If you’ve ever hosted a big family dinner or meal-prepped for the week, you know the struggle of cooking enough rice without a dozen batches. That’s where a 16-cup rice cooker shines—your kitchen’s secret weapon for feeding crowds with fluffy, perfect rice every time. But with so many models claiming to be the best, how do you pick the right one? We’ve tested top contenders for performance, ease of use, and value to help you find the ideal match for your cooking needs. Let’s dive in.
Editor's Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for steamer-ready rice: BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup Rice Cooker
- Best for compact family cooker: AROMA® Rice Cooker
- Best for fast 30‑minute rice: bella 16 Cup Rice Cooker with Steamer
- Best for rapid batch cooker: bella 16 Cup Rice Cooker with Steamer
- Best for versatile steamer set: bella 16 Cup Rice Cooker with Steamer
- Best for stylish compact cooker: IMUSA USA GAU-00013 Electric Nonstick Rice Cooker 8-Cup (Uncooked) 16-Cup (Cooked)
- Best for ceramic health cooker: IMUSA Electric Rice Cooker 16 Cup Cooked 8 Cup Uncooked – Ceramic Nonstick Pot
- Best for one‑touch steamer: Proctor Silex Rice Cooker & Food Steamer
- Best for space‑saving rice: Holstein Housewares 16-Cup Cooked (8-Cup Uncooked) Rice Cooker
- Best for 2‑in‑1 steamer: Black+Decker 2-in-1 Rice Cooker and Food Steamer
Product Comparison: Best 16 Cup Rice Cooker
Steamer-Ready Rice
BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup Rice Cooker, 8-Cup Uncooked Rice, Steaming Basket, Removable Non-Stick Bowl, One Touch, Keep Warm
BLACK+DECKER
- 16-CUP CAPACITY - The BLACK+DECKER 8 Cup Rice Cooker can cook up to 8 cups of uncooked rice which yields up to 16 cups of cooked rice. Prepare smaller quantities if desired, as little as 3 cups of cooked rice. Use included guide for rice and water quantities for optimal results.
- STEAMING BASKET - The included steaming basket lets you make healthy meals with vegetables, fish, and more. Also includes measuring cup and spoon
- REMOVABLE NONSTICK BOWL - The nonstick cooking bowl is completely removable for easy dishwasher cleanup; the tempered glass lid with hanger allows for easy serving and clean countertops
- AUTOMATIC KEEP WARM - The rice stays ready for serving! The unit automatically switches to the “keep warm” function after cooking is complete, keeping fluffy rice ready to serve long after cooking
- TWO HEAT SETTINGS - Cooking stops when all moisture is absorbed, then the rice cooker switches to warming mode
Compact Family Cooker
AROMA® Rice Cooker, 8-Cup (Uncooked) / 16-Cup (Cooked), Pot-Style Rice Cooker and Soup Warmer with One-Touch Control, 4 Qt, White, ARC-368NG
AROMA
- FAMILY SIZE: This compact 4-quart rice cooker fits in small kitchens and still feeds a crowd! Pour up to 8 cups of raw rice inside; it doubles in size to serve 16 cups cooked.
- TIMELESS DESIGN: Turn on your Aroma pot-style rice cooker with the touch of a button. Our classic indicator light shows when the appliance is cooking on high heat or warming.
- AUTO-WARMING: This medium-sized rice cooker pot automatically tracks heat and moisture while your rice cooks. Watch the light switch to ‘keep warm’ when it’s ready.
- EASY TO MEASURE: This large rice cooker pot has pre-marked water lines and a handy measuring cup. Moisture sensors also auto-adjust to help improve rice taste and texture!
- NON-STICK POT: The 16-cup inner pot is super lightweight and surprisingly strong. Our heavy-duty non-stick coating makes it easy to scoop, serve, and clean – no stuck-on rice!
