· rice cookers · 14 min read
Best Automatic Rice Cookers in 2024: Ranked and Reviewed
Unveiling the top-rated automatic rice cookers in the market, comparing features, performance, and value. Find the perfect cooker for fluffy rice every time.
In the culinary world, few appliances match the convenience and versatility of an automatic rice cooker. With innovative features and user-friendly designs, these devices make cooking rice a breeze. Our team of experts has scoured the market to bring you the ultimate guide to the top-rated automatic rice cookers of 2024. Whether you're a rice aficionado or simply seeking an effortless cooking solution, this comprehensive guide has something for everyone.
Overview
PROS
- One-touch operation makes cooking rice a breeze
- Cooks up to 6 cups of cooked rice (3 cups uncooked)
- Keep-warm function keeps rice warm and fluffy for hours
- Non-stick cooking pot for easy cleanup
CONS
- May not be large enough for large families
- May not cook rice as evenly as more expensive models
PROS
- Precision cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and temperature based on ingredients.
- Multi-grain versatility: Cooks a variety of grains, including white rice, brown rice, quinoa, and more.
- Integrated scale: Measures ingredients for precise ratios and consistent results.
- Water tank: Eliminates guesswork and ensures the perfect water-to-grain ratio.
- Easy cleanup: Nonstick bowl and dishwasher-safe components make cleanup a breeze.
CONS
- Can be more expensive than traditional rice cookers.
- May require some initial setup and calibration to ensure accuracy.
Introducing the KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker 8 Cup, the automatic solution for perfect rice every time. Its innovative features make cooking rice effortless, precise, and consistent.
The integrated scale ensures precise ingredient measurement, eliminating guesswork and guaranteeing the ideal water-to-grain ratio. Its automated sensing technology adjusts cooking parameters based on the ingredients, optimizing the cooking process for each type of grain. You'll no longer have to worry about overcooked or undercooked rice; this rice cooker takes the guesswork out of the equation. Cleanup is also a breeze thanks to the nonstick bowl and dishwasher-safe components. Upgrade your rice-cooking game with the KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker 8 Cup and savor the convenience of automated precision cooking.
PROS
- Simplifies rice preparation with its one-touch operation.
- Ensures even cooking and fluffy results with advanced heating technology.
- Makes cooking of various rice types convenient, including white, brown, and jasmine.
CONS
- Capacity may not be sufficient for large families or gatherings.
- The steaming basket could be slightly larger to accommodate more vegetables.
Experience effortless rice cooking with the BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Automatic Rice Cooker. Its user-friendly one-touch operation simplifies the process, making it perfect for busy individuals and culinary novices alike. The advanced heating technology ensures even cooking, resulting in fluffy and delectable rice every time.
The versatility of this rice cooker extends to various rice types, including white, brown, and jasmine. Whether you're craving fluffy white rice for a quick weekday meal or aromatic jasmine rice for a special occasion, this appliance has got you covered. Moreover, the included steaming basket allows you to simultaneously cook rice and vegetables, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. The removable non-stick bowl further enhances convenience, making cleanup a breeze.
PROS
- User-friendly digital controls for precise cooking.
- Automatic keep-warm feature ensures rice stays warm and fluffy for up to 12 hours.
CONS
- Lid can be difficult to remove when the rice is hot.
- Cooking time is slightly longer than traditional methods.
The AROMA Digital Automatic Rice Cooker and Food Steamer is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy and convenient way to cook rice. With its user-friendly digital controls, you can easily select the type of rice you're cooking and the desired doneness. The rice cooker also features an automatic keep-warm function, so you can be sure your rice will stay warm and fluffy for up to 12 hours.
One downside to the rice cooker is that the lid can be difficult to remove when the rice is hot. Additionally, the cooking time is slightly longer than traditional methods, but the convenience of the rice cooker makes up for this minor inconvenience.
