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We Made Countless Batches of Rice with 23 Rice Cookers to Find 6 Top Picks

Our long-time favorite is from Hamilton Beach.

By
Sho Spaeth,
Sho Spaeth
Senior Editor
Sho Spaeth has worked in publishing and media for 16 years. Prior to joining Serious Eats, he worked at The New York Times for a decade. Sho has written for Time Magazine, The New York Times, The Baffler Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, among other publications.
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Rochelle Bilow,
Rochelle's headshot
Editor
Rochelle Bilow is an editor for Serious Eats, as well as a novelist. Based in Vermont, Rochelle specializes in stories about home cooking, techniques, tools, and equipment. She has been writing about food professionally for over a decade.
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and
Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Serious Eats Contributor
Taylor is a regular contributor and product tester for Serious Eats. She has worked in the food industry for 15 years, including 10 as a line cook at some of the best restaurants in the world. 
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Updated January 03, 2025
Four rice cookers on a kitchen countertop.

Serious Eats / Alexander Huang

Straight to the Point

Rice cookers have gotten fancy, but our top pick, the Hamilton Beach Programmable Rice Cooker, offers streamlined performance at an affordable price. The best mini rice cooker is the Zojirushi 3-Cup Rice Cooker, which cooks a fluffy batch of rice in less than 30 minutes.

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who grew up with a rice cooker, and those who didn't. If you didn't, our sincerest sympathies; if you did, high five!

People accustomed to seeing a rice cooker on their parents' kitchen counter will require no explanation for an equipment review of the appliance; the utility and convenience of this type of device were likely demonstrated to them on a near-daily basis. A good rice cooker offers convenience and gustatory pleasure in equal measure—giving you perfectly cooked rice whenever you want it, whether it's first thing in the morning or right when you get home from work.

To find the best rice cookers, we tested 23 models, making seemingly countless batches of rice to land on our top picks. If you've ever shopped for a rice cooker, you've probably realized that there are a lot of options available. Some leading companies like Zojirushi and Cuckoo make enough that an entire review could be consumed just by a single company's offerings. We recently re-tested our winning rice cookers, comparing them to newer models to make sure they're still the best of the best. This means our top picks have held up to repeated evaluation for years (no small task). We also tested small rice cookers and found two models that made outstanding rice in miniature.

The Winners, at a Glance

The Hamilton Beach rice cooker was a surprisingly strong performer in our many tests, keeping pace with rice cookers that are much more expensive. Despite having a more rudimentary control panel than its competitors, as well as fewer presets, it was just as good at cooking long-grain rice as it was short- and medium-grain—and was the standout winner for cooking brown rice. It cooked rice in less time than any of its competitors. 

While the price of this model is high, Zojirushi is well-known in the rice cooker space for good reason. In our tests, it cooked Japanese rice varieties exceptionally well. It has accommodations for those with visual impairments (including sound signals, like the playing of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" to indicate when the rice cooker has started and stopped cooking).

The Cuckoo CR-0655F rice cooker was another consistently strong performer. Given its slightly higher price, we decided to recommend the Cuckoo only for those home cooks who are quite serious about rice. 

Other than its good performance, the Cuckoo has a relatively small footprint, an attractive exterior, and a number of presets, including one for germinated brown rice (GABA). While the control panel isn't as intuitive as we'd like, once you get used to operating it, the Cuckoo offers up a range of customization options, including how long to soak your rice, how long to heat it, and at what temperature to cook it.

The KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker is by no means a traditional rice cooker: It’s more similar to a multicooker, like the Instant Pot. But after testing it, we were won over by its delayed start feature and scale that automatically dispenses the perfect amount of water—no measuring required. It’s a great option for “set-it-and-forget-it” types, or anyone new to using a rice cooker. 

One of the smallest and easiest-to-use rice cookers we tried, the Zojirushi three-cup model eliminates excess features. This simple machine only has an on/off button, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t cook a perfect batch of rice to rival models three to four times its price. It has a clear lid that lets you watch the rice as it cooks, giving you a visual estimate of the time remaining. Once the water has been absorbed, the cooker automatically switches off to avoid scorching the bottom, whether we cooked a quarter-cup of rice or a full three-cup batch.