Fast 30‑Minute Rice
bella 16 Cup Rice Cooker with Steamer, Dishwasher Safe Steaming Basket, Rice Paddle and Measuring Cup, Removable Nonstick Cooking Bowl, Automatic Keep Warm Function, 400 Watt, Oatmilk
BELLA
- Big-Batch Brilliance: Perfect for family meals or meal prepping, this rice cooker effortlessly cooks up to 16 cups of fluffy, perfectly cooked rice in under 30 minutes. Say goodbye to waiting and hello to more time enjoying your delicious creations!
- Steam & Savor: Double the delight with this versatile electric pot! Simultaneously steam veggies, fish, or meats while your rice cooks below. It's the ultimate solution for healthy, hearty, and hassle-free dinners, all at the press of a button
- Warm & Ready Whenever You Are: No more timing stress—the automatic Keep Warm function of our mini food steamer keeps your rice perfectly heated until you're ready to dig in. Always warm, always ready, just like your favorite comfort food
- Clean Up? No Problem: The removable nonstick pot makes cleaning up the steam pot a breeze. A quick wipe and you're done, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time savoring your culinary creations. It's convenience and cleanliness l in one
- Complete Cooking Kit: This veggie steamer has you covered with a steamer tray, rice measuring cup, and rice paddle. Whether you're new to rice cooking or a seasoned pro, you'll have all you need to create delicious dishes right out of the box!
Rapid Batch Cooker
bella 16 Cup Rice Cooker with Steamer, Dishwasher Safe Steaming Basket, Rice Paddle and Measuring Cup, Removable Nonstick Cooking Bowl, Automatic Keep Warm Function, 400 Watt, Surf
BELLA
- Big-Batch Brilliance: Perfect for family meals or meal prepping, this rice cooker effortlessly cooks up to 16 cups of fluffy, perfectly cooked rice in under 30 minutes. Say goodbye to waiting and hello to more time enjoying your delicious creations!
- Steam & Savor: Double the delight with this versatile electric pot! Simultaneously steam veggies, fish, or meats while your rice cooks below. It's the ultimate solution for healthy, hearty, and hassle-free dinners, all at the press of a button
- Warm & Ready Whenever You Are: No more timing stress—the automatic Keep Warm function of our mini food steamer keeps your rice perfectly heated until you're ready to dig in. Always warm, always ready, just like your favorite comfort food
- Clean Up? No Problem: The removable nonstick pot makes cleaning up the steam pot a breeze. A quick wipe and you're done, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time savoring your culinary creations. It's convenience and cleanliness l in one
- Complete Cooking Kit: This veggie steamer has you covered with a steamer tray, rice measuring cup, and rice paddle. Whether you're new to rice cooking or a seasoned pro, you'll have all you need to create delicious dishes right out of the box!
Versatile Steamer Set
bella 16 Cup Rice Cooker with Steamer, Dishwasher Safe Steaming Basket, Rice Paddle and Measuring Cup, Removable Nonstick Cooking Bowl, Automatic Keep Warm Function, 400 Watt, Plum
BELLA
- Big-Batch Brilliance: Perfect for family meals or meal prepping, this rice cooker effortlessly cooks up to 16 cups of fluffy, perfectly cooked rice in under 30 minutes. Say goodbye to waiting and hello to more time enjoying your delicious creations!
- Steam & Savor: Double the delight with this versatile electric pot! Simultaneously steam veggies, fish, or meats while your rice cooks below. It's the ultimate solution for healthy, hearty, and hassle-free dinners, all at the press of a button
- Warm & Ready Whenever You Are: No more timing stress—the automatic Keep Warm function of our mini food steamer keeps your rice perfectly heated until you're ready to dig in. Always warm, always ready, just like your favorite comfort food
- Clean Up? No Problem: The removable nonstick pot makes cleaning up the steam pot a breeze. A quick wipe and you're done, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time savoring your culinary creations. It's convenience and cleanliness l in one
- Complete Cooking Kit: This veggie steamer has you covered with a steamer tray, rice measuring cup, and rice paddle. Whether you're new to rice cooking or a seasoned pro, you'll have all you need to create delicious dishes right out of the box!