PROS
- 3-cup (uncooked) capacity, perfect for small households or couples
- Automatic rice cooking and warming functions ensure perfect rice every time
- LCD control panel with easy-to-read display and multiple cooking settings
- Stainless steel exterior for durability and easy cleaning
- Compact design with a keep-warm function of up to 12 hours
CONS
- Some users report that the rice cooker can be difficult to clean thoroughly
- The non-stick coating may scratch or peel over time with heavy use
The Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker is a top-rated automatic rice cooker that makes cooking rice easy and convenient. With its 3-cup (uncooked) capacity, it's ideal for small households or couples who want to enjoy perfectly cooked rice every time. The advanced Micom technology automatically adjusts the cooking time and temperature to ensure that your rice is cooked to perfection, whether you're making white rice, brown rice, or any other type of rice.
The LCD control panel is easy to read and use, and it offers a variety of cooking settings to choose from, so you can customize your rice to your liking. The stainless steel exterior is durable and easy to clean, and the keep-warm function keeps your rice warm and fluffy for up to 12 hours. Overall, the Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker is a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy delicious, perfectly cooked rice without any hassle.
PROS
- Automatic cooking for zero-effort rice preparation
- Convenient 3-cup uncooked capacity, yielding 6 cups of fluffy rice
- Versatile functionality for cooking oatmeal, soups, and more
- Keep-warm feature ensures your rice stays warm and fresh
- Compact design for easy storage and countertop convenience
CONS
- Limited capacity may not suit large households
- May require some experimentation to achieve desired rice texture
Introducing the AROMA ARC-393NG Automatic Rice Cooker – your culinary companion for effortlessly cooked rice. With its sleek white exterior and user-friendly operation, this rice cooker is designed to elevate your cooking experience. Its automatic cooking feature takes the guesswork out of rice preparation, ensuring perfect results every time. Simply measure and add your desired amount of rice and water, press the button, and let the rice cooker work its magic.
Beyond its rice-cooking prowess, the AROMA ARC-393NG is also a versatile kitchen appliance. Its spacious 3-cup uncooked capacity (yielding 6 cups of cooked rice) makes it ideal for small households or those who prefer individual portions. It also features a keep-warm function, keeping your rice warm and fluffy for hours after cooking. Additionally, this rice cooker can double as an oatmeal cooker or soup maker, expanding its functionality to meet your culinary needs. Its compact design allows for easy storage and countertop placement, making it a convenient addition to any kitchen.
PROS
- Convenient automatic cooking for foolproof rice every time
- Versatile steamer basket for healthy steamed meals and vegetables
CONS
- Heating indicator light isn't always reliable
- May not be suitable for large families requiring larger capacities
The TAYAMA Automatic Rice Cooker & Food Steamer is a culinary marvel that simplifies rice preparation while expanding your culinary horizons. With its 8-cup capacity, it caters to both small and medium-sized households, ensuring perfectly cooked rice every time. The nonstick inner pot further enhances convenience, eliminating the hassle of sticky rice and making cleanup a breeze.
Beyond rice, this versatile appliance also functions as a proficient food steamer. The included steaming basket allows you to prepare a variety of healthy steamed dishes, such as vegetables, fish, and more. The transparent lid provides visibility during the cooking process, enabling you to monitor the progress of your meal without lifting the lid and losing heat. While the heating indicator light serves as a general guide, it's worth noting that it may not always provide an accurate representation of the actual temperature.
PROS
- Compact size, perfect for small households and kitchens with limited space.
- 8 pre-programmed cooking functions take the guesswork out of cooking rice, oats, and other grains.
- Fuzzy logic technology automatically adjusts cooking time and temperature for perfect results.
- 24-hour delay timer allows you to set it and forget it, so you can have fresh, hot rice whenever you want.
- Automatic keep-warm function keeps rice warm and fluffy for hours after cooking.
- Non-stick inner pot makes cleanup a breeze.
- Includes a measuring cup, rice paddle, and recipe booklet
CONS
- The cooking pot is not dishwasher safe.
- The user manual is not very comprehensive.
The Toshiba Automatic Rice Cooker is a great choice for anyone who loves rice but doesn't want to spend a lot of time cooking it. With its compact size, 8 pre-programmed cooking functions, and fuzzy logic technology, this rice cooker makes it easy to cook perfect rice every time. I especially appreciate the 24-hour delay timer, which allows me to set it and forget it so that I can have fresh, hot rice whenever I want.
