9 Best Rice for Rice Cooker 2026

Bursting with floral elegance and steeped in decades of farming integrity, the Lundberg Jasmine Rice redefines what premium organic white rice should be. Grown by a family with over 80 years of rice-growing heritage, this Regenerative Organic Certified grain delivers aromatic intensity, non-sticky texture, and a clean, fluffy finish that elevates everything from coconut curry to lemon herb pilaf. It directly tackles the common complaint of bland, mushy rice by preserving grain integrity through careful cultivation and milling—making it a game-changer for home cooks who demand restaurant-quality results.

In real-world testing across multiple rice cookers—including fuzzy logic and basic models—this jasmine rice consistently cooked to perfectly separated grains with a tender bite and fragrant steam that filled the kitchen. The 2-pound resealable bag ensures freshness, and the 15-minute cook time (on stove or electric) proves high quality doesn’t require extra effort. It performs exceptionally on absorption-based settings, though users with lower-end cookers may need to monitor water ratios slightly, as its delicate grain can absorb unevenly under inconsistent heat. Still, even in budget cookers, it outperforms most conventional jasmine varieties.

When stacked against the 817 Elephant Thai Hom Mali, Lundberg holds its own with superior ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship, trading slight differences in aroma depth for unmatched regenerative farming transparency. Compared to Mahatma’s budget option, it’s a clear step up in flavor and texture, though less suited for high-volume feeding. Ideal for health-conscious families, eco-aware cooks, and aromatic rice lovers, it balances performance, purity, and purpose. For those seeking organic integrity without sacrificing sensory delight, Lundberg offers a richer experience than the Amazon Grocery white rice—justifying its place as the best overall rice for rice cookers.

Stickiness done right—RiceSelect Sushi Rice delivers the ideal cling and sweetness that turns home kitchens into sushi sanctuaries. Crafted from a proprietary blend of Koshihikari and Calihikari rice, this short-grain marvel achieves a perfectly tacky texture without turning gummy, making it a sushi rice virtuoso in any rice cooker, even those without dedicated sushi settings. Its 15-minute cook time and clean, sweet finish directly solve the frustration of under-seasoned or overcooked sushi rice, offering a foolproof base for nigiri, rolls, or even creative desserts like mochi.

In testing, the grains swelled evenly in both microwaves and standard rice cookers, forming a cohesive yet structured bed that held nori and fillings with confidence. The BPA-free, fully recyclable jar not only preserves freshness but also doubles as a measuring and storage tool—adding kitchen efficiency to its list of strengths. While it performs best when rinsed thoroughly (a must for authentic texture), skipping this step leads to a slightly starchy result, revealing its reliance on proper prep. It shines brightest in Japanese and Korean dishes, though its mild sweetness also complements rice puddings and cold salads.

Against Nishiki Medium Grain Rice, RiceSelect holds its own with superior branding, traceability, and packaging sustainability, though Nishiki loyalists may argue for slight edge in traditional flavor. Compared to Botan Musenmai, it’s more accessible and consistently textured, though less suited for no-rinse (musenmai) methods. Perfect for intermediate home chefs and sushi enthusiasts, it bridges authenticity and convenience better than most. For those who want restaurant-grade sushi rice with clean-label integrity, RiceSelect outshines the basic Calrose options in both performance and purpose.

Aroma unleashed—the 817 Elephant Thai Hom Mali rice floods the senses with a pandan-like fragrance so vivid it transforms a simple side dish into an olfactory event. Sourced directly from Thai farmers and packed in a massive 15-pound bag, this authentic jasmine rice delivers the fluffy, non-sticky texture that defines top-tier Thai cuisine, making it the undisputed king of aromatic rice for rice cookers. It solves the all-too-common issue of flat, lifeless grains by preserving the natural Hom Mali terroir, resulting in rice that’s fragrant, tender, and slightly floral with every bite.

Real-world tests show it performs flawlessly in fuzzy logic rice cookers, where precise temperature control enhances its delicate structure. Even in basic models, it maintains grain separation and a melt-in-your-mouth softness, though optimal results come with a 1:1.25 water ratio. It shines in stir-fries, curries, and coconut rice dishes, absorbing flavors without collapsing. The only hiccup? Its large bag size can challenge smaller kitchens or infrequent users, and without a resealable inner pouch, freshness depends on transfer to airtight containers. Still, for daily jasmine rice eaters, the bulk format pays off in long-term value.

