The Best Rice Cooker in Canada in 2023 – Reviews and Buying Guide

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Have you ever planned a meal with a rice base or side only to realize on the day that you have no clue how to make rice? Are you supposed to put it on the stove, in the microwave, in the oven?

Who knows! We do, actually. You’re supposed to use a rice maker. Yes, it can be done other ways, but why risk burning it so badly that it fuses to your pot when you could let a super convenient kitchen appliance do it for you? 

A good rice maker will make the perfect rice every single time. A lot of them are even fully automatic, so you can set it, forget it, and enjoy it later without any panic-cooking or stove-babysitting involved.

Rice cookers come in all shapes, sizes, and programs to make every grain of rice – plus a few other foods – easily and without guesswork on your part.

We’ve looked at 31 different rice cookers and used 712 customer reviews to guide us in the right direction. We spent a total of 34 hours picking out the best rice makers for you to use next time you need rice made properly. 

Following our last update, we highly recommend our new favourite, the Black + Decker RC506C 2in1 for a simple, budget-friendly rice maker for the kitchen.

 

Our Top Pick Rice Cooker in 2023

 

 

Our selection of the best models available right now:

1. 1. Black + Decker RC506C 2-in-1
   2. Zojirushi NSZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy
   3. Salton RC1653 Automatic
   4. Zojirushi NSTSC10 Micom
   5. Cuckoo CR-0655F
   6. Tiger JBV-S18U Microcomputer Controlled
   7. Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 Mini
   8. Aroma Housewares ARC-363-1NGB 3 Uncooked/6 Cups
   9. Cuisinart CRC-400
   10. Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup
   11. Hamilton Beach 37541 Digital Simplicity
   12. Cuisinart CRC-400C 4-Cup
   13. Proctor Silex Rice Cooker
   14. CUCKOO CRP-P0609S Pressure

 

Rice Cooker Comparative Table

Image	Product	Features	Price
Top Pick	Black + Decker RC506C 2-in-1 The Best Overall. Dimensions: 10” x 9” x 5.5” Weight: 3.7 lbs Colour: White and Black Capacity: 3 cups Preprogrammed Settings: 1 Warranty: 2 years   Read our Review	9,5	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price at Walmart
Upgrade Pick	Zojirushi NSZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy The Advanced Choice. 5.5 cups white Automatic keep-warm, extended keep-warm, and reheat functions Non-stick inner liner Retractable cord 2 measuring cups, rice spoon, rice spoon holder, recipes included 10 cook settings Detachable inner lid 1-year warranty 1000 watts 3 lbs 13” x 8.1” x 10.1”   Read our Review	9,7	Check Price on Amazon
Budget Pick	Salton RC1653 Automatic The Economy Choice. 3 cups 300 watts Black Audible signal alert when cycle finishes Automatically switches from cook to warm at cycle completion Non-stick bowl is dishwasher safe Cooks quinoa, oatmeal, and more Spatula and measuring cup included Glass lid to monitor cooking process 3 lbs 8.5” x 8.5” x 6.7”   Read our Review	9,1	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price at Walmart

Our Pick for The Best Rice Cooker

Presentation of the Black + Decker RC506C 2-in-1 Rice Cooker

The Budget-Friendly Alternative
Black+Decker

The Black + Decker RC506C 2-in-1 rice cooker one of the most affordable high-quality rice makers on the market and will impress you with its stylish ergonomic design and focus on usability. Though with basic functionality, this rice cooker is the best you’ll get for the price.

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Black + Decker RC506C 2-in-1 Rice Cooker Video Review

What We Think of the Black + Decker RC506C 2-in-1 Rice Cooker

The Black + Decker rice cooker has a 3-cup capacity so is on the smaller side, but it is the perfect fit for individuals and couples who want a super simple way to make great rice without any guesswork or complicated steps. The cooker uses a single power switch to begin the cycle and has light indicators to let you know whether it is on cook or warm. It is also quite stylish and features stay-cool handles on the exterior as well as the lid that are sturdy and ergonomically shaped.

The cooker comes in 7 cup, 8 cup, and 14 cup sizes as well but they are significantly more expensive than this smaller 3-cup model. A steam basket is included as well as a measuring cup and rice spoon to prevent damaging the interior non-stick pot. The pot itself is removable for serving or cleaning and is dishwasher safe.

We’ve been using this rice cooker for a few months now and it has the perfect size for our small family. It is really easy to clean and takes very little maintenance which we enjoy. The bowl still looks brand new and we’ve never had a single grain of rice stick to it. We use it multiple times a week and store it in our cupboard when not using it. In our opinion it works as good as a higher-priced one.

Kate Y.

The rice cooker uses internal sensors to cook the rice to the perfect consistency and texture and will automatically switch to the warm function once finished so your rice stays fresh and at serving temperature even if you’re not home or ready to eat right away.

 

Black + Decker RC506C 2-in-1 Rice Cooker Specifications

• Dimensions: 10” x 9” x 5.5”
• Weight: 3.7 lbs
• Colour: White and Black
• Capacity: 3 cups
• Preprogrammed Settings: 1
• Warranty: 2 years

Black + Decker RC506C 2-in-1 Rice Cooker Pros and Cons

 

Our Final Opinion About the Black + Decker RC506C 2-in-1 Rice Cooker

Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars

We definitely recommend this Black + Decker rice cooker to anyone looking for a simple, budget-friendly rice maker for their kitchen. This model is user-friendly in every way and will look great on your countertop.

