Best Rice Cookers To Add To Your Small Appliance Arsenal

Rice is a staple of just about everyone’s diet; you likely have it in your pantry right now. It’s the unsung hero of sushi, a good salmon dish and even some salads. Why, then, is it sometimes so difficult to cook rice the right way?

It’s overcooked and mushy or undercooked and too crunchy. In the worst-case scenarios, your rice is “blackened” and stuck to your pan. Would you like to cook rice perfectly every time? It’s actually easy with a simple small kitchen appliance.

We’ve done our research and found the best rice cookers on the market so your rice can finally take the spotlight.

1. Kalorik

Type of Small Kitchen Appliance | Quart Perfect Sear Pressure Cooker
Benefits | Versatile Cooking, Smart Lid, UL Certification, Chemical Free, Dishwasher Safe
Price | $90

Over the past several years, Kalorik has become a household name across America. Customers who are building a three course meal or just want a good mug of chili are flocking to the Kalorik with rave reviews.

For our Instant Pot review, we’ve chosen the 6.25 Quart Perfect Sear Pressure Cooker. The countertop appliance comes in four sizes, from three quart to 6.25 quart, so choose the size that suits your family. We love the versatility of this Kalorik, but can’t get enough of the rice cooker function.

The easy-to-read LED display makes it easy to create the perfect pot of rice. Depending upon the type of rice you’re using, your meal will be ready in between three to thirty minutes. Jasmine rice is super quick to cook, while wild rice may take a bit longer. No matter which grain you use, however, you’re sure to love the result.

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2. Aroma Housewares

Type of Small Kitchen Appliance | Rice & Grain Cooker
Benefits | Cooks Most Grains, Stainless Steel, Eco-Friendly, BOA Free, Non-Stick
Price |

Next on our list of the best rice cookers is our Aroma Housewares review. This rice cooker won’t necessarily cook you a full meal like the Instant Pot, but it’s still quite versatile and we think you’ll love the features available.

First and foremost, you can cook rice, of course! Aroma Housewares offers an eight and a twenty-cup version of this rice cooker, so whether you live alone or with others, perfect rice is within reach. In fact, the smaller version of this rice cooker is ideal for apartment living. If you need a quick meal for one, your Aroma Housewares Rice & Grain Cooker can cook up soups, vegetables and even oatmeal.

Your Rice & Grain Cooker is BPA free. The exterior of the rice cooker is a sleek stainless steel, while the inner pot is non-stick, non-toxic and super easy to clean.

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3. Black + Decker

6 Cup Cooked Rice Cooker and Food Steamer

Type of Small Kitchen Appliance | Digital Programmable Rice Cooker
Benefits | Sustainable, Responsibly Made, Inclusive Workforce, Steaming Basket, Dishwasher Safe
Price |

If you’re looking for an affordable way to cook rice perfectly every time, our Black + Decker review is for you! This rice cooker is available in several sizes, and some models include a sauté function. That means you can cook perfect rice, every time, while sautéing your veggies to top it.

Black + Decker is one of our favorite companies because of their commitment to sustainability. The company sources and crafts each of their products in a way that’s friendly to the planet. They also promise to hire responsibly, paying workers a fair wage for their work.

When you use your Black + Decker Rice Cooker and Food Steamer, be sure to follow the instructions in your manual. You’ll receive a measuring cup with your order, but it’s not equal to an eight ounce cup!

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See Black + Decker Thermal Coffee Maker Review

4. Toshiba

Type of Small Kitchen Appliance | Rice & Porridge Cooker
Benefits | Seven Settings, Delay Timer, Removable Vent, Keep Warm Setting, Nonstick Pot, Responsible
Price |

You’re likely familiar with the name Toshiba. This brand has established itself as a leader in technology, from television set and stereo systems to computers. Did you know that Toshiba also specializes in home appliances? Whether you’re looking for a microwave or, well, a rice cooker, Toshiba has a product that’s right for you.

For our Toshiba review, we’ve chosen the Six Cup Rice and Porridge Cooker. This countertop appliance is great for single folk or for families. The non-stick pot allows you to cook rice for sushi, soup or a side with little mess and no burnt grains.

Do you feel rushed to get dinner prepared each night? The Toshiba rice cooker can help you prepare tasty, healthy meals every day. Simply preset the delay timer and come home to perfectly cooked rice every time. If you’re running late, that’s okay. The rice cooker features two keep warm settings so that you’ll never have to reheat your supper before you eat it.

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5. Hamilton Beach

Type of Small Kitchen Appliance | Rice & Porridge Cooker
Benefits | Stainless Steel, Programmable, Steamer Basket, One Pot Meal Capable, 8 Cup Capacity
Price |

If you’re like most home cooks, you have a Hamilton Beach appliance in your kitchen already. Blenders, toasters, toaster ovens and food processors are all part of the Hamilton Beach catalog. The company also makes a quality rice cooker we think you’ll love.

