Looking for the best small electric rice cooker without breaking the bank? You’re not alone. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—especially when you want quality, convenience, and a great price all in one compact package. We’ve tested and compared top models to help you find the perfect fit for your kitchen and budget.
Editor's Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for ceramic mini cooker: AROMA® Rice Cooker
- Best for stainless pro cook: Elite Gourmet ERC006SS 6-Cup Electric Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Inner Pot
- Best for aluminum compact pro: Elite Gourmet ERC003B Electric Rice Cooker with Automatic Keep Warm Makes Soups
- Best for stainless steamer pot: Aroma Housewares 6-Cup (Cooked yield ) / 1.2Qt. Select Stainless Pot-Style Rice Cooker
- Best for spacious white cooker: IMUSA USA GAU-00012 Electric NonStick Rice Cooker 5-Cup (Uncooked) 10-Cup (Cooked)
- Best for steamer basket ready: BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker 6-Cup (Cooked) with Steaming Basket
- Best for flash rice tech: AROMA Digital Rice Cooker
- Best for compact white design: IMUSA USA GAU-00011 Electric Nonstick Rice Cooker 3-Cup (Uncooked) 6-Cup (Cooked)
- Best for portable multi-program: NutriChef 1.6 QT Portable Electric Rice Cooker & Lunch Maker | Multi-Functional & Non-Stick Ceramic Coating | Digital Control Panel | 6 Cook Functions: Rice
- Best for 6-in-1 compact: COMFEE' Compact Rice Cooker
Product Comparison: Best Small Electric Rice Cooker Price
Ceramic Mini Cooker
AROMA® Rice Cooker, 3-Cup (Uncooked) / 6-Cup (Cooked), Small Rice Cooker, Oatmeal Cooker, Soup Maker, Auto Keep Warm, 1.5 Qt, White, ARC-363NG
AROMA
- 6 CUPS COOKED: We’ve mastered the art of fluffy rice and hearty grains. Rice doubles in size, so this multicooker turns 3 cups of raw rice into 6 cups cooked – all with one touch.
- MINI RICE COOKER: It’s the perfect electric rice pot for individuals, couples, and small families. Use it to warm a side dish or bring dip to the party with 1.5 quarts of yum!
- CERAMIC POT: Remove the inner pot and lid for easy cleaning. Aroma's CoreCoat ceramic coating is naturally nonstick and made without PFAS!
- EASY TO USE: Pour ingredients inside, add water, and press the button. This small rice cooker automatically switches to Keep Warm when rice is fluffy and ready to serve!
- PERFECT EVERY TIME: This ceramic coated pot has convenient measuring lines, and the appliance manual is filled with cooking tips. Just add rice first, then fill to the water line.
- DESIGNED IN CALIFORNIA: Based in San Diego, CA, we combine innovative design with functionality to bring you the best products. Our local customer service team is dedicated to ensuring you have a seamless experience, from purchase to use. Whether you’re new to our products or a longtime user, our US-based support is always here for you.
Stainless Pro Cook
Elite Gourmet ERC006SS 6-Cup Electric Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Inner Pot, Makes Soups, Stews, Porridges, Grains and Cereals, 6 cup (3 cups uncooked), Black
Elite Gourmet
- COOK MOUTH-WATERING & FLUFFY RICE EVERY SINGLE TIME without wasting your time over the pot! The Elite Gourmet ERC006SS professional rice cooker is here to help you cook up to 6 cups (3-cups uncooked) of your favorite jasmine, basmati or brown rice effortlessly! No more waiting for the water to boil, no more watching and guessing if the rice is cooked! Our innovative rice cooker will make your life easier and cooking for your family 100% hassle-free!
- WANT PERFECTLY COOKED RICE? JUST SET IT & FORGET IT! Sick and tired of undercooked or overcooked rice? The Elite Gourmet professional rice cooker will evenly cook your rice and then automatically switch to “Keep Warm” function, which will make sure that your delicious rice is fresh and warm for hours before serving! Take all the guesswork out of cooking your sushi or black rice and enjoy your favorite Indian or Chinese recipes effortlessly!
- STAINLESS STEEL INNER POT! Unlike flimsy aluminum pots, our rice cooker features a stainless steel cooking pot, which is more durable and practical! Save your precious time and effort, since our stainless steel inner pot is super-easy to clean and can endure any abuse without skipping a beat! And the best part? You can remove it and serve your yummy rice straight from the cooker!
