If you're tired of overcooked rice or juggling multiple pots to steam your veggies, a reliable electric rice cooker with a steamer might just be your kitchen’s missing hero. We’ve all been there—sticky messes, uneven cooking, or gadgets that promise big but deliver little. After testing top models side by side, we’re sharing the real standouts: ones that consistently cook perfect rice *and* steam your proteins and veggies with ease.
- Best for stainless steamer: Aroma Housewares 6-Cup (Cooked yield ) / 1.2Qt. Select Stainless Pot-Style Rice Cooker
- Best for compact multi-mode: AROMA Professional Digital Rice Cooker
- Best for flash rice pro: AROMA Digital Rice Cooker
- Best for 6-in-1 compact: COMFEE' Compact Rice Cooker
- Best for 7-in-1 powerhouse: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
- Best for simple glass steamer: Zojirushi 3 Cup Rice Cooker/Steamer ( White)
- Best for ceramic versatile steamer: Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer
- Best for fuzzy logic mini: Toshiba Mini Rice Cooker
- Best for mini multi-function: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker
- Best for glass lid steamer: Oster 6-Cup Rice Cooker with Steamer Tray
Product Comparison: Best Electric Rice Cooker With Steamer
Aroma Housewares 6-Cup (Cooked yield ) / 1.2Qt. Select Stainless Pot-Style Rice Cooker, & Food Steamer, One-Touch Operation, White
- 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!
AROMA Professional Digital Rice Cooker, Multicooker, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Slow Cooker, Grain Cooker, 2Qt, Stainless Steel Exterior, ARC-994SG
- SMALL & SMART: This 8-cup rice cooker is the perfect size for individuals, couples, and small families. Get all the digital features you love with a compact, space-saving pot.
- 6 MODES: Fluffy white and brown rice is just the beginning. This electric rice cooker turns into a 2-quart slow cooker and healthy food steamer with the touch of a button.
- PRO SENSORS: Sensor Logic Technology tracks moisture and adjusts heat while it cooks. Sauté-then-Simmer brings out the best flavor with low heat when you close the lid.
- STEAM TRAY: Place the BPA-free steam basket inside your pot for two-in-one cooking. The ‘steam’ mode works on its own, and you can steam food while grains cook below.
- FOOL-PROOF: Every detail is designed to simplify meal prep. From the non-stick pot and pre-marked water lines to a 15-hour delay timer and countdown, you can’t go wrong.
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
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
- 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.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart
- 7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 13 one-touch options, from hearty soups to decadent cakes
- Safe & Easy Steam Release: The Easy-Release steam switch ensures fast, safe, and simple steam release every time
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods
- Pro-Grade Cooking Pot: Crafted from stainless steel (18/8) with a tri-ply bottom—perfect for searing and sautéing like a pro
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 6-quart capacity is perfect for up to 6 servings—ideal for families, meal prep, and batch cooking
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make clean-up a breeze
- Power-Packed Performance: 1000 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection, an easy seal safety lid lock, and more to keep cooking worry-free
- A Little Extra: Includes a stainless steel steamer rack to keep you ready for anything
Zojirushi 3 Cup Rice Cooker/Steamer ( White)
- Easy-to-use single switch control
- See-through glass lid with stay cool knob
- Stay cool handles for easy transport
- Durable nonstick inner cooking pan
- Every Zojirushi rice cooker comes with a plastic measuring cup. This cup has a capacity of 6-ounces, or about 3/4 of a U.S. measuring cup. The capacity of the rice cooker is counted in these 6-ounce cups of uncooked short grain white rice. One 6-ounce cup of raw rice makes about 2 to 3, 6-ounce cups of cooked rice
Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer, 8 Cups Cooked (4 Uncooked), With Steam & Rinse Basket, Stainless Steel (37518)
- ENJOY MAXIMUM COOKING VERSATILITY FROM BREAKFAST TO DINNER. Prepare a practically endless variety of dishes with this one multi-function cooker. Make rice, whole grains and hot cereal, or steam seafood, eggs, vegetables and more
- PREPARE MEALS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: The removable pot of the Hamilton Beach rice cooker steamer has a PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating and is large enough to feed your whole family — it fits up to 8 cups of cooked rice.*
- ONE-TOUCH COOKING WITH PREPROGRAMMED OPTIONS: Simply press the right button to perfectly cook white rice, whole grains or hot cereal. A countdown timer shows you how much time is left. The rice cooker automatically switches to warm when cooking is complete
- VERSATILE 2-IN-1 STEAM/RINSING BASKET: The versatile steam basket on the electric rice cooker doubles as a colander. It's great for rinsing rice or grains before cooking, or use it to steam everything from salmon to brussels sprouts as your rice cooks
- PERFECT FOR ONE-POT MEALS. Steam seafood or vegetables while rice cooks below for fast, easy one-pot meals. Great for making homemade fried rice, shrimp with rice and more.