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Our Upgrade Pick for a Rice Cooker

Presentation of the Zojirushi NSZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker

The Advanced Choice
Zojirushi

If you’re in the market for an advanced rice maker that can handle even the toughest rice recipes, then the Zojirushi NSZCC10 neuro fuzzy rice maker. It has every cook setting you could need plus a user-friendly large display to make making the perfect rice perfectly simple.

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Zojirushi NSZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker Video Review

What We Think of the Zojirushi NSZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker

The Zojirushi rice cooker uses neuro fuzzy technology to make the perfect rice every time. It doesn’t look like much, but it has impressive smart technology for making rice that makes up for its lack of aesthetic appeal. This rice cooker is available in a 5.5 as well as a 10-cup size, though the former is expensive enough so you’d have to really want outstanding rice to bite the bullet for the larger size.

This cooker can make any type of rice you want to the texture you want and has a few other programmed settings to make cooking rice the easiest thing you’ve ever done. The cooker will automatically switch to warming when the cycle ends and you can set it to extended warming time as well which operates for much longer than ordinary cookers to keep your rice fresh for as long as you need. Plus, you can use a reheat cycle if you want to freshen and rewarm your rice.

This rice maker makes amazing rice. Though my last rice maker was faster, this one doesn’t leave a gross film on the rice or any burned bits on the bottom which I much prefer over a quicker cook time. By far, the best feature of this rice cooker is the timer. You can set when you want your rice to be done so you could set it up early in the day and cook your meal like usual and just have your rice done and waiting for you at the perfect time.

Dylan U.

This unit has a large swing handle so you can move it easily while it’s hot or full and the lid opens with a push button and a seamless hinge. The cooker has a retractable power cord to make storage easier and the LCD display is extra-large for a higher user-friendliness rating. The microcomputer technology in this rice cooker will make the best rice you’ve probably ever tasted, but it costs a bit more than other models to make it happen.

 

Zojirushi NSZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker Specifications

• Dimensions: 13” x 8.1” x 10.1”
• Weight: 3 lbs
• Colour: White
• Capacity: 5.5 cups
• Preprogrammed Settings: 10
• Wattage: 1000
• Warranty: 1-year

 

Zojirushi NSZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker Pros and Cons

 

Our Final Opinion About the Zojirushi NSZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker

Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars

Overall, the Zojirushi rice cooker won’t be winning awards for design, but it will win your heart in functionality alone. If you REALLY love rice and include it in all of your recipes, you’ll get a lot of use out of the 10 menu settings on this rice cooker.

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Our Budget Pick for a Rice Cooker

Presentation of the Salton RC1653 Automatic Rice Cooker

The Economy Choice
Salton

The Salton RC1653 automatic rice cooker is one of the cheapest rice makers available and makes quality rice as well as a few other rice-like foods to give you a bit more variety without overcomplicating the machine. This is the perfect rice maker for people on a budget.

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What We Think of the Salton RC1653 Automatic Rice Cooker

The Salton rice cooker has a 3-cup uncooked rice capacity and is the perfect size for medium-sized families or meal prep for a single person or just a few meals. It is a stylish black with a glass lid so you can monitor your food while it cooks without releasing heat and messing with the temperature.  The machine will emit an audible signal when the cycle finishes and your rice is ready so you can enjoy it hot out of the pot or choose to let the automatic warm function take over until you’re ready.

The removable bowl is of the non-stick variety and is dishwasher safe if rinsing and wiping is too much of a hassle, which it usually is. The indicator lights on the display will let you know if the appliance is still cooking or if your rice is done and staying warm. The controls are very simple with one power switch to start your cooking cycle.

This is the perfect rice maker for individuals or couples. The 3-cup capacity is okay for me since that’s 6 cups of cooked rice which is always more than enough for any meal I’m making; besides you can always make another batch if you’re doing meal prep or something else. I’ve made quinoa, pasta, soups, and oatmeal in it as well all to great success. Great little rice cooker.

Paul P.

The rice cooker automatically cooks your rice for you and uses internal sensors to determine when the rice is done. This is a very simple rice cooker and doesn’t have any pre-set functions, a programmable timer, or any other digital features. It comes with a rice paddle and measuring cup so you can measure appropriately for the unit and the non-stick rice bowl will never cause burning or sticking.

 

Salton RC1653 Automatic Rice Cooker Specifications

• Dimensions: 8.5” x 8.5” x 6.7”
• Weight: 3 lbs
• Colour: Black
• Capacity: 3
• Preprogrammed Settings: 1
• Wattage: 300

 

Salton RC1653 Automatic Rice Cooker Pros and Cons

 

Our Final Opinion About the Salton RC1653 Automatic Rice Cooker

Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars

All things considered, this Salton RC1653 automatic rice maker is the perfect addition to kitchens serving smaller families. It is an extremely affordable yet versatile enough to help you out with a variety of dishes. You can’t go wrong with this economy rice maker.

