Rice Cookers Tested by Experts - Guide Things you should consider

What can a rice cooker actually do?

Cooking rice—everyone can do that, right? Well… yes and no! While most people are quite capable of preparing a portion of rice, the kitchen appliance known as the "rice cooker" also has its reason for existing. Especially in Asia, where rice is served with most meals, the rice cooker is a staple in nearly every kitchen. Curious? In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about rice cookers: from pros and cons of the appliance, to recipes, and right up to our detailed hands-on test of several products.

Here are the basic advantages of a rice cooker at a glance:

• The rice turns out equally good every time. If you add the correct amounts of rice and water, you end up with perfect rice. Period.
• A rice cooker works unattended. It won’t boil over, and the rice doesn’t burn.
• The rice can easily be kept warm for a long period of time.
• Many rice cookers have a timer. So you can program them so that the rice is ready when you get home from work.
• You can cook the rice independently from the stovetop. This is especially handy in small kitchens.
• You can also prepare other dishes in the rice cooker. It's a real multi-function appliance!

By the way: If in the end you still decide you don’t want or need a rice cooker, here’s a guide for you that will guarantee your homemade rice will turn out well, too .

Do I really need a rice cooker?

Just another kitchen gadget that’s going to collect dust most of the time? Or is it an absolute necessity that makes life much easier? Here are 4 questions you should ask yourself before buying a rice cooker.

1. How often do you cook rice?

If rice is on the menu several times a month, buying a rice cooker will definitely pay off. This appliance is very energy-efficient and uses much less electricity than cooking rice on the stove.

2. How much rice do you cook?

If you cook larger amounts of rice (either to consume immediately, or to keep in stock for the coming days), a rice cooker is a good idea. You can just leave the rice cooker to do its job while you focus on something else. Also, if you host parties, a rice cooker can be a great addition to your kitchen—after all, you can prepare rice for many guests, no worries about it boiling over. Plus, the rice stays perfectly warm in the cooker until it’s time to eat.

3. Are you adventurous and willing to try new recipes in the rice cooker?

Rice cookers are only for rice? Not true! From chilis to porridge to cake, you can prepare all kinds of dishes in this versatile kitchen appliance. That being said, you might need to do a bit of experimenting before you find the perfect recipes and proportions for you!

4. How much space do you have in the kitchen?

A rice cooker can even be a valuable addition in a cramped student kitchen—if you use it regularly. If you can get to grips with the functions, you might even be able to replace a stovetop with it!

Conclusion

If you have a small kitchen but cook a lot—and are passionate about cooking, including Asian cuisine—and enjoy experimenting with recipes, then a rice cooker is a useful addition to your kitchen equipment. A rice cooker is also helpful if you often prepare rice—maybe even in large amounts—that always needs to turn out equally well. You can find rice cookers in various sizes and price ranges. As a beginner, you could pick a small, affordable model that fits your budget, then upgrade to a more advanced rice cooker with more features later on.

Quick Comparison of Different Products

Name/Description	Shop Links*	Our Verdict	Capacity	Programs	Extras	Special Features	Price Range
Reishunger Rice Cooker	Amazon & Reishunger	Best Price-Performance	1.2 liters	Cook/Keep Warm	Steaming insert, measuring cup, rice scoop	Inner pot available with ceramic coating	€€
ZOJIRUSHI MICON Rice Cooker	Amazon	Best Rice Cooker	1 liter	6 programs	Timer	Japanese product, excellent quality	€€€€
Reishunger Digital Rice Cooker	Amazon & Reishunger	For beginners with more functions	1.5 liters	12 programs/Keep warm for up to 24 hours	Measuring cup, rice scoop, steaming insert	7-phase cooking technology	€€€
Reishunger Microwave Rice Cooker	Amazon & Reishunger	Budget Rice Cooker	approx. 600 ml		Measuring cup, rice scoop	Very light and handy	€
Sistema Microwave Rice Cooker	Amazon	Budget Rice Cooker	approx. 600 ml		Also suitable for quinoa and other grains	Very light and handy	€

€ under 20 euros | €€ 20-50 euros | €€€ 50-180 euros | €€€€ over 180 euros

Why we know so much about rice cookers

In short: because I, Ryusei, am Japanese! To expand on that: Since my earliest childhood, rice has been a fundamental part of my diet. In the Japanese cuisine rice is served as a side to nearly every dish, or is included as an ingredient in various ways. After countless successful and not-so-successful attempts and many hours in the kitchen, I’ve now perfected the art of cooking rice—with and without a rice cooker. I know exactly how good rice is supposed to taste, which varieties are suitable for the rice cooker, and which rice cookers meet my high standards!