Even smaller than the Zojirushi, the DASH Mini Rice Cooker can give much pricier and larger cookers a run for their money. The Dash trades fancy programs for affordability. With just the flip of a switch, this cooker can cook two-cup batches of white or brown rice. The machine automatically detects that the rice is done and flips to a handy “keep warm” setting—no timer configuration required.

The Tests

An overhead view of rinsing rice in a bowl of water.
We prepped each batch of rice according to the same directions to eliminate variables.

Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik

Before each test, we prepared many varieties of rice the same way. The dry rice was placed in a bowl filled with cold water. We swirled the rice by hand 15 times and then drained it, repeating the process seven times to ensure the rinsing water ran clear. Then we drained the rice in a fine-mesh strainer before placing it in the rice cooker's pot.

First, we narrowed the field with basic rice cooking tests (cooking rice according to the manufacturer’s instructions, as well as our prescribed quantities and ratios). We evaluated the cookers on performance and ease of use and eliminated poor performers.

Finally, when we had determined a preliminary list of winners, we tested them against an Instant Pot, using the Instant Pot's method for foolproof rice.

  • Short-Grain Japanese Rice Test: We cooked short-grain Japanese rice in the cookers, at both the minimum and maximum quantities. We assessed the rice’s texture and flavor immediately after, five minutes after, and 15 minutes after cooking.
  • White Jasmine Rice Test: We repeated the above process with white Jasmine rice.
  • Brown Basmati Rice Test: Once again, we repeated the testing process with brown rice.
  • Quick Cooking Test: If the machine had a quick-cook function, we used that and assessed whether the rice suffered in quality, and how much time it saved in contrast to the typical cooking function.
  • Seasoned Rice Test: We tested how well the machines did when cooking flavored rice, using set quantities of rice and dashi.
  • Keep Warm Test: For this test, we cooked rice according to the basic instructions and let the rice sit in the pot—without opening the lid—for eight hours on the Keep Warm function. In some instances, we were unable to test for the full eight hours and instead used the machine’s maximum Keep Warm time. (The KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker, for example, has a maximum of six hours.)
  • Performance and Ease of Use Test: Throughout each test, we took note of the user experience: Were there clear and easily read measurement lines? Was the display panel simple or complicated? How efficient was it to navigate different settings?

What We Learned

A Simple, Intuitive Control Panel Will Best Suit Most Cooks

Then control panel of the Hamilton Beach rice cooker.
The Hamilton Beach rice cooker has a no-frills control panel.

Serious Eats / Alexander Huang

There’s a learning curve on the more advanced models. But the appeal of a rice cooker for most households is the hands-off efficiency and elimination of guesswork water-to-rice ratios. For that reason, the Hamilton Beach will suit many. Our favorite Zojirushi is one of the brand’s more user-friendly options, and the KitchenAid is a snap to master (you don’t even have to measure anything when filling the cooking pot and water tank). We recommend the Cuckoo for cooks with intricate knowledge and experience with cooking specialty rice.

…But the Ability to Customize Was Nice

The control panel of the KitchenAid rice cooker.
The KitchenAid had 21 presets, all easily navigable on its digital control panel.

Serious Eats / Alexander Huang

Many of the rice cookers were programmed with options like the ability to dial in between Jasmine and Basmati rice. Although we did not conduct any formal tests on added cooking features, we were impressed by machines that included programs for beans and other grains. The KitchenAid was a standout in this category, with 21 preset cooking options. Most of the advanced rice cookers we tested also came with the ability to save a customized time or temperature setting.