- THE ALL-INCLUSIVE HOUSEWARMING GIFT IDEA for a hassle-free cooking experience! The cool-touch side handles will prevent accidents while the tempered-glass lid will allow you to check on your rice anytime! Plus, our rice cooker comes with 2 BONUS accessories: a handy measuring cup so you can stop guessing the right amount of rice and a convenient serving spatula! Spoil your rice-loving friends or family with the Elite Gourmet all-in-one rice cooker!
- PERFECT CAPACITY cooks up to 6 cups of cooked rice for the entire family and more! This rice cooker holds up to 3 cups of raw rice and 6 cups of cooked rice - enough for multiple servings.
Aluminum Compact Pro
Elite Gourmet ERC003B Electric Rice Cooker with Automatic Keep Warm Makes Soups, Stews, Grains, Hot Cereals, 6 Cups Cooked (3 Cups Uncooked), Black
Elite Gourmet
- COOK MOUTH-WATERING & FLUFFY RICE EVERY SINGLE TIME without wasting your time over the pot! The Elite Cuisine ERC-003 pro rice cooker is here to help you cook up to 3cups (6-cups uncooked) of your favorite jasmine, basmati or brown rice effortlessly! No more waiting for the water to boil, no more watching and guessing if the rice is cooked! Our innovative rice cooker will make your life easier and cooking for your family 100% hassle-free!
- WANT PERFECTLY COOKED RICE? JUST SET IT & FORGET IT! Sick and tired of undercooked or overcooked rice? The Elite Cuisine professional rice cooker will evenly cook your rice and then automatically switch to “Keep Warm” function, which will make sure that your delicious rice is fresh and warm for hours before serving! Take all the guesswork out of cooking your sushi or black rice and enjoy your favorite Indian or Chinese recipes effortlessly!
- NON-STICK ALUMINUM INNER POT! ! Save your precious time and effort, since our inner pot is super-easy to clean and can endure any abuse without skipping a beat! And the best part? You can remove it and serve your yummy rice straight from the cooker!
- THE ALL-INCLUSIVE HOUSEWARMING GIFT IDEA for a hassle-free cooking experience! The cool-touch side handles will prevent accidents while the tempered-glass lid will allow you to check on your rice anytime! Plus, our rice cooker comes with 2 BONUS accessories: a handy measuring cup so you can stop guessing the right amount of rice and a convenient serving spatula! Spoil your rice-loving friends or family with the Elite Cuisine all-in-one rice cooker!
- CONVENIENT PERSONAL CAPACITY cooks up to 6 cups of cooked rice for the families and more! This rice cooker holds up to 3 cups of raw rice and 6 cups of cooked rice - enough for multiple servings.
Stainless Steamer Pot
Aroma Housewares 6-Cup (Cooked yield ) / 1.2Qt. Select Stainless Pot-Style Rice Cooker, & Food Steamer, One-Touch Operation, White
AROMA
- Perfectly prepares 2 to 6 cups of any variety of cooked rice
- 100% food-grade 304 stainless steel cooking pot for clean eating and optimal durability
- Steams meat and vegetables with the provided stainless steel steam tray while rice cooks below
- Simple, one-touch operation with automatic Keep Warm function at the end of the cycle
- Great for soups, jambalaya, chili and so much more!
Spacious White Cooker
IMUSA USA GAU-00012 Electric NonStick Rice Cooker 5-Cup (Uncooked) 10-Cup (Cooked), White
Imusa
- LARGE CAPACITY: Cooks up to 5 cups of uncooked rice, yielding 10 cups of perfectly cooked rice, providing various servings for meals or gatherings
- TYLISH AND DURABLE: Made from resilient aluminum, this rice cooker offers lasting performance, while its nonstick removable pot and chic white exterior ensure easy cleaning and a modern touch in your kitchen
- FUNCTIONAL ACCESORIES: This rice cooker includes one serving spoon, and one measuring cup for precise meal preparation, and its Warm feature keeps food at the ideal serving temperature after cooking
- VERSATILE COOKING: From rice to oatmeal, stew, jambalaya, grains, and more, this cooker offers a myriad of meal possibilities to satisfy diverse tastes
- ESSENTIAL DAILY TOOL: Ideal for small kitchens, college dorms, camper, and RV traveling, and is also packaged in a gift box, making it an excellent present option
Steamer Basket Ready
BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker 6-Cup (Cooked) with Steaming Basket, Removable Non-Stick Bowl, White
BLACK+DECKER
- 6-Cup Cooked Rice Capacity – Yields up to 6 cups of cooked rice using 3 included rice measuring cups (¾ cup each). Prepare as little as 1 cup or up to 6. Always use the included measuring cup for accurate portions—standard cups are not the same.
