It is starting to look like rice is a staple food. With the rise in the popularity of Asian food, this might not come as a surprise. Although most people love rice, very few know how to cook it properly.
Most people struggle with making delicious rice. It is easy to mess up rice when making it on a stovetop, as perfectly cooked rice is fluffy but not mushy. On top of that, it must also have a wonderful fragrance.
When cooking rice, a lot depends on the pot you use. You can find many pots specifically made for cooking rice. Yet, choosing the right rice cooker may not be as straightforward as you think. If you have been looking for a rice cooker, you have found the right page, as we have brought you a reviewed list of the best ones.
How We've Made Our Selection
As always, we started with the budget. At the lower end, we chose simple stainless steel pots. On the higher end, we chose advanced pots with additional features. We selected three electric rice cookers, two of which were on the higher end of our budget and one rice cooker on a budget.
We then looked for the perfect size pot for a small family. The sizes we chose were from 3 to 6 quarts. Most people who make rice daily rarely need larger pots for cooking rice.
We also ensured that all the pots were made of stainless steel or enameled cast iron. We do not like aluminum pots when making rice, so we skipped them. Aluminum pots are not great for cooking rice because they make it gummy.
Finally, we selected the pots that gave the best value for money. We looked at customer reviews for their longevity. We only selected the ones that were highly rated.
1. Zojirushi Rice Cooker & Warmer
Why We Love It
Best Electric Rice cooker
Zojirushi is hands down the best electric rice cooker. If you want the perfect fluffy rice every time you make them, get this rice cooker. It is perfect for making all sorts of rice. It has multiple settings for white, sushi, low-grain, and brown rice.
The most impressive thing about this rice cooker is its capacity. It looks compact and small, but You can quickly cook three cups of rice which is enough for a family of three or four. It is perfect for making all sorts of grainy food. The company markets it as an appliance for all your healthy eating, and we know it can do this.
Its material is high-quality stainless steel. The pot is nonstick, so it is also effortless to clean. All you have to do is to wipe the interior with a wet paper towel. It also comes with accessories, such as a spatula and spatula holder.
What You Should Know
Price
This cooker might cost more than most of us may be willing to pay for a rice cooker. However, it is a good investment if you are serious about your rice.
2. Aroma Housewares 6-Cup Cooker
Why We Love It
Looking for a way to cook your food faster and more efficiently? Then check out the Aroma Housewares! With the included steam tray, you can steam foods above while cooking rice, soup, or any other meal simultaneously cooked below. This allows you to save time without sacrificing quality.
Once the cooking cycle is completed, the Aroma Housewares will automatically switch to Keep Warm mode to keep your foods at perfect serving temperatures.
What You Should Know
Cooking rice can be time-consuming, but it doesn't have to be with the right rice cooker. The Aroma 6-cup Rice Cooker is designed to make perfect rice every time, with just the press of a button. It comes with a full-view tempered glass lid, so you can keep an eye on your rice while it's cooking, and an aluminum steam tray to cook other items simultaneously.
Plus, it includes a rice measuring cup and serving spatula, so you have everything you need to make a delicious meal. With a capacity of 6 cups, it's perfect for feeding a crowd, and with the simple press of a button, you can have perfectly cooked rice in no time. So if you're looking for an easy way to make perfect rice every time, the Aroma 6-cup Rice Cooker is a perfect choice.
3. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Why We Love It
Best value for money
Good electric cookers usually cost more than $100. However, you can find this one for under $100. You can use it to make rice along with several other meals. One of the best things about this cooker is that it can also be used to warm food.
As the name suggests, the company claims that this single cooker replaces seven appliances. We did indeed find that it is extremely versatile. It delivers delicious pot meals in 1/3rd of the time it takes to cook them on a stovetop. It is perfect for making rice. Just wash rice and put it in this cooker without worrying about them turning out fluffier.
It is loaded with features such as quick one-touch functionality. You can pressure cook, slow cook, and saute with the touch of a finger. The cooker is also great for making yogurt at the touch of a hand.
It is also easy to clean this cooker. Its lid is dishwasher safe, and you can put it in a dishwasher. The cooker's interior can be cleaned using warm water, a paper towel, and soap.
What You Should Know
Not for everyone
This cooker is ideal for small and growing families. However, if you live alone, you might not be able to fully use this cooker. If the price justifies your usage, then this is a good choice. We would not recommend this cooker to someone who usually cooks for one.
4. Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 4-Quart Covered Saucepot
Why We Love It
Budget-friendly simple, and versatile
If your budget is less than $40, the Farberware Classic Stainless Steel covered saucepot provides a great option. It is a simple yet well-made stainless steel pot that will last for years. It has a capacity of 4 quarts, which means it can cook rice for three to four people. The design language is simple, as it has a polished steel exterior and interior. It also has a large rubber-coated handle. Because the handle is heat resistant, it becomes easier to lift the pot. The large size of the handle also makes it feel lighter to lift.
One of the best things about this pot is its quick heat dissipation. We found out that this pot takes less time to boil water compared to others. It makes the cooking process easier. User reviews tell us that it is durable. It is one of the pots that you can use roughly.
It is easy to clean this pot. It is dishwasher safe, so you can put it in the dishwasher and clean it. However, it might be too large for small dishwashers. In that case, you can wash it easily with soap and water.
The Farberware Classic Stainless steel pot is versatile. It is primarily marketed as a sauce pot but is perfect for cooking rice. You can also use this pot for cooking a variety of dishes.
What You Should Know
As basic as it gets
We love this pot for its simplicity. However, if you want more features, this might not be the one for you.
5. Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Why We Love It
Beautiful, functional, and versatile
Everyone loves enameled cast iron dutch ovens because they look beautiful and make the heartiest of meals. The good news is that you can use your Dutch oven for cooking rice.
We can tell you that you will be hard-pressed to find a rice cooker that looks this beautiful.
It has a solid lid that locks in all the steam and helps in making fluffy rice. The lid has a beautiful screw top with the Lodge logo embossed. It makes it easy to lift the lid. It has a flat base which helps distribute heat evenly for perfectly cooked rice. The oven has a capacity of 4.5 quarts which is more than enough to make rice for three to four people.
It is dishwasher safe, but we do not recommend putting it into a dishwasher to preserve its colors. You can wash this Dutch oven using warm water and dishwashing soap. With proper care and maintenance, it is sure to last you for a long time.
What You Should Know
Requires high care and maintenance
Most rice cookers do not require high maintenance because they are made of stainless steel. However, this one does. The enameled porcelain exterior is prone to chipping. You may end up chipping the pot if you are not careful.
Difficult to lift
The material of most cookers is light stainless steel. However, this pot weighs 12.38 pounds on its own because of the weight of the iron and porcelain. So, you might find it a little hard to handle this pot.
6. Calphalon Hard-Anodized Nonstick Pour and Strain Saucepan
Why We Love It
The most premium stovetop rice cooker
If you want to buy a pot for cooking rice once and for all, opt for the Caphalon Nonstick Pour and Strain Saucepan. It is one of the most premium saucepans in the market that will last you a lifetime. The best thing about this rice cooker is that it does not require high maintenance. It is hard anodized, which makes it extremely durable. It is a nonstick pot, meaning your rice will no longer stick to the base, making it easy to clean. It is also dishwasher safe, and you can throw it in your dishwasher without worrying about affecting its longevity.
The cooking pot comes with a see-through glass lid. So you can look at the cooking progress without lifting the lid. The lid seals the pan completely, so you get perfectly fluffy rice. A long handle is attached to the pan, which makes it easy to lift it no matter how hot and heavy it gets. You can also throw this pan in the oven as it is safe to use for up to 450°F. It is also compatible with most stove tops, including gas, electric, and glass top.
What You Should Know
The price is on the higher side
It is one of the most premium saucepans you can get on the market. Unfortunately, this also means that it costs more than most. Most people may not be able to justify this price, given that some good ones cost less than this. However, it is a good investment if you love to eat rice cooked on a stovetop and need a saucepan for life.
How To Cook Rice in a Pot
Before buying your first rice cooker, it is essential to understand how to cook rice correctly. So, let us first get a scoop on what it takes to cook rice to perfection.
Making simple white rice is easy with the correct knowledge and tools. To make simple white rice, ensure that you understand the basic techniques. We have outlined the process of cooking simple white rice in easy-to-follow steps.
Step 1 - Rinse the Rice
Always rinse the uncooked rice before cooking to remove excess starch. Are you wondering why you need to remove the excess starch? Simply because it causes the rice to be unappealing and gummy.
The easiest way to remove excess starch is to wash the rice in a fine mesh strainer. Some recipes will tell you to rinse the rice several times and change the water. You can do this if you do not have a fine mesh strainer.
As you run water through the rice, ensure that you agitate it. Continue doing this until you notice that the water running through the mesh strainer is clear.
