How does a rice cooker work?

A rice cooker makes rice using steam technology to cook the rice to the right temperature. Then, it keeps it at the ideal temperature so you have perfectly cooked rice at the exact time you need it. Unlike a stovetop method, you are able to customize the cooking time to the type of rice you're making so it doesn't burn or get too mushy.

How long does it take to cook rice in a rice cooker?

"As short as 30 minutes. After you press a button, you don't have to do anything, and it's done," says chef Sawako Okochi of Shalom Japan in Williamsburg, New York, who finds a rice cooker indispensable for home cooks.

What do you look for in a rice cooker?

"I recommend a brand that's not hard to use," says Okochi. "It shouldn't be too complicated to cook rice in a machine. It should come with a rice measuring cup and an insert bowl with lines for water level after you put [in the] rice, so you can pour water to the line corresponding to the number of cups of rice you put."

Is a rice cooker worth it?

From the quality of the rice to the time it saves, a rice cooker is worth investing in. "In general, rice cookers can free up your burner and your hands so that you can concentrate on cooking other stuff to go with it," Okochi says.

How should you season rice in a rice cooker?

"Most of the time, I don't add any seasoning, but if you want to season your rice, sea salt is most simple, and you can elaborate with dashi instead of water, soy sauce, mirin, and cooking sake for Takikomi Gohan. I'd add some protein or seaweed and start cooking. If adding green vegetables, such as green peas or asparagus, I add them blanched after the rice is cooked and fluff them together," says Okochi.

What else can you cook in a rice cooker?

Rice cookers can be versatile, according to Okochi. "You can slow-cook meat, such as chicken or pork, or some beans. Some elaborate machines have a softer or harder texture setting, [which] can cook porridge, cook brown rice better with a pressure setting, and keep rice warm without drying it [out]. Some can even cook cakes," she says.

Do I need a rice cooker?

You may be wondering if you need a rice cooker. We say yes because it is such a convenience. You can set and forget a rice cooker, eliminating one more consideration for any meal or gathering. It is also a superior rice cooking method, which we prefer to most stovetop methods.

The 4 Best Rice Cookers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

If you prefer cooking rice in a rice cooker instead of on a stovetop, you understand the importance of the machine. The best rice cookers will make fluffy rice, prevent scorching, retain moisture during the warm cycle, and be easy to clean. Most of all, they will save you time by allowing you to cook your rice ahead of time. While this may seem like a simple ask, you'd be surprised how many super fancy machines with all the latest technology struggle with these essential tasks — which is why we've tested the machines ourselves to find the best.

We also spoke with James Beard Award-winning chef Ming Tsai and other professionals about the importance of rice cookers and how to shop for one. "I've always used rice cookers in all of my restaurants," said Tsai. "Why? Because you push a button and have quality rice in 30 to 40 minutes." Because different types of rice require different cooking styles, Tsai recommends evaluating your needs before purchasing a cooker. "The key is to choose based on what type of rice you are cooking, and always make sure it has a 'keep-warm' function," he said. No matter how large your household is or your comfort level with these appliances, you will find the right tool among the top-rated rice cookers we tested.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Zojirushi Induction Heating System Rice Cooker & Warmer
Best Value: Aroma Housewares 8-Cup Rice and Grain Cooker
Best Pressure Rice Cooker: Cuckoo CRP-P1009SB Rice Cooker
Best Large: Zojirushi NS-TSC18 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer

Best Overall: Zojirushi Induction Heating System Rice Cooker & Warmer

Buy on Amazon $334 Buy on Williams-Sonoma $365 Buy on Walmart $365

Pros

Induction heating ensures everything cooks evenly.

Cons

Everything needs to be hand-washed, so if you want something dishwasher-safe, this is not for you.

The Zojirushi Induction Rice Cooker is the right model for someone who eats rice daily or for professional cooks looking for fancier features. This rice cooker has many presets on its clear display panel: white or sushi, quick, mixed porridge, sweet, Brown, cake, and steam. The display might be tricky for less savvy users, but the instructions make it easy to use.

Since this rice cooker makes large quantities of rice, it isn't the best choice for someone with limited countertop space or storage. We found that the rice texture kept consistent during the keep warm function, which lends further credence to the machine's temperature regulation thanks to induction heating.

