Have you become fed up with the trivial long way of cooking rice? Well, now you can simply get a nutritious and modern way of cooking rice which is by simply buying a rice cooker. You need to spend some time while cooking rice and the recipe may not always be followed exactly. Cooking rice is truly an art and it takes time and practice to be able to cook rice the exact tasty way. Now, there is a solution for you that will complete the job perfectly and efficiently.
Get the best rice cooker that tends to solve all your problems and helps you to fulfill all your cooking requirements including efficiency, safety, nutritional value, simplicity and high-quality material. Mentioned below are the top models and a review on all of them followed by the buying factors that you should consider before purchasing. I actually document what are the basic features of each model and the benefits of each one. You can then easily decide what model will be the best one to cook rice at home with. So, let’s get started.
Top Rated Rice Cooker Table Comparison 2018
| Product name | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Aroma Housewares 20 Cup Cooked (10 cup uncooked) | |
 | BLACK+DECKER RC506 6-Cup Cooked/3-Cup Uncooked | |
 | Panasonic SR-DE103 Fuzzy Logic 8 Pre-Programs | |
 | Tiger JNP-S18U-HU 10-Cup (Uncooked) | |
 | VitaClay VM7900-8 Smart Organic Multi-Cooker | |
 | Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH Induction Heating System | |
 | Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker |
Best Rice Cooker Reviews of 2018
Below mentioned are the best rated products along with a detailed review on each one of them.
1. Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup Micom Rice Cooker
The technology being implemented in NS-TSC10 is the Fuzzy Logic technology. This one comes with a versatile cookware along with digital controls and an LCD. It can be programmed as per your requirements, and has the following menu settings like quick and sweet cooking, steam, porridge, brown, steam, mixed or white sushi and cake, etc. that no another computerized rice cooker in the entire industry would offer. The exterior is made up of stainless steel which is easy to clean. 2 delay time settings are also incorporated in this model which is possessed by very few models.
The Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Micom tends to be a compact with a space of about 1 liter and can cook about 5.5 cups of uncooked rice which is a pretty good quantity of rice. This means I can serve almost 12 people at once. This appliance has now become an essential part of my kitchen since I have a large family and need to cook as soon as possible.
2. Aroma Housewares 20 Cup Cooked Digital Rice Cooker
If you have a large family and desperately require one that can cook more than 15 or even 20 cups of rice, then this model tends to be the best for you. Aroma is the best brand of a rice cooker in the United States and the ARC-150SB just seems to be the best considering the quantity of rice it can cook at a time. It can even keep the cooked rice warm for many hours.
Aroma has come up with a quality product for families that are big and eat up to 20 cups of rice at a time. The keep warm mode is also appreciable since it turns off automatically when the rice are finished cooking. It is a versatile cooker since it can cook all types of rice while having specialized functions for brown and white rice. Hence, it is a very good choice for anybody. The steam function is programmable by using a digital food steamer that can be set at 5 to 30 minutes intervals. The steamer will shut down automatically afterward which tends to be convenient for the users. The inner cooking pot is non-stick which makes it easy to detach, clean and maintain.
3. Tiger JNP-S18U-HU 10-Cup Rice
This model by Tiger Corporation is another very popular choice for japaneese rice cooking and more. It has a capacity of 10 cups of rice and can keep the rice warm for up to 12 hours too. Tiger has been known to be among the best brands all over the world. This is the reason why people trust its products and buy them. They know the right formula is incorporating the water ratio, timers and warming temperature accordingly. Their patent technology is why you end up with awesome tasting rice every time! The product is reliable and you can count on well-cooked rice.
Automatic keep warm mode tends to be convenient since you can keep 10 cups of rice warm for up to 12 hours. The inner pan is non-stick so this makes it easy to remove rice and clean. Serving and cleaning is convenient with Tiger JNP-S18U-HU and hence saves a lot of time. It also includes the measuring cup and spatula.
4. BLACK+DECKER RC506 6-Cup Rice Cooker and Food Steamer
With a small family, this product tends to be a good choice. You can easily prepare 1 to 6 cups of rice, and they are kept warm automatically so that the rice is always ready for serving. The best thing about this product is that when the rice are cooked, it automatically shifts to keep warm mode. Moreover, the Black & Decker 6 cup rice cooker is very easy to clean and maintain as the nonstick rice pot is easily removable and can be dish washed. You can also make healthy meals along with fish, vegetables and more because of the food steaming basket in it.
The big plus of using this one is the cooking time which is incredibly fast to cook at just 20 to 30 minutes. Even after this short required time, the fluffy and delicious rice seem to be perfect from every grain.
You can also use it as a steamer by the help of steaming basket by which you can prepare healthy meals for fish, vegetables and more. We have also found to be relatively easy to clean because of the nonstick bowl and the tempered glass lid.
