Top 10 Best Rice Cookers for Making Quick Meals in 2024

The best rice cookers are the ones that can make your life easier. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen everyday cooking, while you could be doing other things. The best rice cooker can help you get a meal on the table with minimal effort and time invested.

In this article, we have compiled a list of what we believe are some of the best rice cookers for making quick meals in 2022. These models will give you everything from quinoa risotto to steamed vegetables without any hassle or stress! Some great features include programmable settings, delayed start times, and different sizes for single servings as well as larger families. So, here is a list of the best rice cookers for making quick meals in 2024:

1)Aroma Housewares ARC-954SBD Rice Cooker

The Aroma Housewares ARC-954SBD Rice Cooker, 4-Cup Uncooked 2.5 Quart, Professional is a multifunctional rice cooker that can be used to cook various types of food. This unit cooks up to 20% faster than other rice cookers in the market and has an automatic keep-warm function that keeps your food warm until you are ready to eat. The ARC-954SBD also features a large LCD display with 3 menu settings for white/sushi/risotto, brown/ GABA brown, and mixed rice cooking along with a delayed start timer that can be set up to 15 hours in advance.

This Aroma rice cooker can hold up to six cups of cooked rice and comes with an easy-to-read instruction manual for simple operation. This unit is designed to progressively cook rice, so it will also steam meat while your rice is cooking. The ARC-954SBD includes a detachable spoon/scoop and bowl along with a nonstick coated inner pan and a durable outer casing that makes this unit both attractive and functional.

Features:

• Brand: Aroma Housewares
• Model Name: ARC-954SBD
• Colour: Professional Version
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Capacity: 2.5 Quarts

Pros:

• Includes a keep-warm function and a large LCD display, as well as delay start timer capabilities for more convenience
• Professional-grade stainless-steel exterior with glass lid is durable and looks attractive on kitchen countertops

Cons:

• Not made from non-stick materials, so cleanup may be more difficult
• Unit is a bit bulky and may take up more counter space than some other rice cookers

2)Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup, Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer

The Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer, 1.0-Liter is a top-quality product that can be used to cook all types of rice, as well as oatmeal, pasta, and vegetables. This cooker has micro computerized fuzzy logic technology that adjusts the cooking time and temperature for perfect results every time. The Zojirushi NS-TSC10 also comes with a variety of programmable functions, including white rice/sushi, mixed rice, porridge, GABA brown rice, steam vegetables, and slow cook.

This unit has a keep-warm function that will automatically kick in when your food is done cooking, making it perfect for families that are away during the day. The Zojirushi NS-TSC10 also has an easy-to-read LCD display with a clock and timer, as well as a detachable power cord for carrying convenience.

Features:

• Brand: Zojirushi
• Model Name: NS-TSC10
• Colour: Metallic Gray
• Material: Stainless Steel and Plastic
• Capacity: 1.0-Liter

Pros:

• Comes with a variety of programmable functions for cooking all types of rice
• The keep-warm function ensures food is still warm when you are ready to eat
• Detachable power cord for portability and cleanliness

Cons:

• Digital controls are easy to accidentally press, so the unit may turn on by accident if not careful
• Non-stick material may make it more difficult to clean than other rice cookers with stainless steel cooking pots
• The product is a bit bulky and may not fit well in all kitchens

3)BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker

The BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker, 6-cup, White, RC6-W is a compact rice cooker that has the ability to make up to six cups of cooked rice. This unit comes with an easy-to-use interface with delay start timer functions for cooking at night or while you are away. The BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker, 6-cup, White, RC6-W also has a keep-warm setting that will keep your rice warm for up to two hours after it is done cooking.

This rice cooker is made with a nonstick pot and bowl for easy cleanup, and it also has a stay-cool handle for safety. The BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker, 6-cup, White, RC6-W is a great option for small families or single individuals who want an easy, no-fuss rice cooker. This is one of the best rice cookers out there!