I’m supported in our rice cooker tests by my colleague Matthias, who was born in Germany but is an absolute gourmet when it comes to Korean cuisine. Matthias is also very knowledgeable about other Southeast Asian cuisines, can tell perfectly cooked rice from rice that's just "okay" blindfolded, and has done extensive theoretical research on rice cookers. Still not convinced? Then check out our About Us page here https://ryukoch.com/de/ueber-uns/ !

5 Rice Cookers We Have Thoroughly Tested For You

Reishunger Rice Cooker - My recommendation!

This rice cooker holds a total of 1.2 liters, meaning you can prepare rice for up to 6 people in it. It comes with a removable, non-stick coated inner pot. It also includes a steaming insert, a measuring cup, and a rice scoop. Handy: if the inner pot is ever damaged, you can simply buy a replacement—or upgrade to a ceramic coated pot if you want. The Reishunger rice cooker operates at 500 watts, so it scores with short cooking times. Rice for one person is ready in about 15 minutes. Both the steaming insert and pot can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

Features are a bit basic: the only settings you have are "cook rice" and "keep warm". Once the rice is done, the cooker automatically switches to the keep warm function, and the rice stays warm for up to 8 hours. Simple, but very easy to use! Plus, you can also steam vegetables and fish. This rice cooker costs under 50 euros—so it's a good, budget-friendly choice for beginners.

ZOJIRUSHI MICON Rice Cooker - My favorite!

Japanese brand Zojirushi operates on an entirely different level. Zojirushi rice cookers are definitely in the luxury class and are respected in many Asian and now also European countries. Many models use induction technology for very precise temperature control.

Accordingly, expect prices from €250 upwards. But anyone who’s ever prepared rice with a Zojirushi cooker probably never wants to go back to stove-cooked rice! This particular model doesn’t use induction, but radiates heat from all sides—so the rice is cooked evenly. Zojirushi rice cookers work at around 610 watts and do not cook rice faster than others—but guarantee no burning. The menu allows for various settings, for example programs for white, brown, and sushi rice, quick-cooking, and porridge. There’s also a timer so you can set a delayed start. On top of that, the rice will keep warm for up to 48 hours—without getting sticky or burnt.

As this model was made for the foreign market, directions are in Chinese and English.

Reishunger Digital Rice Cooker

This rice cooker is also from Reishunger—but it has far more functions than the budget beginner model we presented above. It’s a multi-cooker with digital menu and a total of 12 different programs. The rice cooker holds 1.5 liters, so you can prepare rice for up to 8 people. It cooks at 860 watts and uses 7-phase cooking technology. The 12 different programmable settings are: Rice, White Rice, Whole Grain Rice, Sushi Rice, Crispy Rice, Congee, Turbo, Quinoa, Grains, Soup, Steam, and Bake. The inner pot is double non-stick coated and can easily be removed by two handles. A 3D heat distribution system prevents burning.

Settings are simple to make on the LED display. The rice cooker also comes with a measuring cup, a rice scoop, and a steaming insert for vegetables. The start timer can be set up to 24 hours in advance.

Special for this cooker is the 7-phase cooking technology for especially gentle preparation. The phases are: preheat, water absorption at medium temperature, heating phase, cooking phase, nutrient retention, short water absorption, and then the keep-warm phase.

This rice cooker has a lot of functions and thus isn’t cheap. But you can get it for about €150—a pretty affordable price!

