If you’ve ever ended up with mushy, undercooked, or unevenly steamed rice, you know not all rice cookers are created equal. But what if you could find one that consistently delivers perfect grains, every single time? We’ve spent hours testing top models in real kitchen conditions—because we know how important reliable performance is. From fluffy jasmine to sticky sushi rice, we’re breaking down the best test kitchen-approved rice cookers that actually live up to the hype. Ready to upgrade your rice game? Let’s dive in.
- Best for flash rice: AROMA Digital Rice Cooker
- Best for compact ceramic: AROMA® Rice Cooker
- Best for recipe mastery: The Complete Slow Cooker: From Appetizers to Desserts - 400 Must-Have Recipes That Cook While You Play (orWork) (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)
- Best for glass lid view: Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker (ARC-302NGP)
- Best for space-saving ceramic: GreenLife Rice Cooker with Removable PFAS-Free Nonstick Pot
- Best for neuro fuzzy: Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5-1/2-Cup Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer
- Best for auto scale: KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker 8 Cup with Automatically Sensing Integrated Scale + Water Tank
- Best for steamer micom: Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer
- Best for multifunction pressure: Zavor LUX 8 Quart Multi-cooker with America's Test Kitchen Multicooker Perfection Cookbook
- Best for induction gaba: Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH Induction Heating System Rice Cooker and Warmer
Product Comparison: Best Test Kitchen Rice Cooker
AROMA Digital Rice Cooker, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Grain Cooker, Multicooker, 2 Qt, Stainless Steel Exterior, ARC-914SBD
- 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
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
- 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.
The Complete Slow Cooker: From Appetizers to Desserts - 400 Must-Have Recipes That Cook While You Play (orWork) (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)
Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker (ARC-302NGP), Pink
- Perfectly prepares 2 to 4 cups of any variety of cooked rice
- Simple, one-touch operation with automatic Warm mode
- Easy-to-clean, nonstick removable inner pot
- Full-view tempered glass lid for easy monitoring as food cooks to monitor food as it cooks
- Great for soups, jambalaya, chili and so much more!
GreenLife Rice Cooker with Removable PFAS-Free Nonstick Pot, 3-Cups Uncooked/6-Cups Cooked, One-Switch Design, Auto Keep Warm Function, Soup, Grains, Oatmeal, Wood Handle, Cream
- HEALTHY CERAMIC NONSTICK INTERIOR: GreenLife’s healthy and easy-to-clean ceramic nonstick is PFAS-free, derived from sand and delivers effortless release with quick cleanup.
- 6 CUPS COOKED RICE: Effortlessly cooks 6 cups of rice, doubling the raw rice amount, giving you plenty for family meals or larger gatherings.
- COMPACT SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: Ideal for smaller kitchens, this mini rice cooker's compact design fits easily on your countertop, without sacrificing capacity. Perfect for apartments and limited counter space
- SIMPLE ONE-TOUCH OPERATION: Choose between white or brown rice with just a press of a button, making cooking even easier with the simple flip of a switch.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Removable, dishwasher safe parts make cleaning a breeze, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal.
Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5-1/2-Cup Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer, Premium White
- 5-1/2-cup computerized rice cooker and warmer with advanced Neuro Fuzzy logic technology. Wall mountable
- Multi-menu selections; automatic keep-warm, extended keep-warm, and reheat cycles. Electrical Rating - 120 volts / 680 watts
- Spherical, nonstick inner pan allows for uniform heating; LCD clock and timer; retractable cord
- Menu settings include white (regular/sushi, softer or harder), mixed, porridge, sweet, semi-brown, brown, rinse-free and quick cooking
- Measures approximately 14 by 8 by 9 inches; 1-year limited warranty, Dimensions (W x D x H) : 10-1/8 x 13 x 8-1/8 inches
- Includes 2 measuring cups, nonstick rice spoon/scooper, rice spoon holder, and recipes . NOTE: Please ensure to measure rice in the cup that comes along with the product ONLY
KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker 8 Cup with Automatically Sensing Integrated Scale + Water Tank, KGC3155, Black Matte
- Integrated scale automatically senses the amount of grains, rice or beans you've added in order to calculate the ideal water-to-grain ratio for what you're cooking
- Integrated water tank automatically dispenses the right amount of water to match the ideal liquid-to-grain ratio for what you're cooking; removable for easy refilling
- Explore a whole new world of whole grains with 21 preset options for rice, beans, oats, couscous, quinoa, barley, farro and more
- The included steamer basket fits above the cooking pot, making it easy to steam veggies, fish, meats and more to accompany your grains.