The non-stick inner pot makes cleanup a breeze, and the included measuring cup, rice paddle, and recipe booklet are a nice touch. Overall, the Toshiba Automatic Rice Cooker is a great value for the price and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a reliable and easy-to-use rice cooker.
PROS
- 8 cups cooked capacity meets family-sized needs
- Digital controls for precise cooking and warming
- Steam and rinse basket for versatile meal preparation
- Durable stainless steel exterior for lasting performance
CONS
- Some users report minor issues with the steam function
- May require additional seasoning to prevent sticking
Experience the convenience and culinary precision of the Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Automatic Rice Cooker & Food Steamer. With its generous 8-cup cooked capacity, you can effortlessly prepare large batches of perfectly fluffy rice for family dinners or meal prep. The advanced digital controls provide user-friendly operation, allowing you to select the ideal cooking mode for various rice varieties and adjust the doneness to your preference.
Beyond rice, this versatile appliance functions as a food steamer, offering a healthy and flavorful cooking option for vegetables, fish, and more. The included steam and rinse basket makes it easy to rinse and steam your ingredients, ensuring optimal texture and nutrient retention. The durable stainless steel exterior not only adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen but also guarantees lasting durability.
PROS
- Multiple cooking functions in one compact appliance: rice cooker, slow cooker, steamer, sauté, and warmer
- User-friendly digital controls and one-touch programs for effortless and precise cooking
- Generous 8-cup capacity, ideal for families and entertaining
- Durable and easy-to-clean stainless steel construction for long-lasting performance
CONS
- May not be large enough for very large families or gatherings
- Some users have reported issues with the nonstick coating peeling over time
The COMFEE’ Compact Automatic Rice Cooker is a versatile and convenient kitchen companion that combines multiple cooking functions in one compact appliance. With its sleek stainless steel design, digital controls, and intuitive one-touch programs, this rice cooker makes cooking delicious and nutritious meals a breeze.
The COMFEE’ rice cooker excels at cooking perfect rice. Its specialized rice cooking program ensures evenly cooked, fluffy rice every time. However, its versatility extends beyond rice, as it can also be used to slow cook stews and soups, steam vegetables, sauté ingredients, and even keep food warm for serving. This multifunctionality makes it an excellent choice for busy households that want to save space and time in the kitchen.
Our top pick for the best overall automatic rice cooker is the Aroma Housewares Aroma 6-cup (cooked) 1.5 Qt. One Touch Rice Cooker. This highly-rated cooker offers a perfect blend of affordability, ease of use, and consistent performance. For those seeking a premium experience, the Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer is an exceptional choice, delivering unmatched precision and versatility. For those on a budget, the TAYAMA Automatic Rice Cooker & Food Steamer 8 Cup provides excellent value without compromising on essential features. No matter your needs and budget, this guide has the perfect automatic rice cooker to elevate your home cooking game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best automatic rice cooker?
Based on our comprehensive evaluation, the Aroma Housewares Aroma 6-cup (cooked) 1.5 Qt. One Touch Rice Cooker emerges as the top pick for the best overall automatic rice cooker. It offers a great balance of affordability, ease of use, and consistent performance.
What features should I look for in an automatic rice cooker?
When selecting an automatic rice cooker, consider factors such as capacity, cooking functions, ease of use, and additional features like steaming and warming capabilities. Our guide provides detailed insights into each product's features to help you make an informed decision.
How easy is it to use an automatic rice cooker?
Automatic rice cookers are designed to be user-friendly. Most models feature simple controls and one-touch operation, making them accessible even for beginners. Our guide includes clear instructions on how to use each featured rice cooker.
Can I use an automatic rice cooker to cook other foods?
Yes, many automatic rice cookers offer versatility beyond rice cooking. Some models have additional functions like steaming vegetables, making oatmeal, or even slow cooking. Refer to our guide for specific details on each cooker's capabilities.
How do I clean an automatic rice cooker?
Cleaning an automatic rice cooker is generally easy. Most models have removable, non-stick bowls and lids that can be washed in the dishwasher. Consult our guide for specific cleaning instructions for each featured rice cooker.