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Alternative Products to Consider

Presentation of the Zojirushi NSTSC10 Micom Rice Maker

The Zojirushi Alternative
Zojirushi

The Zojirushi NSTSC10 Micom rice maker has a bunch of cook settings that make any type of rice making endeavour simply for the culinary-challenged folks out there. Usability is great with this machine so you won’t burn a batch of rice ever again.

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Zojirushi NSTSC10 Micom Rice Maker Video Review

What We Think of the Zojirushi NSTSC10 Micom Rice Maker

If you enjoy the Zojirushi brand but want a rice maker that’s a little nicer to look at, this is the model for you. It is a stylish stainless-steel brown and is less ‘oblong-egg’ shaped than other Zojirushi models. It still has the same large display, push-button lid opener, and swivel handle that we want, but the shape is a bit more rectangular for a classier appearance.

The Micom technology in this rice cooker is advanced enough to make any type of rice you want plus porridge, oatmeal, and a bunch of other grains. You can also set this unit to steam for vegetables, fish, or any other food. It even comes with its own rice paddle, measuring cup, and steam tray to make it even more versatile. This rice maker also has a cake setting to make baking your cake easier than ever before.

I am Asian and eat a LOT of rice and this is one of the better rice makers out there. It cooks at a very precise temperature and moisture for a great taste and texture. The timer function is incredibly helpful when cooking complicated recipes and it makes the perfect amount of rice for my family. Highly recommend this rice maker.

Roy Z.

This rice cooker has a retractable cord to clear up a bit extra counterspace and make it easier to store. The stainless-steel interior is very easy to clean and will never cause foods to stick or burn. The delay timer has two different settings so you can control when the cook cycle begins even if you’re not there to start it, and the machine will alert you when your rice is done using an interchangeable melody and beep signal. The appliance also has a spatula holder for its accessory so you won’t ever lose it in a pile of other utensils.

 

Zojirushi NSTSC10 Micom Rice Maker Specifications

• Dimensions: 8” x 14” x 8.5”
• Weight: 9.7 lbs
• Colour: Stainless Brown
• Capacity: 5.5
• Preprogrammed Settings: 8
• Wattage: 610

 

Zojirushi NSTSC10 Micom Rice Maker Pros and Cons

 

Our Final Opinion About the Zojirushi NSTSC10 Micom Rice Maker

Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars

Overall, the Zojirushi NSTSC10 Micom rice maker performs admirably and adds great versatility to your kitchen. The varied rice settings will make the perfect rice for any recipe, and it’s super easy to use and maintain.

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Presentation of the Cuckoo CR-0655F Rice Cooker and Warmer

The Family-Friendly Alternative
Cuckoo

This Cuckoo CR-0655F rice cooker and warmer can be used to cook baby food (of all things) along with all of your different rice types, porridge, and steamed vegetables and is a great choice for busy parents and chaotic families thanks to its several user-friendly features.

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Cuckoo CR-0655F Rice Cooker and Warmer Video Review

What We Think of the Cuckoo CR-0655F Rice Cooker and Warmer

The Cuckoo rice cooker is made in Japan and has a 6-cup capacity to make 12 cooked cups of rice. The LCD display is large and easy to read and it uses a soft-press button to open the lid to avoid hurting your hands on a rush of steam after a cycle. The inner lid is removable to be cleaned and the non-stick inner pot will prevent any sticking or crusty edges.

This rice cooker has a total of 8 cook settings including mixed rice, white rice, brown Gaba, porridge, warm, baby food, steam, and multi-cook. You can also set a “my mode” program that allows you to adjust the degree of softness and glutinosity that can make 16 different tastes to suit your recipe and unique tastes.

I use this rice maker mostly for glutinous rice and it does it perfectly every time. The turbo cook setting is very useful and keep warm feature will keep your rice fresh for a couple days if you need it to. It isn’t as fast as our old pressure cooker, but it tastes delicious and has the perfect texture and consistency. It will take a learning curve to figure it all out though.

Dean H.

This unit is unique in that it cleans your cooker automatically using steam with a simple press of a button. The warm function begins automatically once your cook cycle has completed and you can adjust the temperature of the warm function from 156 degrees F to 176 degrees F. This rice cooker also allows you to pre-set the cook time up to 12 hours and 50 minutes in advance. The cooker also comes with a rice paddle and a measuring cup for accurate portions. The only downside to all of these different functions and customizations is that the machine is a bit tricky to learn.

 

Cuckoo CR-0655F Rice Cooker and Warmer Specifications

• Dimensions: 9.4” x 8.6” x 13”
• Weight: 7 lbs
• Colour: Red and White
• Capacity: 6 cups
• Preprogrammed Settings: 8
• Wattage: 580
• Warranty: 1 year

 

Cuckoo CR-0655F Rice Cooker and Warmer Pros and Cons

 

Our Final Opinion About the Cuckoo CR-0655F Rice Cooker and Warmer

Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars

In the end, the Cuckoo CR-0655F rice cooker and warmer is a quality rice maker that will make your life just a bit easier – once you learn all of the controls, that is. It scores high in usability and versatility, and it cleans itself! What more could you want from a rice cooker?

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Presentation of the Tiger JBV-S18U Microcomputer Controlled Rice Cooker

The Versatile Alternative
Tiger

The Tiger JBV-S18U microcomputer-controlled rice cooker can tackle 4 cook settings to bring greater versatility and simplified cooking to your kitchen. You can use this rice cooker for an endless number of recipes and rely on its durable make for long-lasting assistance cooking large meals.

