The Best Rice Cooker for Your Kitchen [Our Picks for 2021]

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Don't burn some other pot of rice on the stove! Instead, take hold of the best rice cooker for your cooking style. You'll never regret this gadget that does all the work while you lot work on the rest of dinner.

Taste of Home

Rice is a major component of many of our favorite dishes. It serves as a foundation for delicious curry recipes, adds texture to soups and fills out our menus when fabricated every bit a side dish.

As mutual every bit this ingredient is, information technology oft can give even regular cooks some trouble (raise your hand if you've e'er scorched a pot of rice!). Fifty-fifty if rice doesn't present major bug for you lot, keeping an eye on the pot while y'all've got other parts of your meal in the works is a pain. That'due south where finding the best rice cooker comes in. A expert rice cooker takes care of making this grain perfectly tender and keeping information technology warm while you finish up that stir-fry.

(Our guide to how to cook rice is full of tips and helpful communication for making different varieties of rice.)

What to Wait for When Shopping for a Rice Cooker

There are what seems like limitless rice cooker options out there. Our Test Kitchen provided its tiptop picks below, simply be certain to keep these considerations in listen when you're choosing from our favorites (or choosing one of your own):

• Chapters:How many people do you typically cook for? Look for rice cookers that produce four cups or more if cooking rice as a side for the family.
• Settings: Practise you want your rice cooker to just cook rice? Do you regularly melt other grains equally well?
• Cleanup: What level of make clean-upward would y'all prefer? Some models offering nonstick surfaces and dishwasher-safe inserts. Others crave manus washing.
• Price:Go along in heed how much you want to spend. At that place are adept options at whatsoever toll bespeak. You'll find worthwhile rice cookers starting at just $xxx.

Our Examination Kitchen-Preferred Rice Cookers

Afterwards testing eight rice cooker brands cooking white, chocolate-brown and wild rice, four brands rose to the top and earned the title of Exam Kitchen-Preferred.

Best Basic Model: IMUSA Electric Nonstick Rice Cooker

Via amazon.com

Dear rice? Make it all the time? Don't need any frills? You'll want an IMUSA Electric Nonstick Rice Cooker.

This appliance produced reliably good rice in each of our tests for white, brown and wild rice. With just a single setting, this rice cooker manages to cook and steam these different grains perfectly. The texture is terrific and the cleanup is a sure-fire thank you to the nonstick insert.

Besides producing spot-on rice every fourth dimension, the IMUSA rice cooker also worked fast. In 19 minutes our Test Kitchen opened the lid to find perfectly fluffy white rice. Brown and wild rice took just 25 minutes—a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop.

• Chapters:3 cups, simply IMUSA also makes five- and eight- cup models
• Features:Nonstick insert, automatic keep-warm setting
• Price:$28

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Best for Families: Tiger Rice Cooker

Via amazon.com

When you cook for a big family or host frequent parties, a compact three-cup rice maker just won't cut it. Fortunately,Tiger makes generously sized rice cookers in eight- and x-loving cup models.

This bonny and streamlined rice cooker was one of our Test Kitchen's favorite pocket-sized appliances. Time and time again, Tiger made tender, fluffy rice. Even wild rice, which can be catchy to cook, turned out perfectly. In fact, the Tiger rice cooker made the best wild rice of any model we tried; bear that in mind if wild rice makes regular appearances on your dinner table.

Some other bonus of this cooker: It was a breeze to use. But striking the melt switch and you're good to go. There are no secrets to dandy rice with this appliance.

• Capacity:8 cups, though iii-, 4-, 5.5- and 10-loving cup models are also available
• Features:Nonstick pot, retractable cord, audible alert when rice is done, removable, washable steam insert
• Price:$130

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All-time Rice Cooker for Small Spaces: Blackness + DECKER Rice Cooker

Via amazon.com

If you don't take much space to spare but honey the idea of rice fabricated easy, grab this BLACK + DECKER Rice Cooker. This compact appliance cooks just enough rice for a pair—platonic for when you make Chinese takeout-inspired recipes for your engagement dark in.