- Automatic Keep Warm - The rice stays ready for serving! The rice cooker automatically switches to the “keep warm” function after cooking is complete. Steamer Basket, Measuring Cup and Spoon Included
- Nonstick Rice Pot – Removable for easy dishwasher cleanup. See manual for rice-to-water ratios by type. Rice texture varies by type and cook time—add more water for softer rice, less for firmer. Dimensions: 10 x 9.0 x 5.5 in. ETL Listed. V: 120V. 300W.
- Steaming Basket & Accessories – Steam veggies, fish, and more with the included basket. Comes with a rice measuring cup for perfect portions and a serving spoon to protect the nonstick pot. Use only the rice cup—never a standard kitchen cup.
- Perfect Rice, Every Time – Includes a ¾ cup measuring cup for accurate dry rice portions (up to 3 max). A steam vent directs steam safely away from cabinets. See manual for tips, rice ratios, and additional features.
Flash Rice Tech
AROMA Digital Rice Cooker, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Grain Cooker, Multicooker, 2 Qt, Stainless Steel Exterior, ARC-914SBD
AROMA
- Easy-to-use programmable digital controls complete with an automatic Keep Warm mode after each cycle
- An array of preset functions for every kind of meal: White Rice, Brown Rice, Steam, Flash Rice
- Steam meat, vegetables and more with the provided Steam Tray all while rice cooks below
- Perfectly prepares 2 to 8 cups of any variety of cooked rice or grains
- Sensor Logic Technology for delicious, fluffy rice and grains every time - automatically controls the internal temperature throughout the cooking cycle for optimal texture and flavor
- Item holds up to 2 to 8 cups of cooked rice. 8 cups is the cooked rice capacity. Rice must be cooked in the cup that comes along with this product.
- Steams meat and vegetables while rice cooks below
- Easy-to-use, programmable digital controls with automatic Keep-Warm and White Rice and Brown Rice functions
- Great for soups, jambalaya, chili, and more. Save time with the Flash Rice function which cuts cooking time by up to 50%
- 15-hour Delay Timer for flexible meal planning
- Includes steam tray, rice measuring cup, serving spatula, and exclusive recipes and coupons for Mahatma and Carolina Rice
Compact White Design
IMUSA USA GAU-00011 Electric Nonstick Rice Cooker 3-Cup (Uncooked) 6-Cup (Cooked), White
Imusa
- CAPACITY: Cooks up to 3 cups of uncooked rice, yielding 6 cups of perfectly cooked rice, providing various small servings for meals or gatherings
- MODERN ELEGANT DESIGN: Crafted from resilient aluminum, this rice cooker ensures steadfast cooking prowess, longevity and its nonstick removable cooking pot with a chic modern white exterior helps to have a better hassle free cleaning
- FUNCTIONAL ACCESORIES: This rice cooker includes one serving spoon and one measuring cup for precise meal preparation, and it's Warm feature keeps food at the ideal serving temperature after cooking
- CULINARY OPTIONS: From rice to oatmeal, stew, jambalaya, grains, and more, this cooker offers a myriad of meal possibilities to satisfy diverse tastes
- ESSENTIAL DAILY TOOL: Ideal for small kitchens, college dorms, camper, and RV traveling, and is also packaged in a gift box, making it an excellent present option
Portable Multi-Program
NutriChef 1.6 QT Portable Electric Rice Cooker & Lunch Maker | Multi-Functional & Non-Stick Ceramic Coating | Digital Control Panel | 6 Cook Functions: Rice, Soup, Stew, Porridge & More | Green
NutriChef
- VERSATILE COOKING OPTIONS - Prepare a wide range of delicious dishes, using the NutriChef Rice Cooker's 6 cooking programs! Enjoy everything from rice to savory soups, hearty stews, creamy porridge, satisfying noodles, and flavorful hot pot creations.
- EFFICIENT HEATING FOR PERFECT MEALS - With a robust 600W heating element and a full-circle heating plate, this mini rice cooker guarantees rapid and uniform cooking, ensuring your meals are consistently delicious and evenly cooked, every single time.
- SAFETY & CONVENIENT COOKER - Your safety was kept in mind, thanks to this small rice cooker! Its safety features include automatic power-off, anti-burn dry technology, and double security protection, ensuring stress-free and safe cooking.
