Dual-purpose rice cookers that double as food steamers for convenient cooking.
Rice cookers have become a staple in kitchens around the world, offering a convenient and reliable way to prepare fluffy, perfectly cooked rice. But their capabilities go beyond just rice; many modern rice cookers are versatile multi-cookers that can steam vegetables, prepare soups, and even bake cakes. This makes them a valuable investment for busy individuals and families looking to streamline their cooking routine.
However, with so many different models available on the market, choosing the right rice cooker can feel overwhelming. Factors such as capacity, features, and price all come into play. Luckily, this guide breaks down the top 15 rice cookers and food steamers currently available. We’ve considered user reviews, expert opinions, and the latest technology to bring you a comprehensive list of options that cater to various cooking needs and budgets.
This list includes both dedicated rice cookers and multi-cookers with steaming capabilities. We’ve highlighted features like programmable timers, automatic keep-warm functions, and even the ability to cook different types of grains and other dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this guide will help you find the perfect rice cooker and steamer to elevate your kitchen experience.
From budget-friendly options to high-end models with advanced features, this article aims to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. We’ve also included helpful tips and advice on how to use your rice cooker effectively and explore its full potential. So, let’s dive in and discover the best rice cookers and food steamers to add a touch of convenience and culinary versatility to your kitchen.
Zojirushi NP-NLC10XH Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker & Warmer
Find more on The 22 Best Rice Cookers on Amazon: Detailed Guide
This advanced rice cooker uses fuzzy logic to perfectly cook different types of rice. It also features a keep-warm function to ensure your rice stays fresh and delicious.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 10 cups (uncooked)
- Features: Fuzzy logic technology, keep-warm function, timer
- Price: $250-$300
Reasons to buy :
- Cooks perfect rice every time
- Features a variety of cooking settings
- Includes a keep-warm function
- Has a timer that allows you to set it and forget it
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be expensive
- Not as versatile as some other models
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You're looking for the best possible rice cooker and you're willing to pay for it. The Zojirushi is a high-quality appliance that will last for years.
Don't buy it if:
You're on a budget or you don't need a rice cooker with a wide range of cooking settings.
Bottom Line:
The Zojirushi NP-NLC10XH is a top-of-the-line rice cooker that will produce consistently perfect results. It's expensive, but the quality is undeniable and the rice will be worth it. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, the Zojirushi is a great option if you want the best rice cooker money can buy.
Read more about this on 22 Best Rice Cookers and Steamers Combo
Instant Pot Duo Nova 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
This versatile appliance can cook rice, beans, soups, stews, and much more. It's also a great option for steaming vegetables.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 5.7 quarts
- Features: Pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, sauteing, yogurt making, rice cooking
- Price: $100-$150
Reasons to buy :
- Versatile and can be used for a variety of dishes
- Easy to use and clean
- Relatively affordable
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be overwhelming for some users due to its many features
- May not be the best option for just cooking rice
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You're looking for a multi-functional appliance that can do it all. The Instant Pot is a great option for busy people who want to cook quick and healthy meals.
Don't buy it if:
You're only looking for a rice cooker. There are more specialized and less expensive options available.
Bottom Line:
The Instant Pot Duo Nova is a great all-in-one appliance for those looking to cook a variety of dishes. If you're looking for something to cook a lot of different types of food and streamline your cooking process, this is a good choice. If you're primarily looking for a rice cooker, there are better options out there, but if you're willing to learn its many features it's a great appliance.
Cuisinart CRC-200 2-Cup Rice Cooker
This compact rice cooker is perfect for small families or individuals. It's also a great option for those who only need to cook small amounts of rice at a time.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 2 cups
- Features: Simple design, easy to clean
- Price: $30-$50
Reasons to buy :
- Small and compact
- Affordable price point
- Simple to use
Reasons to avoid :
- Small capacity
- No additional features beyond basic rice cooking
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You're looking for a basic rice cooker for a single person or a small family.
Don't buy it if:
You need to cook large amounts of rice or you're looking for a rice cooker with additional features.
