When it comes to preparing perfectly fluffy medium-grain rice, an Instant Pot can simplify the process and deliver consistent results. This guide compares top-performing models and methods for cooking medium-grain rice in an Instant Pot, evaluating factors like texture, ease of use, and versatility. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, the insights here will help you achieve restaurant-quality rice with minimal effort. Explore tested approaches to find the best fit for your preferences and kitchen needs.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for best overall: Instant Pot 20-Cup Rice Cooker
- Best for best budget: Instant Pot Zest 8 Cup One Touch Rice Cooker
- Best for premium features: Instant Pot Pro (8 QT) 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker
- Best for pro performance: Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker
- Best for best value: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
- Best for mini option: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker
- Best for classic choice: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
- Best for family-sized capacity: Instantt Pot 12-Cup Rice & Grain Cooker With 8 Smart Programs
- Best for large capacity: Instant Pot Zest 20 Cup Rice Cooker
- Best for compact size: Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker
Product Comparison: Best Instant Pot Medium Grain Rice
Best overall
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
Instant
- 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.
Best budget
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
Instant Pot
- 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.
Premium features
Instant Pot Pro (8 QT) 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice/Grain Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Sous Vide, Yogurt Maker, Sterilizer, and Warmer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Black
Instant Pot
- 10 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté, sterilize, cook yogurt and rice, bake, steam, or simply keep warm, all in one easy appliance.
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 28 one-touch options covering all essential meals.
- Good Food Done Faster: Preheat 20% faster and cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- Convenient & Easy Steam Release: Gentle steam release switch and diffusing cover allow you to confidently and quietly release steam every time.
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 8-quart capacity is perfect for up to 8 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: 1400 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
- Proven Peace of Mind: Includes safety features and mechanisms like easy grip inner pot handles, overheat protection, an auto-sealing safety lid lock, and more.
Pro performance
Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice/Grain Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Sous Vide, Yogurt Maker, Sterilizer, and Warmer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Black, 6 Quart
Instant Pot
- 10 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté, sterilize, cook yogurt and rice, bake, steam, or simply keep warm, all in one easy appliance
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 28 one-touch options covering all essential meals
- Good Food Done Faster: Preheat 20% faster and cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods
- Easy & Convenient Steam Release: Gentle steam release switch and diffusing cover allow you to confidently and quietly release steam every time
- 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: 1200 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features safety features and mechanisms like easy grip inner pot handles, overheat protection, and an auto-sealing safety lid lock
Best value
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
Instant Pot
- 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
Mini option
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
Instant Pot
- 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.
Classic choice
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 8 Quart
Instant Pot
- 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 8-quart capacity is perfect for up to 8 servings—ideal for larger families, gatherings, 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: 1200 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed.
Family-sized capacity
Instantt Pot 12-Cup Rice & Grain Cooker With 8 Smart Programs, Delay Start, Keep Warm, Nonstick Pot, Stainless Steel, Dishwasher Safe, Easy One-Touch Cooking
Generic
- Perfect Rice & Grains Every Time With 8 Smart Programs, cook white rice, brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, and more—each to the ideal texture and consistency, all with one touch. No guesswork, just great results.
- Set It & Forget It Convenience The Delay Start and Keep Warm functions give you full control over your mealtime. Prep ahead, cook later, and enjoy warm, fresh food whenever you're ready.
- Easy To Clean & Dishwasher Safe Featuring a nonstick inner pot and removable parts, cleanup is hassle-free. Everything is dishwasher-safe, saving you time after every delicious meal.
- Family-Sized Capacity Cook up to 12 cups of rice (6 cups uncooked)—perfect for families, weekly meal preppers, or hosting guests without constantly refilling or watching the pot.
- Sleek & Modern Stainless Steel Design Compact and stylish with a brushed stainless steel finish, this rice cooker enhances your countertop while delivering powerful performance in a small footprint.
- One-Touch Simplicity For Busy Lives From beginners to pros, anyone can cook with ease using the intuitive control panel. Enjoy nutritious meals without the fuss or extra appliances.
- Safe & Worry-Free Cooking Built-in safety features and smart programming ensure consistent results without overheating or overcooking. Peace of mind included.
- Ideal For Healthy Meal Planning Easily cook nutrient-rich grains, oatmeal, or gluten-free rice options, supporting a healthy lifestyle with less time in the kitchen and more time to enjoy
Large capacity
Instant Pot Zest 20 Cup Rice Cooker, Steamer, Cooks Rice, Grains, Quinoa and Oatmeal, No Pressure Cooking Functionality
Instant Pot
- Accessories included: Non-stick ceramic coated 20-quart pot plus dishwasher-safe steamer tray, rice measuring cup and rice spoon. Lightweight and easy to store
- The Zest does not have pressure cooking functionality. 5 Smart Programs for one-touch cooking of white rice, brown rice, mixed grains, quinoa and oatmeal.
- Bright, bold display and status indicators let you know exactly where your food is in the cooking process. Built-in protection against overheating
- Doubles as a warmer for foods of all types
- Accessories included: Non-stick ceramic coated 20-quart pot plus dishwasher-safe steamer tray, rice measuring cup and rice spoon. Lightweight and easy to store
- 120 Volt 60 Hertz power supply - Please check your voltage if not in North America
- Extra thick inner pot with non-stick ceramic coating for better, more even cooking
- Stainless steel 18/8 lid interior
Compact size
Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow cook, Sauté, Steam, Rice Maker, Yogurt, & Warmer, Sea Salt, 4 Quarts
Instant Pot
- 7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, cook rice, make yogurt, or keep your meals warm, all in one compact device.
- Mini and Mighty: Easy to store, offering the same cooking surface as an 8-inch pan
- Fun Sized Capacity: The 4-quart capacity is perfect for up to 4 servings, ideal for students, singles, and small families
- Cooking Status at a Glance: Progress indicator lets you monitor your cooking status with ease
- Intentionally Convenient: Anti-spin design ensures the pot stays steady for effortless stirring and sautéing
- Colorful Design: The Rosewater finish adds a lovely modern touch to your kitchen
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. Dishwasher-safe lid and cooking stainless steel pot make cleaning a breeze
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
Which Instant Pot is best for medium grain rice?
The Instant Pot Zest 8 Cup One Touch Rice Cooker (B07TZL8Y3C) specializes in rice cooking with dedicated settings.
What is the most affordable Instant Pot for rice?
The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini (B06Y1YD5W7) is a budget-friendly option for cooking medium grain rice.
Which model has the largest rice-specific capacity?
The Instant Pot 20-Cup Rice Cooker (B0BK2CP4CB) offers the highest capacity for large batches of rice.
Do all models have a dedicated rice cooking program?
Most models include rice programs, but the Zest series (B07TZL8Y3C, B07V34TP9N) and 12-Cup Rice Cooker (B0FLML25FH) focus exclusively on grains.
Are there models with carb-reduction features for rice?
The Instant Pot 20-Cup Rice Cooker (B0BK2CP4CB) includes a Carb Reduction setting for healthier rice options.
Which Instant Pot is most versatile for rice and other dishes?
The Instant Pot Pro (8 QT) (B08PPZWNCV) is a multi-functional 10-in-1 cooker ideal for rice and other recipes.
Do any models offer delay start for rice cooking?
The 12-Cup Rice & Grain Cooker (B0FLML25FH) includes a delay start feature for flexible meal planning.