5. VitaClay VM7900-8 Smart Organic Multi-Cooker/Rice Cooker
The VitaClay comes with an interesting concept of the clay pot and brings some really interesting advantages with it too. Clay cooking is always healthier, and it also tastes better as you might have listened from your old family members. This is because the clay is a porous material which lets the heat and moisture to pass and circulate easily and uniformly rather than uneven heating of stainless steel cookware. If taken good care of the clay pot and if all the instructions are followed, then the fear of fragile clay pot to break can also be prevented. Other than that, it has amazing features and has versatile cooking options which make it a good choice.
Introducing the clay pot is an intriguing and interesting innovation however the fragile cookware will concern the users and will forbid them from buying this product. However, if taken good care, then the potential benefits of clay pot can be enjoyed along with the wonderful taste. It gives evenly cooked rice as if each and every grain is specially cooked. It is worth giving a try, and you will surely feel good about your VitaClay purchase.
6. Panasonic SR-DE103 Fuzzy Logic 8 Pre-Program Rice Cooker
The Panasonic SR-DE103 enjoys a lot of positive reviews and intrigues other to go for it. Each grain of rice comes out perfect, and even the taste is exemplary rather a non- fuzzy- a logic rice cooker. Keeping in view the advantages of this one, it is worth giving a try. The cooking time and heating power are adjusted automatically thanks to the fuzzy logic technology which gives great convenience for the user and provides precise results just as required. There is a total of 8 cooking options planned already from which you can easily select the desired cooking option.
The keep warm mode of this rice cooker is also very efficient. When the cooking is complete, the rice cooker shifts to the keep warm mode automatically and maintains the rice at an optimum temperature. The lid can be released by simply pushing a button which makes this product even more convenient to use. It also features a detachable power cord.
This model by Panasonic happens to be very comparable to the other models of Zojirushi and Aromas while being relatively cheap. The taste of rice was exceptional and certainly had no match with any other rice cooker. There has been a problem with many rice cookers, random hard grains and dark brown crust were stuck at the bottom of the pan. However, this doesn’t happen with Panasonic SR-DE103 fuzzy logic. It is also easy to use and overall, this product tends to be a very good product.
7. Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH Induction Heating System Rice Cooker and Warmer
The Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH is an induction heating system and warmer which makes use of the high-tech induction heating technology for the heating inner cooking pan. Because of this special method of heating, this product can allow you to adjust the temperature to exact amount and come up with exceptional quality of cooked rice.
High heat is provided to the uncooked rice efficiently, and flawless rice can be achieved every time. You are provided with multi-menu cooking functions that include white rice, brown rice, white jasmine rice, sweet rice, mixed rice, porridge, and sushi rice. It also features quick cooking thus saving you a lot of time.
The exterior of Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH is made up of stainless steel and is coated clearly which is suitable for any kitchen décor and is easily cleanable too. Thus, it is convenient to use for all the users.
It also features an automatic keep warm mode that keeps the rice at an optimum temperature. The inner lid is also made up of steel and is easily detachable and washable. Hence, the product comes out to be a lot more convenient as compared to the other models.
The LCD control panel is easy to read and also has a timer and clock with it. Upon buying this rice cooker, the customer receives a one- year warranty on parts and labor too. Overall, this model of Zojirushi allows you to save a lot of time and ease of using. So, this one is highly recommended.
How does it work?
A rice cooker is different from any other regular appliance of your kitchen. It doesn’t have just to cook the rice but also maintain the shape and proper taste that of the recipe, and this certainly can’t be done with any cooking pot. The basic components are mentioned below:
- There is an inner pot which can be detached when not in use. The high-quality ones have non- sticky inner pots so that the rice doesn’t stick at the bottom. It is made up of a strong and reliable material like stainless steel so that it supports quick heating by transferring heat energy fast.
- The inner pot is placed inside the external casing which is the main heat provider. External pot needs to retain the heat and comes into the function when the rice has to be kept warm for some months.
- Thirdly, there is a power cord which provides electric energy to the rice cooker for performing its said operation.
All you have to do is just pour the rice into the cooker and put other ingredients in the pot. Plug the cable in and turn on the electricity. Within a matter of minutes, your rice will be ready. The machine is amazing. No need to check time again and again neither you have to stir it.
Buying Factors
There are different types of rice cookers depending upon the features, types, size and heating technology implemented. The common types are explained below:
1. Simple
As the name implies, these are the traditional rice cookers that have all basic components present in one place. They have a simple finish and design. They are said automatic just because of the automatic shutdown option when the rice has finished cooking. These may be a lot cheaper, but they are more sophisticated too. The downsides of this type are the outdated heating technology being used which will be unable to give proper feel and texture. Moreover, the inner pots are sticky, and no light indicators are used in these rice cookers.
2. Keep-warm
If you can afford then buy a cooker + warmer which would prove to be more convenient for you. The warming feature will allow you to keep your rice at the desired temperature even if you have turned off the cooker. There will not be any effect on the taste of texture of the rice. There are many rice cookers + warmers which have the steamers and non- sticky pans.