Reishunger Microwave Rice Cooker

This is quite a different product, but still useful, perfect for small budgets and small apartments. With this, you cook rice in the microwave. The microwave rice cooker holds up to 1.2 liters—which is enough for up to 3 people. Thanks to the steam circulation system, rice is ready in under 15 minutes. It’s dishwasher-safe, and rice can’t burn in it.

Bonus: the microwave rice cooker fits in any bag and can be taken easily—for example, to the office. It weighs only 450 grams and comes with a measuring cup and rice scoop.

Sistema Microwave Rice Cooker

This rice cooker also works in the microwave and is pleasantly affordable. It cooks the rice with a specially designed pressure chamber insert, is dishwasher-safe, and can even go straight in the fridge or freezer.

You can cook up to 250 grams of rice in it, but also quinoa or other grains. It’s ready in just 15 minutes!

Now in complete detail: Everything you need to know about rice cookers

What do rice cookers look like?

Rice cookers basically look like a large, standalone pot. Besides the outer container, there’s a rice pot inside the appliance. Below that is a heat source or hot plate and a temperature sensor.

How do rice cookers work?

All rice cookers—from the simplest to luxury models—have two things: a heating element and a temperature sensor. These are usually located under the metal pot inside the rice cooker. The temperature sensor ensures the rice doesn’t burn. When you fill the rice cooker with rice and water and turn it on, the water starts to boil. The rice absorbs some of it and some evaporates. In cheaper models, the steam escapes outwards; in better models, it’s returned inside. The temperature stays around 100°C. Once all the water has evaporated and the rice is finished, the temperature rises because there’s no more steam. The temperature sensor then switches off the rice cooker or puts it into the "keep warm" mode—keeping the rice in perfect condition instead of letting it go mushy. [1]

There are also rice cookers with induction technology—but these are much more expensive and belong to the high end. The advantage of induction rice cookers is that they offer even better temperature regulation.

Everything about rice cooker features

Equipment

Non-stick coating

The rice cooker should definitely have a non-stick coated pot. That way it’s easy to clean and nothing sticks. Don’t worry, nearly all rice cookers have non-stick pots.

Disassembly

It’s important that the rice pot is removable. Only then can you clean it thoroughly!

Well-sealing lid

A well-sealing lid is also important. If the lid seals properly, the temperature inside the cooker stays consistent—so the rice is cooked evenly.

Settings

Slightly better rice cookers can do much more than just cook rice! With a bit of adventurousness, you can prepare all kinds of things in your rice cooker.

Timer

This feature can be a lifesaver in a busy day. Just set it in the morning, and come home in the evening to fragrant, warm, freshly cooked rice. Or program it at night and enjoy hot rice or porridge for breakfast!

Keep Warm

Almost every rice cooker has this feature—from the cheapest student entry model to the pro edition for several hundred euros. Depending on the model, the rice can be kept warm for 8 to 48 hours. The temperature is kept low so nothing burns and the rice doesn’t dry out. Usually, rice cookers switch automatically to the keep-warm function once the cooking process is finished. Heads-up: Here you’ll definitely notice quality differences—better rice cookers keep rice much tastier! We’ve thoroughly tested the keep-warm functions of various rice cookers for you. [2]

Quick-Cook

Many rice cookers—both budget and pro models—have a quick-cook function. This skips the soaking phase, which is part of normal cooking. So the rice is done faster, but is also a bit less fluffy. You may also get a crust on the bottom.

Gentle / Fine Cooking

Some high-end rice cookers have a special setting for gentle and especially tender rice. The finished rice tastes especially tender—however, you'll have to wait longer for it to finish.

For Special Rice Varieties

Better rice cookers leave nothing to chance! Depending on the model, you can select cooking modes tailored to your rice variety. For instance, there are settings for white and brown rice and for sushi rice. There are also modes for "Persian" or "Crispy" rice, which is enjoyed with the crust on the bottom.

Porridge

With this setting, your breakfast porridge cooks itself! You can also use it to make congee (Chinese savory rice porridge)—with no worries about burning or boiling over. Delicious!

