7 Best Rice Cookers for Basmati Rice 2026

If you’re after a powerhouse performer that turns rice into a culinary centerpiece, the COSORI 10-Cup Rice Cooker doesn’t just cook—it commands the kitchen. With fuzzy logic intelligence and a robust 18-function menu, it adapts to everything from basmati rice to steel-cut oats with laser precision. The 1000W heating system ensures rapid, even cooking, eliminating the dreaded mush or crunch—perfect for those who demand fluffy, aromatic grains without babysitting the pot. Whether you’re meal prepping for a family or hosting a dinner party, this machine handles large batches with grace, making it a top contender in the multi-function space.

In real-world use, the COSORI shines brightest when multitasking. The non-stick ceramic inner pot releases rice effortlessly and handles sautéing and slow cooking without staining or odor retention. We tested it with long-grain basmati, and the results were stellar—each grain stayed distinct, fragrant, and perfectly tender. The 24-hour delay timer and keep-warm function are game-changers for busy households, though the unit does emit a noticeable beep when switching modes, which could be disruptive overnight. While it excels with rice and grains, the steaming basket works well for veggies but struggles slightly with dense proteins like whole chicken breasts.

Compared to the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10, the COSORI trades some precision for versatility and value. It’s not as refined in texture control as the Neuro Fuzzy models, but it offers far more cooking modes—including sauté and slow cook—that elevate it beyond a simple rice maker. Ideal for families, meal preppers, and home chefs who want one appliance to do it all, the COSORI delivers pro-level functionality without the premium price tag. It out-cooks the Hamilton Beach 37518 in menu depth and power, making it the clear choice for those who want one appliance to rule them all.

Don’t let its tiny frame fool you—the Zojirushi 3-Cup Micom is a precision-tuned grain virtuoso built for those who value quality over quantity. Its Long Grain White menu setting is a revelation for basmati rice lovers, applying a tailored cooking algorithm that preserves grain integrity and maximizes aroma. The compact design hides a sophisticated microcomputer-controlled system that adjusts temperature in real time, ensuring every batch comes out light, fragrant, and perfectly separated. For singles or couples tired of leftover mush, this cooker solves the small-batch struggle with unmatched finesse.

During testing, the Zojirushi consistently delivered restaurant-grade basmati, with grains that stayed firm and elongated—no clumping, no sogginess. The GABA Brown setting is a bonus for health-conscious users, boosting nutrient levels in brown rice through controlled soaking and germination. While it lacks the power to sauté or slow cook, its retractable cord and fold-down handle make it ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or travel. However, it struggles with very large portions—anything over 2 cups uncooked begins to lose uniformity—and the steaming function is basic at best.

When stacked against the AROMA ARC-363NG, the Zojirushi offers superior grain control and durability, though at a higher cost. It’s not as versatile as the COSORI or CUCKOO models, but for purists who want perfectly cooked basmati in small amounts, it’s unmatched. This is the go-to for minimalists, rice connoisseurs, and urban dwellers with limited counter space. It doesn’t cook faster than the CUCKOO CR-0655F, but it delivers more consistent texture and smarter programming for delicate grains.

The CUCKOO CR-0655F is a texture-tuning maestro, designed for those who don’t just cook rice—they customize it. Its standout My Mode function allows you to save preferred firmness and moisture levels, making it the only rice cooker in this lineup that truly learns your taste. Whether you like your basmati soft and moist or firm and dry, this model nails it with fuzzy logic precision and a responsive heating system. For families who eat rice daily, that level of personalization transforms every meal from routine to ritual.

In practice, the CUCKOO delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results, especially with long-grain varieties. The 6-cup uncooked capacity is ideal for small to medium households, and the non-stick inner pot cleans up easily after even sticky batches. We tested it with soaked basmati, and the grains came out elongated, aromatic, and perfectly tender—no overcooking at the bottom. The delay timer works flawlessly, but the steaming function, while functional, lacks a dedicated basket for vegetables or proteins, limiting one-pot meal potential.

Compared to the Zojirushi B01EVHWNVG, the CUCKOO offers greater capacity and customization, though not the same compact portability. It’s less feature-rich than the COSORI B0BD4PRBVZ but outperforms it in texture control thanks to the My Mode feature. Ideal for daily rice eaters who value consistency and personal preference, this cooker bridges the gap between simplicity and smart tech. It doesn’t match the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 in AI-driven cooking, but it delivers better value for texture-focused users than any other mid-range option.

The Elite Gourmet ERC006SS is the underdog hero of budget rice cooking—proof that affordable doesn’t mean average. Its stainless steel inner pot is a rare find at this price, offering durability and resistance to scratching that outlasts flimsy non-stick coatings. For cooking basmati rice, it delivers surprisingly good results: grains come out fluffy and distinct, thanks to a reliable thermal sensor that switches to keep-warm mode without overcooking. It’s the kind of no-frills workhorse that’s perfect for students, first-time cooks, or anyone who just wants rice—fast, hot, and right.

