If you’ve ever stared into a pot of mushy rice or gritty quinoa, you know not all cookers are created equal. We’ve tested the top grain and rice cookers so you don’t have to—because whether you’re whipping up fluffy basmati, hearty farro, or perfect sushi rice, the right appliance makes all the difference. From one-touch convenience to smart features that adapt to different grains, we’re breaking down the best models that deliver consistent, delicious results every time. Let’s find your perfect kitchen match.
- Best for flash rice speed: AROMA Digital Rice Cooker
- Best for compact ceramic cooker: AROMA® Rice Cooker
- Best for multi-mode pro: AROMA Professional Digital Rice Cooker
- Best for smart scale cooker: KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker 8 Cup with Automatically Sensing Integrated Scale + Water Tank
- Best for low-carb giant: Instant Pot 20-Cup Rice Cooker
- Best for touchscreen grain pro: KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker 8 Cup with Automatically Sensing Integrated Scale + Water Tank
- Best for glass-lid simplicity: Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker (ARC-302NG)
- Best for one-touch zest: Instant Pot Zest 8 Cup One Touch Rice Cooker
- Best for thick-pot versatile: TOSHIBA Rice Cooker Small 3-Cup Uncooked– LCD Display with 8 Cooking Functions: Rice
- Best for stainless steel simplicity: Elite Gourmet ERC006SS 6-Cup Electric Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Inner Pot
Product Comparison: Best Grain And 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.
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.
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
Instant Pot 20-Cup Rice Cooker, Rice and Grain Multi-Cooker with Carb Reducing Technology without Compromising Taste or Texture, From the Makers of Instant Pot, Includes 8 Cooking Presets
- 8 Cooking Functions: Make rice, grains, quinoa, mixed grains, slow-cooked dishes, sautéed meals, steamed recipes, and keep food warm for up to 10 hours—all in one appliance
- User-Friendly Presets: 8 smart cooking programs take the guesswork out of meal preparation.
- CarbReduce Technology: Enjoy rice with up to 40% fewer carbs and sugar* while keeping the taste and texture right where they should be: perfect
- Modern, Space-Saving Design: Sleek matte finish, space-saving shape—looks good, fits anywhere, and keeps your counter clutter-free
- Easy Water Measurement: Built-in level marks inside the CarbReduce steam basket make prep simple and foolproof
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe non-stick cooking pot, stainless steel CarbReduce steam basket, and removable lid make clean up a breeze
- Power Packed Performance: 860 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
- A Little Extra: Includes a rice spoon and measuring cup to keep you ready for anything.
- Source Notes: compared to traditional cooking methods*
KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker 8 Cup with Automatically Sensing Integrated Scale + Water Tank, KGC3155, Porcelain White
- 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
Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker (ARC-302NG), White
- 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!
Instant Pot Zest 8 Cup One Touch Rice Cooker, From the Makers of Instant Pot, Steamer, Cooks Rice, Grains, Quinoa and Oatmeal, 8-cup cooked/4-cup uncooked, No Pressure Cooking Functionality
- 4 SMART PROGRAMS: make cooking your favorite rice, oatmeal, and grains to fluffy perfection super-fast and one touch easy!
- STEAM VEGGIES: Easily steam veggies, fish and more!
- DOUBLES AS A WARMER: Keep foods nice and warm during pot lucks, parties, picnics and more!
- 8 CUP CAPACITY: 4-Cup (Uncooked)/8-Cup (Cooked). Its compact capacity is perfect for preparing small individual meals, or meal prep side dishes.
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: In addition to the non-stick ceramic coated pot, the Zest Plus also comes with a dishwasher-safe steamer tray, rice measuring cup and rice spoon.
- SAFETY FEATURES: Includes over 10 safety features, plus overheat protection and safe-locking lid.
- DISCOVER AMAZING RECIPES: Includes the free Instant Brands Connect App, where you can find new recipes to create quick favorites and prepare delicious meals, available for iOS and Android.
TOSHIBA Rice Cooker Small 3-Cup Uncooked– LCD Display with 8 Cooking Functions: Rice, Oatmeal, Mixed Grains and More, NonStick Inner Pot, Grey
- Multi-Function - This mini rice cooker features 8 programable cooking functions, including White Rice, Quick Cook, Brown Rice, Mixed Grain, Slow Cook, Porridge, Cake, and Egg. Offers great versatility and convenience
- Highly Versatile –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. 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.
