The 11 Best Rice Cookers on Amazon, According to Thousands of Reviews

Rice is a simple ingredient that forms the backbone of so many dishes across the globe, from spicy jambalaya and comforting congee to sabzi polo with its crispy crust. But no matter what recipe you're making, your grains should be perfectly prepared. That's where a rice cooker comes in.

While cooking rice on the stovetop is fine, a quality rice cooker eliminates the effort and guesswork involved in making batches. That's right—no more babysitting the stove and still getting starchy, undercooked mush or crunchy, half-done grains. From single-button basics ideal for rushed weeknight dinners to computerized machines that can cook every grain under the sun, there are devices out there that make cooking perfectly prepared rice easier and speedier than ever. 

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To help you sort through the options and find the best rice cooker for your needs, we've turned to reviews from actual customers on Amazon who have purchased and used the appliances for themselves. No matter if you're looking for a small tool for tight spaces or a professional-level device to really dive into a variety of grains, these best-selling cookers have near-perfect ratings and rave reviews describing why they're so great.

Here are the best rice cookers, according to customer reviews:

• Best Overall: Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker, Professional Version 
• Best Professional Pick: Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer 
• Best Budget-Friendly Pick: Black + Decker Rice Cooker and Food Steamer
• Best for Small Portions: Zojirushi 3-Cup Rice Cooker 
• Best for Large Portions: Aroma Housewares 60-Cup Commercial Rice Cooker
• Best with Induction Heating: Zojirushi Induction Heating System Rice Cooker and Warmer
• Best for Microwaves: Sistema Microwave Collection Rice Cooker 
• Best Multi-Purpose: Instant Pot Duo
• Best for Brown Rice: Cuckoo CR-0655F Rice Cooker
• Best for Risotto: Breville Fast Slow Pro Multi Function Cooker
• Best for Traveling: Aroma Housewares Mini Digital Rice Cooker

Keep reading to learn more about each option and shop the 11 rice cookers customers love the most.

This speedy and dependable cooker from Aroma does it all. In addition to specific functions for cooking up to 8 cups of restaurant-quality brown and white rice (including a "quick rice" option that claims to cook grains up to 50% faster), this Aroma version also comes with a steaming tray to cook proteins and vegetables simultaneously and a nonstick inner cooking pot that's removable for easy cleaning. The programmable appliance is particularly great for home cooks who don't have time to babysit a stove thanks to its 15-hour delay timer and automatic keep-warm function that turns on as soon as the rice finishes cooking.  

With more than 24,000 five-star ratings, the Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker is Amazon's top-rated rice cooker. Users rave about the machine's versatility and durability, calling it a "game-changer" and "great value."

"This rice cooker makes the most deliciously moist and evenly heated rice I could ask for from my kitchen and a cheap bag of jasmine rice," wrote a user who was initially skeptical of the low price point. "The cooker itself is really easy to operate and it is absolutely beautiful that it automatically changes to 'keep warm' once it finishes cooking, so you can just set it up before you go out and come home to some great rice. If you're on the fence about this rice cooker, don't think you need to go for something more expensive in case it isn't good enough. This baby is fantastic."

To buy: $45 at amazon.com

For a phenomenal machine that even professional chefs turn to, check out Zojirushi's Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer. It uses computerized "fuzzy logic" technology to sense how your grains are cooking, automatically adjusting the time and temperature to prepare up to 11 cups of fluffy results that are neither overcooked nor undercooked. The device has specific white and brown rice settings and a steaming function for vegetables and seafood, and it can even bake cakes. Other thoughtful design features include an easy-to-read LCD display, a stylish stainless steel exterior, and a charming melody to let you know when your food is ready.

The Zojirushi Micom is so popular that it's earned a remarkable 4.7-star rating from more than 6,000 users who say the device is versatile, durable, and high-quality. 

"Is there such a thing as the opposite of buyer's remorse? That's what I have," a shopper wrote. "This thing is not only pretty and sleek (it appeals to my designer aesthetics), but it has every setting you never knew you wanted: white rice, quick rice (if you don't want to wait), brown rice, porridge, cake, etc."

Another added, "I've used one of these reliably for nearly 20 years. They are worth every penny."

