10 Best Rice Cookers 2026 in the United States

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 is a well-regarded rice cooker that stands out for its advanced Neuro Fuzzy logic technology, which helps ensure perfectly cooked rice by adjusting cooking times and temperatures based on the type of rice being prepared. With a capacity of 5-1/2 cups, it’s ideal for small to medium-sized families or individuals who enjoy rice regularly.

One of the key strengths of this rice cooker is its versatility; it offers multiple cooking functions, including settings for white rice, brown rice, porridge, and even quick cooking. The automatic keep-warm feature is particularly beneficial as it maintains the rice at a perfect serving temperature without overcooking it.

The spherical nonstick inner pan allows for even cooking and easy cleaning, while the user-friendly LCD clock and timer make it simple to keep track of your cooking. On the design front, it’s compact enough to fit in most kitchens without taking up too much counter space, and the retractable cord adds to its convenience. There are some potential drawbacks to consider. The price point is higher than many basic rice cookers, which might make it less accessible for budget-conscious consumers. Also, while the cooker is generally easy to clean, the nonstick coating requires gentle care to maintain its condition over time. Additionally, the measuring cups included are specific to the product, which means users should avoid using standard measuring cups to ensure accurate rice-to-water ratios.

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and food warmer in one. With an 8-quart capacity, it’s ideal for larger families or those who like to batch cook. It offers 13 smart, customizable cooking programs including specific settings for rice, which means you can cook rice quickly and with consistent results. The pressure cooking function speeds up meal prep, cooking dishes up to 70% faster than traditional methods. The keep warm feature is handy for serving meals at the right temperature without overcooking.

Cleaning is convenient thanks to fingerprint-resistant stainless steel sides and dishwasher-safe parts. Its size is somewhat large, so it needs adequate counter space and may be less suited for small kitchens. The stainless steel inner pot with tri-ply bottom promotes even cooking and also allows for sautéing ingredients right in the pot. While the price is higher than basic rice cookers, the multiple functions and safety features, including overheat protection and a safe-locking lid, add good value.

For those seeking a multi-functional cooker that can handle rice and many other dishes with ease and who have the counter space to accommodate its larger footprint, this Instant Pot model is a solid choice.

The Instant Pot RIO 7-in-1 Electric Multi-Cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance that excels in many areas. Its 6-quart capacity is suitable for medium to large families or for those who enjoy meal prepping. The appliance offers multiple cooking functionalities, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, yogurt making, and warming, making it highly adaptable for various recipes.

The one-touch cooking with 13 customizable smart programs simplifies meal prep, especially with pressure cooking speeding up the process by 70% over traditional methods. Clean-up is user-friendly, thanks to its fingerprint-resistant sides and dishwasher-safe components like the lid and inner pot. The modern design with a matte black finish and a compact size makes it a stylish and space-efficient addition to any kitchen.

On the downside, the appliance might be overwhelming for beginners due to the number of features and settings. Additionally, at 12 pounds, it is not the most portable option. The price could also be considered on the higher end, but it is justified by the extensive functionality and advanced features. The Instant Pot RIO offers excellent value for those looking for a multifunctional cooker, especially for medium to large families or meal preppers, but may require a learning curve for optimal use.