Bottom Line:
The Cuisinart CRC-200 is a great option for those who only need a small rice cooker. It is a budget-friendly option that is easy to use, perfect for people who just want to cook a small amount of rice for one or two people. If you want a small, simple, and affordable option this is a great choice.
Tiger JAX-S10U-K 10-Cup Rice Cooker
This high-quality rice cooker features a variety of cooking settings, including white rice, brown rice, and mixed rice. It also features a keep-warm function and a timer.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 10 cups (uncooked)
- Features: Variety of cooking settings, keep-warm function, timer
- Price: $150-$200
Reasons to buy :
- Cooks a variety of rice types
- Includes a keep-warm function
- Sleek and stylish design
Reasons to avoid :
- More expensive than some other models
- May not be necessary if you only cook white rice
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You're looking for a rice cooker that can cook a variety of rice types. The Tiger JAX-S10U-K is a great option for those who enjoy experimenting with different kinds of rice.
Don't buy it if:
You only cook white rice and you're on a budget.
Bottom Line:
The Tiger JAX-S10U-K is a high-quality rice cooker that will cook perfect rice every time. It's a great option for those who want a variety of cooking settings. It is an excellent choice for people who are looking for a rice cooker that will last for a long time and are willing to spend a little more for a great quality machine.
Aroma Housewares ARC-914SB 6-Cup Digital Rice Cooker & Food Steamer
This versatile rice cooker can also steam vegetables, fish, and more. It features a digital display and a keep-warm function.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 6 cups
- Features: Steaming function, digital display, keep-warm function
- Price: $40-$60
Reasons to buy :
- Versatile and can be used for a variety of dishes
- Affordable price
- Easy to use
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be noisy
- Not as sophisticated as some other models
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You're looking for a versatile rice cooker that can also steam food. The Aroma Housewares ARC-914SB is a great option for those who want to cook a variety of dishes.
Don't buy it if:
You need a very quiet appliance or you're looking for a rice cooker with a wide range of features.
Bottom Line:
The Aroma Housewares ARC-914SB is a great option for those who want a versatile and affordable rice cooker. It's a great choice for someone who is looking to expand their cooking repertoire and learn to make a few more dishes beyond just rice.
Hamilton Beach 37180 Rice Cooker
This basic rice cooker is perfect for those who are just starting out with rice cooking. It features a simple design and a keep-warm function.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 4 cups
- Features: Keep-warm function
- Price: $20-$30
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable price
- Easy to use
Reasons to avoid :
- No additional features beyond basic rice cooking
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You're looking for a basic rice cooker that is affordable and easy to use. The Hamilton Beach 37180 is a great option for beginners.
Don't buy it if:
You need a rice cooker with additional features.
Bottom Line:
The Hamilton Beach 37180 is a great entry-level rice cooker that is affordable and easy to use. It's perfect for those who are just getting started with rice cooking and are looking for a simple and straightforward appliance. This is a great option for those who are looking for a very affordable and simple rice cooker.
BLACK+DECKER RC300 3-Cup Rice Cooker
This compact rice cooker is perfect for small families or individuals. It's also a great option for those who only need to cook small amounts of rice at a time.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 3 cups
- Features: Compact size
- Price: $20-$30
Reasons to buy :
- Small and compact
- Affordable price point
- Simple to use
Reasons to avoid :
- Small capacity
- No additional features beyond basic rice cooking
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You're looking for a basic rice cooker for a single person or a small family.
Don't buy it if:
You need to cook large amounts of rice or you're looking for a rice cooker with additional features.
Bottom Line:
The BLACK+DECKER RC300 is a great option for those who only need a small rice cooker. It's a budget-friendly option that is easy to use, perfect for people who just want to cook a small amount of rice for one or two people. If you want a small, simple, and affordable option this is a great choice.
Cuckoo CRP-HR1081F Electric Pressure Rice Cooker
This rice cooker uses pressure cooking to cook rice quickly and evenly. It also features a variety of cooking settings, including white rice, brown rice, and mixed rice.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 10 cups (uncooked)
- Features: Pressure cooking, variety of cooking settings, keep-warm function
- Price: $100-$150
Reasons to buy :
- Cooks rice quickly and evenly
- Features a variety of cooking settings
- Affordable price
Reasons to avoid :
- May be too large for small families
- Some users find the pressure cooking feature to be unnecessary
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You're looking for a rice cooker that cooks rice quickly and evenly. The Cuckoo CRP-HR1081F is a great option for those who want a fast and efficient way to cook rice.