The BLACK + DECKER rice cooker isn't fancy or flashy merely information technology does its task well and apace. This rice cooker fabricated white rice in about 23 minutes—that's less fourth dimension than it takes for the delivery person to brand it to your door.

• Chapters:3 cups
• Features:Nonstick insert, automatic continue-warm setting
• Toll:$15

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All-time Splurge Model: Panasonic Japanese Rice Cooker

Via amazon.com

Are y'allactually serious about your rice? Do you eat it more than once a week? Then yous should consider spending a bit more on your rice cooker. Just like with any other appliance, if you use it frequently, you won't regret leveling upwards a bit to thePanasonic Japanese Rice Cooker.

This model has 12 different presets that allow you to melt more than merely rice; you tin also slow cook, steam and cook quinoa in this appliance. And when it comes to rice, you lot can cull your settings from fluffy, white rice (perfect for an easy side) to sushi rice that's but the right texture for your California scroll.

These pitch-perfect grains take a smidge longer to produce than other models, just the customization is well worth it co-ordinate to our Test Kitchen.

• Capacity:10 cups
• Features: Ceramic-coated nonstick insert, 12 pre-programmed settings, LCD screen
• Price:$440

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How to Make the Most of Your Rice Cooker

Our Examination Kitchen'southward recommendation: Use your rice cooker whenever y'all tin can! This set-it-and-forget-it gadget makes your rice perfectly and with virtually-zero endeavour. First with some white rice recipes so move on to brown rice dishes.

Southwestern Rice

I created this colorful side dish subsequently eating something similar at a restaurant. It complements any Tex-Mex meal wonderfully. Sometimes I add cubes of grilled chicken breast to the rice to make it a repast in itself. —Michelle Dennis, Clarks Hill, Indiana

Lemon Chicken and Rice

On our busy ranch, we frequently need meals we tin can put on the table in a bustle. This all-in-ane craven dish - with its delicate lemon flavor - fits the bill and it'southward cheap to boot. —Kat Thompson, Prineville, Oregon

Texas-Mode Castilian Rice

The original version of this recipe was given to me by a Mexican friend, only I've modified the spices to suit my family's tastes. Information technology'due south become a favorite at our house—run across if information technology doesn't do the same at yours! —Melissa Pride, Plano, Texas

Stuffed Pepper Soup

I was talking nearly stuffed peppers with the other cooks at the restaurant where I piece of work. We decided to mix similar ingredients for a soup. Customer response was overwhelming! —Krista Muddiman, Meadville, Pennsylvania

Herbed Rice Pilaf

This savory side dish has been a family unit favorite for years. Our 12-yr-old daughter, Jennifer, is an expert with this recipe, which is a great help for a busy working mom like me. We sure enjoy this rice dish in the summertime with a grilled entree. -Jeri Dobrowski, Embankment, N Dakota

Forgotten Jambalaya

During chilly months, I fix this slow cooker jambalaya recipe at least once a month. It'due south and then easy…just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget information technology! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this easy jambalaya. —Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas

Black Edible bean Craven with Rice

This spicy family favorite calls for just a few basic ingredients, so information technology'due south quick and easy to stir upwards in your skillet on a weeknight. —Molly Newman, Portland, Oregon

Korean Beefiness and Rice

A friend raved about Korean bulgogi, which is beef cooked in soy sauce and ginger, so I tried it. Information technology'south succulent! You'll dazzle the table with this tasty version of Korean beef and rice. —Elizabeth King, Duluth, Minnesota

Rice-Blimp Peppers

Mother used to fix this wonderful, easy dish when we had company. She was from a family of fantastic Cajun cooks, so our food was always well-seasoned. In Louisiana, rice is part of many meals. The cheese sauce sets these blimp peppers apart from whatever others I've tried. —Lisa Easley, Longview, Texas

Wild Rice Soup

As the oldest of eight girls growing up on the farm, I began cooking at an early age! This soup—which I beginning had at my sis's business firm—brings me compliments no matter where I serve it. —Elienore Myhre, Balaton, Minnesota

Makeover Shrimp Rice Casserole

The cooks at Gustatory modality of Home fabricated a lightened-up version of my shrimp casserole, and I dearest information technology. The makeover has merely half the calories and sodium of my original recipe, and less fat, too. —Marie Roberts, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Black Bean and Rice Enchiladas

