- Worth The Splurge | Vermicular | Find on Williams Sonoma
- Most Versatile | Instant Pot | Find on Amazon
If rice is a staple in your household, it's worth splurging on a good rice cooker that can produce perfect rice every time. Whether you are a jasmine rice lover, a medium-grain rice person, or a basmati rice eater, cooking rice just got much easier with a great rice cooker. Add water and uncooked rice or your grain of choice, press a few buttons, and voila! You'll have nicely cooked and delicious rice every time.
To help you find the right gadget, we've rounded up seven of the best rice cookers below. All the products included are free from PTFE, PFOA, lead, cadmium, and other toxic ingredients that may leech into your grains as they cook. Takeout enthusiasts, avid meal preppers, and homemade sushi makers rejoice!
What is A Rice Cooker
An electric rice cooker, also referred to as a rice steamer or rice maker, is a kitchen appliance specifically designed to streamline and automate the process of cooking rice. It is specifically designed to cook rice to perfection by using a combination of heat, steam, and precise timing.
Rice cookers have gained popularity in numerous households, particularly in Asian countries where rice is a staple food. They offer convenience, consistent results, and the ability to cook rice with minimal supervision, making them a valuable addition to any kitchen. If you eat rice frequently, it's worth purchasing a dedicated rice cooker.
What is the difference between rice cooker rice and stovetop rice?
Aside from the cooking method and convenience factor, the taste and texture of the rice can vary slightly.
Rice cooked in a rice cooker tends to have a more consistent texture and doneness throughout the entire batch. The automated cooking process ensures that each grain is evenly cooked.
The consistency of stovetop rice can be more variable, as it relies on the cook's attention and skill to get the timing and heat levels right. Achieving the desired results consistently may involve some trial and error.
What To Consider When Shopping For A Rice Cooker
As with any kitchen gadget, no two rice cookers are exactly alike. Products vary widely based on price, quality, cooked rice capacity, and tech-savvy functions. So before you begin your search, skim through these helpful tips on how to find the best rice cooker for your kitchen.
Cooker Type
There are different types of rice cookers available, including conventional on/off cookers, fuzzy logic cookers, and induction heating (IH) cookers. Conventional rice cookers are basic and affordable, while fuzzy logic and IH cookers offer more advanced features and precise temperature control, ideal for cooking different types of rice and grains.
Capacity
Most rice cookers can make between 4-16 cups of cooked rice in a single batch. While models with a greater cooked rice capacity are great for meal prepping and family-size meals, many rice cookers will take up more space in your cabinets and typically cost a bit more.
If you are making rice for a small family, a five or six-cup rice cooker is an ideal size for you. A mini rice cooker is available if you are single or a couple, and a mini rice cooker is also more storage-friendly, making it perfect for dorm rooms or small apartment living.
Prioritize your health (and the health of the planet) by strictly narrowing down your search to rice cookers made with non-toxic materials. Look for products with an inner pot crafted from clay, stainless steel, or with a non-sticking coating labeled as PFOA-, PFA-, and BPA-free.
Pre-Programmed Settings
Every grain requires a slightly different cooking time, so if you're not the savviest in the kitchen, stick with a rice cooker with pre-programmed settings for different types of rice. These days, most rice cookers come equipped with one-touch buttons for white rice and brown rice. At a minimum, the device should have adjustable time and temperature controls.
Functions and Features:
Modern rice cookers come with various features, such as different rice settings (white rice, brown rice, sushi rice, etc.), delayed start, keep warm function, steaming baskets, and more. Take into account the features that are essential for your cooking habits and overall convenience.
Material and Build Quality
Pay attention to the material used for the inner cooking pot. Nonstick-coated pots are common, but some models come with stainless steel or ceramic pots, which may be healthier and more durable. Additionally, ensure the overall build quality of the cooker is sturdy and long-lasting.
If you prefer a nonstick cooking surface for easier cleaning, look for rice cookers with non-toxic nonstick coatings. Traditional nonstick coatings may release toxic fumes at high temperatures, so opt for models that explicitly state they are PFOA-free and PTFE-free. It is important to know that if it indicates PFOA-free, it doesn't mean it is also PTFE-free. Hence, it is crucial to ensure that the rice cooker is free from both chemicals.
Unfortunately, popular rice cookers like the Zojirushi rice cooker, Hamilton Beach rice cooker, and Toshiba rice cooker have a nonstick coating that is not PFOA and PTFE-free.
Care And Maintenance
Thanks to its nonstick coating, taking care of a rice cooker is easy. With some hot and soapy water, cleanup is a breeze. Some inner pots are dishwasher safe, but you should check the brand cleaning instructions first.
Most rice cookers have a steam catcher that will need to be emptied after each use. If you leave it unattended, it can get grungy and moldy. After cleaning, make sure all parts are dry before placing them back into the machine.