Stylish Compact Cooker
IMUSA USA GAU-00013 Electric Nonstick Rice Cooker 8-Cup (Uncooked) 16-Cup (Cooked), White
Imusa
- LARGE CAPACITY: Cooks up to 8 cups of uncooked rice, yielding 16 cups of perfectly cooked rice, providing various servings for meals or gatherings
- STYLISH AND DURABLE: 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 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 Health Cooker
IMUSA Electric Rice Cooker 16 Cup Cooked 8 Cup Uncooked – Ceramic Nonstick Pot, Multi Cooker for Rice, Quinoa, Oatmeal, Stew – Keep Warm Function – Compact for Kitchen Dorm RV
Imusa
- LARGE CAPACITY: Electric rice cooker with 8 cups uncooked or 16 cups cooked rice, perfect for big family dinners, weekly meal prep, parties and gatherings
- HEALTHY CERAMIC POT: Removable ceramic nonstick inner pot offers easy food release, even heating and healthier cooking with less oil or butter for all your meals
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL COOKING: Ideal for white rice, brown rice, quinoa, risotto, oatmeal, soups, stews, grains and more, replacing several kitchen appliances in one
- AUTO KEEP WARM: Automatic keep warm function holds food at the perfect serving temperature so you can enjoy hot meals whenever you are ready to eat
- COMPACT & MODERN DESIGN: Elegant white finish with removable ceramic pot, spoon and measuring cup, perfect for apartments, small kitchens, dorms, RVs, camping and travel
One‑Touch Steamer
Proctor Silex Rice Cooker & Food Steamer, 16 Cups Cooked (8 Cups Uncooked), Includes Steam and Rinsing Basket, Black (37527)
Proctor Silex
- COOK ENOUGH RICE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY OR: The large rice cooker steamer holds up to 16 cups of cooked or 8 cups of uncooked rice to easily feed a large family.
- EASY TO USE WITH ONE-TOUCH CONTROLS: Just press one button to cook rice, steam vegetables and more. The electric rice cooker automatically switches to warm when cooking is complete. No watching needed.
- PERFECTLY COOK RICE, GRAINS & MORE: Whether you're making a healthy quinoa salad, cooking a side of brown rice, or steaming vegetables and fish, you'll cook them all to perfection with the press of one button in the 16 cup rice cooker.
- INCLUDES STEAMER BASKET/ACCESSORIES: Steamer basket doubles as a rice rinsing basket for removing surface starches from rice before cooking. Or use the basket to steam foods while rice cooks. The rice cooker also includes a rice measuring cup and spatula.
- SIMPLE TO CLEAN: The removable bowl, steam basket, and lid are all dishwasher safe to make cleaning up easy.
Space‑Saving Rice
Holstein Housewares 16-Cup Cooked (8-Cup Uncooked) Rice Cooker, Black – One-Touch Operation with Cook & Keep Warm Functions, Perfect for Rice, Quinoa, Oatmeal, Stews & Grains
Holstein Housewares
- RICE WHEN YOU WANT IT: Holstein Housewares Rice Cooker has a 1.5QT capacity which yields 16 cups of cooked rice, quinoa, oatmeal or other grains. Measuring cup and spoon included.
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Cook and automatic warming function maintains the appropriate temperature at serving time. Removable inner pot with non-stick coating to ensure a long-lasting performance. Glass lid to monitor progress.
- EASY CLEANUP & CONVENIENT ACCESSORIES: Features a removable non-stick inner pot for long-lasting performance and hassle-free cleaning. Includes dishwasher-safe pot, lid, measuring cup, and spatula for perfectly portioned meals every time.
- GREAT ADDITION TO YOUR KITCHEN: Space-saving compact design takes up less of a footprint on your countertop. Anti-slip feet for added safety and stability.
- WHO WE ARE: Holstein Housewares strives to make cooking and entertaining easy by simplifying life in the kitchen. We develop a special blend of products so you can create endless recipes for all types of lifestyles, from healthy meals to guilty pleasures.