- Smart Rice Cooker - TOSHIBA rice cooker senses the moisture in the rice and adjusts the temperature and cooking time accordingly. Results in perfectly cooked fluffy rice every time. It also cooks other types of grains and dishes to perfection by adjusting the cooking parameters to the specific needs of the food
- Ultra-thick Inner Pot - This small rice cooker features a 3MM ultra-thick inner pot which is more wear-resistant, as well as infused with Binchotan carbon material to help concentrate heat during cooking, ensuring that the rice is more fluffy
- Easy To Use- 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, 2 Delay Timers allows you to schedule your cooking up to 24 hours in advance. Accessories included: measuring cup, spatula, and soup ladle
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
- 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.
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 versus a larger family?
For singles or couples, a 3‑ to 4‑cup uncooked capacity (6‑8 cups cooked) like the Aroma Mini (B00N9N6GOY) or the Toshiba 3‑cup model works well. Larger families benefit from 8‑cup uncooked capacity (16‑20 cups cooked) such as the KitchenAid 8‑cup Grain Cooker (B0CS6WVLJ7) or the Instant Pot 20‑Cup Rice Cooker (B0BK2CP4CB). Choose a size that matches your typical meal portions to avoid over‑cooking or wasted space.
How do digital controls and preset programs improve cooking results?
Digital controls, like the Sensor Logic Technology in Aroma’s Professional Digital Rice Cooker (B0BHFCBD73), automatically adjust temperature and moisture for fluffy grains. Preset programs simplify cooking by selecting the right time and water ratio for white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or beans, which you’ll find in KitchenAid’s 21‑preset menu and Instant Pot’s 8 smart programs. These features reduce guesswork and ensure consistent texture across different grains.
Is a built‑in steamer tray worth the extra cost?
A steamer tray lets you cook vegetables, fish, or meat above the rice, saving time and dishes; it’s included with Aroma’s 4‑cup model (B007WQ9YNO) and the KitchenAid Grain Cooker (B0CS6WVLJ7). If you frequently prepare one‑pot meals or like to steam while the rice cooks, the added convenience justifies the higher price. For simple rice‑only cooking, a basic model without a tray can be more economical.
What are the benefits of a non‑stick ceramic pot versus a stainless‑steel pot?
Ceramic‑coated pots, such as Aroma’s CoreCoat (B00N9N6GOY), are naturally non‑stick, easy to clean, and free of PFAS chemicals, making them ideal for low‑fat cooking. Stainless‑steel pots, like the Elite Gourmet model (B0BT61CVHM), are more durable and resistant to scratches, but may require a bit more effort to prevent sticking. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize easy cleanup or long‑term durability.
How does the integrated scale and water‑dispensing system in KitchenAid’s cooker add value?
The KitchenAid 8‑cup Grain Cooker (B0CS6WVLJ7) measures the exact amount of grains you add and automatically dispenses the correct water volume, eliminating the need for manual calculations. This feature improves accuracy for less common grains like farro or barley and reduces waste from over‑watering. It’s a premium convenience that can be especially helpful for health‑focused cooks who track portions.
Can I use these rice cookers for other grains and meals?
Yes, most models support a variety of grains and even slow‑cooking functions. Aroma’s Professional Digital Cooker (B0BHFCBD73) offers six modes, including a slow‑cook and steam function, while the Instant Pot 20‑Cup Rice Cooker (B0BK2CP4CB) handles quinoa, oatmeal, and mixed grains with its CarbReduce technology. Look for models that list multiple preset options if you want versatility beyond plain rice.
Which rice cooker offers the best overall value for everyday use?
For a balance of price, capacity, and features, the Aroma 4‑Cup Digital Rice Cooker (B007WQ9YNO) provides programmable presets, a steam tray, and Sensor Logic Technology at a moderate cost. If you need larger capacity and advanced grain options, the KitchenAid 8‑cup model (B0CS6WVLJ7) adds the integrated scale and 21 presets but comes at a higher price. Consider how often you’ll use the extra functions to decide which offers the best value for your kitchen.