The 5 Best Rice Cookers That Are Non-Toxic
GreenPan Elite Ceramic Nonstick Induction Rice Cooker
Best Overall
Source: GreenPan
This GreenPan Elite Ceramic Nonstick Induction Rice Cooker makes a great addition to any chef's repertoire. With cutting-edge technology, user-friendly features, and an exquisite design, this appliance stands out as a top-notch addition to any kitchen. Designed with fuzzy logic technology, this rice cooker can automatically adapt to maximize flavor and minimize cooking time.
The induction heating technology takes cooking rice to a whole new level. The multi-tasking advanced induction heating technology distributes heat evenly and automatically adjusts cooking temperatures to ensure precise, consistent results, whether you're making regular white rice, quinoa, or chicken and brown rice soup. It's finished with a dishwasher-safe, diamond-infused Thermolon™ Volt ceramic nonstick coating for a clean release and easy cleanup after every meal. The nonstick coating is free from PFOA and PFAS, ensuring a safe and healthy cooking experience. In addition, it is also lead and cadmium free, so you cook rice with peace of mind.
If you are new to using a rice cooker, consider yourself fortunate, as it is an easy and convenient way to cook rice. With an easy-to-read control panel, it helps you keep track of progress as your meal cooks. Five pre-programmed settings allow you to make white rice, brown rice, quinoa, steel-cut oats, and soup with the push of a button. Use the convenient keep-warm setting for dinner parties, holiday feasts, and meals where you know you'll be coming back for seconds.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Performance: 4.7/5 Durability: 4.6/5 Value for Money: 4.7/5 Quality: 4.7/5 Ease To Clean: 4.8/5 Ease to Use: 4.8/5
Size | 9.33" L x 11.3" W x 8.5" H |
Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
Capacity | 8 Cups |
Weight | 10.58 pounds |
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Green Life Go Grains Rice Cooker
Best Value
Source: GreenLife
The GreenLife Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Rice Cooker offers the best value for cooking rice without compromising on quality or functionality. With an affordable price, a ceramic nonstick cooking pot, and a user-friendly design, this rice cooker stands out as an excellent choice for those in search of a reliable and efficient appliance that won't stretch their budget. If you're looking for a cost-effective and high-performing rice cooker that consistently delivers perfectly cooked rice and grains, the GreenLife Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Rice Cooker is the best value option for your kitchen.
Right off the bat, the GreenLife Rice Cooker's affordable price makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers who still want to enjoy perfectly cooked rice and grains. Even with its budget-friendly price, this rice cooker maintains its commitment to quality and functionality. Crafted with a ceramic nonstick cooking pot, it is free from PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, ensuring a safe and healthy cooking experience. Unlike traditional rice cookers with potentially harmful nonstick coatings, GreenLife's ceramic surface offers a safe and non-toxic cooking experience. It's also remarkably easy to clean, ensuring hassle-free maintenance and extended durability.
The GreenLife Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Rice Cooker boasts a 5-cup capacity, making it ideal for small to medium-sized families or individuals. Whether you are preparing fluffy white rice, hearty brown rice, or experimenting with different grains, this rice cooker consistently delivers excellent results with ease. With the fuzzy logic technology to automatically adjust, it makes your rice better than ever. The user-friendly interface and straightforward one-touch operation ensure ease of use, making it accessible even for those who are new to rice cooking. With minimal effort, you can achieve perfectly cooked rice every time, thanks to the reliable performance of this appliance.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.6/5 Performance: 4.8/5 Durability: 4.6/5 Value for Money: 4.7/5 Quality: 4.6/5 Ease To Clean: 4.6/5 Ease to Use: 4.5/5
Size | 7.44" D x 8.23" W x 7.36" H |
Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
Capacity | 4 Cups (cooked rice) |
Weight | 4.97 pounds |
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Aroma Housewares Select Stainless Rice Cooker
Most Budget Friendly
Source: Amazon
The Aroma Housewares Select Stainless Rice Cooker is a budget-friendly kitchen essential. Its affordable price, stainless steel construction, and user-friendly features make it the most budget-friendly rice cooker. Whether you're a budget-conscious home cook or looking for an affordable gift for someone starting their culinary journey, this rice cooker delivers reliable performance and consistent results without breaking the bank.
Despite its budget-friendly cost, the Aroma Rice Cooker doesn't skimp on features or quality. Its 304 stainless steel construction provides a durable and safe cooking surface, eliminating any concerns about potentially harmful nonstick coatings. The one-touch operation is easy to operate and makes cooking rice a breeze. Furthermore, the keep warm function maintains the rice at the ideal temperature until it's ready to be served, eliminating the need for reheating and minimizing food waste. This is a straightforward rice cooker that anyone can use, making it perfect for busy individuals or those who are new to rice cookers.