Cake

Some rice cookers even have a cake setting! There are some great recipes, from chocolate to apple cake. You can even make pancakes in the rice cooker!

Reheat

You can easily reheat rice in the rice cooker without turning on the stove. A very useful feature.

What can go wrong when cooking rice in a rice cooker?

Even though the rice cooker does most of the work, there are still a few details to keep in mind during preparation. If you fill the rice cooker incorrectly, even the best appliance can't save you!

Too much water – rice will get mushy

The rice cooks until all the water has evaporated or is absorbed by the grains. If you’ve poured in too much water in relation to the rice, the rice will turn out mushy—even in a rice cooker.

Too little water – the rice is undercooked

The rice cooker switches off when the temperature inside gets too high. That happens when all the water has evaporated. If you haven't added enough water, the rice cooker switches off even if the rice is still half-raw.

Important: Read your rice cooker's instructions carefully and follow the instructions for perfect rice. Every rice cooker is a little bit different!

What dishes can you prepare in the rice cooker?

In addition to rice, you can cook other grains in the rice cooker—such as quinoa, spelt, and wheat. But you can also make complete meals! The basic rule: anything that needs slow cooking, from porridge to curries and chilis to cakes, can be prepared in the rice cooker. Below, we have a few delicious recipes for you that go perfectly with rice!

Which rice varieties can you use in the rice cooker?

Essentially, you can prepare any type of rice in the rice cooker. Depending on the grain, the finished rice will be sticky or drier. As a rule of thumb: the shorter the grain, the stickier the rice (and the stickier the rice, the better for Asian dishes). Sushirice and milk rice are particularly successful in the rice cooker. This is due to the starch in rice: short grain rice contains much more than long grain rice. If you’re unsure whether you prefer sticky or dry rice, just go with medium grain rice. [3]

What should you look for when buying a rice cooker?

Size

Rice cookers come in a huge variety of sizes—from small, handy devices with a capacity of a liter or less, to large rice cookers that hold up to 6 liters. How much rice do you want to make at once? [4] The amount of rice that can be cooked is often given in cups. You can count on one cup of rice per person. For one to two people, the smallest, 3-cup model is enough; for 4–6 people you’ll need 5–6 cups capacity, and if you regularly cook for more, a larger model with 8–10 cups makes sense. Note: rice cups are not the same as US cups for measuring ingredients! [5]

Japanese rice cookers: measurement in “Go”

When looking at Japanese rice cookers, you’ll definitely soon come across the measurement “Go” or "Gou". "Go" is the Japanese measurement for rice—1 Go is around 150 grams or 180 mL. For the right size, here's a rule of thumb:

• 1 Go (approx. 150 grams): for one or two people
• 3 Go (approx. 450 grams): for three to five people
• 5 Go (approx. 750 grams): for a large family

Features

Think about which of the above features are most important to you. Do you just want to make rice, or would you also use options like the porridge setting or cake setting? Depending on this, you can pick a very simple or more complex device. One thing your rice cooker should definitely have is a keep-warm function—so your rice doesn’t go cold if you can’t eat it right away.

Other considerations

Make sure the rice cooker is easy to operate and the buttons are a good size. Also pay attention to quality materials and workmanship: is the inner pot non-stick coated and can it be machine washed or at least removed for cleaning? That way, the cleaning process is a lot simpler. Also check that the lid seals well—if it’s just resting loosely, water and foam can splash out while cooking.

Very useful: if you can disconnect the power cable from the rice cooker—then you can serve rice straight from the pot. [7]

Extra accessories

Some rice cookers can do much more! There are models that can be upgraded with a steaming insert. Measuring cups and rice scoops are also handy so you always get the right rice-to-water ratio. [8]

What price should you expect?

Rice cookers can be very inexpensive—starting from around €10. But we generally don’t recommend these entry-level devices. They often cannot be disassembled, have only basic functions and no splash protection, and scratch easily. In the worst case, the rice pot even gets so hot while cooking that you could burn yourself! From around €30–60 you can get midrange cookers that are perfectly sufficient for occasional use. From €150 and up, things really get interesting: these rice cookers come with features like porridge or cake functions, timers, and often settings for different rice varieties. If you enjoy cooking often and a lot, investing in one of these devices will definitely pay off! [9]

So how do you actually cook rice in the rice cooker?