I dear Mexican food, but I'thousand always looking for ways to make information technology more than healthy. I "renovated" a dish that I take enjoyed in restaurants to suit my taste and lifestyle. —Christie Ladd, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Tilapia with Jasmine Rice

This tender, full-flavored tilapia with fragrant jasmine rice is admittedly to dice for. And it gets ameliorate—each serving has only 5 grams of fatty! —Shirl Parsons, Cape Carteret, North Carolina

Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

Years ago, I barbarous hard for a lemony Greek soup at Panera Bread. It was just a special back and then, but I re-created it at home and then we could eat it whenever a craving striking! —Kristin Cherry, Bothell, Washington

Spicy Chicken and Rice

Every bit a working mom with two kids, I have little time to fix something hearty during the week. This recipe is easily tossed together in the morn and fabulous to come domicile to at nighttime. Both of my picky eaters dear it! —Jessica Costello, Westminster, Massachusetts

Corn, Rice & Bean Burritos

No one will miss the meat when y'all dish up these satisfying burritos bursting with a fresh-tasting filling. They're fast to ready and won't put a dent in your wallet. —Sharon W. Bickett, Chester, South Carolina

Contest-Winning Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

While this special chicken and wild rice casserole is perfect for a visitor dinner, it's so skillful that I ofttimes make it for everyday family meals. Nosotros recollect information technology is very nice served with some crusty rolls or French staff of life. —Elizabeth Tokariuk, Lethbridge, Alberta

Cranberry Chicken and Wild Rice

Tender craven is broiled in a sugariness-tart cranberry sauce for this elegant entree. This chicken is delicious, and it'due south then easy to prepare and I beloved that I can do other things while it bakes. —Evelyn Lewis, Independence, Missouri

Mexican Rice with Chicken

This skillet supper comes together with leftover cooked chicken and a packaged mix. Afterwards I prepared this rice, I served the extras on tortillas with cheese and sour foam the next day. Both meals were a striking. —Debra Rzodkiewicz, Erie, Pennsylvania

Lemony Turkey Rice Soup

While growing upwardly in Texas, I spent a lot of time helping my grandma cook. Lemon and cilantro add a deliciously different twist to turkey soup. —Margarita Cuellar, East Chicago, Indiana

Spanish Rice with Footing Beefiness

I don't know the origin of this recipe, simply information technology'due south been in my family unit for a long fourth dimension. I can think eating it oftentimes as a trivial daughter.—Beverly Austin, Fulton, Missouri

Turkey a la Rex with Rice

I like to make this dish with our leftover turkey. It's a nice change from casseroles and and so simple. Serve over rice, noodles, biscuits or toast. —Pat Lemke, Brandon, Wisconsin

Super Quick Chicken Fried Rice

Afterwards my first child was born, I needed meals that were satisfying and fast. This fried rice is at present part of our regular dinner rotation. — Alicia Gower, Auburn, New York

Sirloin Strips over Rice

I constitute this recipe in a picture magazine some 20 years agone. Information technology was the favorite of some male star, simply I don't remember which one. Its great season and the fact that leftovers but go better accept made it a family favorite! —Karen Dunn, Kansas City, Missouri

Slap-up Pork with Rice

Peach preserves sweeten the spicy salsa in this delicious dish that's squeamish plenty for company. Suit the heat level to gustation by using mild or spicy salsa and seasoning. —Melissa Molaison, Hawkinsville, Georgia

Quick Bean and Rice Burritos

These hearty and zippy burritos can exist whipped up in a jiffy. —Kimberly Hardison, Maitland, Florida

Salsa Rice

Information technology's a snap to alter the spice level in this popular rice side dish by choosing a milder or hotter salsa. It'south a succulent way to round out burritos or tacos when the clock is ticking. —Molly Ingle, Canton, Due north Carolina

Chicken & Wild Rice Strudels

I wanted the buttery crunch of layered pastry without the sweet filling of strudel. Using rotisserie craven from the store, I plant my savory answer. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

Cumin Rice with Avocado

Cumin, picante sauce and avocado do a terrific chore of perking up rice in this any-24-hour interval side dish. —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia

Shrimp Fried Rice

This delectable shrimp fried rice is filled with color and gustatory modality that makes it vanish fast. Our family unit of four tin't get plenty of it. Bacon adds crispness and a hint of heartiness. Consider information technology when you need a unlike main dish or brunch item. —Sandra Thompson, White Hall, Arkansas

Apple tree-Balsamic Pork Chops & Rice

Thank you to tangy balsamic vinegar and sweetness apples, this one-pot pork chop lets yous have a little something special anytime. —Greg Hageli, Elmhurst, Illinois

Beef & Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

This recipe is special to me because it's an easy one-pot meal that tastes similar you spent the whole day in the kitchen. My family unit loves it. —Lynn Bowen, Geraldine, Alabama

Chicken Rice Skillet

Pleasant seasonings and plenty of vegetables highlight this traditional chicken and rice pairing. Leftovers are neat reheated in the microwave. —January Balata, Kilkenny, Minnesota

Mushroom Wild Rice

This is i of my favorite recipes from my mother. With only seven ingredients, information technology's quick to assemble in the morning before I leave for work. By the time I get home, mouthwatering aromas have filled the business firm. —Bob Malchow, Monon, Indiana

Gulf Coast Jambalaya Rice

As the stew of the South, jambalaya is a definite staple. For ages, domicile cooks take been making their own tweaks on the traditional recipe. This rendition is my favorite. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

Skillet Ham & Rice

Ham, rice and mushrooms make a tasty combination in this homey stovetop dish. It goes from start to end in only 25 minutes. —Susan Zivec, Regina, Saskatchewan

Wild Rice Stuffing

Since trying this stuffing recipe from my sister, I oasis't made whatever other kind. It's so moist and tasty. When a big bowlful starts circulating around the table, happy holiday smiles get even bigger! —Connie Olson, Light-green River, Wyoming

Chocolate-brown Rice Blimp Peppers

For extra flavor, I sometime add together beefiness burgoo to the dish while the peppers bake. It likewise steams them a trivial. If also make these with footing chicken or turkey; and then I'll use chicken burgoo instead. —Hope Huggins, Santa Cruz, California

Quick Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

My mother in law raves most the craven and rice soup nosotros serve at our house. I tweaked the recipe several times to get it just right. —Teresa Jacobson, St. Johns, Florida

Northward African Chicken and Rice

I'm e'er looking to try recipes from unlike cultures, and this one is a huge favorite. We love the spice combinations. This cooks equally well in a dull cooker or a pressure cooker. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Wild Rice Stuffed Squash

I made this recipe when we invited both our families to celebrate our first Thanksgiving in our new home. In that location were 37 of united states of america, and those who tried this dish raved about it. —Robin Thompson, Roseville, California

Curry Craven and Rice

I updated this craven and rice dish by adding veggies and cashews to give it fresh and crunchy appeal. The green chilies in the tomatoes give it just the right little kick, but if you really like spice, add together fresh, diced jalapeño. —Denise Klibert, Shreveport, Louisiana

Mushrooms & Peas Rice Pilaf

Anything tin can be in a rice pilaf. Adding peas and baby portobello mushrooms gives it a springlike flare-up of color and a multifariousness of textures. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon

Lemony Chicken & Rice

I couldn't say who loves this recipe all-time, considering it gets raves every time I serve it! Occasionally I even go a phone phone call or email from a friend requesting the recipe, and it's certainly a favorite for my grown children and 15 grandchildren. —Maryalice Wood, Langley, British Columbia

Broccoli, Rice and Sausage Dinner

The start recipe my kids requested when they left home was broccoli with sausage and rice. If fresh zucchini or summertime squash is available, add together it to the mix. —JoAnn Parmentier, Branch, Michigan

Turkey Curry with Rice

When I have leftover turkey and a hankering for non-holiday food, I make turkey curry with carrots, cauliflower and mango chutney to spoon over rice. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Shrimp & Broccoli Brown Rice Paella

Years ago my husband and I were vacationing in French republic and came across an open market where a human being from Spain was making paella in a skillet; we've been hooked always since. I beloved to whip this upwards for a large group, simply if the gathering is pocket-size, I know I can easily freeze leftovers for another time. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California