- WARRANTY: Holstein Housewares offers a 1-year limited warranty to purchase worry-free. A user manual is included in the packaging (and available digitally) with easy instructions on how to use the product.
2‑in‑1 Steamer
Black+Decker 2-in-1 Rice Cooker and Food Steamer, 16 Cup (7 Cup Uncooked), White, RC516C
BLACK+DECKER
- 16-Cup Capacity - Prepare anywhere from 3 to 16 cups of cooked rice, great for one large meal or to save as leftovers.
- Steaming Basket & Removable Bowl – Steam vegetables, fish, and more with the included basket. The nonstick cooking bowl is removable for easy dishwasher cleanup. Includes lid and spoon hanger. 120V.
- Automatic Keep Warm - The rice stays ready for serving! The unit automatically switches to the “keep warm” function after cooking is complete. When you plug in the appliance; the warm indicator light will automatically illuminate.
- Measuring Cup & Spoon Included – Use the included rice cup (¾ cup/6 oz.) for accurate portions. The plastic spoon prevents scratches to the nonstick bowl. NOTE: Do not use a standard 1-cup (8 oz.) measure for uncooked rice.
- Two Heat Settings – Cooks rice, then automatically switches to warming mode when done. NOTE: A slight odor or light smoke during first use is normal and may result from residual manufacturing oils. It’s safe and does not affect performance.
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 family of four?
A 16‑cup cooked capacity (8 cups uncooked) is ideal for feeding four to six people with leftovers. All the models listed, such as Black+Decker, Aroma, and Proctor Silex, provide this size. Look for a cooker that also includes a measuring cup so you can gauge portions accurately.
Is a non‑stick inner pot important?
Yes, a non‑stick or ceramic coating makes rice release easily and simplifies cleaning. Models like the IMUSA ceramic pot and Bella’s removable non‑stick pot prevent food from sticking and are dishwasher safe. This feature adds value by reducing the time spent scrubbing the bowl.
Do I need a steamer basket, and which cooker offers the best one?
A steamer basket lets you prepare vegetables, fish, or meat while the rice cooks, adding versatility. Black+Decker, Proctor Silex, and Bella all include a steaming basket, but Bella’s basket is dishwasher safe and doubles as a rinsing tray. Choose a basket that’s easy to remove and clean for the most convenience.
How does the automatic keep‑warm function differ among models?
All the 16‑cup cookers automatically switch to a keep‑warm mode after cooking, but some provide visual indicators. Black+Decker and Aroma use a warm‑light indicator, while Holstein and IMUSA rely on a simple timer. A clear warm signal helps you know when the rice is ready without opening the lid.
Are there any differences in cooking settings that affect rice texture?
Most units have a single “cook” setting that stops when moisture is absorbed, then switches to warm. Black+Decker offers two heat settings for more control, while Aroma includes moisture sensors for consistent texture. If you prefer fine‑tuning, look for models that mention sensor‑based adjustments.
Which cooker provides the best overall value for the price?
Value comes from a combination of capacity, non‑stick pot, steamer basket, and extra accessories. Proctor Silex and Black+Decker include measuring cups, spoons, and dishwasher‑safe parts at a competitive price. Bella and IMUSA add ceramic pots and stylish designs, which may justify a higher cost if you prioritize aesthetics.
How important is ease of cleaning when choosing a rice cooker?
Ease of cleaning is crucial because the inner pot and steamer basket can retain starch. Models with removable, dishwasher‑safe bowls—such as the Black+Decker, Bella, and Holstein—reduce cleanup time. A non‑stick coating also prevents rice from sticking, making hand‑washing quicker.
Can I use these rice cookers for grains other than rice?
Yes, most 16‑cup cookers are versatile enough for quinoa, oatmeal, barley, and even stews. IMUSA and the ceramic‑pot models specifically mention multi‑grain cooking, while Aroma highlights pre‑marked water lines for different grains. Check the product description for any grain‑specific settings if you plan to expand beyond rice.