Compared to Lundberg’s version, 817 Elephant trades organic certification for deeper aroma and lower cost per ounce, appealing to purists who prioritize scent over sustainability. Against Mahatma’s budget option, it’s a sensory leap forward in fragrance and texture. Ideal for Thai food lovers and aroma seekers, it’s the go-to when scent is as important as substance. For those who want Thai restaurant authenticity at home, 817 Elephant delivers a more intoxicating experience than any hybrid jasmine on the list.

Length, loft, and legacy—Royal Basmati Rice stands tall with extra-long grains that elongate beautifully when cooked, delivering the fluffy, non-sticky elegance that defines elite Indian cuisine. Naturally aged for at least a year, this 15-pound bag of basmati unlocks a nutty sweetness and floral bouquet that cheaper blends can’t replicate, making it the premier choice for biryanis and pilafs in any rice cooker. It directly addresses the frustration of clumpy, short-grain imitations by ensuring grain-by-grain separation and a delicate chew that lingers.

In testing, it expanded to nearly twice its raw length in both basic and high-end cookers, maintaining a light, airy structure without drying out. The 15-minute cook time is accurate, though a rinse is essential to remove surface starch and prevent mild clumping. It performs exceptionally in absorption-mode cookers, absorbing spices like turmeric and saffron with grace. However, in lower-wattage models, it may benefit from a 5-minute steam extension to achieve full tenderness. The bulk format is ideal for frequent users of Indian or Middle Eastern dishes, though the large size may overwhelm casual cooks.

Against Mahatma’s extra-long-grain, Royal offers superior aging and aroma depth, though at a higher price point. Compared to Lundberg jasmine, it serves a completely different culinary lane—serving structure and spice compatibility over floral fragrance. Perfect for home chefs mastering biryani or kebabs, it brings restaurant authenticity to the countertop. For those who want authentic basmati loft and flavor, Royal outperforms generic long-grain rices in both performance and prestige.

The sushi standard—Nishiki Medium Grain Rice has earned its reputation as the go-to choice for sushi masters and home roll-makers alike. With a balanced stickiness and clean flavor, this California-grown rice delivers the ideal cling needed to hold nori and fillings without becoming gummy, making it a reliable performer in any rice cooker. It directly solves the sushi rice dilemma of either too dry or too mushy by offering a consistent, restaurant-grade texture that’s easy to season and shape.

In real-world use, it cooked evenly across multiple rice cooker types, producing tender, slightly glossy grains that held together in rolls and pressed nigiri. The 5-pound bag offers great value for frequent users, though the packaging isn’t resealable, so transferring to an airtight container is recommended. While it doesn’t come with seasoning, its neutral base makes it perfect for custom vinegar mixes. The only limitation? It’s less effective for non-Asian dishes, where its stickiness can feel out of place. Still, for sushi-focused kitchens, it’s a workhorse.

Compared to RiceSelect Sushi Rice, Nishiki lacks the branded blend and recyclable jar but wins on volume and price per ounce. Against Botan Musenmai, it’s more widely available and slightly stickier, though not designed for no-rinse cooking. Ideal for sushi lovers and meal preppers, it offers dependable results without fuss. For those who want proven performance at a fair price, Nishiki remains the gold standard for sushi rice—outlasting trends with tried-and-true quality.

Effortless perfection—Botan Musenmai Calrose Rice is the secret weapon for no-rinse convenience without sacrificing texture. As a true musenmai (polished, pre-washed) rice, it skips the messy rinse step while still delivering soft, slightly sticky grains that are ideal for sushi, bowls, and bento boxes. Grown and milled in California, this Kosher-certified Calrose variety solves the time-consuming prep of traditional short-grain rice, making it a top pick for busy cooks who want consistent, clean results straight from the rice cooker.