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What We Think of the Tiger JBV-S18U Microcomputer Controlled Rice Cooker

The Tiger rice cooker is a larger model with a capacity of 10 uncooked cups of rice for large meals, meal prep and batch-cooking, or for folks who just love their rice. It can make a variety of food types including white rice, brown rice, mixed rice, porridge, oatmeal, steamed foods, and a lot more. it also has a slow cook function to cook all manner of recipes – just be sure not to fill it too high.

The display on this appliance is large with ease to read one-touch controls and a large display that tells you the remaining cook time of your food. The unit uses microcomputer technology to monitor the cooking temperature and make the perfectly-cooked rice, meats, vegetables, soups, and dozens of other foods.

This rice cooker beats out all the others I tried before. It keeps rice warm and fluffy for more than 48 hours and will never overcook it during warming. It is very easy to clean, I usually just rinse and use a paper towel to dry it. it is actually very easy to use and is a slow cooker too so you can make a lot of food in this one cooker.

Vince L.

The cooker has two pre-set timers available so you can program the cooking time of your food to begin when you are out of the house or so you don’t have to get off the couch a second before you absolutely have to. This cooker includes a specially-designed cooking plate, a measuring cup, a rice paddle, and a non-stick inner pot. The system will activate the keep-warm function for you once your food is prepared and it will keep it at a safe serving temperature until you cancel it.

 

Tiger JBV-S18U Microcomputer Controlled Rice Cooker Specifications

• Dimensions: 12” x 10” x 15.1”
• Weight: 7.5 lbs
• Colour: White
• Capacity: 10 cups
• Preprogrammed Settings: 10
• Wattage: 564
• Warranty: 1 year

 

Tiger JBV-S18U Microcomputer Controlled Rice Cooker Pros and Cons

 

Our Final Opinion About the Tiger JBV-S18U Microcomputer Controlled Rice Cooker

Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars

The Tiger rice cooker is an incredibly high-quality rice cooker, even though it might not look it upon first glance. What it lacks in aesthetics, it makes up for a hundred-fold in functionality. You will pay a bit more for this cooker, but it earns its keep.

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Presentation of the Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 Mini Rice Cooker

The Compact Pick
Dash

The Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 Mini Rice Cooker is a stylish, compact, and affordable rice cooker for the more fashionable kitchen. Whether you want a simple black rice cooker or something a bit more fun for your dorm room, this Dash option is perfect.

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Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 Mini Rice Cooker Video Review

What We Think of the Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 Mini Rice Cooker

Rice is a staple in many people’s diet because it is tasty, affordable, and pairs with many types of food. Whether you are going away to college or simply need a quicker way to make your rice, the Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 Mini Rice Cooker is a great option for its attractiveness, efficiency, and affordability.

Starting with the basics, the Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 Mini Rice Cooker has a capacity of two cups, which is perfect for personal use. This rice cooker comes with a measuring scoop and mixing paddle to match the rice cooker perfectly.

More so, it comes with a recipe guide, instructions, and an auto shut off function, perfect for beginners. It even features an indicator light to prevent overcooked ingredients. Not to mention, it has the classic nonstick removable pot design that makes cleanup a breeze.

One thing we like especially about this model is its appearance, it comes in five different color options, including Aqua, Black, Pink, Red, and White. These different colors make your rice cooker look stylish in your kitchen.

The main reason why we have named this a great rice cooker is because of its price. This is easily one of the more affordable yet efficient rice cookers, making it a great option for those on a budget.

I love this rice cooker. It is perfect for a single meal. I also made the chocolate cake recipe that came with it, and it was the perfect dessert for two or three people. Very tasty. I think I’ll be using it to make chocolate cake more than rice!

jtc

money can buy. For example, the Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 Mini Rice Cooker is only two cups capacity, meaning it is not a good choice if you’re cooking for more than one person.

Another issue that we have with this product is that it is a bit finicky. Multiple customers who have used rice cookers in the past say that this option is more finicky than others, though people who are new to rice cookers note that it is easier than cooking rice on the stove.

For these reasons, the Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 Mini Rice Cooker is a great rice cooker if you are new to this device. We especially recommend this for dorm room living or people who just want a cute option.

 

Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 Mini Rice Cooker Specifications

• Brand: Dash
• Capacity: 2 cups
• Material: Plastic
• Color: Aqua, Black, Pink, Red, and White

 

Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 Mini Rice Cooker Pros and Cons

 

Our Final Opinion About the Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 Mini Rice Cooker

Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars

The Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 Mini Rice Cooker is a super cute and affordable rice cooker. It is perfect for dorm room living because it is small and ideal for one person, though it is not good for families or people who want a more professional grade cooker.

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Presentation of the Aroma Housewares ARC-363-1NGB 3 Uncooked/6 Cups Cooked Rice Cooker

The Multi-Function Pick
Aroma

The Aroma Housewares ARC-363-1NGB 3 Uncooked/6 Cups Cooked Rice is the perfect multi functional rice cooker. It cooks rice to perfection and has a large capacity. Not to mention, it is super easy to use, even for beginners.

