Choosing the right rice maker can enhance your cooking experience, ensuring perfectly fluffy grains every time. From compact models ideal for small households to versatile cookers with multiple settings, the market offers options to suit various needs and preferences. This comparison explores key features such as capacity, ease of use, cooking programs, and durability to help you make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize simplicity, speed, or advanced functionality, our guide highlights top contenders designed to simplify meal prep while delivering consistent results. Discover which rice maker aligns best with your kitchen lifestyle. (98 words)
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for best overall: AROMA Digital Rice Cooker
- Best for premium build: Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5-1/2-Cup Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer
- Best for budget pick: Aroma Housewares Aroma 6-cup (cooked) 1.5 Qt. One Touch Rice Cooker
- Best for smart technology: Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer
- Best for specialty cooking: Zojirushi Micom 3-Cup Compact Size
- Best for versatile features: COSORI Rice Cooker 10 Cup
- Best for multi-function cooker: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker
- Best for large capacity: Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer
- Best for mid-range pick: COMFEE' Compact Rice Cooker
- Best for compact value: BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Rice Cooker
Product Comparison: Best Rice Makers
Best overall
AROMA Digital Rice Cooker, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Grain Cooker, Multicooker, 2 Qt, Stainless Steel Exterior, ARC-914SBD
AROMA
- 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
Premium build
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
Budget pick
Aroma Housewares Aroma 6-cup (cooked) 1.5 Qt. One Touch Rice Cooker, White (ARC-363NG), 6 cup cooked/ 3 cup uncook/ 1.5 Qt.
AROMA
- Perfectly prepares 2 to 6 cups of any variety of cooked rice
- Simple, one-touch operation with automatic Keep-Warm
- Great for soups, jambalaya, chili and so much more!
- Full-view tempered glass lid
- Easy-to-clean, nonstick removable inner pot
- Includes Rice Measuring Cup and Serving Spatula
Smart technology
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
Specialty cooking
Zojirushi Micom 3-Cup Compact Size, Multiple Settings, Stainless Steel Made, Built-In Retractable Power Cord and Easy to Transport Rice Cooker and Warmer
Zojirushi
- Compact: With its compact size and ability to cook as little as 1/2 a cup of rice or oats, this rice cooker is ideal for small families or couples
- Steel Cut Oatmeal Menu Setting: This is a special menu setting for cooking steel-cut oatmeal. The cooking flow is different than the regular Porridge setting and has a shorter completion time
- Brown or GABA Brown Menu Setting: The Brown Rice Activation (or GABA Brown Setting) activates brown rice by keeping the temperature inside the pan at about 104 degrees F for 2 hours. By activating brown rice, GABA, one of the nutrients contained in brown rice, increases its amount by 1.5 times as much as that contained in non-activated brown rice
- Long Grain White Menu Setting: This is a special menu setting for cooking long-grain white rice. The cooking flow is different than the White rice setting because long-grain white rice cooks differently than short or medium-grain white rice
- Easy to Transport and Hassle Free Storing: It can be transported easily with the help of a fold-down handle. The built-in retractable power cord makes moving and storing hassle-free
Versatile features
COSORI Rice Cooker 10 Cup, 24h Keep Warm, Non-stick Ceramic Inner Pot, 18 Functions Fuzzy Logic Rice Maker with Stainless Steel Steamer Basket, Sauté, Slow Cooker, Black
COSORI
- 𝟭𝟴 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿: Choose from different types of white and brown rice with texture options, 3 types of grains, 3 types of oats, steamed vegetables, slow cook soups, and sauté flavored rice
- 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝘂𝘇𝘇𝘆 𝗟𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰: Whether you're a cooking novice or an experienced home cook, our rice cooker uses fuzzy logic technology to automatically adjust the 7-step cooking process, ensuring that you can get fluffy and evenly results
- 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: You can enjoy warm and fresh rice anytime with the automatic 24-hour keep warm and 24-hour delay timer functions
- 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: The perfect rice is worth the wait, and our 'Quick Rice' feature allows you to cook white rice more quickly in a pinch at 1000W of power without sacrificing taste or quality
- 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻: All accessories including non-stick ceramic inner pot and removable lid are dishwasher-safe
Multi-function 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
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.
Large capacity
Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer, 8 Cups Cooked (4 Uncooked), With Steam & Rinse Basket, Stainless Steel (37518)
Hamilton Beach
- 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.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The removable PFAS-free nonstick coated pot and the steam/rinsing basket are both dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
- This appliance holds 8 cups of cooked rice or 4 cups of uncooked rice. One rice measuring cup equals 6 oz. (177 g) or approximately 3/4 cup U.S. dry measure. This is based on the traditional Japanese gō measurement
Mid-range pick
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
COMFEE'
- 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.
Compact value
BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Rice Cooker, RC506, 3-cup Uncooked Rice, Steaming Basket, Removable Non-Stick Bowl, One Touch
BLACK+DECKER
- 6-Cup Cooked Rice Capacity – Yields up to 6 cups of cooked rice using 3 included rice measuring cups (¾ cup each). Prepare as little as 1 cup or up to 6. Always use the included measuring cup for accurate portions—standard cups are not the same.
- Automatic Keep Warm - The rice stays ready for serving! The rice cooker automatically switches to the “keep warm” function after cooking is complete. Steamer Basket, Measuring Cup and Spoon Included
- Nonstick Rice Pot – Removable for easy dishwasher cleanup. See manual for rice-to-water ratios by type. Rice texture varies by type and cook time—add more water for softer rice, less for firmer. Dimensions: 10 x 9.0 x 5.5 in. ETL Listed. V: 120V. 300W.
- Steaming Basket & Accessories – Steam veggies, fish, and more with the included basket. Comes with a rice measuring cup for perfect portions and a serving spoon to protect the nonstick pot. Use only the rice cup—never a standard kitchen cup.
- Perfect Rice, Every Time – Includes a ¾ cup measuring cup for accurate dry rice portions (up to 3 max). A steam vent directs steam safely away from cabinets. See manual for tips, rice ratios, and additional features.
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 is the best budget option?
Aroma Housewares Aroma 6-cup (cooked) offers an affordable yet reliable choice.
Which rice maker has the largest capacity?
COSORI Rice Cooker 10 Cup provides the highest capacity for larger meals.
Are there compact options for small households?
Zojirushi Micom 3-Cup is designed for compact spaces and smaller portions.
Which models include a steamer basket?
AROMA Digital Rice Cooker and BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Rice Cooker include steamer baskets.
Do any rice makers have keep-warm features?
COSORI Rice Cooker and Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 both offer 24-hour keep-warm functionality.
Which has programmable settings for different rice types?
Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker includes customizable settings for various grains.
Are there multi-functional options beyond rice cooking?
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 and COMFEE' Compact Rice Cooker offer multiple cooking functions.