The rice cooker we’ve chosen for our Hamilton Beach review is simple, but it works like a charm. You can program your cooker to steam, to cook white rice, whole grain rice or cereal grains, and you can opt to keep your food warm until you’re ready to serve your family or guests.

Enjoy hot cereal steamed veggies and, of course, cooked rice any time with the Hamilton Beach rice cooker. We love that the stainless steel pot is easy to clean and prevents rice from sticking to the bottom of the cooking tray.

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See Hamilton Beach Multi-Mix Blender Review

6. IMUSA

Type of Small Kitchen Appliance | Electric Non-Stick Rice Cooker
Benefits |Small Kitchen Appliance, Apartment Living, Single Serve, Nonstick, Indicator Lights
Price |

Most small apartments and single person homes can benefit from a rice cooker. Imagine coming home after a long day at work and wanting little more than a warm meal. This little rice cooker we’ve chosen for our IMUSA review is perfect for one or two people, as the capacity is as small as six cups.

Your IMUSA rice cooker features a tempered glass lid with a vent for steam. The nonstick pot is removable for easy cleanup, and it’s simple to create a great pot of rice; just add uncooked rice, water and seasonings. Your rice will be done in minutes, saving energy and time.

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7. Elite Gourmet

Electric Rice Cooker with Automatic Keep Warm Features

Type of Small Kitchen Appliance | Multipurpose Rice Cooker
Benefits |Dishwasher Safe, Eco-Friendly, Automatic, Multi-Purpose
Price |

If you’re looking for a small kitchen appliance that’s versatile but don’t want to invest a lot of money, our Elite Gourmet review is just what you’re looking for. This rice cooker, of course, will cook rice. Additionally, however, you can cook oatmeal and grains, soups, gravies and even desserts.

The Elite Gourmet rice cooker is reasonably priced and best suited for serving one to two people. It’s easy to use and to maintain, too. Add your ingredients, then start your appliance. Your rice will cook, then the cooker will automatically switch to warm when your food is done.

To clean, simply remove the aluminum pot and wash in the dishwasher. Your rice cooker comes with a measuring cup and spatula for added ease of use.

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8. COMFEE

Programmable All-in-1 Multi Rice Cooker and Steamer

Type of Small Kitchen Appliance | Asian Style Multi Cooker
Benefits | BPA-Free, LED Display, Stainless Steel, 1 Year Warranty, Delay Timer
Price |

Our COMFEE review features a modern and versatile cooker that you’ll want in your kitchen. This small appliance has a ten-cup capacity, so it’s great for family meals or even holidays. We love that you can cook just about anything in the COMFEE cooker, from stew and soup to yogurt!

Customer reviews of the COMFEE cite the programmable style of the cooker as their most-loved feature. An LED display will guide you through cooking the perfect rice, oatmeal or slow-cooked meal with the press of a button. You can even set the machine to begin as far as 24 hours in advance.

Your COMFEE cooker includes a steamer basket, rice paddle, rice cooker measuring cup and soup ladle.

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9. Moss & Stone

Electric Multi-cooker Digital Rice Cooker

Type of Small Kitchen Appliance | Multipurpose Cooker
Benefits |Stainless Steel, Aluminum Components, Non-Toxic, Eco-Friendly, LED Display
Price |

Have you ever found yourself craving a bowl of hot cheddar broccoli soup, but just don’t have time to cook? Or imagine a cold winter day when all you can think about is a warm mug of chili? Our Moss & Stone review has just what you need.

This Moss & Stone multipurpose cooker can help you create whatever it is you’re in the mood for. Cook fluffy rice, perfect quinoa, healthy fish or make your own yogurt. The cooker is eco-friendly as well as non-toxic and BPA-free, so it’s safe for the earth and your family.

Customers love how easy it is to “set it and forget it” with the Moss & Stone multi-purpose cooker. The appliance also makes a great gift for the busy chef in your life.

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Make The Perfect Rice With The Top Of The Line Rice Cookers

It’s rare you’ll find a person who doesn’t love a good rice dish. However, the grain can be difficult to perfect on the stovetop, and requires constant supervision. Make perfect rice – as well as hundreds of other meals – every time with the rice cooker on our list.

Jessica Lauren is Founder, contributing Author and Owner of Citrus Sleep. Citrus Sleep is an online publication that highlights brands, sleep products, women’s fashion, subscription services and ideas creating positive social change and promoting a healthy lifestyle. After spending nearly a decade working in PR and marketing for several brands and startups, Jessica knows what truly drives conversions, sold-out launches and guest posts.

Follow Jessica at @jessicalaurencs | Jessica Lauren