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Aroma Housewares ARC-363-1NGB 3 Uncooked/6 Cups Cooked Rice Cooker Video Review

What We Think of the Aroma Housewares ARC-363-1NGB 3 Uncooked/6 Cups Cooked Rice Cooker

If you want a rice cooker that is good for more than just rice, we recommend the Aroma Housewares ARC-363-1NGB 3 Uncooked/6 Cups Cooked Rice. This rice cooker is specifically designed to have the perfect capacity and features for rice, jambalaya, steamed veggies, and more.

It has a six cup capacity, which means you can use it for small families. You can even cook multiple items at once with this product. While you are cooking the rice, soup, or meal, you can also steam food above with a helpful steaming tray. This is perfect for easy and quick meals.

Not to mention, the Aroma Housewares ARC-363-1NGB 3 Uncooked/6 Cups Cooked Rice is easy to use in and of itself. It only has a one touch operation, which means you can set it and forget it. Whenever the food is finished cooking, it will automatically switch off and switch to the keep warm cycle instead.

This rice cooker comes with a nonstick inner pot, tempered glass, aluminum steam tray, serving spatula, and rice measuring cup. This is all you will need for a rice cooker of this kind. Between these features and the steam multi-dish design, this rice cooker really is a gem that is affordable, considering everything that comes with.

Most customers are more than thrilled with this rice cooker. However, there are some drawbacks. For example, there is no off button. This can lead to your food being overcooked if you are not careful to remove it from the cooker in a timely manner.

This is a great rice cooker. I cooked quinoa and couscous. It worked great. I have no complaints. It cooked six cups total. Perfect for two or three people.

donna

Another potential drawback is that it may not be the most useful device if you have never used a rice cooker before. Even though the usability of it is super simple, those looking for a classic rice cooker don’t need a steam tray, but they may need an instruction guide and recipe book, which this option does not come with.

Nevertheless, the Aroma Housewares ARC-363-1NGB 3 Uncooked/6 Cups Cooked Rice is a great cooker because it can cook your rice to perfection all while steaming other food too. Just keep in mind that it does not come with an off button!

 

Aroma Housewares ARC-363-1NGB 3 Uncooked/6 Cups Cooked Rice Cooker Specifications

• Brand: Aroma Housewares
• Capacity: 6 cups
• Material: Aluminum
• Color: Black

Aroma Housewares ARC-363-1NGB 3 Uncooked/6 Cups Cooked Rice Cooker Pros and Cons

 

Our Final Opinion About the Aroma Housewares ARC-363-1NGB 3 Uncooked/6 Cups Cooked Rice Cooker

Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.8 out of 5.0 stars

The Aroma Housewares ARC-363-1NGB 3 Uncooked/6 Cups Cooked Rice is a great family rice cooker because it has a six cup capacity and has the ability to steam food while cooking rice. Because it does not come with a recipe book or an off button, it is best for experienced rice cooker users.

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Presentation of the Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker

The Hight Quality Pick
Cuisinart

If you are looking for a high end rice cooker, the Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker is the best option. Although it is very expensive, it has a good sized capacity and some of the finest finished products.

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Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker Video Review

What We Think of the Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker

The Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker simultaneously produces delicious tasting rice and foods while looking sleek and modern. It has a capacity of four cups of rice, though you can upgrade to the 800 or 1000, which cooks eight and ten cups, respectively. Four cups is perfect for most singles and small families, though.

This rice cooker has the ability to cook more than rice too. It can steam rice, meats, and vegetables, allowing you to create a whole meal inside the modern device. The rice cooker comes with the stainless steel steaming basket, aluminum cooking bowl, glass lid, paddle, and measuring cup.

Something that is a little different about this product is that it does not have as intuitive of a design, but it results in better cooked rice. If you have never used a rice cooker before, you will definitely want to read the instructions to make sure you place it on the correct setting.

Something that we really love about this rice cooker is the material it is made from. It is made from stainless steel, which makes it very durable and classic looking. Not to mention, it has more of a square shape, which creates a much sleeker appearance.

Although the Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker is great for a number of reasons, there are some drawbacks.

I love the quality of rice it makes, and it makes it quickly. The machine is very high quality. Love it.

prime

Most importantly, this model is very expensive. If you only intend to use a rice cooker periodically, we recommend going with something cheaper. Only people who expect to use this cooker frequently and have more intense needs should spend this amount of money on a rice cooker.

Another issue is that it isn’t as intuitive as some of the other rice cookers. If you have never used a rice cooker before, you probably don’t want to start out with this one. Make sure to read the instructions to cook the rice properly.

If you are willing to spend the high price and learn how to cook with this cooker, the Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker is a great option. However, we only recommend it for more serious users.

 

Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker Specifications

• Brand: Cuisinart
• Capacity: 4 cup
• Material: Stainless steel
• Color: Stainless steel

 

Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker Pros and Cons

 

Our Final Opinion About the Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker

Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars

The Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker is a high quality rice cooker that is perfect for serious users. Because it is so expensive and not as intuitive as other rice cookers, we only recommend it for experienced and serious rice cooker users.

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Presentation of the Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup Rice Cooker

The Best Overall
Zojirushi

The Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup Rice Cooker is the perfect rice cooker for people who want a more upscale version without investing in the most expensive rice cookers available. It has a decent capacity and great features to make cooking your rice a breeze.