Features:

• Brand: BLACK+DECKER
• Model Name: RC6-W
• Colour: White
• Material: Plastic
• Capacity: 6-Cup

Pros:

• Compact size is perfect for small kitchens or single individuals
• delay start timer functions and keep-warm setting make it easy to cook your rice on your own schedule
• Nonstick pot and bowl make cleanup a breeze

Cons:

• It is not big enough to cook rice for larger families
• Not made from stainless steel, so there is a risk of corrosion or rusting if not dried properly
• Nonstick coating may be more difficult to clean than other rice cookers with outer casings

4)Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer

This is one of the best rice cookers for making quick meals because it’s so small, allowing it to fit easily in any kitchen. The best part about this rice cooker is that it can cook up to 3 cups of uncooked rice. Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer, 3-Cups (uncooked), Stainless Black also includes a convenient steam vent at the side of its lid to help prevent pressure from building inside. If you’re looking for a small rice cooker that can prepare quick meals, this is best for you.

Features:

• Brand: Zojirushi
• Model Name: NS-LGC05XB
• Colour: Black and Stainless Steel
• Material: Stainless Steel and Plastic
• Capacity: 3-Cup (uncooked)

Pros:

• Consistent results every time you cook with this cooker
• 3-cup capacity is perfect for people who need to make quick meals
• It comes with a convenient steam vent at the side of its lid to help prevent pressure from building inside

Cons:

• It is more expensive than other options on this list
• Rice could stick to it if you don’t wait for the rice cooker to cool off
• Not dishwasher safe, so cleaning will take a bit more effort

5)IMUSA Electric Nonstick Rice Cooker

If you’re looking for the best small rice cooker to make quick meals, this is your best option. The IMUSA Electric Nonstick Rice Cooker, 8-Cups (Uncooked) comes with a nonstick pot that makes it easy to clean up after you’re done cooking. The best part about this rice cooker is that it can cook up to 8 cups of uncooked rice at once, making it perfect for larger families or groups. The IMUSA Electric Nonstick Rice Cooker, 8-Cups (Uncooked) also comes with a steaming tray so you can cook vegetables or fish while your rice is cooking.

Features:

• Brand: IMUSA
• Model Number: 18307
• Colour: Black and Gray
• Material: Plastic
• Capacity: 8-Cup (uncooked)

Pros:

• Cooks 8 cups of rice at once, which is perfect for larger families or groups
• Nonstick pot makes it easy to clean up after use
• The steaming tray makes it easy to cook fresh vegetables or fish while your rice is cooking

Cons:

• Since it is made from plastic, this rice cooker could corrode or rust if not dried properly
• It has a tendency to burn rice if not monitored closely
• It may be too large for some people who need a compact rice cooker

6)Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker

One of the best things about the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker, 5.5-Cup (Uncooked), is that it comes with features that allow you to cook perfect rice every time. This best rice cooker can keep your rice warm for hours on end without the risk of burning, and it also comes with a re-steam function that can help break up clumps or separate rice if it’s too sticky. This rice cooker also has a built-in sensor that detects changes in temperature and automatically adjusts cooking times to make your rice perfect every time.

Features:

• Brand: Zojirushi
• Model Name: NS-ZCC18
• Colour: White and Stainless Steel
• Material: Plastic and Stainless Steel
• Capacity: 5.5-Cup (uncooked)

Pros:

• The Neuro-Fuzzy Logic technology ensures perfect rice every time
• Keeps rice warm for hours without burning it
• Comes with a re-steam function to break up rice clumps or separate sticky rice

Cons:

• The plastic body may not be as durable as other rice cookers on this list
• The non-stick coating inside the pot may be corroded or rusted after long term use
• It does not have a delay start feature.

7)Panasonic 5 Cup, Japanese Rice Cooker with Induction Heating System 

This Panasonic rice cooker is perfect for anyone who wants to cook perfect rice every time. This rice cooker comes with an automatic shut-off function that kicks in when your rice is done cooking, and it also has a keep-warm setting that will keep your rice warm for hours. This rice cooker comes with pre-programmed cooking options for brown rice, white rice, and porridge or soup, so you don’t have to guess how long to cook your rice for.

Features:

• Brand: Panasonic
• Colour: Black
• Material: Plastic and Stainless Steel
• Capacity: 5-Cup (uncooked)
• Model Number: SR-HZ106 (Black)

Pros:

• Perfect for brown rice, white rice, and porridge or soup
• The keep-warm setting keeps rice warm without the risk of burning it
• Includes pre-programmed settings that make cooking quick and simple

Cons:

• The plastic exterior could be damaged if not dried properly after washing.
• It is not as durable as other rice cookers on this list
• It does not have a delayed start feature.

