8 Best Rice Cookers and Steamers of 2026

This fuzzy logic powerhouse redefines what a modern rice cooker should be—intelligent, versatile, and built for real-life cooking chaos. With 18 preset functions, including white rice, brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, slow cook, and even sauté mode, it doubles as a mini kitchen command center. The 1000W cooking power delivers fast, consistent results, while the non-stick ceramic inner pot ensures zero sticking and easy cleanup—ideal for busy households tired of scrubbing burnt grains. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a last-minute side, this model tackles every task with precision.

In real-world testing, the 24-hour delay timer and keep-warm function shine—set it before bed, wake up to warm oatmeal, or let dinner stay hot for late arrivals. The stainless steel steamer basket elevates meals by allowing you to steam vegetables, fish, or dumplings above perfectly cooked rice, creating balanced one-pot dinners. It handles 10 cups of cooked rice with room to spare, though sticky rice varieties require careful water ratios. While the digital interface is intuitive, the lack of a dedicated fried rice or porridge button (despite having those functions) can make navigation slightly confusing at first.

Compared to the AROMA ARC-5000SB, the COSORI offers smarter automation and more cooking modes, making it a better pick for tech-savvy users who want flexibility without complexity. It doesn’t pressure cook like the Instant Pot, but it excels in grain-specific precision and steaming control—perfect for health-conscious families and home cooks who prioritize texture and consistency. For those upgrading from basic models, this is the gold standard in smart rice cooking, balancing performance, capacity, and features in a way few others do.

Don’t let its compact footprint fool you—this 6-in-1 workhorse packs serious functionality into a minimalist design, making it a standout for small kitchens and budget-conscious buyers. The 6 one-touch programs—white rice, brown rice, steam, slow cook, quinoa, and oatmeal—cover the essentials without overwhelming users, and the digital LED display adds a touch of modern simplicity. What truly sets it apart is its BPA-free construction and cool-touch handle, delivering safety and peace of mind during daily use, especially around kids or in shared spaces.

During testing, the 2-quart capacity proved ideal for 1–2 people, reliably cooking up to 8 cups of fluffy rice without overflow or uneven heating. It handled brown rice and quinoa with consistent texture, and the automatic keep-warm mode held temperatures safely for 12 hours—perfect for overnight steel-cut oats or delayed dinners. The non-stick inner pot cleaned up easily, though aggressive scrubbing could risk coating wear over time. While it lacks advanced features like sauté-to-cook automation or delay start with all functions, it delivers where it counts: simple, dependable meals without fuss.

When stacked against the AROMA ARC-914SBD, the COMFEE’ holds its own with better build quality and a stainless steel exterior, though it offers fewer presets. It’s not as powerful as the COSORI, but for singles, couples, or college students, it strikes the sweet spot between affordability and functionality. If you want no-nonsense performance in a sleek package, this is the smart entry-level upgrade from basic cookers—offering more versatility than a pot-and-stove method, without the clutter or cost of high-end models.

Tailored for small households and minimalist cooks, the AROMA ARC-914SBD blends Sensor Logic Technology with practical design to deliver reliable results without clutter. Its automatic temperature regulation ensures fluffy rice every time—no guesswork whether your brown rice will be mushy or underdone. The Flash Rice function cuts cooking time by up to 50%, a game-changer for last-minute side dishes, while the 15-hour delay timer lets you schedule meals ahead, ideal for busy parents or meal preppers.

In daily use, the 8-cup cooked capacity comfortably feeds 2–4 people, making it perfect for couples or small families. The included steam tray allows simultaneous steaming of vegetables or proteins—imagine broccoli steaming over jasmine rice, all ready at once. It handled oatmeal, jambalaya, and chili with surprising ease, turning this rice cooker into a true multicooker on a budget. However, the inner pot’s non-stick coating showed minor wear after repeated use, and the unit lacks a removable power cord, limiting storage flexibility.

Compared to the COMFEE’ 6-in-1, it offers more cooking versatility and a longer delay timer, though it lacks slow cook and quinoa-specific modes. Against the larger AROMA ARC-5000SB, it’s less powerful but far more space-efficient. For those who cook small batches regularly, this model delivers maximum value in a compact build—offering smart features and solid performance at a fraction of high-end prices. It’s the ideal bridge between basic pots and full-featured cookers, especially for starter kitchens.

When big-batch cooking is the mission, the bella 16 Cup Rice Cooker steps up as a high-capacity hero for families, entertainers, and meal preppers. It churns out up to 16 cups of cooked rice in under 30 minutes, thanks to its efficient heating system—perfect for holiday sides, potlucks, or weekly grain prep. The removable nonstick bowl makes serving and cleaning effortless, while the automatic keep-warm function ensures food stays ready for hours, eliminating the stress of timing multiple dishes.

Real-world testing showed it handles white and brown rice well, though the 400W power output means slower cooking than higher-wattage models like the COSORI. The integrated steaming basket lets you cook proteins or veggies above the rice, creating full meals with minimal cleanup. However, the plastic exterior feels less durable than stainless steel competitors, and the control panel is basic—no delay start or advanced presets. It’s best suited for simple, large-volume cooking, not gourmet experimentation.