- Easy to use touchscreen makes it easy to see and select cooking modes with an intuitive menu that puts options for healthy grains, rice and beans at your fingertips
- Cook on your schedule with delayed cook that lets you add ingredients ahead of time and schedule cooking to begin up to 24 hours later, providing more flexibility for your meal prep routines
- Model KGC3155 Includes (1) Grain and Rice Cooker, (1) non-stick ceramic pot, (1) steam basket
Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer, 1.0-Liter
- Micro computerized fuzzy logic technology. Capacity Up to 5.5 cups / 1.0 liter,Dimensions (W x D x H) 10-1/8 x 14 x 8-1/2 inches. The electrical rating is 120 volts / 610 watts
- Automatic keep warm, extended keep warm and reheating cycle
- Easy to clean clear coated stainless steel exterior, 2 delay time settings
- Interchangeable melody and beep signal
- Built in retractable power cord
- Doubles as a steamer with its versatile Steam menu setting
Zavor LUX 8 Quart Multi-cooker with America's Test Kitchen Multicooker Perfection Cookbook, Stainless Steel
- Bundle includes: 8 quart version of the multi-cooker named as "runner-up best" in the market by America's Test Kitchen with one of the most highly rated multicooker cookbooks by the same respected institution
- Featured functions: pressure cooking (high and low), slow cooking (high and low), rice cooking (white rice, brown rice and risotto), yogurt making plus Steam/Rice, Simmer, Sauté, Brown, Keep Warm and Time Delay to program cooking time at your convenience.
- Brown and Sauté allow you to brown and sauté foods in the same pot before cooking; Simmer extracts flavors without boiling away the cooking liquid and deepen your sauces; Steam/Rice cooks your vegetables and fish with steam to preserve their nutrients and cooks your rice as a traditional rice cooker. Yogurt allows you to prepare homemade yogurt with an easy-to-follow 2step process. Keep Warm launches at the end of the cooking time to ensure food will remain warm until the cooker is shut off.
- ETL approved. The multi-cooker won’t open if it is locked and if there is pressure inside. The powerful heating element allows for the multi-cooker to reach pressure/temperature faster. The 6 Qt. units use 1000 Watts, the 8 Qt. units use 1300 Watts, and the 4 Qt. units use 800 Watts.
- Includes a dishwasher-safe stainless steel removable cooking pot that is PFOA and PTFE free, a Quick Guide, a User's Manual and a Free Digital recipe book with over 120 recipes | 1-year warranty
Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH Induction Heating System Rice Cooker and Warmer, 1 L, Stainless Dark Gray
- Induction rice cooker and warmer. Electrical Rating : 1,230 Watts
- Multi-Menu cooking functions. Dimension: 10 inch W x 14 inch D x 8 inch H. Capacity: Up to 5.5 cups / 1.0 liter
- Automatic keep warm & extended keep warm keeps rice at the perfect serving temperature
- Healthy cooking options: brown rice, GABA brown rice and germinated brown rice. Delay timer (2 settings) , Electrical Rating - 120 volts
- Note-please ensure to measure rice in the cup that comes along with the product only. Troubleshoot-sparks by the plug when plugging or unplugging the power plug from the electrical outlet, this is common in rice cookers and does not indicate malfunction
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
How do I decide which rice‑cooker capacity is right for my household?
Consider the number of people you usually cook for: a 3‑cup uncooked (6‑cup cooked) model like the Aroma mini is ideal for singles or couples, while 5‑cup to 8‑cup models such as Zojirushi NS‑ZCC10 or KitchenAid’s 8‑cup unit serve families of four or more. If you like to batch‑cook grains for meal‑prep, a larger capacity gives flexibility without multiple cycles. Smaller units also take up less counter space, which matters in compact kitchens.