Uncooked capacity: 5.5 cups | Dimensions: 10"W x 14"D x 8"H | What's included: Steam basket, measuring cup, spatula, and spatula holder.

Zojirushi Induction Heating System Rice Cooker & Warmer displayed with rice inside it on wood surface — The Zojirushi Induction Heating System Rice Cooker can make large quantities of rice, and we found that it cooks well and evenly during our tests.
Food & Wine / Elizabeth Theriot

Best Value: Aroma Housewares 8-Cup Rice and Grain Cooker

Buy on Amazon $33 Buy on Walmart $30

Pros

We liked how the display includes how much time is left in the cook cycle, and it yielded perfectly fluffy rice.

Cons

The instructions note the inner pot might show cosmetic changes if put into the dishwasher.

The Aroma Housewares 8-Cup Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker is a simple and affordable stainless steel cooker for any household. We love how the display panel is clearly labeled and has excellent features like telling you how much time remains in the cook cycle, allowing you to plan meals better. Its eight presets, such as slow cook, sauté, and steam, make this an affordable workhorse that goes beyond just making rice.

You can delay the start time if you need it to begin cooking while you are out. Plus, the machine also has a "quick rice" function when time is limited, and it’s super easy to clean. The clear directions made it easy for us to learn how to cook quinoa in the machine. We also found that the results of the moisture content and texture were consistent across all grains, making it the most versatile and reliable tool we tried.

Uncooked capacity: 4 cups | Dimensions: 9.3"W x 8.6"D x 8.5"H | What's included: Serving spatula, rice measuring cup, and a steamer basket.

Aroma Housewares 8-Cup Rice and Grain Cooker displayed on gray countertop — The Aroma Housewares 8-Cup Rice and Grain Cooker has a large digital control panel and eight presets that make it simple to use and versatile.
Food & Wine / Katie Akin

Best Pressure Rice Cooker: Cuckoo CRP-P1009SB Rice Cooker

Buy on Amazon $280 Buy on Walmart $277 Buy on Macy's $280

Pros

It had great consistency with results and a large capacity.

Cons

Its size might make it inconvenient for some, and there are no smart capabilities.

Once we switched the default language from Korean to English, we were off to the races with this large-capacity rice cooker. It's easy to use and has several presets, including one for sprouted grains (gaba), which can be more complicated for most rice machines to cook correctly. All three styles of rice we tried were cooked thoroughly and consistently, and the warming function worked well with no scorching. The large volume on this model is excellent for households that go through a lot of rice every week.

Uncooked capacity: 10 cups | Dimensions: 11.6"D x 14.2"W x 10.2"H | What's included: Rice paddle

Hand pouring rice into the Cuckoo CRP-P1009SB Pressure Rice Cooker — This Cuckoo rice cooker can handle several types of rice, including sprouted grains, and it cooks them consistently and evenly.
Food & Wine / Sonal Dutt

Best Large: Zojirushi NS-TSC18 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer

Buy on Amazon $199 Buy on Target $220 Buy on Walmart $220

Pros

It has a high-yield capacity making this an excellent choice for larger families.

Cons

Its cost is prohibitive unless you are a hard-core rice cooker user who values technology.

The Zojirushi Micom 10-cup Rice Cooker is one of our favorite Zojirushi machines for any household. It is foolproof and creates excellent rice with distinct grains that are not mushy. Even the warm function is exceptional as the rice from jasmine to basmati was just as good as fresh in our tests. The manual also contains helpful diagrams and illustrations on everything from setup to how to use it, which we found useful during our tests.

Some people might find the capacity too much for average-sized households, but the brand also has a smaller model, which is less expensive and perfect for a family of four. However, this 10-cup version is still easy to use around the house thanks to its large carrying handle and retractable cord. No part of the cooker is dishwasher-safe, but the inner pot is genuinely nonstick and easy to wipe out.

Uncooked capacity: 10 cups | Dimensions: 15"W x 9.87"D x 11.12"H | Accessories included: Spatula, spatula holder, and measuring cup.