Testing confirmed it cooks evenly in all models, with minimal foam or overflow—a common issue with rinsed rice. The grains come out plump and cohesive, perfect for onigiri or poke bowls, though slightly softer than Nishiki. It performs best with a 1:1.1 water ratio and benefits from a 10-minute steam. While it lacks the intense stickiness of dedicated sushi rice, it’s versatile enough for daily meals. The 5-pound bag is practical, though the packaging isn’t resealable, so freshness depends on storage.

Against Nishiki, Botan trades slight texture control for rinse-free ease, appealing to modern, fast-paced kitchens. Compared to RiceSelect, it’s less specialized but more adaptable to everyday use. Ideal for families and meal preppers seeking hassle-free rice, it bridges premium quality and convenience. For those who want sushi-grade texture without the prep, Botan delivers a smarter, cleaner experience than standard Calrose or medium-grain options.

The best of both worlds—RiceSelect Jasmati Rice fuses the floral notes of jasmine with the slender structure of long-grain rice, creating a versatile hybrid that thrives in rice cookers. This American-born innovation cooks in just 15 minutes and delivers a light, fragrant grain that’s perfect for fried rice, rice bowls, or even cold salads—solving the dilemma of choosing between aroma and texture. Its non-sticky, fluffy result makes it a standout for those who want jasmine’s scent without the cling.

In testing, it performed flawlessly across models, absorbing water evenly and producing uniformly tender grains. The BPA-free, fully recyclable jar keeps it fresh and doubles as a measuring cup—adding kitchen-smart design to its appeal. It pairs exceptionally well with bold spices, grilled meats, and citrus dressings, though it lacks the deep floral punch of pure Thai jasmine. Still, for weeknight meals and fusion dishes, it’s a reliable performer. The only downside? The 2-pound jar limits bulk savings.

Compared to Lundberg jasmine, Jasmati is less aromatic but more versatile, while against Mahatma’s long-grain, it offers superior flavor and branding. Ideal for fusion cooks and busy families, it balances novelty and practicality. For those who want aromatic lift without texture trade-offs, Jasmati outshines basic long-grain rices with its clever hybrid edge.

Budget brilliance—Amazon Grocery Brown Long Grain Rice delivers whole-grain nutrition at an unbeatable value, making it the top pick for cost-conscious cooks who still want reliable performance in a rice cooker. With no added sugars, low sodium, and a chewy, nutty texture, it solves the common pain point of expensive brown rice by offering a simple, no-frills staple that cooks evenly and stores well. It’s the workhorse of healthy kitchens, turning out fluffy results batch after batch.

Testing showed it performs best with a 1:2 water ratio and benefits from a 10-minute steam post-cook to soften the bran. In fuzzy logic cookers, it’s nearly flawless; in basic models, it can come out slightly firm, requiring a water adjustment. It’s ideal for bowls, stir-fries, and meal prep, though its earthy taste won’t appeal to white rice purists. The 5-pound bag is economical, but the packaging varies and isn’t resealable—so transfer is recommended.

Against Mahatma white rice, it offers superior nutrition but longer cook time. Compared to Lundberg, it lacks organic certification but wins on price and accessibility. Perfect for budget-focused families and health seekers, it proves brown rice doesn’t need to be expensive. For those who want nutritious, no-fuss grains without premium pricing, Amazon Grocery delivers where it counts.

Affordable simplicity—Mahatma Extra-Long-Grain Rice is the quintessential pantry staple, delivering light, fluffy results at a price that’s hard to beat. This non-GMO, gluten-free white rice cooks up with excellent grain separation and a neutral flavor, making it a go-to for everyday meals in any rice cooker. It directly addresses the need for a reliable, low-cost base for casseroles, stir-fries, and side dishes—without sacrificing quality.

In testing, it performed consistently across models, requiring a 20-minute cook time and minimal attention. The 2-pound bag is compact and convenient, though not ideal for large families. It lacks the aroma of jasmine or basmati but excels in versatility and ease. Perfect for college students, budget cooks, and quick meals, it’s the rice you reach for when you need something that just works.

Compared to Amazon Grocery brown rice, it’s faster and fluffier, though less nutritious. Against Royal basmati, it’s less aromatic but more affordable. Ideal for basic cooking needs, it’s the best budget white rice for rice cookers—delivering dependable results without fanfare.