To buy: $144 (originally $192) at amazon.com

If you're looking for a device that won't break the bank, this cooker from Black + Decker is an excellent choice. Normally priced just under $20, the appliance effortlessly cooks up to 6 cups of soft rice in less than 30 minutes, then keeps it ready to serve with an automatic warming function. Its glass lid makes it easy to check on how your grains are cooking, while a cool-touch plastic knob is cleverly designed to rest on the cooker's side handles. Additionally, it comes with a steaming basket, measuring cup, and serving spoon, so you're set to prepare a whole variety of healthy meals.

Shoppers love how easy the rice cooker is to use and clean, and more than 11,000 of them have left perfect ratings. 

"I was reluctant to get a rice cooker because cooking rice didn't seem like it should be as hard as it is," said a customer who struggled with making brown rice in a pot. "I used it the first day, and this was hands-down the best batch of brown rice I have ever made. It was fluffy and tasty, and the bowl, paddle, and lid were super easy to clean. The cooker is small enough to tuck into my pots and pans cabinet, and I love the warming feature."

To buy: $20 at amazon.com

Like its larger counterparts, this Zojirushi cooker makes flawless rice at the push of a button. The small-but-mighty 3-cup rice cooker features an easy-to-use single switch, while its durable nonstick inner pan ensures you'll never struggle to chisel out baked-on rice. Plus its compact footprint is easy to tuck into cupboards and doesn't take up much counter space.

Amazon customers love the small rice cooker for its size and high-quality results, and more than 3,800 have rated it a perfect five stars. 

"My family has used Zojirushi rice cookers for years (the fancy digital versions) but there's a reason why the traditional tried-and-true barebones models never go out of style," wrote a user who has owned this model for more than a decade. "Don't be fooled by the small size—it makes enough rice for a family of four (remember 3 cups of uncooked rice easily doubles/triples in size when cooked). It makes plenty to feed a hungry couple with lots of leftovers. The nonstick coating has not worn or chipped, and the cord has not frayed or come loose. It's a simple one-button operation, no complicated settings."

To buy: $45 (originally $53) at amazon.com

You'll never run out of rice with this extra-large appliance from Aroma. The commercial-grade rice cooker can make up to 60 cups of restaurant-level rice with the flip of a switch and automatically keeps grains warm until you're ready to serve. Plus, its heavy-duty aluminum cooking pot and stainless steel lid are made to withstand continuous use, so you can count on years and years of high-quality results. 

The appliance is Amazon's choice for commercial rice cookers and has hundreds of shoppers raving about its heavy-duty design and generous capacity. Reviewers say the rice cooker is perfect for anyone who throws large parties or runs a small business. "I have purchased two of these," one user wrote. "Both are heavily used daily on a food truck and in a commercial restaurant. They're bulletproof." 

Another added, "Plenty large enough for tailgating and family reunions. We cook lots of gumbos for large groups in this area of the country, and this pot makes preparing the rice and keeping it warm very convenient."

To buy: $125 at amazon.com

One of the latest innovations in the category, induction technology allows for faster, tastier, and more flexible ways to cook rice. Induction rice cookers heat up the entire container, cooking the grains more quickly and evenly than traditional gadgets that warm from the bottom, and let cooks make temperature adjustments while the machine is running.

Zojirushi's Induction Heating System is a top-of-the line cooker that has specific functions to flawlessly prepare jasmine rice, sushi rice, porridge, sweet rice, GABA brown rice, and more. The Japanese tool generates heat from all sides (including the lid!), then keeps rice warm for up to 8 hours once it's done. 

Thousands of shoppers, including hundreds who rated the rice cookers five stars on Amazon, swear by the power of the machine. Reviewers talk about how durable and beautiful their Zojirushi appliances are, saying they're worth the price.

"Delicious rice, fast," exclaimed a mom who serves her kids rice daily as an after-school snack. "I love sushi and good sticky rice, and I'm picky about it being perfect. This rice cooker is so amazing!! It's fast (44 minutes for perfect sushi rice versus 55 in my last rice cooker) and the texture is perfect! It's worth every penny!"

To buy: $266 (originally $385) at amazon.com

A smart compromise between babysitting a stove and buying another appliance, this microwave-friendly tool from Sistema is one of the fastest ways to get rice, polenta, or couscous on your table. The BPA-free container features a steam release vent to minimize splatters and maintain moisture while your grains cook, and it's painless to open with easy-lift tabs. The tool is even dishwasher-safe (on the top rack) and comes with a nonstick serving spoon.