- HASSLE-FREE CLEANING & INTUITIVE OPERATION - The non-stick ceramic coating of the portable rice cooker simplifies cleaning, while the user-friendly interface with clearly labeled buttons ensures effortless operation of this versatile rice cooker.
- A COMPLETE COOKING SOLUTION - Beyond its cooking prowess, this versatile mini cooker doubles as a serving bowl, allowing you to serve your culinary creations straight from the cooker while also keeping your dishes warm for up to 2 hours.
6-in-1 Compact
COMFEE' Compact Rice Cooker, 6-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi Cooker, Slow Cooker, Steamer, Saute, and Warmer, 2 QT, 8 Cups Cooked(4 Cups Uncooked), Brown Rice, Quinoa and Oatmeal, 6 One-Touch Programs
COMFEE'
- Multifunctional - Use-6 digital cooking programs including white rice, brown rice, steam, slow cook, quinoa and oatmeal functions.
- Compact Capacity -8 cup cooked (2 Qt) capacity yields up to 8 cups of cooked rice. Its space saving design is perfect for preparing small meals or tasty sides.
- Effortless Operation - The Multi Use Programmable Rice Cooker is user friendly with digital panel & LED display, features 6 One-Touch Programs, automatically switches to keep warm for 12 hours and 12 hour delay timer is designed for flexible meal planning.
- Easy to Clean - Stainless steel external housing is easy to wipe clean. With the non-stick coating, the cleaning of the inner pot is like a breeze. The inner pot and all of the included accessories are dishwasher safe.
- Safety Features - Built-in Overheating Protection. Made of BPA-Free Food Grade Material. Cool touch handle ensures your safety when you open the cooker.
- Warranty from COMFEE' - This programmable electric rice cooker is made of BPA-free food grade material. UL certificate approved. COMFEE' will provide 1 year manufacturer warranty together with your purchase.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What capacity should I choose for a small rice cooker?
For individuals or couples, a 3‑cup (uncooked) model that yields about 6 cups cooked is ideal. If you occasionally host guests, consider a 6‑cup (uncooked) unit that produces up to 12 cups cooked. Look for the capacity listed in both uncooked and cooked measurements to avoid surprises.
How important is the inner‑pot material when buying a compact rice cooker?
The pot material affects durability, cleaning, and flavor. Ceramic coatings, like Aroma’s CoreCoat, are non‑stick and free of PFAS, while stainless steel pots (e.g., Elite Gourmet) are tougher and resistant to scratches. Aluminum non‑stick pots are lighter but may wear faster over time.
Do I need a rice cooker with a Keep Warm function?
A Keep Warm feature is essential for busy households because it maintains fluffy rice for several hours without overcooking. Most models, including Aroma, Elite Gourmet, and Black+Decker, switch automatically after the cooking cycle. Check whether the warm mode can be manually extended or timed.
Which small rice cooker offers the best value for the price?
Value is a mix of capacity, accessories, and build quality. Aroma’s 3‑cup model provides a ceramic pot and basic one‑touch operation at a low price point, while Elite Gourmet adds a stainless steel pot plus measuring cup and spatula for a slightly higher cost. Compare what comes in the box and read user reviews for long‑term reliability.
Are extra features like steaming trays or multiple cooking programs worth it?
If you plan to cook vegetables, fish, or steam dumplings, a built‑in steam tray (found on Aroma Digital and NutriChef) adds convenience. Multi‑program models, such as COMFEE' 6‑in‑1, let you prepare oatmeal, quinoa, or soups without extra gadgets. Weigh the added versatility against the price increase to decide if you’ll use them regularly.
How easy is it to clean these compact rice cookers?
Removable inner pots with non‑stick coatings are the simplest to clean; most are dishwasher safe, like the IMUSA and Black+Decker models. Ceramic pots require hand‑washing but are also easy because the coating prevents food from sticking. Stainless steel interiors need a bit more scrubbing but are very durable and odor‑free.
What safety features should I look for?
Key safety aspects include automatic shut‑off, over‑heat protection, and cool‑touch handles. NutriChef highlights anti‑burn dry technology, while Elite Gourmet and COMFEE' list built‑in overheating protection. These features prevent accidents if the cooker is left unattended.
Is there a noticeable price difference between ceramic and stainless steel models?
Generally, stainless steel inner pots cost a bit more due to their durability and resistance to warping, as seen with Elite Gourmet’s pricing. Ceramic‑coated models like Aroma are often cheaper but still provide reliable non‑stick performance. Decide based on how often you’ll use the cooker and whether you prioritize long‑term toughness over initial cost.