A Quick Look at Our Favorite Rice Cookers
 Number of SettingsCooked CapacityAccessories
Hamilton Beach Programmable Rice Cooker614 cupsSteamer basket, paddle, measuring cup
Zojirushi Induction Heating System Rice Cooker & Warmer1011 cupsRice scoop, measuring cup
Cuckoo CR-0655F Rice Cooker and Warmer1112 cupsRice scoop, measuring cup
KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker2114 cupsSteamer basket
Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup Rice Cooker15.25 cupsPaddle and measuring cup
Dash Mini Rice Cooker22.5 cupsPaddle and measuring cup

Texture Was a Matter of Preference

fluffy white rice coming out of Instant Pot multi-cooker
Super specific about rice texture? You'll want to choose a machine with numerous presets/cooking options.

Serious Eats / Liz Clayman

One cook’s inedibly hard rice is another's perfect al dente. For example, in our brown rice test, the Hamilton Beach produced fluffy and distinct grains of brown rice that were a little firm directly after cooking but softened to a pleasing consistency after about 15 minutes. The Cuckoo and the Zojirushi, on the other hand, produced brown rice with a sticky consistency, very reminiscent of the texture of cooked short- and medium-grain Japanese rice varieties. 

If you’re highly opinionated about rice texture, you’ll want to choose a machine with customizable programs. Some, like the Cuckoo, offer plenty of opportunities for greater control, although the ability to choose minute details like soak time and cooking temperature may overwhelm some cooks. For a more streamlined approach, the KitchenAid display lets the cook choose between “soft,” “regular,” and “firm” textures.

The Best Rice Cookers Were Speedy

Steam escaping from open lid of a rice cooker
The best rice cookers made cooking perfect rice easy—and that included the amount of time they took.

Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik

Most of the rice cookers on our winners' list had quick-cook options, and we consider that a huge plus. It doesn’t matter how good the rice is if it takes forever (practically speaking) to cook. The Hamilton Beach made a near-perfect batch of brown rice in under an hour—an impressive feat.

Keep Warm Functions Were Only Helpful If They Preserved Quality

Slightly scorched white rice in a bowl
Most of the rice cookers produced some scorching after hours on the Keep Warm setting.

Serious Eats

Beyond cooking rice, a rice cooker also serves as a rice warmer, keeping it at serving temperature for long periods without scorching or drying it out. We eliminated any rice cooker that produced dry, gummy, or burnt rice after eight hours. The best rice cookers kept the rice warm and tender, with distinct, fluffy grains that were (almost) as good as just-cooked rice. 

Should You Buy Any Accessories for Your Rice Cooker?

A person lifting a steamer basket out of a rice cooker.
For the best quality rice cooker accessories, you'll probably have to purchase them separately.

Serious Eats / Alexander Huang

Some of the rice cookers we tested came with accessories, like steamer baskets and paddles. But in our experience, these add-ons aren’t the greatest quality (we didn’t love the Hamilton Beach’s included paddle). If you plan on using your rice cooker a lot, it’s worth picking up the following accessories.

  • Rice Washer and Strainer: Typically, rice is rinsed before cooking. You could simply use a mesh sieve for the job, but a dedicated rice washer is pure luxury.
  • Steamer Basket: A steamer basket is meant to be used for vegetables or other foods, either on top of cooking rice or just over water. Two of the rice cookers on our list (the Hamilton Beach and KitchenAid) include steamer baskets.
  • Rice Paddle: A rice paddle is made for fluffing the rice without smushing or damaging the grains. They’re historically made from wood, although heat-resistant and dishwasher-safe silicone can be a nice, if unconventional, option. Some of the rice cookers we tested came with paddles but it never hurts to have a spare on hand.

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Rice Cooker 

A Zojirushi rice cooker on a white background

Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik / Rochelle Bilow

It depends on the variety, but all rice should cook up evenly so there aren’t pockets of over- or under-cooked rice—and certainly no scorched rice. The grains should be distinct and soft enough to eat, but not so soft that they become mush. Long-grain rice should be fluffy and dry, while short- and medium-grain rice should cook up slightly sticky, not water-logged or gummy. A good rice cooker should be easy to use, with user-friendly features like measurement markings or a built-in scale. Special features should enhance the rice-making experience, like efficient Keep Warm functions and the ability to delay the start of a cooking cycle. Plentiful presets for specific rice varieties are a must; presets for other grains and beans are a bonus.