Step 2 (optional) - Consider Toasting the Rice
Tired of the boring boiled rice taste? Then follow this step. This step is optional, but going this extra way will enhance the natural flavor of rice. Start by heating a teaspoon of butter or olive oil over medium heat in the pot you will use to cook your rice. Next, add the rice to the pot and ensure you stir it frequently until the rice turns toasty and starts giving off a nutty fragrance.
Step 3 - Add Water
The next step is to add water to the rice pot. The perfect ratio for long-grain rice is two parts water for one part rice. However, this ratio may vary according to the strain of rice you are cooking. Always ensure to look at the back of the packaging for the correct amount of water.
Step 4 - Bring the Water to a Boil and Add Salt
Once the water starts to boil, add a pinch of salt to it.
Step 5 - Simmer
Once the water starts to boil, lower the heat and cover the pot. Let the rice cook for 18 minutes, and do not open up the lid during this duration. It is important that you should not mix the rice during this step as it will result in a gummy texture.
Step 6 - Let the Rice Settle
Turn off the heat and let the lid stay on. This will settle the rice and make it fluffier as it cooks in the steam.
What to Consider When Buying a Pot to Cook Rice
Now that you know how to cook perfect white rice, you should look for a good pot. There isn't rocket science behind selecting the right pot. You need to ensure that whatever you choose is adequate for your requirements. You should consider three factors when buying pots for cooking rice.
Budget
We always recommend our readers start with the budget. There are many options to choose from, and there is something for every budget. To simplify, filter out the pots that do not fit your budget.
If you plan on buying a versatile pot with advanced features, prepare to spend more than you would on a stainless steel pot.
Some pots come with additional features like a glass lid. A see-through lid enables you to look at the rice without losing steam. However, be prepared to pay more for such pots.
For maximum convenience, you may go for an electric rice cooker. You can use them to make a variety of dishes. However, these cookers will cost upwards of $90. We will review two electric rice cookers in this article.
Material
You also need to consider the material of your pot before making your purchase. The most popular is stainless steel because it distributes heat evenly. Enameled cast iron pots are also a good choice for cooking rice.
Size
When it comes to the pot for cooking rice, the ideal size is important. Your pot should be able to contain three times the amount of rice you usually cook. The additional two parts are for water. If you cook the rice in a large pot, it will not steam properly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rice Cookers
Rice cookers are a great investment for anyone who loves rice. They're also really easy to use and can be used to make all sorts of dishes.
Below we have answered the most frequently asked questions about rice cookers.
Is boiled or steamed rice better?
This will depend on your preference. Steamed rice will produce a stickier consistency and texture.
If you boil rice, this will often produce firmer and fluffier rice.
Results also depend on whether you're cooking short or long grain rice.
Cooking long-grain rice tends to produce firmer, separated grains, while short and medium-grain rice varieties produce stickier rice.
How long should a cooker last?
It depends on the quality of the cooker. A good quality cooker should last at least ten years. A high-quality cooker is made with durable materials and will last a long time. However, a low-quality cooker may only last for a few years.
Are rice cookers worth buying?
Yes, rice cookers are worth buying! They make cooking rice so much easier and come in various sizes, so you can find one perfect for your needs. Plus, they're often quite affordable.
Remember that not all rice cookers are created equal – some are better than others at cooking fluffy and evenly-cooked rice. So if you have been looking for a new rice cooker, be sure to do your research first to find the one best suited to your needs.
Is it worth buying Zojirushi rice cooker?
Yes, a Zojirushi rice cooker is definitely worth the investment. They are one of the best rice cookers and make different kinds of rice. Plus, they have many great features that make them easy to use, clean, and store. So if you're looking for a quality rice cooker that will last you for years, then a Zojirushi is the way to go.
What are rice cakes?
Rice cakes are made from boiled rice that has been cooled and then shaped into a round or square. They are often eaten as a snack food and are sometimes topped with frosting, chocolate, or other flavors.
Which One of Our Rice Cookers is Best For You?
With all the options for rice cookers available on the market, it can be daunting to find the one that is right for you. We hope that our article provided some clarity and helped you narrow down your search.
It comes down to personal preference. But we are confident that any rice cookers we reviewed would make a great addition to you and your kitchen.
Here is our list of items reviewed:
1. Zojirushi Rice Cooker & Warmer
2. Aroma Housewares 6-cup Cooker
3. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
4. Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 4-Quart Covered Saucepot
5. Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
6. Calphalon Hard-Anodized Nonstick Pour and Strain Saucepan