Amazon shoppers love their Sistema microwave rice cookers for their convenience and performance, saying it's their "favorite kitchen gadget ever." It's no wonder it's earned a 4.5-star rating from more than 10,000 shoppers.

"I've had this for 7 months now, and I think it's still my favorite tool in my entire kitchen," a reviewer said. "In the past, I've cooked rice on the stove and used an electronic rice cooker, and I prefer this microwave one to both. I hated how messy cooking on the stove is, and my electric cooker got mold down inside the part that you can't wash. With this, there's no mess, and there's nowhere you can't clean or that can trap mold or bacteria. I can throw every part of it into the dishwasher after I'm done with it."

To buy: $35 at amazon.com

Instant Pot fanatics swear they use this appliance more than any other in their kitchen—and it's not hard to see why. The best-selling model of the classic Instant Pot does it all: It's a pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and, of course, a cooker of delectable rice. Its 8-quart capacity feeds up to eight people, making it ideal for feeding crowds or meal-prepping for the week. And not only is the gadget extremely quiet (it doesn't generate noise or steam), but it is designed with several safety features, including overheating protection and a safety lock.

Nearly 126,000 shoppers have rated the Instant Pot Duo five stars, and many specifically rave about how well it cooks rice. "I have replaced my rice cooker and egg cooker and put my large Crock-Pot into storage," wrote one. "This thing does all those things and more. The stainless steel pot is so much easier to clean than my Crock-Pot, both in the sink and the dishwasher. I think I will be using my Instant Pot at least once a week for a long time."

Another added, "This is seriously the best kitchen appliance I've ever purchased! It is so easy to use and makes everyday cooking fast and SO easy. I used to dislike cooking brown rice but with the Instant Pot it comes out soft and fluffy. And it takes half the time."

To buy: $99 at amazon.com

Unlike white rice, brown rice keeps its healthy bran and germ covering, meaning it's chewier, nuttier, and a little trickier to cook. This 6-cup option from Cuckoo not only features a specific brown rice preset to flawlessly cook the healthy ingredient, but also a patented "My Mode" function that allows users to customize how soft or glutinous their rice turns out. 

The Korean-designed device is popular with Amazon shoppers, earning a 4.6-star rating from reviewers who love how versatile and reliable the tool is. "I cook brown rice almost every day with this cooker and am very satisfied with it," a customer said.

Another described how the Cuckoo is also a great value: "I used many rice cookers before, from very cheap ones to more than $300 pressure cookers. In terms of taste of rice and how well it preserves the rice, this one's the best among all I have used."

To buy: $80 (originally $113) at amazon.com

If you love rich, creamy risotto but dread the exhausting continuous stirring, this sleek Breville gadget is an attractive option. The device is a multi-cooker with 11 slow- and fast-cooking presets, including one for risotto. It automatically adjusts time, temperature, and pressure with sensors on the top and bottom of the device and has a hands-free steam release to ensure impeccable texture and flavor.

Like other high-quality Breville appliances, this powerhouse has hundreds of devoted fans. Users praise its durability, variety of intuitive controls, and speediness. Additionally, some reviewers specifically said the Breville makes incredible risotto. 

"One of the most used appliances in my kitchen," a user wrote. "Breville makes wonderful products and this combo slow/pressure is no exception. Risotto in no time at all, without constant watching? Check. Short ribs? Check. Sunday gravy in under 6 hours? Check. Dried beans? A total lifesaver. I love it."

To buy: $250 (originally $380) at amazon.com

Enjoy perfectly cooked grains no matter where you go with this compact cooker. The Aroma Housewares Mini Digital Rice Cooker weighs just under 2.5 pounds and is designed with a  carrying handle that folds to save space. The digital device makes up to 3 cups of rice and has brown and white grain settings, as well as a keep-warm option. And with a nonstick interior pot that's dishwasher-safe, the appliance is a breeze to clean.

Many users say the portable rice cooker is excellent for RVs, vacation homes, dorms, and offices for a warm desk lunch. "It's the perfect size for me to tuck away in a drawer at my desk and it cooks the rice perfectly," one said. "Easy clean up, too."

To buy: $25 (originally $30) at amazon.com