Our Favorite Rice Cookers

What we liked: While its appearance would suggest that it's nothing special, the Hamilton Beach performed just as well as, if not better than, more expensive machines. The Hamilton Beach excelled at every type of rice we cooked—despite having a single preset—and in every test we ran, except for the test of the quick-cooking rice function, it cooked rice faster than any other machine.

If what you're looking for is a no-nonsense, budget-friendly machine that's simple to use and puts well-cooked rice on the table in about 30 minutes, the Hamilton Beach is it. It proved to be quite capable of handling varying amounts of liquid for similar quantities of rice, which means it's less susceptible to producing bad rice as a result of user error. 

What we didn’t like: Like all rice cookers, cooking the maximum amount of rice it can hold will give you subpar results. It produced scorching on the rice along the bottom of the cooker, which became pronounced after using the Keep Warm setting. The provided measuring cup was shallow, and the fluffing paddle, while functional, was a bit flimsy. Serious Eats editor Grace Kelly owns this rice cooker and notes that the hinged lid is prone to falling down when lifted, which can be unnerving when it’s hot. 

Key Specs

  • Weight: 4.8 pounds
  • Uncooked capacity: 7 cups
  • Cooked capacity: 14 cups
  • Dimensions: 10.75 x 10.75 x 11.06 inches
  • Accessories: Steamer basket, paddle, measuring cup
  • Settings: 6 (white rice, quick white rice, whole grain, hot cereals, steam cook, and heat/simmer)

What we liked: Cooks who make a lot of Japanese rice should consider this Zojirushi model. It comes with instructions for varieties of rice typically found in Japanese markets, like polished rice with the germ still attached and two types of "semi-brown" rice.

Zojirushi, alone among the brands we tested, has some accommodation for those with visual impairments: The Start and Cancel buttons have a raised dot and dash, respectively, so you can start and stop the machine by touch alone, and all Zojirushi models have (quite loud) sound signals (the default is a rendition of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star") to indicate when the cooking process has begun or ended.

What we didn’t like: Of course, this rice cooker is expensive. It produced mushy seasoned rice.

Key Specs

  • Weight: 9 pounds
  • Uncooked capacity: 5 1/2 cups
  • Cooked capacity: 11 cups
  • Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 8 inches
  • Accessories: Rice scoop, measuring cup
  • Settings: 10 (including white rice, sushi rice, mixed rice, and sweet rice)

What we liked: The Cuckoo CR-0655F has a detailed control panel, including preset programs for cooking glutinous rice varieties, long-grain rice, and brown rice. The one confusing element of the preset programs was that long-grain rice and brown rice share the same preset; while that may be unorthodox, it did result in the Cuckoo taking the top spot for the jasmine rice cooking test and the second spot in the basmati test. The Cuckoo, like the Zojirushi, has a preset program for germinated brown rice.

The Cuckoo also has several other functions: a steam function for dumplings and vegetables; a porridge function, for making juk/congee/okayu; a multicook function, which is essentially a slow cooker; a baby food function, which, to be frank, we don't quite understand; and a cleaning function, which sterilizes the interior.

Finally, the Cuckoo allows cooks to customize the process: You can choose how long the rice soaks before cooking begins, how long to heat the rice for, and the cooking temperature. We believe this level of control will be appealing to some cooks out there, particularly those who regularly purchase and eat different varieties of rice.

What we didn't like: It didn’t blow any of the competitors out of the water in terms of texture, but we still think it did a solid job.