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Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup Rice Cooker Video Review

What We Think of the Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup Rice Cooker

If you are someone who has been using a rice cooker in the past and want to upgrade to something just slightly better than what you originally bought, the Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup Rice Cooker is a great choice. It is great quality, but it isn’t as fancy as some of the most expensive options.

As you would figure from the name, the Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup Rice Cooker has three cup capacity. Three cup capacity is perfect for single users and those with small families. This three cup rice cooker also comes with a glass lid, spoon, and measuring cup. Plus, the bowl separates for easy cleaning.

Like some of the beginner rice cookers, this one features a super easy and quick design. Simply press the button down, and the rice will automatically start cooking. During the cooking process, the handles stay cool so you don’t burn yourself. The cooker turns off whenever the rice is finished.

Rice is perfect with this. After the rice is cooked, I leave it on the automatic warm for 10 minutes to take all of the excess moisture out even more.

lynn

Although the Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup Rice Cooker is a pretty good model, we have some complaints about it, nonetheless. For example, it is expensive for what it offers. It isn’t the most expensive rice cooker around, but it seems to be a little expensive given that it doesn’t come with customizable cooking options.

Aside from the somewhat high price, the Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup Rice Cooker is a great choice. It is a great transition rice cooker from the basic beginner to the fancy professional design.

 

Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup Rice Cooker Specifications

• Brand: Zojirushi
• Capacity: 3 cups
• Material: Stainless steel
• Color: White

 

Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup Rice Cooker Pros and Cons

 

Our Final Opinion About the Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup Rice Cooker

Quality 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.1 out of 5.0 stars

Even though the Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup Rice Cooker is a bit expensive for what it offers, it is still a great option if you are looking for something a bit more functional than the basic beginner model without breaking the bank.

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Presentation of the Hamilton Beach 37541 Digital Simplicity Rice Cooker

The Best Overall
Hamilton Beach

When comparing value, quality, and ease of use, the Hamilton Beach 37541 digital simplicity rice cooker scores highly all across the board to deliver the perfect balance of features, user friendliness, and affordability.

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Hamilton Beach 37541 Food Steamer and Rice Cooker Video Review

What We Think of the Hamilton Beach 37541 Digital Simplicity Rice Cooker

The digital simplicity rice cooker by Hamilton Beach has an extra-large capacity at 10 cups of uncooked rice. This is a great size for meal prep, batch-cooking, or extra-large families who use rice at every meal. This rice cooker is digital and can be set to cook white rice, quick rice, whole grain rice, or switch it to steam, simmer, or keep warm for greater cooking versatility.

This cooker has a delay timer of up to 15 hours so you can set what time the machine should turn on and begin cooking your rice and the keep warm function will initiate after your cooking cycle finishes to keep your rice or other food at a safe serving temperature. The display has indicator lights so you always know what setting the unit is on and the time remaining will be displayed so you can plan accordingly.

I am thoroughly pleased with this rice maker. I almost always make white rice and it cooks really nicely between 3 and 16 cups I find. It defaults to 45 minutes when cooking white rice, but it will automatically adjust the cooking time for you depending on how much water and rice you put into it. it’s nice to set it and forget it, my last rice maker wouldn’t shut off when the rice was done.

Will D.

This rice cooker comes with a food steamer tray for meats and vegetables as well as a rice paddle, its own measuring cup, and is user-friendly with a dishwasher sage inner pot and removable lid liner. If you’re unsure how long to cook your rice for, no problem! This machine takes all the guesswork out of the process by taking over the cooking process once you select which program you’re using. You can also use the whole grain function for oatmeal, barley, brown rice, and more.

 

Hamilton Beach 37541 Digital Simplicity Rice Cooker Specifications

• Dimensions: 10.6” x 11.3” x 11.4”
• Weight: 6 lbs
• Colour: Silver and Black
• Capacity: 10 cups
• Preprogrammed Settings: 6
• Wattage: 700
• Warranty: 5 years

 

Hamilton Beach 37541 Digital Simplicity Rice Cooker Pros and Cons

 

Our Final Opinion About the Hamilton Beach 37541 Digital Simplicity Rice Cooker

Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars

Overall, the Hamilton Beach 37541 digital simplicity rice cooker will cook any type of rice – and some other yummy foods – to perfection every time. It is a versatile and quality rice cooker that will replace your old tired methods for cooking rice and steaming foods.

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Presentation of the Cuisinart CRC-400C 4-Cup Rice Cooker

The Quality-Material Alternative
Cuisinart

Rice cookers sometimes prioritize function over build quality, and this can cause problems down the line. If you are a preventive-minded individual, you will love the quality and durability of the Cuisinart CRC-400C 4-cup rice cooker. It is a simple product, but will last for years in the same condition.

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Cuisinart CRC-400C 4-Cup Rice Cooker Video Review

What We Think of the Cuisinart CRC-400C 4-Cup Rice Cooker

Cuisinart is one of the most well-known kitchen-related brands out there, and their 4-cup rice cooker is no exception to the quality and user-friendliness we expect of their products. This model is fairly simple in design with the lack of preprogrammed versatility, but it is incredibly easy to use since you just have to turn it on with the appropriate amount of rice and water added to it.

Once the rice is done cooking, the machine will automatically switch over to a keep-warm mode until you are ready to serve your food or incorporate the rice into another dish. It can fit 4-cups of uncooked rice at a time, so it can serve a single person or a family equally as well. It weighs only 5.4 lbs too and won’t take up too much counter or cupboard space: a necessity for smaller kitchens.

