Best Rice Cookers for Making Perfect Fluffy Rice

Rice demands perfection whether it's being prepared for a simple side dish or the base of an elaborate meal. 

For our comprehensive guide, we tested over 31 of the best rice cookers, selecting 6 top models for in-depth analysis. We put each cooker through its paces, evaluating their ease of use, consistency, versatility, and overall cooking performance.

Best Rice Cookers to Make Perfect Fluffy Rice

1. AROMA Digital Rice Cooker

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AROMA Digital Rice Cooker is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The programmable digital controls make it incredibly easy to use.
• The automatic Keep Warm mode ensures that your rice stays warm and fluffy until you're ready to eat.
• The provided Steam Tray allows you to steam meat, vegetables, and more while your rice cooks below.

Cons

• The rice must be cooked in the holder that comes with the product, which may not be ideal for some users.
• The internal temperature control can be a bit finicky, resulting in rice that is slightly over or undercooked at times.
• The steam tray is not very large, so it may be difficult to steam larger items.

Firstly, the digital controls are incredibly easy to use, and the automatic Keep Warm mode ensured our rice stayed warm and fluffy.

One of my favorite features of this rice cooker is the Steam Tray, which allows you to steam meat, vegetables, and more while your rice cooks below. This is a great way to save time and cook a complete meal all at once.

That being said, there are a few downsides to this product. The rice must be cooked in the cup that comes with the product; I was not a fan of this. Additionally, the internal temperature control can be a bit finicky, resulting in rice that is slightly over or undercooked at times. Finally, the steam tray is not very large, so it may be difficult to steam larger items.

2. BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker

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 BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Electric Rice Cooker 

Pros

• The 6-cup capacity is perfect for small and large servings.
• The automatic keep warm function ensures that your rice stays warm and fluffy long after cooking is complete.
• The included food steaming basket allows you to prepare healthy meals with vegetables, fish, and more.

Cons

• The plastic serving spoon that comes with the rice cooker doesn't seem very durable.
• The cord is a bit short, so you may need to place the rice cooker near an outlet.

In my experience, the BLACK+DECKER rice cooker is easy to use and clean. The nonstick rice pot and tempered glass lid are dishwasher-safe. I appreciated that the rice cooker came with a measuring cup and spoon, which assisted with cooking the perfect amount of rice every time.

One thing to keep in mind is that the rice cooker takes longer to cook brown rice compared to white rice; it's something to be aware of if you prefer brown rice. 

3. COSORI Rice Cooker Maker

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The COSORI Rice Cooker Maker is a great option. 

Pros

• The advanced fuzzy logic micom technology ensures consistent results by automatically adjusting temperatures for environmental factors like humidity and heat.
• The dual heating elements, equipped with temperature sensors, reduce condensation dripping back onto your rice for reduced sogginess and ideal textures.
• With 18 functions, including the ability to cook white and brown rice, oats, grains, and steam vegetables, this rice cooker is a versatile addition to any kitchen.

Cons

• The stainless steel steam basket is not for cooking rice.
• The inner pot doesn't have handles, so you'll need mittens or gloves to handle it.
• It's a bit heavy, weighing in at 9.3 pounds.

The guided touch display and clear measurement marks made it easy to use, and the alert tone let me know when my rice was ready. A great feature was the automatic 24-hour keep warm and 24-hour delay timer functions which meant enjoying warm and fresh rice anytime.

One of the things I love about this rice cooker is its versatility. I can cook a wide range of dishes, from steamed vegetables to slow cook soups, all in one pot. The 5 qt / 10 cup capacity is is perfect for a family's needs, and the compact design ensures it doesn't take up excessive kitchen space.

The COSORI Rice Cooker Maker also comes with a free recipe book featuring 30 chef-created recipes, and I've discovered even more recipes on the free VeSync app. Overall, I highly recommend this rice cooker for anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use appliance.

4. Cuisinart CRC-400P1 Rice Cooker

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The Cuisinart CRC-400P1

Pros

• The brushed stainless steel exterior gives the cooker a modern, sleek look that will fit in with any kitchen decor.
• The non-stick coated anodized aluminum cooking bowl makes cleaning up after cooking a breeze.
• The included stainless-steel steaming basket allows you to steam vegetables and other foods while your rice is cooking, making it easy to create a complete meal with little effort.

Cons

• The cooker only makes 4-7 cups of cooked rice, so it may not be the best option for larger families or those who like to meal prep.
• The chrome-plated handles can get hot during cooking, so you'll need to use oven mitts or a towel to handle the cooker.
• The cooker doesn't have any advanced features like a delay timer or different cooking modes, so it may not be the best option for those who want more control over their cooking.

The square modern shape with rounded corners and chrome-plated handles are very sophisticated-looking. The traditional lever control with warm and cook settings is easy to use, and the warm and cook indicator lights let me know when my rice was ready.

I loved that the cooker automatically switched to warm when the rice was cooked, so I don't have to worry about overcooking or burning my rice. The tempered glass cover with a stainless rim and chrome-plated knob allowed me to keep an eye on my rice while it was cooking, and the steam vent helped to prevent splattering.