Key Specs

  • Weight: 7 pounds
  • Uncooked capacity: 6 cups
  • Cooked capacity: 12 cups
  • Dimensions: 8.6 x 9.4 x 13 inches
  • Accessories: Rice scoop, measuring cup
  • Settings: 11 (including white rice, brown rice, mixed rice, porridge, and steam)

What we liked: You simply cannot make bad rice in this cooker. A scale underneath the ceramic cook pot is what makes it so hands-off: Just add your rice and press start, and the machine will automatically dispense the correct amount of water from the attached water tank. (If you want to cook with stock or broth, that should be added directly to the cooking pot, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.) There’s also the option to choose your ideal texture: soft, regular, or firm. A textural adjustment will, of course, affect the cooking time. The digital display is sleek and super easy to use. We liked the delay start feature, which could be set up to 24 hours in advance. Although the presence of 21 cooking functions (that includes items like pearled barley and pinto beans) edge it away from “true” rice cooker status, we did find them useful and effective.

What we didn’t like: It has a large footprint, owing in part to the water reservoir on the side of the cooking pot. The Keep Warm function tops out at six hours, and sometimes the rice was mildly scorched around the edges. It’s pretty pricey. 

Key Specs

  • Weight: 10.5 pounds
  • Uncooked capacity: 8 cups
  • Cooked capacity: 14 cups
  • Dimensions: 9 3/4 x 17 7/8 x 8 1/8 inches
  • Accessories: Steamer basket
  • Settings: 21 (including basmati rice, jasmine rice, sushi rice, quinoa, lentils, and chickpeas)

What we liked: Small but mighty, the Zojirushi three-cup rice cooker offers a hassle-free user experience. Just measure your rice and water, give it a rinse, and press the button. The cooker automatically detects when the water has been absorbed and stops cooking before any scorching or burning can occur. The clear glass lid lets you keep an eye on things as the pot simmers away and doubles as a storage lid once the rice is done cooking. Whether we were cooking jasmine rice or long-grain brown basmati, the Zojirushi was able to produce soft, fluffy rice without hot spots or uneven areas. 

While other cookers did well and had more versatility when it came to features and functions, this Zojirushi model nailed the most important test: making great rice. If you want a rice cooker that doubles as a multi-cooker, this is not the best option for you. If, however, you know that you’ll primarily use a rice cooker to make rice, you can’t go wrong with this pick. It made a full, three-cup batch of white jasmine rice in just 26 minutes, almost half the time it took other small rice cookers we tested.

What we didn’t like: This rice cooker doesn’t have a keep warm function, which can be a deal-breaker for some (the larger six- and 10-cup Zojirushi rice cookers do have this feature). 

Key Specs

  • Weight: 3 pounds
  • Uncooked capacity: 1.75 cups
  • Cooked capacity: 5.25 cups
  • Dimensions: 9.25 x 7.75 inches
  • Accessories: Paddle and measuring cup
  • Settings: Off and on

What we liked: The DASH rice cooker is almost comically small in size, but don’t mistake it for a toy. We were surprised at the rice-cooking performance of this pot, which produced stellar batches of rice faster than much pricier and larger models. There’s not much in the way of settings and features, but sometimes that can be a good thing. Measure the rice and water and set the singular button to cook. When the rice is done, it automatically flips to the warming setting. Sound foolproof? It pretty much is. Even when cooking a tiny, quarter-cup batch of rice, the cooker did just as well at detecting that the rice was done as it did with a full one-cup batch. Overall, the size is a big (ha) draw and this mini model would be a great pick for small apartments or dorms. The pot also functions as a storage vessel, transferring seamlessly from the cooker to the refrigerator. The DASH cooker cooked rice much faster than comparative mini models, with timing similar to what we observed on the Zojirushi three-cup cooker.

What we didn’t like: After being kept warm for eight hours, we noted a small spot of browning on the bottom of the pot of rice. Also, the included cup measure and marked water lines on the inside of the pot produced a mushy batch of rice when we followed the instructions. A subsequent batch made using the typical 1:1 quarter-cup ratio of rice to water yielded perfect rice, so we’d avoid using the measuring cup and pot markings when operating this cooker.

Key Specs

  • Weight: 2.4 pounds
  • Uncooked capacity: 1 cup
  • Cooked capacity: 2.5 cups
  • Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.5 inches
  • Accessories: Paddle and measuring cup
  • Settings: Warm and on

The Competition

FAQs

Are rice cookers worth it?