What’s the practical difference between basic digital controls and fuzzy‑logic or induction‑heating technology?
Basic digital controls (e.g., Aroma’s 4‑cup model) follow preset temperature curves, delivering reliable results for standard white rice. Fuzzy‑logic (Zojirushi NS‑TSC10) and induction‑heating (Zojirushi NP‑HCC10XH) continuously adjust heat based on sensor feedback, producing fluffier texture and better results for brown rice, mixed grains, and delicate dishes. While the advanced tech adds cost, it offers greater consistency and more cooking modes.
Is a built‑in steam tray worth the extra expense?
A steam tray lets you cook vegetables, fish, or dumplings simultaneously with rice, preserving nutrients and saving time. Models like the Aroma 4‑cup Digital and KitchenAid’s 8‑cup cooker include this feature, making them versatile for one‑pot meals. If you frequently steam side dishes, the tray adds clear value; otherwise, a plain rice cooker will suffice.
How important is a PFAS‑free, ceramic or ceramic‑coated inner pot?
Ceramic‑coated pots (Aroma, GreenLife) are non‑stick without harmful chemicals, making cleanup easy and reducing the need for added oils. PFAS‑free coatings are especially appealing for health‑conscious shoppers and those with sensitive skin. While they may be slightly less durable than traditional non‑stick, the safety benefits often outweigh the trade‑off.
Do premium brands like Zojirushi provide enough extra value to justify their higher price?
Zojirushi models offer advanced features such as Neuro Fuzzy logic, multiple menu settings, and superior insulated keep‑warm performance, which translate to consistently better texture across a range of grains. They also tend to have longer warranties and more robust construction. If you cook rice daily and value precision, the investment pays off; casual cooks may be satisfied with a less expensive Aroma or GreenLife unit.
What advantage does an integrated scale, like the one in KitchenAid’s 8‑cup cooker, give me?
The built‑in scale measures grains directly in the pot, automatically calculating the optimal water‑to‑grain ratio for each preset, reducing guesswork and improving consistency. This is especially helpful for less‑common grains such as quinoa, farro, or beans where water ratios vary. For everyday white or brown rice, the benefit is modest but still convenient.
Can these rice cookers handle other grains, beans, or even soups?
Most modern rice cookers include settings for brown rice, mixed grains, oatmeal, and even porridge, allowing you to expand beyond plain rice. Models with a steam basket (Aroma, KitchenAid) or a multi‑cook function (Zavor LUX) can also prepare soups, chili, or stews. Check the product’s preset menu list to ensure the grain or dish you plan to make is supported.
How do keep‑warm features differ among the models?
All listed cookers have an automatic keep‑warm mode, but premium units like Zojirushi and KitchenAid offer extended keep‑warm and temperature‑maintaining algorithms that keep rice at serving temperature for up to 12 hours without drying out. Basic models switch to a simple low‑heat mode that may cause the rice to become slightly dry after several hours. If you often serve meals later in the day, the advanced keep‑warm is a worthwhile feature.
What should I know about cleaning and maintenance?
Removable, non‑stick inner pots (Aroma, GreenLife, KitchenAid) are dishwasher‑safe, simplifying cleanup. Stainless‑steel exteriors (Zojirushi) may require a damp cloth to avoid streaks. Avoid abrasive scrubbers on ceramic coatings to preserve the PFAS‑free surface, and always clean the steam tray and lid gasket to prevent odor buildup.
Which rice cooker offers the best overall value for a small family?
For a balance of capacity, features, and price, the Aroma 4‑cup Digital (B007WQ9YNO) provides programmable functions, a steam tray, and Sensor Logic technology at a budget‑friendly cost. If you want more advanced cooking modes and a sturdier build, the Zojirushi NS‑ZCC10 offers premium fuzzy‑logic logic for a modest price increase. Both models deliver reliable results, but the Aroma edges out on pure value for families of three to four.