I am really glad I finally bought myself a rice cooker. I have been making it on the stove for as long as I can remember, but it is just a really irritating process for me. This rice cooker helps me get rice off my mind, and have it turn out perfectly every time, which was never the case before. For a struggling home cook like me, a product like this really does make all the difference in the world.

april h.

The glass lid, included accessories, and stainless steel housing all contribute to the overall durability and longevity of this product. All of the removable components are safe for cleaning in the dishwasher too, so you won’t have to worry about that chore. You can steam meat and vegetables in addition to rice, so the versatility is fair considering the lack of preprogrammed settings/cook programs.

Cuisinart CRC-400C 4-Cup Rice Cooker Specifications

• Dimensions: 10” x 10” x 10.8”
• Weight: 5.4 lbs
• Colour: Silver
• Capacity: 4 cups (uncooked)
• Preprogrammed Settings: 1

Cuisinart CRC-400C 4-Cup Rice Cooker Pros and Cons

 

Our Final Opinion About the Cuisinart CRC-400C 4-Cup Rice Cooker

Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars

Overall, the Cuisinart CRC-400C 4-cup rice cooker is excellent for people who don’t mind a simpler user interface. It is highly affordable and built to last, so your budget will certainly thank you, and it is highly user friendly as long as you can perform the tasks of measuring water and turning it on. Easy, right?

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Presentation of the Proctor Silex Rice Cooker

The Basic Alternative
Proctor

When you don’t have any unusual demands for a rice cooker, you may be wondering why you need to spend so much money for a fancy model when you won’t use any of the settings. For those basic rice folks out there that want a simple machine, the Proctor Silex rice cooker is the way to go.

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What We Think of the Proctor Silex Rice Cooker

The Proctor Silex brand is all about providing frill-free kitchen appliances to the people that need them. Their rice cooker has a very basic design that makes it easy for people to use; all you do is add your rice and water and turn the machine on. It will cook for the appropriate amount of time and then switch over to a warming function until you shut the machine off yourself.

The versatility is quite excellent with this machine, since you can cook grains and cereals in addition to rice, and even steam fish, meat, and vegetables. This rice cooker can accommodate up to 4 cups of uncooked rice at a time, and while this isn’t overly impressive or unique, it is perfectly adequate for serving different sized of households, from singles to small families.

This is a great rice cooker. I am not a techy person at all and usually like to do all of my cooking the old-school ways, but rice has always been a challenge for me, and I like not having the uncertainty of its quality and the mess on the stove from it bubbling over in the pot. It is really simple and easy to use, which has been a blessing for my older brain. It has a good capacity for me and my husband.

janet r.

It weighs only 3.2 lbs and is fairly compact, so it would make a great travelling rice cooker as well. It is fairly low powered at only 350 watts, but it is still functions quite well. All of the accessories and removable components are dishwasher safe, which is a major convenience. The accessories aren’t the greatest quality, but they will certainly get your started.

Proctor Silex Rice Cooker Specifications

• Dimensions: 8.6” x 11” x 7.6”
• Weight: 3.2 lbs
• Colour: White
• Capacity: 4 cups (uncooked)
• Preprogrammed Settings: 1
• Wattage: 350

 

Proctor Silex Rice Cooker Pros and Cons

 

Our Final Opinion About the Proctor Silex Rice Cooker

Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars

Overall, the Proctor Silex rice cooker is the best option for those wanting affordability and a minimalist design. You likely won’t want to make use of the included accessories, since they are fairly cheap, and the auto warm and dishwasher-safe components are really the only draws of this model.

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Presentation of the CUCKOO CRP-P0609S Pressure Rice Cooker

The Professional Alternative
Cuckoo

When cooking rice is a frequent chore you need to contend with, standard rice cookers may not be able to keep up. The higher capacity, multitude of cook programs, and safe design are all features that make the CUCKOO CRP-P0609S pressure rice cooker the best choice for chef enthusiasts.

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CUCKOO CRP-P0609S Pressure Rice Cooker Video Review

What We Think of the CUCKOO CRP-P0609S Pressure Rice Cooker

This high powered pressure rice cooker from CUCKOO is one of the most impressive products in this category. It has a capacity of 6 cups of uncooked rice, which is more than 30% larger than the average rice cooker; as a result, it can handle the demands of larger families and professional settings with ease. It is fairly large and heavy at 14.3 lbs, so keep in mind that it won’t be the easiest to store or travel with.

The 12 preprogrammed settings ensure that every type of rice you cook will come out perfectly every time. Taking the guesswork out of cooking is always a valuable ability in a product. The turbo mode lets you cook rice 40% faster as well, so if you have a rice emergency or just a really large demand on a time crunch, this machine will help you achieve your rice goals.

I have been catering for a several months now, and I cook a lot of Indian food, so I always need a lot of rice to go with it. I recently purchased this pressurized rice cooker, and it has freed up my time for the dishes that really matter. I get a lot of use out of it already, and I hope to use it for many years to come. I will definitely stick with this brand whenever I need a new one.

joel k.

The reheat function is incredibly useful for warming up leftovers evenly, and yet this isn’t even the best feature we have to discuss. The overheat alarm and safe steam release mechanism add a lot of safety to this machine, which is invaluable. The rice cooker is also capable of cleaning itself, and it will even make adjustments automatically during cooking to accommodate for any user error.

