If you're in the market for a compact, reliable rice cooker that perfectly handles 1.5 cups of rice, you're not alone. Whether you're cooking for one, a couple, or just want precise portions without waste, the right 1.5-cup model can be a game-changer. We’ve tested top contenders—balancing performance, ease of use, and value—to help you find the best fit for your kitchen. No fluff, no guesswork—just honest insights to make your decision simple and satisfying. Let’s dive in.
Editor's Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for compact steamer: BLACK+DECKER 3-Cup Rice Cooker
- Best for multi-function maestro: Narcissus 3.5-Cup Rice Cooker for 1-3 People
- Best for dorm-friendly giant: IMUSA USA GAU-00012 Electric NonStick Rice Cooker 5-Cup (Uncooked) 10-Cup (Cooked)
- Best for ceramic simplicity: AROMA® Rice Cooker
- Best for neuro fuzzy pro: Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5-1/2-Cup Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer
- Best for single-serve simplicity: Rice Cooker Small 1-1.5 Cups Uncooked(3 Cups Cooked)
- Best for steamer smart: Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer
- Best for stainless pro cook: Elite Gourmet ERC006SS 6-Cup Electric Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Inner Pot
- Best for bento box buddy: Mini Rice Cooker 1-1.5 Cups Uncooked(3 Cups Cooked)
- Best for glass-lid simplicity: Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker (ARC-302NG)
Product Comparison: Best 1 5 Cup Rice Cooker
Compact Steamer
BLACK+DECKER 3-Cup Rice Cooker, RC503, 1.5-cup Uncooked Rice, Steaming Basket, Removable Non-Stick Bowl, One Touch, White
BLACK+DECKER
- 3-Cup Cooked Rice Capacity – Makes 1 to 3 cups of cooked rice (white rice), perfect for small meals, sides, or leftovers. Max capacity: 1.5 cups of uncooked rice using the included cup. Do not fill past the highest water line in the pot.
- Use Only Included Measuring Cup – Comes with a 3/4 cup rice measuring cup (not a standard kitchen cup). For best results, only use this cup to measure dry rice. See product images for rice-to-water ratios, cook times, and final yield.
- Automatic Keep Warm – After cooking, the rice cooker automatically switches to “Keep Warm”, so your rice stays hot and ready to serve without overcooking.
- Nonstick Pot & Steam Basket – Features a nonstick, removable inner pot for easy cleanup and a steaming basket for preparing vegetables, seafood, or dumplings while rice cooks below.
- Compact & Convenient – Space-saving design: 10 x 9.0 x 5.5 inches, 120V ~ 200W. Includes a nonstick-safe plastic spoon and easy-to-follow user manual with care and cooking tips.
Multi-Function Maestro
Narcissus 3.5-Cup Rice Cooker for 1-3 People, Multifunctional for Rice, Oatmeal, Quinoa - Slow Cook, Steam, Cook Rice & Steam Dish Together, Rice White
Narcissus
- Suitable for 1-3 People - 1.8L Narcissus small rice cookers fit 3.5 cups uncooked(7 cups cooked). This mini rice cooker can feed 1-3 people. Its compact size (9.4*7.8*7.4 inch) is ideal for small spaces in your kitchen. Each rice cooker comes with a steam tray, a measuring cup, and a serving spatula.
- Multifunctional Rice Cooker - Besides basic cooking for white/brown rice, oatmeal, and quinoa, this 3.5 cup rice cooker also features slow cook and steam functions. With the extra function, you can make additional dishes for your dinner. This rice cooker can create soups, stews, steamed dishes, and hot pots. Rice cooking and dish steaming can occur at the same time.
- Auto Warm & Delay Start - No matter which functions you select, the small rice cooker will automatically switch to auto-warm mode after cooking, keeping your meal warm for up to 12 hours once cooked. If you select the delay start function, the cooker will automatically start working 8 hours later, so you can prepare breakfast or dinner before bed or work.
- Creates Delicious Rice - Narcissus small rice cookers include five layers of a thickened, curved pot, increasing the heating area of rice. This characteristic helps rice heat evenly, creating delicious rice every time. Note: this cooking pot is dishwasher friendly.
- Smart System for Cooking - The 3.5 cup rice cooker uses an accurate smart system to make a delicious meal every time. Simply add water to the corresponding tick marks after putting any grain into the pot. No matter which functions you select, the machine will auto-switch to the 12-hour warming mode after mission completed.
- Narcissus Promise - We always offer all customers 12 months of free new item replacement or refund service, and 24 months of after-sales service, so please contact us if there is any quality issues.
Dorm-Friendly Giant
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
Ceramic Simplicity
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.
Neuro Fuzzy Pro
Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5-1/2-Cup Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer, Premium White
Zojirushi
- 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
Single-Serve Simplicity
Rice Cooker Small 1-1.5 Cups Uncooked(3 Cups Cooked), Mini Rice Cooker with Removable Nonstick Pot, One Touch&Keep Warm Function, Travel Rice Cooker for Soup Grain Oatmeal Veggie, White
Macook
- IDEAL FOR SINGLES - Macook 0.6L mini rice cooker can cook up to 1-3 cups of cooked white rice when use the standard 160ml measuring cup, perfect for singles. The portable size won’t take up too much space and this small rice cooker is your MUST-HAVE for first apartment, smaller kitchen, college dorm life, or camper/traveling.
- NOT JUST FOR RICE - The small rice cooker 1-3 cups also suitable for soup, oatmeal, pasta, veggie, stew and more. The small capacity allows for healthier portion control, or individual, quick and easy breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, or sides.