Caribbean Shrimp & Rice Bowl

I had a similar rice basin on vacation and re-created this lighter version at habitation. Information technology takes me dorsum to the islands every time I arrive. Effort grilling the shrimp for more beachy flavor. —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia

Broccoli-Chicken Rice Soup

I transformed leftover chicken and rice into this tasty soup. It even passed the company test. —Karen Reed, Middletown, Ohio

Rice Pilaf with Apples & Raisins

I honey making bulgar pilaf with apricots. Then glad I tried it with stale apples and golden raisins! —Elizabeth Dumont, Madison, Mississippi

Lemon Rice Pilaf

No demand to buy premade pilaf mix when you tin can easily brand your own in twenty minutes. The lemon zest adds a welcome burst of tang. —Gustatory modality of Home Exam Kitchen

Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad

This hearty salad was created when I needed to clear out some leftovers from the fridge—and it became an instant striking! The grilled peaches are the ultimate "tastes like summer" salad booster. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas

Spicy Rice Goulash

Stirring up pork sausage, wild rice and jalapeno to taste makes this a terrific side. Or serve information technology with cornbread to plow it into a master dish. It's like shooting fish in a barrel to make alee and reheat for a potluck repast. —Debbie Jones, California, Maryland

Pesto Rice-Blimp Chicken

Juicy stuffed craven is perfect for basil fans, but I've but every bit hands used shredded cheese in place of the pesto for my pickier eaters. —Rachel Dion, Port Charlotte, Florida

Southern Pork & Rice

At our house, we're big on healthy eating. These ultra tender chops with colorful rice and black-eyed peas are a meal fancy enough for a dinner party. —Annie Holmes, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Hearty Turkey 'north' Rice Soup

Utilize the leftover cooked turkey in the fridge to speed up dinner. You'll be ladling up bowlfuls of goodness in only xxx minutes. —Maggie Brewer, Canandaigua, New York

Pork & Rice Meatballs

My appetizer meatballs combine two of my favorite Asian dishes —Chinese pork dumplings and steamed craven balls. —Elizabeth Dumont, Madison, MS

Cajun Pork and Rice

I created this recipe upon returning home from traveling. With lilliputian food in the firm, I used what was at that place. My hubby loves this dish because it's tasty, and I honey it because it's like shooting fish in a barrel. —Allison Gapinski, Cary, North Carolina

Asian Chicken Rice Bowl

This super flavorful, nutrient-packed dish makes employ of supermarket conveniences similar coleslaw mix and rotisserie chicken. This recipe is hands doubled or tripled for big families. —Christianna Gozzi, Asteria, New York

Northwoods Wild Rice Salad

This is my Minnesota version of a vintage German slaw that'southward popular at church suppers. The wild rice has a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with tangy sauerkraut. —Jeanne Holt, St. Paul, Minnesota

Wild Rice, Quinoa & Cranberry Salad

This fragrant salad is a vitamin and protein powerhouse. Toss in leftover cooked turkey to make it a repast the next day. —Jerilyn Korver, Bellflower, California

Festive Rice

My mom and I transformed evidently rice past adding feta, cranberries, pumpkin seeds and cayenne. We wound upward with a sugariness and spicy crowd-pleaser. —Lisa de Perio, Dallas, Texas

Tedious-Cooker Spinach & Rice

I started making this in the slow cooker to save oven infinite during the holidays. Information technology's and so convenient that I no longer reserve it for special occasions! —Erica Polly, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

Chicken & Vegetable Wild Rice Soup

This become-to weeknight recipe is one I tweaked over and over till information technology was simply right. Information technology has morphed from a labor-intensive wintry basin to a steamy, comforting, slow-cooked favorite for our family. —Courtney Riggin, Hatchechubbee, Alabama

Glazed Cornish Hens with Pecan-Rice Stuffing

Cornish hens broil up with a lovely golden chocolate-brown smooth when they are basted with my sweet and tangy coat. The traditional rice stuffing has some added interest with crunchy pecans and sweetness aureate raisins.—Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario

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