Zojirushi NS-TSC18 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer displayed on wood table — This Zojirushi 10-cup rice cooker produces perfectly cooked rice in large quantities, making it ideal for larger households.
Food & Wine / Kristina Razon

Our Favorite Rice Cooker

We use our rice cookers numerous times a week because they are a time saver and allow you to make perfect rice, grains, and other dishes. We tested many machines, but our favorite is the Zojirushi 5.5-Cup Induction Rice Cooker and Warmer, which has the most reliable and precise rice cooking functionalities that kitchen professionals stand by. For a more affordable pick, we recommend the Aroma Housewares 8-Cup Rice Cooker.

How We Tested Rice Cookers

Over the course of three weeks, we incorporated these rice cookers into our regular cooking routines. We made sure to test each cooker with at least two cups of three different types of rice, including sushi rice, long grain rice, and wild rice (ensuring that we rinsed the rice before cooking for consistency). We noted how the displays worked, how easy the controls were to manipulate, how useful the instructions were (if at all), and how well those attributes translated to using the tool. We also looked to see if the rice was scorched or dry from cooking or after an extended time using the warm function, if available. Cleanup was also an essential element of our tests, and we rated the machines on how easy they were to store and clean. We also tested the rice cookers with extra functions, like a setting for oatmeal, and then continued to gather data on the appliances for months after initial testing.

What We Learned About the Best Rice Cookers

Convenience is most important overall. Some rice cookers are more technologically advanced than others, and the more intelligent they are, the easier they are to use. The top-rated brands use "fuzzy logic" to determine when rice is cooked to perfection, adjusting automatically for environmental conditions like hot days or rice that is cooking faster, as well as custom settings for different types of rice like brown or sushi, and even preferences on levels of rice doneness. These features can shift the price of a cooker upwards exponentially, but they also make it a foolproof unit to use.

The best rice cooker doesn't need to be a multicooker. The best rice cookers are designed to cook rice and other grains, but not anything else. Some will tout other applications, though often at the cost of not being great at those or not being great at rice. If you need an appliance that cooks rice with other features like steaming, you may opt for a multi-cooker with a rice cooking feature instead of a rice cooker. The best features to look for are different settings for different kinds of rice and grains, a good "keep warm" feature, dishwasher-safe components for easy cleanup, and a clear and easy-to-use interface.

Knowing your ideal grain volume is key. Rice cookers for home use are available in sizes as small as three cups and as large as 12 cups or more. Determining the right size for your home is as easy as knowing the amount of rice you go through in one typical meal. The benefit of a rice cooker is fast, easy, foolproof rice anytime you want, so there is no need to make more at once than you need for that meal or that day. You can estimate the average person eating about a cup of rice as a side dish for one meal or two cups as the basis of an entrée. A three- or four-cup cooker is likely all you need if you are single or a couple. If you have a larger family or entertain a lot with rice, you will likely want something like a six- to eight-cup cooker.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a rice cooker work?

A rice cooker makes rice using steam technology to cook the rice to the right temperature. Then, it keeps it at the ideal temperature so you have perfectly cooked rice at the exact time you need it. Unlike a stovetop method, you are able to customize the cooking time to the type of rice you're making so it doesn't burn or get too mushy.
How long does it take to cook rice in a rice cooker?

"As short as 30 minutes. After you press a button, you don't have to do anything, and it's done," says chef Sawako Okochi of Shalom Japan in Williamsburg, New York, who finds a rice cooker indispensable for home cooks.
What do you look for in a rice cooker?

"I recommend a brand that's not hard to use," says Okochi. "It shouldn't be too complicated to cook rice in a machine. It should come with a rice measuring cup and an insert bowl with lines for water level after you put [in the] rice, so you can pour water to the line corresponding to the number of cups of rice you put."
Is a rice cooker worth it?

From the quality of the rice to the time it saves, a rice cooker is worth investing in. "In general, rice cookers can free up your burner and your hands so that you can concentrate on cooking other stuff to go with it," Okochi says.
How should you season rice in a rice cooker?

"Most of the time, I don't add any seasoning, but if you want to season your rice, sea salt is most simple, and you can elaborate with dashi instead of water, soy sauce, mirin, and cooking sake for Takikomi Gohan. I'd add some protein or seaweed and start cooking. If adding green vegetables, such as green peas or asparagus, I add them blanched after the rice is cooked and fluff them together," says Okochi.
What else can you cook in a rice cooker?