In our opinion, yes, they are. A good rice cooker is easy to use and will make well-cooked rice and keep it warm for a prolonged period of time. If you love rice and eat a lot of it, there are few kitchen gadgets that are as useful as a rice cooker.

How much should you spend on a rice cooker?

You really don't have to spend a lot to get a great rice cooker. Our winning model, the Hamilton Beach, hovers around $50, and you may be able to snag a sale. But if you cook a lot of specialty rice, a rice cooker with more presets and features is worth the price bump. The Zojirushi Induction Heating System Rice Cooker costs over $400, and it's worth every penny—especially if you cook a lot of Japanese rice.

Is the Zojirushi rice cooker good?

Very! In fact, we tested three for this review and only eliminated two because they didn’t meet the specific criteria we’d set. It’s an incredibly reputable brand and a Serious Eats staff favorite. Associate editorial director Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm has one and notes that she especially likes that it offers auditory cues for both the start and the finish. “I've owned a Zojirushi rice cooker for years, use it multiple times per week, and have found it to be super consistent,” she says.

What size rice cooker should I get?

We find rice cookers that have a cooked rice capacity of no less than 10 cups and no more than 15 cups to be the most useful; they also don’t take up too much countertop or storage space. Remember: A bigger rice cooker can handle less rice, but a smaller one can't accommodate more.

Is a rice cooker faster than a stovetop?

Sometimes; depending on the variety and cycle you choose. But the appeal of a rice cooker is less about the cooking time and more about hands-off efficiency. The consistent textural perfection is pretty great, too!

What else can I cook in a rice cooker?

Depending on the cooker, you may be able to cook a variety of other things in it. Some people like to steam vegetables on top of the rice as it cooks (and even thinly sliced meats)—just make sure you add the vegetables later in the cooking process, to avoid soggy, overcooked results. Many rice cookers also have a "porridge" option, which makes congee. You can also cook oatmeal and other grains in a rice cooker. One of our winners, the KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker, even has settings for beans and lentils.

How do you clean a rice cooker?

To clean a rice cooker, wash the cooking pot with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. Some rice cookers (like those from Zojirushi and KitchenAid) have removable portions on the underside of their lids that should also be cleaned after each use. You should then wipe down the exterior of the rice cooker with a clean, damp cloth. Let both the cooking pot and rice cooker dry completely before storing.

Are small rice cookers any good?

Despite the size, our testing revealed that smaller rice cookers did just as well at cooking rice as larger cookers. While some we tested did do away with certain features (like cake baking or vegetable steaming), the actual rice cookery was spot on. These “mini” rice cookers can be a great option for those with smaller kitchens and storage space or for those who never find themselves needing more than eight cups of cooked rice at a time.

Why shouldn't you make rice in an instant pot?

Whenever rice cooking as a topic comes up, someone will inevitably point out that you can cook rice in the Instant Pot. However, we found that the Instant Pot's rice was terrible and under- and over-cooked at the same time (and this was using their suggested method).

Can you make a single serving of rice in a rice cooker?

One of the best things about smaller rice cookers is the ability to cook single servings of rice (a half-cup of cooked rice according to the DGA). All the mini cookers we tested were able to cook just a quarter-cup of dry rice without issue, so you can feel free to make a tiny batch without having to worry about leftovers.

Why We’re the Experts

  • We first tested rice cookers in 2019. We updated this review in 2025 after testing new models, including small rice cookers. We've tested a total of 23 rice cookers over the years.
  • Sho Spaeth was the senior editor for Serious Eats, having joined the team in 2016. He left the site in 2022 and is now working for ChefSteps. 
  • Rochelle Bilow is one of Serious Eats’ editors. She has written numerous gear reviews for the site, including anti-fatigue mats and blenders. She tested the KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker for this review.
  • Taylor Murray is a Serious Eats contributor, who has been testing gear for us for years, including carving boards. For this review, she tested small rice cookers.

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