CUCKOO CRP-P0609S Pressure Rice Cooker Specifications

• Dimensions: 14.2” x 11.6” x 10.2”
• Weight: 14.3 lbs
• Colour: Black
• Capacity: 6 cups (uncooked)
• Preprogrammed Settings: 12
• Wattage: 890

 

CUCKOO CRP-P0609S Pressure Rice Cooker Pros and Cons

 

Our Final Opinion About the CUCKOO CRP-P0609S Pressure Rice Cooker

Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 3.0 out of 5.0 stars

Overall, the CUCKOO CRP-P0609S pressure rice cooker is the best option on the market for people that need a high capacity of rice on a regular basis, and require some extra durability and versatility. The price may be a deterrent for some, but we promise this product is worth it.

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Why Should You Trust Us?

All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks. The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.

What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?

• Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
• Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
• Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
• Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?

In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.

In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.

Things to Know Before Buying a Rice Cooker

What Size Rice Cooker is Right for Me?

For some perspective, a single portion of rice ranges from a half a cup to a full cup – keep in mind this is the cup portion included with your rice cooler, not a regular cup. For individuals or couples wanting to make rice as a base or side to their meal, a 3-4 cup rice cooker would be plenty. These are the smallest portions that you can usually buy anyway, though certain rice makers in japan will do one or two cups. Some larger capacity rice cookers may have a minimum of 2 cups as well if you want a more versatile unit.

For medium-sized families, a 6-cup rice cooker would be perfect and may even give you leftovers. Larger families would need a 10-cup rice cooker, though the larger sizes come in handy for all types of households for parties, meal prep, or family gatherings. It really comes down to your counter space and budget in the end.

Can a Rice Cooker Only Cook Rice?

Rice cookers are actually very versatile machines. Many kitchen appliances such as an instant pot are rice cookers but can also perfect many other cook functions as well. Basic rice cookers almost always have a steam option for cooking fish, vegetables, or other foods. Higher-end cookers may also be able to simmer or slow cook a variety of foods including pasta, soups and stews, meats, and so on. There are dozens and maybe even hundreds of rice cooker recipes online that give you directions for cooking a lot of different foods in a rice cooker.

Can I Leave the House While my Rice Cooker is Working?

Absolutely. Rice cookers are designed to be independent appliances. Most of them will automatically stop the cooking process and switch to a keep warm function to keep your rice fresh until you’re ready to eat. They operate at a lower wattage so are completely safe to be left unattended. Many rice cookers have pre-set programs that will let you delay your cook time so you can set it and fill it, leave for work for the day, and come home to perfectly cooked rice. You don’t have to worry about your rice cooker becoming a fire hazard or burning rice if left unsupervised.

How to Properly Choose Your Rice Cooker

• Budget.

Rice makers can cost as little as $25 or more than $200 depending on functionality, cook programs, technology, size, and a few other factors. Make sure to choose a rice cooker that can do everything you need it to but that also fits comfortably in your price range.

• Cook Programs.

Some rice cookers don’t have any cook programs, just a simple cook or warm setting, and others can reach the double digits in cook settings for different types of rice and a few other foods. Many rice cookers will have different settings for white rice, brown rice, porridge, and more.

• Capacity.

The size of your family and the number of meals you enjoy with rice will determine which capacity you need. Rice cookers always explain their capacity by their sized cup of uncooked rice rather than an ordinary cup, so make sure to keep this in mind when determining which sized rice cooker you need.

• Keep Warm Setting.

A keep warm setting is great for people who eat rice every day or want to cook their rice beforehand. Some cookers can keep rice warm for days and some only for a few hours, but either way it is a very convenient feature to have.

• Extra Functions.

Some rice cookers only do rice, but some also act as a steamer, slow cooker, pressure cooker, and others. You’ll typically pay more for a rice cooker that has these extra functions, but it could revolutionize your kitchen to have one appliance that does it all.

• Non-Stick Inner Pot. 

The inner pot in a rice cooker is very important. Most will have a non-stick pot that won’t let rice stick no matter what, but some are more durable than others. Make sure to always only use the rice paddle that comes with your machine to avoid damaging the inner bucket.

• Timer. 

Some higher-end rice cookers have a timer that you can set to tell the cooker to make the rice at a certain time. You could prepare it in the morning, set the timer, and have your rice cooked when you get home from work. This is an especially handy feature when you have a large meal to prepare and have a million things on your mind.

• Accessories. 

Everybody loves accessories, and rice cookers have a few necessary accessories to make rice properly. Your rice cooker should come with its custom measuring cup, a rice paddle, perhaps a serving ladle, and sometimes a steam tray. Many rice cookers will even have a spot on the exterior to hold your accessories for you so they don’t get lost in your drawer of utensils.

• Ease of Use. 

Of course, you want your rice cooker to be simple to use. Many cookers have many different settings that might look tough to understand, but they’re generally easy to learn, especially if you make the same type of rice all the time. Other cookers will only have a cook and warm setting to make things super simple. You should also consider maintenance when looking at ease of use of a rice cooker. Most cookers come with a removable inner pot that is dishwasher safe, and some have a removable lid for easy washing as well.

We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of rice cookers allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.