Toshiba Mini Rice Cooker, 3 Cups Uncooked Small Rice Cooker, Steamer & Warmer, With Fuzzy Logic And One-Touch Cooking, 24 Hour Delay Timer And Auto Keep Warm Feature, White
- Multi-Function - This mini rice cooker cooks a variety of dishes, not just rice. Features 8 cooking functions, including White Rice, Quick Cook, Brown Rice, Mixed Grain, Slow Cook, Porridge, Cake, and Egg. This sticky rice cooker also makes soups, stews, oatmeal, cakes, and more. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned chef, this Toshiba rice cooker 6 cup Cooked offers great versatility and convenience
- Highly Versatile – This small rice cooker can make a variety of rice types, including brown rice, jasmine rice, sushi rice, white rice, basmati rice, and wild rice, as well as grains like oatmeal, quinoa, mixed grain, and more. This 3 cup rice cooker is perfect for families or individuals who want to cook multiple servings of rice, while still being compact enough to fit comfortably on your kitchen counter
- Fuzzy Logic Rice Cooker - Allows this Japanese rice cooker to sense the moisture content of the rice and adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly. Results in perfectly cooked fluffy rice every time, without the need for manual adjustments or guesswork. It also helps the rice maker cooker cook other types of grains and dishes to perfection by adjusting the cooking parameters to the specific needs of the food
- Easy To Use- This electric rice cooker 3 cup is designed with intuitive control panel features a large LED display for quick and effortless programming. Keep Warm/Reheat function keeps your rice warm and delicious for hours, the Delay Timer allows you to schedule your cooking up to 24 hours in advance. Accessories included: measuring cup, spatula, and soup ladle.
- Easy To Clean-Inner pot with non-stick coating and not recommended dishwasher safe and should be washed with mild soap and soft cloth. The steam valve located on the top of the lid can be easily removed for cleaning. Steam vent cap is also removable for easy cleaning
- Safe Hassle-Free Cooking – Detachable power cord prevents accidents caused by entanglement. Lid locks firmly in place during cooking to prevent spills. Thermal fuse prevents overheating. Steam vent cap prevents hot steam from escaping during cooking. Automatic shut-off turns off heating element when cooking is done. Compared to other high-end rice cookers, this Toshiba model is a great option for those on a budget who still want a quality sushi rice cooker
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart
- 7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance.
- Compact Yet Capable: A 3-quart capacity makes it perfect for small households or side dishes, and with 11 one-touch smart programs, it can tackle everything from hearty soups to decadent cakes.
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- Pro-Grade Cooking Pot: Crafted from stainless steel (18/8) with a tri-ply bottom—perfect for searing and sautéing like a pro.
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make washing up effortless.
- Power-Packed Performance: 700 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed.
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection, an easy seal safety lid lock, and more.
- A Little Extra: Includes a stainless steel steamer rack to keep you ready for anything.
Oster 6-Cup Rice Cooker with Steamer Tray, Electric Rice Maker, Automatic Keep Warm, Nonstick Inner Pot, Black
- Generous 6-cup Capacity: Holds 6 cups of cooked rice and grains (3 cups uncooked) perfect for family meals and meal prep.
