8 Best Rice Cookers of 2026

The COMFEE’ 6-in-1 rice cooker punches well above its weight with a sleek stainless steel build and an impressively diverse set of cooking modes. For those tight on counter space but big on meal variety, this 2-quart powerhouse handles everything from perfectly steamed quinoa to slow-cooked oatmeal with quiet confidence. Its digital precision and one-touch automation make it ideal for beginners or anyone tired of babysitting the stove—just set, walk away, and come back to fluffy, evenly cooked grains every time.

In real-world testing, the 8-cup cooked capacity proved ideal for singles, couples, or small families preparing sides or modest main dishes. The non-stick inner pot reliably prevents scorching, even with brown rice, while the 12-hour delay timer and keep-warm function add serious convenience for busy schedules. It handles white rice and steel-cut oats with ease, though thicker porridges can occasionally stick if not monitored. Steaming vegetables works well thanks to the included basket, but the compact size limits full one-pot meal potential compared to larger models.

Compared to the bulkier Instant Pot or premium Zojirushi, the COMFEE’ sits firmly in the value-driven sweet spot—offering more versatility than basic cookers without the learning curve of multifunctional pressure cookers. It’s a smarter pick than the AROMA 3-cup model if you regularly feed more than two people, and it beats the CUCKOO CR-0601C in programmability. While it doesn’t match fuzzy logic precision, it delivers consistent performance with minimal effort at a wallet-friendly price.

The COSORI 18-function rice cooker is a game-changer for culinary explorers who want restaurant-quality rice and grains without the hassle. Equipped with fuzzy logic technology, it dynamically adjusts temperature and timing across a 7-step cooking cycle, delivering fluffy jasmine rice, al dente brown grains, and creamy steel-cut oats with near-perfect consistency. Its 1000W power output ensures faster, more even heating than most mid-tier models, making it a standout for those who demand precision and versatility in one sleek package.

During testing, the 24-hour keep-warm and delay timer proved invaluable for meal preppers and night-shift workers, keeping rice fresh and ready long after cooking. The ceramic non-stick pot resists scratching and cleans effortlessly, while the stainless steel steamer basket opens up one-pot meal possibilities—think teriyaki salmon steaming over sushi rice. It handles everything from risotto to chili, but the sauté function, while useful, doesn’t reach the searing heat of a stovetop, limiting browning depth for certain dishes.

When stacked against the CUCKOO CR-0675FW, the COSORI offers double the menu options and smarter automation, though it lacks a dedicated quick-clean mode. It’s more advanced than the COMFEE’ model and better suited for tech-savvy users, but less intuitive than the Instant Pot for pressure-based cooking. For those who want maximum functionality without switching appliances, the COSORI delivers premium intelligence and performance in a modern, user-friendly design.

The CUCKOO CR-0675FW earns its title as Best Overall with a masterful blend of Korean engineering, smart tech, and user-centric design. Its fuzzy logic system continuously monitors internal conditions to deliver perfectly textured rice—never mushy, never crunchy—across white, brown, and even baby food settings. With quick rice mode and a 24-hour timer, it caters to both spontaneous dinners and meticulously planned meals, all while running quietly and efficiently.

In everyday use, the 12-cup cooked capacity shines for families or batch-cookers, easily handling weeknight stir-fries or Sunday bibimbap prep. The non-stick inner pot releases rice effortlessly, and the removable lid and self-clean function drastically cut down on maintenance—a rare luxury in this price range. It steams vegetables evenly and maintains heat superbly, though the steaming basket is sold separately, which feels like a missed opportunity. The interface is intuitive, but first-time users may need a few cycles to master water-to-rice ratios for non-standard grains.

Compared to the COSORI, it offers fewer menu options but more reliable rice-specific performance and easier maintenance thanks to auto-clean. It outperforms the Hamilton Beach model in consistency and tech, while being far more capable than the budget CUCKOO CR-0601C. For households that prioritize flawless rice and long-term durability over kitchen gadget overload, this model strikes the ideal balance of innovation and practicality.

The Hamilton Beach 37518 is a one-pot wonder built for cooks who love steam-in-place efficiency and simple, no-fuss operation. Its standout feature—the dual-purpose steam/rinse basket—lets you wash rice directly in the pot, then steam vegetables or fish above while the grains cook below, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. With a PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating, it’s a health-conscious pick that still delivers reliable, even heating across 8 cups of cooked rice.

Real-world testing showed strong performance for weekday dinners: salmon fillets steamed perfectly over jasmine rice in under 30 minutes, and steel-cut oats came out creamy without stirring. The one-touch presets for white rice, whole grains, and hot cereal are straightforward, and the countdown timer keeps you informed without guesswork. However, it lacks fuzzy logic, so results can vary slightly with brown rice or quinoa. The steaming function is excellent, but the cooker doesn’t offer sautéing or pressure cooking, limiting its versatility compared to multicookers.