A great feature of the Cuisinart CRC-400P1 is how easy it is to clean. The non-stick coated anodized aluminum cooking bowl wipes clean with a damp cloth, and the stainless-steel steaming basket is dishwasher safe. Also appreciated was the cooker has retractable cord storage, making it easy to store when not in use.

5. Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Rice Cooker

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 Zojirushi NS-TSC10 

Pros

• The micro computerized fuzzy logic technology ensures that your rice is cooked perfectly every time.
• The automatic keep warm, extended keep warm, and reheating cycle features make it easy to keep your rice at the perfect temperature until you're ready to eat.
• The clear coated stainless steel exterior is easy to clean, and the retractable power cord makes storage a breeze.

Cons

• The price point is a bit steep compared to other rice cookers on the market.
• The capacity is on the smaller side, so it may not be the best choice for larger families or gatherings.
• The melody and beep signal can be a bit annoying, especially if you're using the rice cooker frequently.

I'm impressed with this rice cooker--no matter what type of rice I cooked, it came out perfectly fluffy and delicious. I also loved that it doubles as a steamer, which makes it really versatile for cooking other types of dishes.

One thing that I really appreciate about this rice cooker is how easy it is to clean. The clear coated stainless steel exterior looks great in my kitchen, and it wipes clean with just a damp cloth. I also love that the power cord is retractable making it easy to store when not in use.

Overall, if you're looking for a high-quality rice cooker that will last for years and consistently produce delicious rice, the Zojirushi NS-TSC10 is definitely worth the investment.

6. Instant Pot 20-Cup Rice Cooker

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Instant Pot 20-Cup Rice Cooker

Pros

• The CarbReduce technology reduces carbs and sugars in rice up to 40% without sacrificing taste and texture.
• With 8 smart cooking presets, cooking is effortless and takes the guesswork out of time and temperature settings.
• The unit can keep warm up to 10 hours for rice or grains that are ready when you are.

Cons

• The unit is quite large and may take up a lot of countertop space.
• The studded rice scoop/spoon that comes with the unit may not be to everyone's liking.
• The price point is higher compared to other rice cookers on the market.

The CarbReduce technology is a game-changer, allowing me to enjoy rice without the guilt of consuming too many carbs and sugars. The 8 smart cooking presets make cooking rice so easy, and I appreciate not having to guess at the right time and temperature settings. The unit keeps rice and grains warm for up to 10 hours, which is perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have time to cook fresh rice.

The price point is higher compared to the other rice cookers listed, but the CarbReduce technology and smart cooking presets make it worth the investment.

Buying Guide

After testing various rice cookers, I have come to understand that there are certain features that you should look for when purchasing a rice cooker. In this buying guide, I will highlight some of the key factors that you should consider before making a purchase.

Capacity

When choosing a rice cooker, it is important to consider the capacity that you need. Rice cookers come in various sizes, ranging from small models that can cook enough rice for one or two people to larger models that can cook rice for a family of six or more. If you have a large family or frequently entertain guests, you may want to consider a larger capacity rice cooker.

Type of Rice

Different types of rice require different cooking times and temperatures. Some rice cookers are designed to cook only one type of rice, while others can handle multiple types. Make sure to choose a rice cooker that can handle the type of rice that you plan to cook most often.

Cooking Settings

Rice cookers come with a variety of cooking settings, including white rice, brown rice, sushi rice, and more. Some models also have additional settings for cooking other grains, such as quinoa and oatmeal. Consider the types of dishes that you plan to make with your rice cooker and choose a model with the appropriate cooking settings.

Features

Additional features can make a rice cooker more convenient and versatile. Some models have a delay timer, which allows you to set the rice cooker to start cooking at a later time. Others have a keep-warm function that keeps the rice warm after it is cooked. Some models even have a steaming basket that allows you to steam vegetables or fish while the rice cooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a high-quality rice cooker?

When looking for a high-quality rice cooker, there are a few features to consider. Firstly, you'll want to ensure that the rice cooker has a non-stick inner pot for easy cleaning. Secondly, it's important to consider the capacity of the rice cooker and whether it can hold enough rice for your needs. Other features to look for include programmable settings for different types of rice, a keep-warm function, and a timer.

How do I choose the best rice cooker for cooking basmati rice?

When choosing a rice cooker for cooking basmati rice, you'll want to look for a model that has a specific setting for cooking this type of rice. Basmati rice requires a longer cooking time and a higher water-to-rice ratio than other types of rice, so having a dedicated setting can help ensure perfect results every time. Additionally, a rice cooker with a non-stick inner pot can help prevent the rice from sticking and burning.

What are the advantages of using a Japanese rice cooker?

Japanese rice cookers are known for their high quality and advanced features. One of the main advantages of using a Japanese rice cooker is that they often have specialized settings for different types of rice, including sushi rice and brown rice. Additionally, many Japanese rice cookers use advanced technology to ensure consistent and precise cooking results.

Which rice cooker offers the best value for those on a budget?

Although not on the list, if you're on a budget, the Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is a great option to consider. This versatile appliance can also be used as a slow cooker, steamer, and more, making it a great value for the price. Another affordable option is the BLACK+DECKER RC506 6-Cup Cooked/3-Cup Uncooked Rice Cooker, which has a non-stick inner pot and a keep-warm function.