- Water and Rice Measurement Markings: The removable inner pot has pre-set marking for ease of use and restaurant-quality results.
- Included Accessories: Measuring cup and spoon.
- Easy Care: The removable, nonstick inner pot is dishwasher safe.
- Glass Lid with Steam Release Vent: Tempered glass lid lets you monitor food while it cooks.
- Simple to Use: One-touch operation with automatic keep-warm and shutoff features, and indicator light for cooking, done, and keep warm.
- Cool-Touch Handles: Deliver an added level of safety.
- Durable and Nonstick: The inner pot features a scratch resistant nonstick coating that won't flake or peel, and is PFAS, lead, and cadmium free.
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Buying Guide
FAQs
How do I choose the right capacity for my household?
Consider the number of people you usually cook for and the typical serving size. A 6‑cup (cooked) model like the Aroma Housewares or Oster is ideal for families of 3‑5, while a 4‑cup (uncooked) unit such as the Aroma Professional or Zojirushi works well for couples or single cooks. If you often prepare large batches or meal‑prep, look for 8‑cup cooked capacity models like the Hamilton Beach.
Is stainless steel or non‑stick interior more important?
Stainless steel pots, found in the Aroma Housewares and COMFEE' models, offer durability, easy cleaning, and no risk of coating wear, making them great for high‑heat cooking and steaming. Non‑stick interiors, common in many budget rice cookers, provide effortless food release but may require gentler utensils and eventual replacement. Choose stainless steel if you value longevity and versatility; opt for non‑stick if you prioritize quick cleanup and lower cost.
What are the benefits of a built‑in steam tray?
A steam tray lets you cook vegetables, fish, or meat while the rice cooks below, delivering a one‑pot meal and preserving nutrients. Most models, including the Aroma 6‑cup, Aroma Professional, and Hamilton Beach, include a stainless steel or BPA‑free tray. Look for a tray that fits securely and is dishwasher‑safe for added convenience.
How do digital controls compare to simple one‑touch switches?
Digital rice cookers, such as the Aroma Professional and Instant Pot Duo, provide preset programs, delay timers, and precise temperature sensors, which improve consistency across different grains. One‑touch models like the Zojirushi 3‑cup or basic Aroma offer straightforward operation with fewer features, often at a lower price point. If you want flexibility for slow‑cooking, steaming, and custom timing, a digital unit is worth the extra investment.
Which model offers the best overall value for a small kitchen?
The Instant Pot Duo Mini balances functionality and footprint, delivering 7 cooking modes, a compact 3‑quart size, and dishwasher‑safe parts at a moderate price. For pure rice‑and‑steam needs, the Toshiba Mini Rice Cooker provides eight functions and a sleek design for under $50. Both give strong feature sets without taking up much counter space.
Do I need a separate delay timer, or is it built into most cookers?
Many mid‑range models, like the Aroma Professional, COMFEE', and Instant Pot Duo, include built‑in delay timers that let you schedule cooking up to 15‑24 hours in advance. Basic units such as the Zojirushi 3‑cup lack this feature, requiring you to start cooking manually each time. If you like to prep meals ahead of time, choose a cooker with an integrated timer.
How important is the keep‑warm function for daily use?
A reliable keep‑warm mode maintains rice at a safe temperature for several hours without drying out, which is essential for busy households. Most models, including the Aroma 6‑cup, Hamilton Beach, and Instant Pot, automatically switch to warm after cooking. Look for a keep‑warm that can be set for at least 12 hours if you need flexibility for irregular meal times.
What should I consider regarding cleaning and maintenance?
Dishwasher‑safe inner pots and removable steam vents simplify cleanup; the COMFEE' and Oster models highlight these features. Stainless steel exteriors wipe clean with a damp cloth, while non‑stick surfaces need gentle sponges to avoid scratches. Ensure the steam valve and any accessories are easy to detach for thorough rinsing.