media to see the interface in action. Ask others how many buttons you have to press just to set the machine. Facebook groups are great for this.
Design and Quality
If you eat rice a lot, it's likely this appliance will sit on the benchtop most of the time. Try not to buy an ugly one or you will tire of looking at it every day. You will.
Comparison of Types: Electric vs. Stovetop
How does an electric rice cooker differ from cooking rice on the stovetop? Which way is better?
The Difference
It essentially comes down to ease and convenience. Some people find cooking rice to be excessively difficult, and some find it to be easy. As with all things, find the method that works for you.
In One Corner: Electric Rice Cooker
An electric rice cooker is great for convenience and consistency. You can set and forget it without having to keep an eye on it. Using a rice cooker is also more energy efficient than cooking rice on the stove top, because you lose more heat on the stove top.
Electric rice cookers are best for: busy people, families, cooking rice in bulk, frequent rice eaters.
In the Other Corner: Stovetop Rice
The traditional way of cooking rice on the stovetop is great for foodies and those who enjoy cooking. Many people believe that rice properly prepared on the stovetop tastes better. The keyword here is "properly prepared".
Stovetop rice is best for: foodies, infrequent rice eaters, singles or small batches, rice traditionalists.
Best Budget Rice Cookers
Best Basic Rice Cooker
For a basic model that cooks rice, we've got the Kambrook 5 Cup Rice Cooker KRC150WHT.
With 5 cup capacity, Cook and Keep Warm functions, and non-stick removable cooking bowl, this model does what it says on the box: it cooks rice.
Best Large Capacity Rice Cooker Under $100
Make up to 20 cups of cooked rice with the Russell Hobbs Turbo Rice Cooker RHRC20BLK.
This model features Cook and Keep Warm functions, and comes with a steam basket, measuring cup and spoon included. The non-stick cooking bowl is dishwasher safe for simple clean up.
Premium Rice Cookers Worth the Investment
High-end rice cookers come with high-end features. These models are for those who cook rice daily, or are looking for a multi-functional machine.
Premium Panasonic
The Panasonic Premium 10-cup Rice and Multi Cooker SRCN188WST makes up to 10 cups of cooked rice. It features 16 pre-set menu options: White Rice (Regular), White Rice (Soft), White Rice (Hard), Quick, Quinoa, Brown Rice, Multi Grain, Jasmine Rice, Sticky Rice, Porridge, Clay Pot Rice, Soup, Slow Cook, Cake, Bread, Steam. There are also time delay and keep warm functions.
The large LED display is easy to read and use, and the detachable inner lid and steam vents are easy to keep clean.
Breville's Smart Design
Breville's the Smart Rice Box 10 Cup Rice Cooker features Fuzzy Logic technology. Fuzzy Logic automatically adjusts the temperature for each stage of cooking for the best result every time.
It features settings for white rice, brown rice, sushi/sticky rice, fast cook, steam, soup, porridge and cake. A steaming tray, serving spoon and ladle and measuring cup come included.
This model features an auto keep warm function that keeps cooked rice warm for up to 24 hours after cooking.
Multi-Function Rice Cookers
Most of the models we've talked about are multi-functional, our pick is the Panasonic 1.5L Induction Heating Rice Cooker SRHL151KST.
Other Appliances that Cook Rice
If you're looking for more multi-functional features, try a pressure cooker or an instant pot. These will cook rice as well as pressure cook, slow cook and more.
User Reviews and Experiences
What do other customers have to say about rice cookers?
Things Customers Love About Rice Cookers
Customers love consistently cooked, fluffy rice. They rave about rice cookers with extra features and how easy it is to cook rice in bulk in a rice cooker.
Customers love the convenience of being able to set and forget, effectively automating part of their meal. They also love how easy it is to cook different types of rice and grains in one machine.
Things Customers Don't Love About Rice Cookers
Customers don't like when a rice cooker burns the bottom of their rice or when the rice sticks to the pot. This is the main gripe, so make sure you're reading reviews of the model you're looking to purchase to see if this is a common issue.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
How to Clean Your Rice Cooker
Wipe the outside with a damp cloth. Remove the inner bowl and wash in the dishwasher. Make sure you check the manual to see if it's dishwasher safe.
That's all. Cleaning up one of these appliances is actually really easy.
If the rice gets stuck inside the bowl, give it a soak before the dishwasher. Don't use any abrasive sponges or implements or you might scratch the inside of the bowl.