The 6-cup capacity is perfect for small or medium-sized families on a budget, as it allows you to cook a large quantity of rice at once, making it ideal for meal prep or cooking for gatherings without breaking the bank. Whether you are preparing plain white rice, black rice, nutritious brown rice, or trying sushi rice, this rice cooker delivers consistent results with minimal effort. And if you need a larger size, Aroma Housewares also offer 14 cups size available in this model.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Performance: 4.7/5 Durability: 4.6/5 Value for Money: 4.5/5 Quality: 4.6/5 Ease To Clean: 4.4/5 Ease to Use: 4.8/5
Size | 10.25" D x 8.25" W x 7.88" H |
Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
Capacity | 6 cups (cooked rice) |
Weight | 4.1 pounds |
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Vermicular Musui-Kamado Cast-Iron Induction Cooker
Worth the Splurge
Source: Williams Sonoma
The Vermicular Kamado Musui Dutch Oven is unquestionably worth the splurge for serious home cooks and culinary enthusiasts. Its stunning design, versatile functionality, and advanced induction technology combine to create an unrivaled rice pot that takes rice cooking to new heights. If you're looking for a top-of-the-line Dutch oven that offers exceptional performance and a touch of elegance to your kitchen, the Vermicular Kamado Musui Dutch Oven is an investment you won't regret.
This Dutch oven's stunning design and craftsmanship will catch anyone's eye. The rice cooker's elegant and timeless appearance adds a touch of luxury to any kitchen, making it a captivating centerpiece that sparks conversations with every use. Its blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern engineering creates a mesmerizing and enchanting kitchen accessory. Crafted from cast iron (pot and lid), it distributes heat evenly, ensuring every rice grain is perfectly cooked. The cast-iron lid features a precision seal, resulting in light and perfectly fluffy rice with a delightful texture and aroma.
The Vermicular Kamado Musui Dutch Oven is more than just a rice cooker; it's a versatile multi-functional kitchen tool. Not only can you cook perfect rice with ease, but you can also use it for various other cooking methods, such as stewing, braising, roasting, and even baking. This exceptional versatility makes it a true kitchen workhorse that eliminates the need for multiple cooking vessels.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Performance: 4.8/5 Durability: 4.9/5 Value for Money: 4.5/5 Quality: 4.8/5 Ease To Clean: 4.5/5 Ease to Use: 4.8/5
Size | 12.2 x 11.7 x 8.2 in |
Dishwasher Safe | No |
Capacity | 3.9 qt |
Weight | 15.2 pounds |
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Instant Pot Pro Multi-Use Pressure Cooker
Most Versatile
Source: Amazon
The Instant Pot Duo Nova 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is undoubtedly the most versatile rice cooker. Its ability to perform multiple cooking functions makes it an essential tool in any kitchen. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, the Instant Pot Pro will elevate your cooking game to new heights. With 28 smart cooking programs and five customizable favorite settings, this Instant Pot Pro Multi-Use Pressure Cooker can truly do it all.
The versatile Instant Pot Pro not only excels at cooking perfect rice, but it also offers a wide array of cooking methods, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, yogurt-making, and even sterilizing. Aside from being a pressure cooker, it can also be used as a rice cooker, sous-vide machine, slow cooker, saute pan, steamer, and more. Thanks to a cook-grade 18/8 stainless-steel inner pot with an extra thick 3.5mm aluminum layer, this new-and-improved model offers 20% faster preheating and up to 70% faster cooking than most rice cookers and other rice-cooking methods. The stainless inner pot is not only durable but also safe and non-toxic, it is free of PFOA and PTFE, ensuring worry-free cooking.
The all-in-one Instant Pot machine comes equipped with built-in safety features like a splash-free steam valve, easy grip handles, locking lid, and Overheat Protection™ minimizing any risk of accidents. Its 6-quart interior is large enough to cook rice for the whole family or perfect for meal prep. Cleaning up after cooking is effortless, thanks to the stainless steel inner pot's durability and dishwasher-safe design.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Performance: 4.7/5 Durability: 4.8/5 Value for Money: 4.8/5 Quality: 4.7/5 Ease To Clean: 4.5/5 Ease to Use: 4.7/5
Size | 13" D x 12.7" W x 12.8" H |
Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
Capacity | 6 quarts |
Weight | 15.52 pounds |
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How We Picked
Our collection of rice cookers has been thoughtfully curated to offer the best options available in the market. We took great care in selecting these products, utilizing a meticulous blend of personal experiences, comprehensive customer feedback from various retail platforms, and valuable insights from home chefs. Our selection process involved setting specific criteria, with a primary focus on products that exclude harmful substances like PFOA and PTFE from their materials. In addition to safety, we also considered other essential factors such as ease of cleaning, size, and overall durability. With these crucial factors in mind, we take pride in presenting an assortment of electric rice cookers that will undoubtedly meet your cooking needs with excellence.