Preparation is actually very simple: Measure the correct amount of rice and the correct amount of water (this varies depending on rice and cooker, but the ratio averages about 1.5 cups of water for 1 cup of rice). Important: follow the correct order. Rice goes in first, then water! Fill the rice cooker, turn it on, and 20–40 minutes later you have perfectly cooked rice.

Tip: There are markings for the correct rice-to-water ratio. In practice, this means: if you fill in one cup of rice, add water up to the 1-mark. Three cups of rice? Water up to mark 3.

For even better flavor, you can rinse the rice in advance to remove excess starch—this helps avoid a slightly floury taste in the finished rice. [10]

We even have a video for you!

Rice Recipes

In Asian cuisine, rice is served in almost every dish. Here are the best Japanese and Korean recipes, with rice as a side or a main dish!

Rice as a Side Dish

Rice as a Main Dish

Milk Rice in the Rice Cooker

Since rice cookers are such all-rounders, surely you can use them for milk rice too—right? Unfortunately, no! Milk rice is actually unsuitable for the rice cooker. Milk boils over quickly, sometimes shooting out from under the lid. Also, milk rice needs to be stirred constantly and cooked at very low heat—something a rice cooker can’t do. But here’s a smart alternative: try using plant milk instead of regular milk. How about coconut milk rice, for example, using half coconut milk and half water as the liquid? [12]

Conclusion Conclusion:

Name/Description	Shop Links*	Our Verdict	Capacity	Programs	Extras	Special Features	Price Range
Reishunger Rice Cooker	Amazon & Reishunger	Best Price-Performance	1.2 liters	Cook/Keep Warm	Steaming insert, measuring cup, rice scoop	Inner pot available with ceramic coating	€€
ZOJIRUSHI MICON Rice Cooker	Amazon	Best Rice Cooker	1 liter	6 programs	Timer	Japanese product, excellent quality	€€€€
Reishunger Digital Rice Cooker	Amazon & Reishunger	For beginners with more functions	1.5 liters	12 programs/Keep warm for up to 24 hours	Measuring cup, rice scoop, steaming insert	7-phase cooking technology	€€€
Reishunger Microwave Rice Cooker	Amazon & Reishunger	Budget Rice Cooker	approx. 600 ml		Measuring cup, rice scoop	Very light and handy	€
Sistema Microwave Rice Cooker	Amazon	Budget Rice Cooker	approx. 600 ml		Also suitable for quinoa and other grains	Very light and handy	€

€ under 20 euros | €€ 20-50 euros | €€€ 50-180 euros | €€€€ over 180 euros

Sources

1. https://www.cnet.com/news/appliance-science-how-rice-cookers-cook-rice-without-burning/
2. https://www.chip.de/artikel/Der-beste-Reiskocher-2019-Reiskocher-im-Test_149124810.html
3. https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-use-your-rice-cooker-482851
4. https://www.reliancedigital.in/solutionbox/how-to-choose-the-right-electric-rice-cooker/
5. https://www.consumersearch.com/rice-cookers/how-to-buy-a-rice-cooker
6. https://jw-webmagazine.com/best-japanese-rice-cookers-to-buy-76ee6bfaa6e5-76ee6bfaa6e5/
7. https://www.consumersearch.com/rice-cookers/how-to-buy-a-rice-cooker
8. https://www.reliancedigital.in/solutionbox/how-to-choose-the-right-electric-rice-cooker/
9. https://lifehacker.com/why-some-rice-cookers-are-20-and-others-are-200-1783235798
10. https://www.otto.de/updated/ratgeber/reiskocher-japanisch-vs-persisch-vs-tupperware-48940/
11. https://www.reishunger.de/wissen/article/62/milchreis-im-reiskocher
12. https://www.otto.de/updated/ratgeber/reiskocher-japanisch-vs-persisch-vs-tupperware-48940/