3. Digitally controlled
The hi- tech rice cookers come with digital controls. These types can be extremely expensive and sophisticated. The major benefit of these is the ability to keep rice warm for up to 12 hours.
4. Fuzzy logic technology
There are rice cookers that feature fuzzy logic technology which makes them highly expensive and modern yet also increases the comfort and convenience of the user. You can prepare soup, choose your required texture, brown rice or just sushi rice. Fuzzy logic technology can cook any rice recipe.
5. Induction Heating
These are the most modern and are thus really expensive too with the price range starting from $180. However, the comfort and precision that they offer are worth the asking price. Even a layperson can smartly operate the induction heating cookers because of their user-friendly appliance.
Different types of heating units
Below mentioned are the different types of rice heating units which can account for the differences between different models. You can simply study the models and can choose the best one for you.
1. Conventional Models
All the basic components of a rice cooker are incorporated in the conventional models of rice cookers that include cooking pot, heating plate, and an external pot. Cooking and heating rice in these models tend to be simple and as soon as the task is finished these models switch off automatically. All you need to do is add water and rice as per the measurements and then turn on the start button. For families, the conventional rice cooker models are the best suitable as they would only require cooking white or brown rice. However, some conventional models also have the sushi option available.
2. Micom
The Micom are slightly advanced than the conventional models which contain a computerized micro- chip. These are the smart rice cookers which can adjust the cooking time and temperature automatically with the help of thermal sensors. However, they can be expensive as compared to the conventional rice cookers, yet they will save you a lot of time and can make all types of rice. You can even try new recipes; hence it is worth the asking price.
3. Micom with Pressurized Induction Heating
The name of these models may sound complicated. However, it also shows the combo of best heating technologies. It is just as a one stop solution for your cooking and heating rice requirements. By the help of pressurized heating, these models can elevate the cooking temperature and thus the structure of ingredients will be modified i.e. grains and starch in the rice will have a modified structured to get a detailed cooking result. Thus, you will get a digestible, fluffier and softer rice as a result. This model can retain the warmth of rice for almost 24 hours which is a great advantage of this model as a warmer.
Buying factors to consider
Now, how will you determine the best one for you to buy? There are certain steps to be followed which are mentioned below. Follow them and then choose the one that meets all your requirements.
Purpose and use of
Don’t consider the rice cooker as a general-purpose utensil because this is going to be a one- time investment and you would require it to last for a year or two. So, think about this thoroughly before buying any rice cooker.
What type of rice do you eat?
These are the questions that will determine what type of rice cooker you need.
- Whether you eat plain rice, mixed rice, brown or white ones or shift as per the occasion?
- How frequent will you cook rice? Will you cook them once in a week or once in a day etc.?
- Do you want to add further ingredients in rice like meat, grains or veggies,?
- Do you want an expert multi- tasking cooker for preparing stews, chili, and soup too or do you just need a simple cooker?
Answer all these questions, and you will know that what type of you need.
Size
There are different sizes that can be found with each one made for different amounts of rice cups which can be cooked at a time. So, do see some rice cups that your family eats at a time and also consider how frequent will you be going to cook the rice. This will ensure the right size you need to purchase.
There are models that cook from 1 cup to 10 cups of rice, if you want to choose a rice cooker for personal usage. However, if you need to buy a rice cooker for commercial purpose, then you can have such models that can cook up to 46 cups of rice at a time. If somehow you are unable to determine the right amount of rice cups amount that your family eats then take an average and buy a rice cooker that can cook more number of cups than the average, in case you are left with spare rice you can use them in subsequent meals.
Required features
There are different features in a rice cooker, and you have to decide on the right utensil at first hand if you haven’t planned already. For example, if you will need to cook all kinds of rice and will sometimes try new recipes then you will need one that cooks different types of rice not just brown and white rice. Then, you will see the amount of time required to cook at a time in each of the model. When your requirements can be settled with a simple rice cooker, then no need to waste money and go for a modern one. However, if you need some extra features, then it is better to expand your budget first and wait until you can buy the right rice cooker model which can satisfy your requirements.
Convenience
Different models have different cleaning and maintenance requirements too. So, you have to consider whether you will be convenient with the chosen rice cooker model or not. If you want simplicity, then go for the one that requires minimal cleaning and maintenance. There are many models that feature non- sticky material and hence are easier to clean and maintain but require more budget. However, if you have a limited budget, then go for the one that fits your budget and takes good care of it as it is going to be a one- time investment.
All of them come with a manual. So, do read it thoroughly before using any rice cooker. Know about all the menu settings that you will be using and learn how to operate the rice cooker.
Summary of Rice Cooker Reviews
This is a complete buying guide for you related to the best rice cookers. If you can find any suitable model from the top 7 rice cookers, go for it. Otherwise, go through the buying guide and determine the type after specifying all your requirements. Then compare the available models and choose the one that suits your requirements and falls within your budget. You will surely be able to find one to fit your needs.