Rice cookers can be versatile, according to Okochi. "You can slow-cook meat, such as chicken or pork, or some beans. Some elaborate machines have a softer or harder texture setting, [which] can cook porridge, cook brown rice better with a pressure setting, and keep rice warm without drying it [out]. Some can even cook cakes," she says.
Do I need a rice cooker?

You may be wondering if you need a rice cooker. We say yes because it is such a convenience. You can set and forget a rice cooker, eliminating one more consideration for any meal or gathering. It is also a superior rice cooking method, which we prefer to most stovetop methods.

Other Rice Cookers We Tested

These rice cookers are still decent options if there's a good discount available or you feel strongly about these particular brands. However, we found these lacking in a few features, such as a very quiet done signal, more difficult-to-clean pieces, and some slightly dried-out rice after using the keep warm function (not ideal but not a dealbreaker, depending on how particular you are about your rice). The best small rice cooker we tested is no longer available at retailers.

Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker (NS-ZCC10)

This rice cooker is a good value for regular rice eaters and those who want a machine to do all the work. It cooks short-grain white rice well, but it can take over an hour to cook a batch of rice.

Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer (NS-TSC10)

This rice cooker is a good option for families who need a larger capacity rice cooker. It is also a good choice for those who want a rice cooker with various features, such as a timer setting and a warming function.

Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker (37518)

This is an excellent budget-friendly option, but it has few features for more advanced users. It is easy to use and cooks rice well, so it is a better choice for households that want to cook basic rice dishes.

Instant Pot Zest Rice Cooker

This rice cooker is a good option for those who only want to cook rice or quinoa regularly. It is also a good choice for those who wish to have a rice cooker that is easy to clean.

The Best Rice Paddles

Traditionally made of wood, the shamoji or rice paddle is designed to fluff rice without damaging the grains. After the rice is cooked, use a shamoji to gently mix and fluff the rice, releasing any trapped moisture. Many have rows of bumps on both sides, which enables you to gently scrape the rice layer by layer, which yields fluffier rice than a fork. This will prepare the rice for serving without smashing it together. Many modern rice paddles are made from plastic or wood since rice cooker bowls are often non-stick and can scratch. They're also just good to have on hand for prepping, as they are a dream for mixing up tuna salad or cole slaw.

Crate & Barrel Acacia Rice Paddle ($13 at Crate & Barrel)

This rice paddle is made from sustainable acacia wood and has a wide, flat design with rounded edges, making it ideal for scooping, stirring, and serving rice. It's also heat-resistant to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and safe for use with non-stick cookware.

Williams Sonoma Prep Tools Rice Paddle ($15 at Williams Sonoma)

This rice paddle is made from embossed silicone, which prevents food from sticking. It's versatile and can scoop and serve grains, risotto, and hot cereal. The slip-resistant handle is ergonomically shaped for comfort and ease of use.

Inomata Rice Paddle ($4 at Amazon)

This set of two plastic rice paddles is dishwasher-safe and made in Japan. The surface makes it easy to serve rice, and they are easy to replace at the price. Having two means one is always available if the other is in the wash.

Our Expertise

Jennifer Zyman is a Senior Commerce Writer for Food & Wine and a former restaurant critic with a culinary school degree and over 15 years of food writing experience. Her work has appeared in Atlanta Magazine, Bon Appetit, Eater Atlanta, The Kitchen, Local Palate, National Geographic, Simply Recipes, Southern Living, and Travel & Leisure. To write this story, she used market research and results from our in-house testing.
Stacey Ballis also contributed to this article. She is a novelist, cookbook author, and food writer with 20 years of experience. She has been cooking for over 45 years, and writing in the culinary space has been central to her work. Ballis has published 10 novels and a cookbook called "Big Delicious Life," in addition to ghostwriting, recipe development, and recipe testing for chefs.
Ming Tsai also lent his expertise. Chef Tsai is a James Beard & Emmy Award-winning chef, philanthropist, TV personality, and entrepreneur. He is the creator of award-winning restaurants, author of five cookbooks, and current host/executive producer of PBS-TV's Simply Ming. In 2022, Chef Tsai became Iron Chef Tsai as he joined the cast of five world-class chefs in the Netflix series Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend.
Chef Sawako Okochi of Shalom Japan in Williamsburg, New York with her husband, Aaron Israel, also contributed their rice cooker knowledge to this roundup.

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