- QUICK & EASY - Easy to use with one button operation. Just spend a few minutes to prep your delicious meals then fill it in the pot, press the button to start cooking! Your steamed meal (or side) is ready in less than 25 minutes.
- AUTO KEEP WARM- When cooking is complete, the rice maker will enter the automatic keep-warm function. Never overheat or overcook ingredients again, making for a healthy, perfect meal each and every time.
- EASY TO CLEAN - The aluminum inner pot is treated with food-grade non-stick coating and prevents the sticking of cooked rice to the bottom. The inner pot features removable, portable, and easy to clean. You can soak it in water for 10 minutes before cleaning or wash it in the dishwasher conveniently.
- Package Includes: Rice cooker, rice spatula, measuring cup, power cord, User Manual
Steamer Smart
Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer, 1.0-Liter
Zojirushi
- 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
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.
Bento Box Buddy
Mini Rice Cooker 1-1.5 Cups Uncooked(3 Cups Cooked), Rice Cooker Small with Bento Box, Removable Nonstick Pot, One Touch&Keep Warm Function, Portable Cooker for Soup Grain Oatmeal Veggie, Black
Macook
- IDEAL FOR SINGLES - Macook 0.3L mini rice cooker can cook up to 1-3 cups of cooked white rice when use the standard 160ml measuring cup, perfect for singles. The portable size won’t take up too much space and this small rice cooker is your MUST-HAVE for first apartment, smaller kitchen, college dorm life, or camper/traveling.
- NOT JUST FOR RICE - The small rice cooker 1-3 cups also suitable for soup, oatmeal, pasta, veggie, stew and more. The small capacity allows for healthier portion control, or individual, quick and easy breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, or sides.
- QUICK & EASY - Easy to use with one button operation. Just spend a few minutes to prep your delicious meals then fill it in the pot, press the button to start cooking! Your steamed meal (or side) is ready in less than 25 minutes.
- AUTO KEEP WARM- When cooking is complete, the rice maker will enter the automatic keep-warm function. Never overheat or overcook ingredients again, making for a healthy, perfect meal each and every time.
- EASY TO CLEAN - The aluminum inner pot is treated with food-grade non-stick coating and prevents the sticking of cooked rice to the bottom. The inner pot features removable, portable, and easy to clean. You can soak it in water for 10 minutes before cleaning or wash it in the dishwasher conveniently.
- BENTO BOX - Made with food-grade, eco-friendly materials. The bento box can be put into the rice cooker to heat your food, but it does not have the function of steaming. You can enjoy a delicious meal even in the office or outdoors
Glass-Lid Simplicity
Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker (ARC-302NG), White
AROMA
- 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!
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 household?
For one to three people, a 3‑5 cup uncooked capacity (yielding 6‑10 cups cooked) is ideal. Models like the Zojirushi NS‑ZCC10 (5.5‑cup) and IMUSA 5‑cup provide enough rice for meals and leftovers without wasting space. If you only need a single serving, a mini 1‑1.5 cup cooker such as the Macook mini models will suffice.
How important is the cooking pot material?
Non‑stick coated aluminum or ceramic pots are easy to clean, while stainless‑steel interiors, like those in the Elite Gourmet ERC006SS, are more durable and resist warping. Ceramic coatings (Aroma’s CoreCoat) avoid PFAS chemicals and provide a truly non‑stick surface. Choose based on how often you’ll clean the pot and whether you prefer a heavier, longer‑lasting material.
Do I need extra functions like steaming or slow‑cook?
If you want to prepare side dishes while the rice cooks, look for a model with a steaming basket, such as the BLACK+DECKER RC503 or Narcissus 3.5‑cup cooker. Slow‑cook and delay‑start features, offered by Narcissus, add versatility for soups, stews, and overnight prep. Basic one‑touch rice cookers will still deliver fluffy rice but lack these multi‑tasking options.
Which rice cooker offers the best value for its price?
The IMUSA 5‑cup cooker balances capacity, a non‑stick removable pot, and a modest price, making it a solid all‑rounder for families. Zojirushi’s NS‑ZCC10 provides premium fuzzy‑logic technology and multiple menu settings, but at a higher cost. For tight budgets, the Aroma ARC‑302NG offers reliable one‑touch operation and a glass lid for visual monitoring at a lower price point.
How does the “keep warm” feature differ among models?
All listed cookers automatically switch to a warm mode after cooking, but the duration varies: Narcissus keeps rice warm for up to 12 hours, while Zojirushi offers extended keep‑warm cycles and a reheating function. BASIC models like the BLACK+DECKER maintain warmth for a shorter period, suitable for immediate serving. Choose a longer warm time if you often serve meals over several hours.
Is a measuring cup necessary, and are the cups standard?
Many rice cookers include a proprietary measuring cup, such as the 3/4‑cup cup with the BLACK+DECKER unit, which differs from a standard kitchen cup. Using the supplied cup ensures accurate rice‑to‑water ratios for that specific model. If you prefer using standard measurements, verify the product’s guidelines or use the water‑line markings inside the pot.
Can I use these rice cookers for grains other than rice?
Yes, most models handle oatmeal, quinoa, barley, and even soups or stews. The Narcissus and IMUSA cookers explicitly list multi‑grain and stew capabilities, while the Aroma and Zojirushi units include specific settings for brown rice and mixed grains. Check the instruction manual for recommended water ratios for each grain type.
What should I look for in terms of cleaning and maintenance?
Removable, non‑stick inner pots simplify cleaning; many are dishwasher safe, like the Narcissus’s thickened pot. Stainless‑steel interiors, such as Elite Gourmet’s, require hand washing but are more resistant to scratches. Avoid models with hard‑to‑remove lids or sealed steam vents that can trap food residue.