2023’s Top Rice Cookers: Expert Reviews and Editor’s Top Picks

For many, rice is a staple. Whether you’re a rice aficionado or simply seeking an easier cooking method, a premium rice cooker might just be the game-changer you’re looking for. These devices can deliver perfectly cooked rice and various porridges with little effort—just ensure you measure correctly. However, the plethora of options available can make the decision-making process a tad overwhelming.

Our editorial team took it upon themselves to sift through the market’s offerings. After rigorously testing 18 rice cookers from renowned brands over several weeks and indulging in more rice than we’d care to admit, two particular models shone brighter than the rest.

Aroma ARC-363NG 6-cup Rice Cooker.

 

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker.

CUCKOO CR-0655F Micom Rice Cooker

Top Overall Rice Cooker: Aroma ARC-363NG 6-cup.

Our extensive tests crowned the Aroma ARC-363NG as the undisputed champion among rice cookers.

Whether it’s sushi rice, brown rice, or aromatic basmati, the outcome is always perfectly fluffy and mouth-wateringly delicious. Notably,

it surpassed all other rice cookers in performance quality, even outshining its pricier sibling, the Aroma ARC-743-1NG, albeit by a slight margin.
Why the ARC-363NG stands out:

Stellar Performance: The rice produced by the ARC-363NG is nothing short of restaurant-quality.

What’s even better is the plethora of features it offers to make your rice-cooking journey effortless and enjoyable.

Effortless Cooking Experience: With the Aroma 6-cup (Cooked) Style Rice Cooker and Food Steamer, you’re not just preparing a meal; you’re curating an experience.

It promises restaurant-level rice, healthful steamed dishes, and scrumptious one-pot wonders.

With a mere flick of a switch, Aroma ensures you invest less time in the kitchen and more with things that matter, like catching up on a novel or spending quality moments with family.

One-Touch Magic: Gone are the days of complicated cooking processes. A single button press is all it takes to get that impeccable rice texture.

Embrace this hassle-free method; you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!

Revolutionary Steaming: Thanks to its unique steam tray, this cooker doesn’t just stop at rice. From vegetables to poultry to fish, achieve a delectable meal without compromising quality.

A World of Culinary Possibilities: Feeling like whipping up a spicy jambalaya or maybe a steamed vegetable-rice combo?

Or how about surprising your family with a soft, fluffy cake? The ARC-743-1NG ensures your culinary dreams aren’t bound by limits.

Comprehensive Package: The ARC-363NG is more than just a rice cooker. It comes with a non-stick inner pot for easy cleaning, a versatile aluminum steam tray, a precise rice measuring cup, and a handy plastic spatula.

All in all, if you’re in the market for a reliable, efficient, and versatile rice cooker, the Aroma ARC-363NG should be at the top of your list.

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1: 3 Quart, 6 Quart and 8 Quart

 Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1: Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes.

The most striking feature of the Instant Pot Duo is its multi-functionality. Imagine replacing seven different kitchen gadgets with this single appliance. Whether you want to pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, make yogurt, or simply keep your food warm, this device covers you.

Quick and Efficient
Time is of the essence, and the Instant Pot Duo respects that. It promises to prep your dishes up to 70% faster, ensuring you don’t spend your entire evening over the stove. With 14 smart programs, from making soups and stews to sautéing and steaming, it’s engineered for delicious meals without waiting.

User-Friendly Design
Navigating the Instant Pot Duo is a breeze. The sleek L.E.D. screen paired with soft-touch controls makes cooking practically effortless. Plus, its ‘set it and forget it’ feature— a programmable timer that can delay cooking up to 24 hours— is ideal for those busy days when you can’t always be in the kitchen.

Quality Components
The product comes with a 3-ply stainless steel cooking pot, ensuring even heat distribution and minimal sticking. You’ll also find a steam rack, some exciting recipes to get started, and an instruction manual in the box.

CUCKOO CR-0655F Micom Rice Cooker.

6-Cup (Uncooked) 12 Menu Options: White Rice, Brown Rice & More, Nonstick Inner Pot, Designed in Korea | Designed in Vibrant Red/White

Compact Yet Capacious Ideal for a family of four, this 6-cup rice cooker is the epitome of efficiency. It snugly fits on your countertop, ensuring maximum utility without claiming much space.

Included Accessories: For a seamless cooking experience, the package comes with a User Manual, a Rice Measuring Cup, and a handy Rice Scoop.

Safe and Easy-to-Clean Inner Pot With a nonstick and non-toxic interior, cleaning post-cooking becomes a breeze. More importantly, you can relish your meals, assured that no harmful chemicals leached into your food.

Swift Cooking Solution Pressed for Time? The cooker’s rapid mode speeds up the cooking process for certain menu selections, serving you perfectly cooked rice faster.

Effortless Culinary Excellence: Gone are the days of constantly monitoring your rice. The state-of-the-art cooking technology in this device auto-detects food weight, fine-tunes the temperature, and calibrates the cooking duration, delivering impeccable results every time.

Always Warm and Ready: The built-in keep-warm function ensures your rice stays at the perfect temperature for hours. Want it hotter? Use the reheat function to quickly elevate your rice’s temperature.

Intuitive LCD Display Navigate effortlessly through diverse menu choices via the crystal-clear LCD screen.

Cook on Your Own Terms with Delay Timer Plan ahead with the rice cooker’s delay timer feature. Set it up to 13 hours in advance, ensuring your rice is ready precisely when you want it.

Other Rice Cookers We have Tested.

IMUSA USA GAU-00012 Electric NonStick Rice Cooker 5-Cup (Uncooked) 10-Cup (Cooked), White

$19.99 at Amazon

The IMUSA USA GAU-00012 is a sleek, white electric rice cooker designed for efficiency and convenience. With a capacity to handle 5 cups of uncooked rice, it yields up to 10 cups when cooked. Its nonstick inner pot ensures even cooking and easy cleaning, making it an essential appliance for those who seek perfectly prepared rice without the fuss. Ideal for both small families and gatherings.

BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker 6-Cup (Cooked) with Steaming Basket, Removable Non-Stick Bowl, White.

$23.51 at Amazon

The BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker, finished in a classic white, offers a 6-cup cooked rice capacity, perfect for small to medium-sized meals. Equipped with a removable non-stick bowl, it promises effortless food release and quick cleanup. The added steaming basket provides versatility, allowing for simultaneous rice cooking and steaming of vegetables or proteins, making it a multifunctional kitchen essential.

DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer with Removable Nonstick Pot, Keep Warm Function & Recipe Guide, 5 Quart, for Soups, Stews, Grains & Oatmeal – Aqua

$21.95 at Amazon

The DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer, in a vibrant aqua shade, is a compact and versatile kitchen companion. With a 5-quart capacity, it’s perfect for small servings of soups, stews, grains, and even oatmeal. Its removable nonstick pot ensures easy food release and cleanup, while the keep-warm function guarantees your dishes remain at the ideal temperature. It also comes with a recipe guide to inspire delicious creations. Ideal for quick meals and minimalistic kitchen spaces.

Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker, White (-WB).

$47.05 at Amazon

The Zojirushi NHS-06 Rice Cooker in a classic white (-WB) finish offers a compact 3-cup (uncooked) capacity, perfect for small households or individuals. Known for its quality, Zojirushi ensures consistent results with its advanced cooking technology. Whether you’re preparing a simple bowl of rice or experimenting with different grains, this cooker delivers reliable performance. A must-have for those seeking convenience without sacrificing taste.