Against the Instant Pot or COSORI, it’s less tech-forward but more focused on core steaming and rice functions. It’s a better value than the AROMA 3-cup model for families, though not as compact as the Zojirushi. If you want a reliable, easy-to-use steamer-rice combo that excels at one-pot meals without digital overload, this Hamilton Beach model is a kitchen workhorse.

The AROMA ARC-363NG is the ultimate minimalist rice cooker, tailor-made for individuals or couples who want flawless rice without complexity or clutter. With a compact 1.5-quart capacity and one-button operation, it’s nearly impossible to mess up—just add rice and water, press down, and walk away. The CoreCoat ceramic pot ensures even heating and stick-free cooking, while the auto keep-warm function keeps your meal ready for hours, perfect for late-night snacks or solo lunches.

In daily use, it excels at small-batch cooking: a single cup of white rice fluffs up beautifully in 20 minutes, and oatmeal comes out creamy without boiling over. The measuring lines inside the pot take the guesswork out of ratios, and the dishwasher-safe components make cleanup a breeze. However, the lack of programmable settings means no control over texture or timing, and it struggles with denser grains like barley or wild rice blends. It’s not designed for steaming full meals, though small veggies can be cooked on top with care.

Compared to the CUCKOO CR-0601C, it offers similar simplicity but less capacity. It’s more affordable than the COMFEE’ but lacks multi-functionality. For singles, dorm rooms, or minimalist kitchens where space and ease trump bells and whistles, the AROMA delivers dependable performance in a tiny, thoughtfully designed package.

The Instant Pot Duo Plus isn’t just a rice cooker—it’s a kitchen revolution in a stainless steel shell. With 9 functions including pressure cook, slow cook, steam, and rice mode, it replaces multiple appliances while cooking up to 70% faster than traditional methods. Its fuzzy logic and 15 smart programs handle everything from perfect basmati rice to bone broth, all with pro-grade searing power from the tri-ply stainless steel pot—a feature no dedicated rice cooker can match.

In real-world testing, the 6-quart capacity handled family-sized meals with ease, and the 24-hour keep-warm and delay start made meal prep seamless. The rice function isn’t as specialized as a CUCKOO or Zojirushi, but it delivers consistent results, especially with the app-guided recipes. The steam release is fast and safe, and the dishwasher-safe components reduce cleanup time. However, the steep learning curve and bulky footprint make it overkill for rice-only users.

Versus the COSORI or CUCKOO, it’s less precise for rice but infinitely more versatile. It outshines the Hamilton Beach in pressure cooking and sautéing, though it takes longer for simple rice jobs. For those who want a do-it-all cooker that excels at rice when needed but dominates at stews, yogurt, and batch cooking, the Instant Pot Duo Plus is unmatched in functionality and long-term value.

The CUCKOO CR-0601C is the affordable hero of basic rice cooking, designed for those who want fluffy, hot rice without menus, apps, or confusion. With one-touch simplicity and automatic keep-warm, it’s ideal for college students, first-time cooks, or anyone who just wants rice—fast and reliable. The 6-cup uncooked capacity (12 cups cooked) makes it surprisingly capable for family meals, and the included steamer tray lets you build full dishes like dumplings over rice with minimal cleanup.

In practice, it delivers consistent white and brown rice with zero input beyond measuring and pressing a button. The non-stick pot cleans easily, and the inner water lines help prevent over- or under-cooking. However, the lack of fuzzy logic means it can’t adjust for grain type or ambient temperature, leading to occasional dryness with brown rice. It doesn’t offer slow cooking or sautéing, and the steamer tray is basic—fine for veggies, but not for delicate proteins.

Compared to the AROMA 3-cup model, it’s larger and more family-friendly; against the COMFEE’, it’s simpler but less versatile. For budget-conscious buyers who prioritize ease and capacity over smart features, the CR-0601C is the most sensible entry-level rice cooker on the market.

The Zojirushi 3-cup rice cooker is a precision-engineered gem for small-space living, blending Japanese innovation with minimalist efficiency. Its Micom (microcomputer) technology ensures perfectly calibrated cooking cycles, while specialized settings like GABA Brown and Steel Cut Oatmeal unlock nutritional and textural benefits most cookers ignore. The retractable power cord and fold-down handle make it effortlessly portable—perfect for dorms, RVs, or tiny kitchens.

In testing, the GABA brown rice mode produced noticeably softer, nuttier grains with enhanced digestibility, and the long-grain white setting prevented mushiness common in compact models. It handles half-cup batches with ease, a rarity in rice cookers, making it ideal for singles or low-waste cooking. The stainless steel body resists fingerprints and dents, and the inner pot cleans well. However, the small capacity limits family use, and the premium price reflects its niche appeal.

Against the AROMA or CUCKOO CR-0601C, it’s far more advanced despite similar size. It lacks the Instant Pot’s power but surpasses all in rice-specific intelligence. For urban dwellers, health-focused eaters, or anyone who values culinary precision in a compact form, the Zojirushi is worth the investment for its unmatched attention to grain science and space-saving design.