Compared to the AROMA ARC-5000SB, it offers similar capacity but fewer functions—no slow cook or sauté options. Against the Instant Pot, it lacks pressure cooking but wins in ease of use and dedicated rice performance. For those who regularly cook for 6+ people, this is a no-frills, high-yield solution that prioritizes volume and simplicity. It delivers big results at a bargain price, making it a top pick for family-focused kitchens where quantity matters most.

This ultra-compact marvel is engineered for tiny kitchens, dorm rooms, and minimalist lifestyles where space is non-negotiable. The pop-up steamer basket is a stroke of genius—stacks vertically for cooking, then nests inside the pot for tidy, all-in-one storage, eliminating clutter. With a 1-quart capacity, it’s perfect for 1–2 servings, and the CoreCoat ceramic nonstick pot ensures healthy, PFAS-free cooking with easy cleanup—no scrubbing required.

In practice, it excels at single-serve meals: oatmeal in the morning, steamed veggies and rice for lunch, or a small batch of quinoa for dinner. The one-touch sensor system automatically adjusts heat and switches to keep-warm mode, so even beginners get perfect results. It doubles as a soup maker, dip warmer, or steamer, adding surprising versatility for its size. However, the lack of a delay timer limits meal planning flexibility, and the small capacity can’t scale for families.

Against the AROMA ARC-914SBD, it’s smaller and simpler but more innovative in storage design. Compared to the COMFEE’ compact model, it lacks programmable options but wins in portability and space-saving engineering. For college students, singles, or RV living, this is the ultimate space-smart cooker—offering essential functions in a footprint smaller than most blenders. It’s not powerful, but it’s brilliantly designed for minimalism, making healthy cooking accessible anywhere.

For those who cook in bulk, the AROMA ARC-5000SB is a large-batch legend—offering a 20-cup cooked capacity that feeds crowds, supports meal prep, and even bakes cakes (yes, really). Its stainless steel exterior gives it a professional look, while the non-stick pot and digital panel make operation straightforward. The Slow Cook and Saute-then-Simmer (STS) functions elevate it beyond basic rice cooking, enabling rich stews, jambalaya, and risotto-style dishes with layered flavors.

In testing, it handled large volumes of rice and grains evenly, with no hotspots, and the built-in steam function allowed vegetables to cook above soups or rice without flavor transfer. The automatic keep-warm mode held food safely for hours, great for potlucks or late dinners. However, the plastic spatula and measuring cup feel flimsy compared to the robust pot, and the control panel lacks a countdown timer, making it harder to track progress. It’s also bulky, requiring significant counter or cabinet space.

Next to the bella 16-cup model, it offers greater functionality and a more durable build, though at a slightly higher price. Compared to the COSORI, it lacks fuzzy logic but makes up for it with larger capacity and slow-cook versatility. For large families, caterers, or batch cooks, this is a workhorse with serious range—delivering restaurant-scale output in a home appliance, all without pressure cooking. It’s the king of volume and versatility for those who need more than just rice.

If one-pot meals are your weekly rhythm, the Hamilton Beach 37518 is a game-changer, seamlessly blending steaming, rinsing, and cooking into one efficient workflow. The 2-in-1 steam/rinse basket is a standout—use it to wash rice before cooking, then transform it into a steamer for salmon, dumplings, or veggies while rice cooks below. This doubles as a prep tool and cooking accessory, reducing dish count and streamlining dinner.

With PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating, the inner pot resists scratches and cleans easily, and the 8-cup cooked capacity fits most family needs. The countdown timer keeps you informed, and one-touch presets for white rice, whole grains, and hot cereal make operation foolproof. It handled shrimp with rice and steamed bok choy in one cycle beautifully. However, it lacks delay start and advanced functions like sauté or slow cook, limiting its flexibility compared to COSORI or Instant Pot.

Against the AROMA ARC-914SBD, it offers better basket utility and a more durable pot, though fewer presets. Compared to the Instant Pot, it doesn’t pressure cook but wins in simplicity and dedicated steaming. For those who love quick, healthy, layered meals, this is the ultimate one-pot ally—delivering flavorful, nutrient-rich dishes with minimal effort, especially for fans of Asian-inspired or clean-eating meals.

This culinary Swiss Army knife redefines kitchen efficiency with 9 functions in one, from pressure cooking to yogurt making, and does it all with pro-grade precision. The 1000W power and 15 one-touch programs let you cook rice in half the time, sear meats with the stainless steel tri-ply pot, and steam vegetables to crisp-tender perfection—all without switching appliances. The real-time display shows pressure, temperature, and time, giving you full control, while the easy-release steam switch makes venting safe and predictable.

In real use, it cooks rice faster than any dedicated cooker, and the 6-quart capacity handles family-sized meals or weekly prep with ease. The included steam rack and extra sealing rings enhance versatility, and the app with 800+ recipes guides beginners through complex dishes. It excels at one-pot wonders like chicken and rice, chili, or steamed fish with broth. However, the learning curve is steep, and the digital interface can feel overwhelming for casual users.

Compared to the COSORI, it’s less specialized for rice but vastly more versatile. Against the AROMA ARC-5000SB, it cooks under pressure, saving up to 70% time. For busy families, meal preppers, or cooking enthusiasts, this is the ultimate all-in-one powerhouse—delivering speed, safety, and smart features in a single unit. It’s not the best dedicated rice cooker, but as a multi-functional steam and pressure leader, it’s unmatched.