Best Rice Cookers

Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.

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A rice cooker is a fantastic appliance for effortlessly preparing some of your favourite meals. They are great for creating dishes at the touch of a button. So, how do you make the right choice when so many options are available? 

How We Compared Rice Cookers

To find the right rice cookers, we considered multiple factors, including:

• Ease of Use
• Versatility
• Capacity
• Design
• Bonus Features

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

Rice Cooker Reviews

Yum Asia Panda Mini (Editor’s Choice)

With this easy-to-use model, you can swap watching a boiling pan for pressing a single button to create the perfect rice. There are seven cooking phases to ensure the best possible taste. This device is suitable for all kinds of rice, from short-grain to sushi and brown rice.

The Yum Asia Panda Mini is compact but powerful. Its digitally controlled phased heating technology has a range of useful modes to choose from. You can steam, create porridge, slow cook, and even bake cakes. There’s also a 24-hour pre-set timer and keep warm feature. The smart button control panel is quick and convenient.

Ideal for smaller kitchens, this space-saving appliance comes with high-quality materials throughout. A 5-layer 2mm thick inner bowl withstands regular use, scooping, and cleaning. There’s also a quick-cook setting for faster white rice preparation.

Yum Asia Sakura (Luxury Choice)

This model has a capacity of 1.5 litres which is big enough for the whole family. You can easily cook up to 8 cups of rice at one time. It also includes some useful accessories such as a steam basket, a rice measuring cup, a ladle, and a spatula.

The Yum Asia Sakura comes with state-of-the-art fuzzy logic cooker technology. It means you can easily create a range of meals, from casseroles and steamed rice to porridge and cake. With its simple guide to get you started, you’ll be making rice dishes in no time. Its 7-phase cooking technology is also sure to deliver great results.

Its crisp LED display, and its 10-minute countdown for rice functions are easy to use. There are also extra features, like a keep-warm mode and a 24-hour timer. The model’s stainless steel detachable inner lid and bowl are easy to remove and clean.

Reishunger Non-Stick (Best Value)

This product is for you if you want to quickly cook a decent amount of rice without worrying about complex settings. This cooker is ideal for wholegrain and white rice, making it fantastic for everything from sushi to side dishes. There’s also plenty of room in the internal bowl, so you can prepare up to 1.2 litres of rice.

The Reishunger Non-Stick rice cooker comes with various accessories to make your life more convenient, including a measuring cup and a spatula. A steaming basket also ensures you can cook vegetables and rice simultaneously. Easy to use, all you need to do is press one button to get started.

This appliance is great for cooking rice quickly and evenly for up to six people at a time. The non-stick coated inner pot prevents burning. You’ll even get access to a handy keep-warm feature to maintain your rice in perfect condition for longer.

Russel Hobbs 27040 (Best for Families)

With the capacity to make more complex meals, this fantastic model is an excellent choice if you’re cooking for a particularly large family. It is designed to accommodate up to 2kg, offering up to 14 servings of rice. You can also use the keep-warm function to make what you cooked last long.

With a simple design, the Russel Hobbs 27040 rice cooker only requires one button press to start cooking. The indicator lights on the front let you know when to check your meal. Plus, there’s a steam vent for safety.

The dishwasher-safe and removable non-stick bowl is also excellent for easy maintenance. It even comes with a handy measuring cup to aid with serving meals. Other free accessories provided with this rice cooker include a steamer basket and spoon.

Judge JEA63 (Best Compact)

This compact appliance reduces the space you need to set aside for cooking rice. It is so small that it can fit the palm of your hand. Its 0.3-litre capacity is perfect for cooking enough for one or two.

The Judge Mini delivers fluffy rice in 15 minutes. Using its convenient operation, flip the switch between warm and cook to start. There’s an included ladle and measuring cup to get you started. Plus, the non-stick inner bowl is designed for easy cleaning.

An added keep-warm function ensures you can maintain your rice’s optimum temperature for up to 6 hours. The efficient performance guarantees low energy use. Promising slow and even cooking throughout the pot, it also has markings to show you how much water and rice you need. 

Quest 0.8L (Best for Couples)

If you have limited kitchen space but still want to prepare plenty of food for two, this is the rice cooker for you. With an 0.8-litre capacity, you’ll be able to make a full meal for yourself and your partner. The removable non-stick bowl is easy to transfer to your dining room table. Plus, there’s a transparent lid for checking your rice during cooking.

This Quest rice cooker comes with a measuring cup to get your portions right and a spatula for serving. It’s also suitable for more than just cooking rice. You can use the same appliance to make everything from stews and chillies to casseroles and risottos. There’s even a keep-warm function to preserve your food for longer.

Compact and attractive, it will look great in any kitchen. What’s more, the easy-to-use settings are great for beginners.

Yum Asia Kumo (Best Easy-to-Use)

If you’re looking for a rice cooker that doesn’t come with much of a learning curve, this could be your product. The fuzzy logic technology in this model auto-adjusts the temperatures and timing to get the best possible results. All you need to do is press a button, and the rice cooker will do the rest of the work for you.

The Yum Asia Kumo has a range of modes to choose from, including slow-cook settings and options for steaming. You can also set it to a keep-warm function. A 24-hour pre-set timer makes it easy to get ahead of your meal preparation. There’s also a low-carb healthy cooking feature if you’re watching your weight.

The appliance has enough capacity for up to 5.5 cups of rice. You’ll also get a convenient quick-start guide, instruction manual, and a stainless steel steaming basket. Other extra accessories include a rice spatula, a soup ladle, and a measuring cup.

How to Choose a Rice Cooker

A rice cooker can come in many shapes and sizes. You’ll need to think about how you will use it and how many people you’re typically cooking for. While some customers might just want a simple option that can prepare small amounts of rice, others will need more versatile varieties.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to finding the right product. However, a few points are worth considering when comparing your options.

Ease of Use

One of the main benefits of a rice cooker is its ability to simplify making. The right product will be one you can easily use at the touch of a button. Look for a model with an included measuring cup to help you get your portions right where possible.

If simplicity is a priority for you, consider looking at rice cookers that adjust scheduled times and temperatures automatically. 

Versatility

While the primary purpose of this cooker is to make great rice, it can also be a lot more versatile. First, it’s worth looking for a product suitable for different kinds of rice, from long-grain to basmati. Also, check for temperature control options so you can adjust your cooking process.

Some rice cookers allow you to cook a variety of food in the same pot. You might find a model with an included steamer basket for vegetables. Or you could look for one that also allows you to bake cakes and make soup.

Capacity

How many people are you going to be cooking for? If you only want to make rice for one person, a compact device will take up less space on your kitchen counter. If you’re cooking for a large family or party, a capacity of more than one litre is likely to be a must.

Design

There are a few things to think about when it comes to design. Some people want a rice cooker that matches their other kitchen appliances. Others will be focused on convenience and simplicity. Some models even have the option to hide cords out of the way so you can keep your counter clean.

A good rice cooker should feature high-quality materials throughout, so you can use the device for longer.

Bonus Features

Some rice cookers will come with bonus features. For instance, you might be able to use a keep-warm function to ensure your rice stays in perfect condition for longer. You can also find some models with special cooking modes for different kinds of rice.

Summary

Our choice for the best rice cooker is the Yum Asia Panda Mini. Despite its compact size, this product packs a lot of power into a small space. There are seven cooking phases to help ensure the perfect results with your rice every time. You can even choose from a range of modes for preparing different foods.