Don't buy it if:
You only need a small rice cooker or you don't want a pressure cooker.
Bottom Line:
The Cuckoo CRP-HR1081F is a great option for those who want a rice cooker that cooks rice quickly and evenly. It's a great choice for people who want an appliance that will efficiently cook rice and have it ready to eat quickly. If you're looking for a faster option that doesn't compromise on quality this is a great choice.
Dash Rapid Rice Cooker
Read more on 18 Best Rice Cookers in Canada 2024
This compact rice cooker is perfect for small families or individuals. It features a simple design and a keep-warm function.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 2 cups
- Features: Keep-warm function
- Price: $20-$30
Reasons to buy :
- Compact and lightweight
- Affordable price
- Easy to use
Reasons to avoid :
- Small capacity
- No additional features beyond basic rice cooking
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You're looking for a basic rice cooker that is affordable and easy to use. The Dash Rapid Rice Cooker is a great option for beginners.
Don't buy it if:
You need a rice cooker with additional features.
Bottom Line:
The Dash Rapid Rice Cooker is a great entry-level rice cooker that is affordable and easy to use. It's perfect for those who are just getting started with rice cooking and are looking for a simple and straightforward appliance. This is a great option for those who are looking for a very affordable and simple rice cooker.
Proctor Silex Easy Select Rice Cooker
This basic rice cooker is perfect for those who are just starting out with rice cooking. It features a simple design and a keep-warm function.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 4 cups
- Features: Keep-warm function
- Price: $15-$25
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable price
- Easy to use
Reasons to avoid :
- No additional features beyond basic rice cooking
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You're looking for a basic rice cooker that is affordable and easy to use. The Proctor Silex Easy Select Rice Cooker is a great option for beginners.
Don't buy it if:
You need a rice cooker with additional features.
Bottom Line:
The Proctor Silex Easy Select Rice Cooker is a great entry-level rice cooker that is affordable and easy to use. It's perfect for those who are just getting started with rice cooking and are looking for a simple and straightforward appliance. This is a great option for those who are looking for a very affordable and simple rice cooker.
Aroma Housewares ARC-996SB 6-Cup Digital Rice Cooker
This digital rice cooker from Aroma is a great budget-friendly option that does a great job of cooking rice. It’s simple to use and has several cooking settings, including white rice, brown rice, and porridge.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 6 cups cooked rice
- Features: Digital display, multiple cooking settings, keep-warm function
- Price: Around $30
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Cooks rice evenly
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be a bit noisy
- Doesn’t have as many features as some other models
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You’re looking for a basic rice cooker that is affordable and gets the job done.
Don't buy it if:
You need a rice cooker with a lot of bells and whistles, like a steam function or a timer.
Bottom Line:
The Aroma Housewares ARC-996SB 6-Cup Digital Rice Cooker is a great value for the price. It’s a simple, reliable rice cooker that does a great job of cooking rice. It’s not the most feature-rich rice cooker on the market, but if you’re looking for a basic model that is affordable and easy to use, this is a great option.
Panasonic SR-ZS101K 10-Cup Rice Cooker
This rice cooker from Panasonic is a great choice for those who want a more advanced model with a variety of features. It can cook a variety of rice types, including white, brown, and sushi rice. It also has a keep-warm function and a timer.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 10 cups cooked rice
- Features: Multiple cooking settings, keep-warm function, timer, fuzzy logic technology
- Price: Around $100
Reasons to buy :
- Cooks rice perfectly
- Has a variety of features
- Durable and reliable
Reasons to avoid :
- More expensive than some other models
- Can be a bit intimidating to use for beginners
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You want a rice cooker with a variety of features and that cooks rice perfectly.
Don't buy it if:
You’re looking for a budget-friendly option or if you don’t need all the bells and whistles.