8)Cuisinart CRC-400 4 Cup Rice Cooker

This Cuisinart rice cooker is perfect for small families or singles who want to cook a quick meal. The Cuisinart CRC-400 4 Cup Rice Cooker, Stainless Steel Exterior can cook up to 4 cups of uncooked rice at once, and it comes with a steaming tray so you can cook vegetables or fish while your rice is cooking. The keep-warm function on this rice cooker will keep your rice warm for hours after it’s done cooking, and the removable pot makes it easy to clean up.

Features:

• Brand: Cuisinart
• Colour: Stainless steel
• Material: Plastic and Stainless steel
• Capacity: 4-cup (uncooked)
• Model Number: CRC-400

Pros:

• The removable pot makes it easy to clean
• Can cook up to 4 cups of rice at once
• Comes with a steaming tray for cooking vegetables or fish while the rice cooks

Cons:

• Poor quality control on the non-stick coating
• The steaming tray may not fit some vegetables or fish properly
• The rice may not cook properly or evenly if the steaming tray is used.

9)TIGER JBV-A10U 5.5-Cup, Micom Rice Cooker

This is the best rice cooker from Tiger which is perfect for anyone who likes fluffy, perfectly cooked rice. This rice cooker can cook up to 5 and a half cups of uncooked rice at once, and the internal pan on this best rice cooker is made of dishwasher-safe ceramic instead of stainless steel or aluminium. The TIGER JBV-A10U 5.5-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker with Food Steamer Basket, White also comes with a food steamer basket that can be used to cook vegetables, fish, or chicken while the rice cooker is cooking.

Features:

• Brand: Tiger
• Colour: White
• Material: Stainless steel and plastic
• Capacity: 5 1/2-Cup (uncooked)
• Model Number: JBV-A10U

Pros:

• The best rice cooker for cooking fluffy, perfectly cooked rice every time
• Can cook up to 5 1/2 cups of rice at once, perfect for families or large groups
• The internal pan is made of dishwasher-safe ceramic instead of stainless steel or aluminium

Cons:

• The non-stick coating may start to peel after a while
• The rice cooker may start to smell after a while if not cleaned regularly
• The food steamer basket is not very big.

10)Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Cooker is the best rice cooker that can do it all. This rice cooker can cook rice, sauté vegetables, slow cook, make yogurt, and more. The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Cooker also has a 24-hour timer so you can set it and forget it, and the automatic keep-warm function will keep your food warm for hours after it’s done cooking.

Features:

• Brand: Instant Pot
• Colour: Stainless steel and black
• Material: Stainless steel
• Capacity: 6-quart (uncooked/liquids)
• Model Number: DUO80UK

Pros:

• The best rice cooker that can do it all, cook rice, sauté vegetables, slow cook, make yogurt, etc.
• 24-hour timer so you can set it and forget it
• The automatic keep-warm function will keep your food warm for hours after it’s done cooking

Cons:

• The pot is not removable, so it can be difficult to clean if food gets stuck on the sides.
• It may get too hot for some kitchens.
• Expensive compared to other rice cookers on this list

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q- Which rice cooker is the best?

A- The best rice cooker for you will vary depending on your needs. If you are looking for a basic rice cooker that can just cook rice, the Tiger JBV-A10U 5.5-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker with Food Steamer Basket, White is a good option. If you are looking for a rice cooker that can do more than just cook rice, the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Cooker is a great option.

Q- Is cooking with a rice cooker healthier?

A- In general, cooking with a rice cooker is healthier than cooking with a stovetop. When you cook rice on the stovetop, you have to use a lot of oil or butter to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. With a rice cooker, there is no need for oil or butter, so you can make healthier meals with a rice cooker.

Q- How do I clean my rice cooker?

A- For best results, you should hand wash your best rice cooker with warm, soapy water after each use. If the rice cooker has removable parts, you can also place them in the dishwasher.

Conclusion:

The best rice cooker can make quick and easy meals for you, saving you time and money at the same time. They also come in many shapes and sizes, so you should choose the right rice cooker for your kitchen based on features, capacity, brand, etc. For example, if you are looking for a rice cooker that can do more than just cook rice, the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Cooker may be the best rice cooker for your kitchen. So, these are the top 10 best rice cookers for making quick and easy meals in 2024. Thank you for reading!