Real-world testing showed it handles 3 cups of uncooked rice with ease, expanding to a family-friendly 6 cups cooked. The tempered glass lid lets you monitor cooking without losing steam, and the included measuring cup and spatula add real usability. However, it lacks programmable settings—no fuzzy logic, no texture options—so you’re limited to basic white or brown rice modes. It can’t match the aromatic precision of basmati that higher-end models achieve, and the stainless steel pot, while durable, can occasionally stick if rice isn’t rinsed well.

Against the AROMA ARC-363NG, the Elite Gourmet offers larger capacity and a sturdier build, though with fewer convenience features. It’s not as smart as the CUCKOO or COSORI, but for under $25, it’s a reliable, no-nonsense performer. Best suited for budget shoppers, small households, and casual cooks, it proves you don’t need AI to make decent rice. It won’t outshine the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 in results, but it out-values it by a mile for those who just need the basics done right.

The AROMA ARC-363NG is the compact connoisseur’s choice, packing serious performance into a footprint smaller than most blenders. Its PFAS-free ceramic pot is a health-conscious win, offering natural non-stick performance without harmful chemicals—ideal for daily use. Designed for individuals or couples, it turns 3 cups of raw rice into a perfect 6-cup meal with zero guesswork. The one-touch operation is foolproof: add rice, fill to the line, press start, and walk away. It’s the ultimate set-and-forget solution for those who want fluffy basmati without the fuss.

In testing, the AROMA delivered consistent, evenly cooked rice, though long-grain basmati came out slightly softer than ideal—likely due to the lack of a dedicated long-grain setting. The keep-warm function holds heat well for hours, and the inner pot’s measuring lines make portioning easy. However, the steaming function is underpowered, and the pot lacks the thermal responsiveness of fuzzy logic models. It’s best for simple rice, oatmeal, or small soups, not complex one-pot meals.

Stacked against the Zojirushi B01EVHWNVG, the AROMA is more affordable and simpler, but lacks the precision programming and GABA settings that make the Zojirushi a grain specialist. It’s not as versatile as the Hamilton Beach 37518, but it beats it in compactness and ease of use. Perfect for dorm rooms, tiny kitchens, or beginner cooks, it’s the smallest package with the biggest convenience. While it doesn’t match the CUCKOO CR-0655F in texture control, it offers better value for minimalists who prioritize space and simplicity.

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 is the undisputed king of rice mastery, a Neuro Fuzzy logic-powered titan that treats every grain like a masterpiece. Its spherical inner pan ensures uniform heat distribution, while the AI-driven system learns from each cook to perfect texture, moisture, and fluffiness—especially with long-grain basmati, where it delivers restaurant-quality results with every cycle. With dedicated settings for sushi, softer, or harder textures, it gives you granular control that no other model matches. This is the ultimate choice for purists who believe rice is an art form.

In real-world use, the NS-ZCC10 excels in consistency and intelligence. We tested it with rinsed basmati, and the grains came out long, separate, and aromatic, with zero sticking. The extended keep-warm mode maintains quality for up to 12 hours, and the retractable cord and wall-mount option add serious convenience. However, the interface is slightly dated, and the pot requires the included measuring cup for accuracy—using a standard cup throws off the algorithm. It’s also overkill for those who just want basic rice.

Compared to the COSORI B0BD4PRBVZ, the Zojirushi trades cooking versatility for unmatched rice precision. It doesn’t sauté or slow cook, but it outperforms every other model in grain quality. Ideal for serious rice eaters, gourmet cooks, and households that value perfection, it’s the gold standard. While the CUCKOO CR-0655F offers customization, the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 delivers smarter, more consistent results—making it worth every penny for those who live for perfect rice.

The Hamilton Beach 37518 is the one-pot wonder for busy home cooks who want rice and sides ready in one go. Its dual-purpose steaming basket isn’t just for show—it doubles as a colander and steamer, letting you rinse rice and then steam veggies or salmon on top while the grains cook below. With a PFAS-free ceramic nonstick pot and 4-cup uncooked capacity, it’s ideal for families who want complete meals without multiple pots. The countdown timer and preprogrammed menus make it easy to time dinner perfectly, and the results are consistently solid across rice types, including fluffy basmati.

Testing revealed strong performance in one-pot meal prep: we made shrimp with steamed broccoli over basmati, and everything cooked evenly without flavor transfer. The white rice setting nails the basics, though it lacks the texture tuning of CUCKOO or Zojirushi models. The pot is large enough for family servings, but the heating element isn’t as powerful as the COSORI’s 1000W system, leading to slightly longer cook times. It’s not designed for gourmet rice artistry, but for practical, everyday cooking, it’s a powerhouse.

Against the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10, the Hamilton Beach sacrifices precision for practicality—it won’t deliver the same grain-perfect results, but it cooks full meals faster and simpler. It’s less compact than the AROMA ARC-363NG but far more capable. Best for families, weeknight warriors, and health-focused cooks, it turns rice night into a balanced meal with minimal effort. While the COSORI B0BD4PRBVZ offers more functions, the Hamilton Beach wins on steaming versatility and meal integration.