Bottom Line:
The Panasonic SR-ZS101K 10-Cup Rice Cooker is a great choice for those who want a top-of-the-line rice cooker. It’s expensive, but it’s worth the price if you want the best rice cooker on the market. It cooks rice perfectly, has a variety of features, and is built to last.
You can find more information on 33 Best Rice Cookers Reddit Users Recommend
Toshiba RC-10VLK-A 10-Cup Rice Cooker
This rice cooker from Toshiba is a good mid-range option that offers a good balance of features and price. It can cook a variety of rice types, including white, brown, and sushi rice. It also has a keep-warm function and a timer.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 10 cups cooked rice
- Features: Multiple cooking settings, keep-warm function, timer
- Price: Around $70
Reasons to buy :
- Good value for the price
- Easy to use
- Cooks rice evenly
Reasons to avoid :
- Doesn’t have as many features as some other models
- Can be a bit noisy
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You’re looking for a rice cooker that is affordable and has a good set of features.
Don't buy it if:
You need a rice cooker with a lot of bells and whistles, like fuzzy logic technology or a steam function.
Bottom Line:
The Toshiba RC-10VLK-A 10-Cup Rice Cooker is a good mid-range option that offers a good balance of features and price. It’s not the most feature-rich rice cooker on the market, but it does a great job of cooking rice and is easy to use. It’s a good choice for those who want a reliable rice cooker without breaking the bank.
T-fal RK300B1 3-Cup Rice Cooker
This rice cooker from T-fal is a great option for small households or individuals. It’s compact and easy to store, and it can cook up to 3 cups of rice. It’s also very affordable.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 3 cups cooked rice
- Features: Keep-warm function
- Price: Around $20
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable
- Compact and easy to store
- Cooks rice evenly
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited features
- Small capacity
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You’re looking for a small, affordable rice cooker for one or two people.
Don't buy it if:
You need a rice cooker with a lot of features or if you cook for a large family.
Bottom Line:
The T-fal RK300B1 3-Cup Rice Cooker is a great value for the price. It’s a small, compact rice cooker that is perfect for small households or individuals. It’s not the most feature-rich rice cooker on the market, but it does a great job of cooking rice and is very affordable. It’s a good choice for those who want a reliable rice cooker without breaking the bank.
Elite Gourmet ERC-2007R 2-Cup Rice Cooker
This rice cooker from Elite Gourmet is the smallest rice cooker on this list, and it’s a great option for those who live alone or are cooking for one or two people. It’s very affordable and easy to use.
Explore further with 15 Best Rice Cookers for Sticky Rice
Specifications :
- Capacity: 2 cups cooked rice
- Features: Keep-warm function
- Price: Around $15
Reasons to buy :
- Extremely affordable
- Small and compact
- Easy to use
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited features
- Very small capacity
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You’re looking for the smallest and most affordable rice cooker on the market.
Don't buy it if:
You need a rice cooker with a lot of features or if you cook for more than two people.
Bottom Line:
The Elite Gourmet ERC-2007R 2-Cup Rice Cooker is the smallest and most affordable rice cooker on the market. It’s perfect for those who live alone or are cooking for one or two people. It’s not the most feature-rich rice cooker on the market, but it does a great job of cooking rice and is very affordable. It’s a good choice for those who want a reliable rice cooker without breaking the bank.
In conclusion, finding the perfect rice cooker and food steamer can significantly enhance your culinary journey. From basic models for everyday cooking to sophisticated multi-functional appliances, there's a perfect match for every need and budget. Consider your cooking habits, desired features, and budget to narrow down your options.
With features like automatic keep-warm functions, adjustable cooking times, and even steaming capabilities, these appliances offer convenience, versatility, and delicious results.
Investing in a high-quality rice cooker and food steamer can save you time and effort while ensuring consistently perfect meals. Whether you're whipping up a simple weeknight dinner or experimenting with more elaborate dishes, these appliances will become indispensable tools in your kitchen.
Ultimately, choosing the right rice cooker and food steamer boils down to personal preferences and cooking habits. By considering the factors discussed in this article, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs and culinary aspirations.
Karim 
Bilal