5 Best Rice Cooker Vegetable Steamers of 2026

The COSORI 10 Cup Rice Cooker doesn’t just cook rice—it masterminds it. With fuzzy logic technology, this powerhouse intelligently adjusts temperature and timing across a 7-step cooking cycle, delivering fluffy, restaurant-grade rice every time, whether you’re making jasmine, brown rice, or quinoa. Its 18 preset functions go far beyond grains, letting you sauté aromatics, slow-cook stews, or steam vegetables with precision, making it a true kitchen multitasker that solves the all-too-common problem of inconsistent results and limited versatility.

In real-world testing, the 1000W heating system shines—white rice cooks in under 30 minutes using the Quick Rice setting, while brown rice comes out perfectly tender, not mushy. The stainless steel steamer basket is a standout, allowing you to stack broccoli, fish, or dumplings above simmering rice for complete meals in one appliance. The 24-hour keep-warm and delay timer are game-changers for meal prep, though the unit is bulkier than most, so countertop space is a consideration. It handles large batches with ease, but smaller portions (under 2 cups uncooked) can occasionally cook unevenly due to the wide pot.

Compared to the simpler BLACK+DECKER RC516, the COSORI is in a different league—smarter, more flexible, and packed with features that justify its position as the best overall rice cooker with steaming capability. While it’s pricier than budget models, its multi-cooker functionality and ceramic non-stick pot (a safer alternative to traditional coatings) make it ideal for health-conscious families and meal-preppers who want set-and-forget reliability. It outperforms the COMFEE’ and AROMA models in automation and cooking diversity, offering more intelligent control and higher culinary range than basic one-touch rivals.

When big-batch cooking is the mission, the BLACK+DECKER RC516 steps up as a workhorse with simplicity at its core. This 16-cup capacity cooker effortlessly feeds crowds or large families, turning 8 cups of raw rice into a mountain of fluffy grains—perfect for holiday meals, potlucks, or weekly prep. The included steaming basket lets you cook veggies or fish above the rice, adding healthy, flavorful layers without extra pots, while the removable non-stick bowl ensures cleanup is a wipe-and-wash affair. It’s the go-to pick for those who value reliability over bells and whistles.

Performance-wise, the dual heat settings manage moisture absorption smartly—once water is fully absorbed, it switches automatically to keep-warm mode, preventing scorching. In testing, it handled large volumes with consistency, though texture control is limited—you won’t get the nuanced softness of fuzzy logic models. The tempered glass lid is a nice touch, letting you monitor cooking without losing heat, but the steamer basket is smaller than expected, restricting how much you can steam at once. It’s best for basic rice and simple steamed sides, not complex multi-layered meals.

Against the COMFEE’ or AROMA models, the RC516 wins on raw capacity and durability, but it lacks programmable precision or multi-functionality. It’s less versatile than the Hamilton Beach 37518, which offers a rinse-and-steam basket and ceramic coating. Still, for large families or dorm kitchens needing a no-fail, high-yield cooker, this BLACK+DECKER delivers unmatched volume at a fraction of the cost of smart models, making it the best high-capacity rice cooker with steamer for practical, everyday use.

The COMFEE’ 6-in-1 Rice Cooker proves that small size doesn’t mean small performance. Packed into a space-saving 2-quart body are six one-touch programs for white rice, brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, steaming, and slow cooking—making it a budget-savvy powerhouse for singles, couples, or tiny kitchens. The non-stick inner pot delivers consistent results, and the 12-hour keep-warm and delay timer let you wake up to oatmeal or come home to warm quinoa, solving the daily grind of meal timing. It’s the best budget-friendly rice cooker with steamer that doesn’t cut corners on safety or simplicity.

In testing, the steaming function worked impressively well—crisp-tender broccoli and plump dumplings emerged in under 15 minutes while rice cooked below. The stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints and wipes clean easily, and the BPA-free materials and overheating protection add peace of mind. However, the 4-cup uncooked limit means it’s not ideal for families over two, and the digital display is basic, lacking countdown timers or advanced feedback. It struggles slightly with very large grain batches, where heat distribution isn’t as even as in larger models.

Next to the AROMA ARC-914SBD, the COMFEE’ holds its own with similar functionality at a competitive price, though it lacks AROMA’s Flash Rice speed boost. Compared to the COSORI, it’s far more limited in smarts and power, but for students, small households, or first-time buyers, it offers remarkable value and versatility in a compact shell. It’s not the most advanced, but for affordable, reliable steaming and grain cooking, it delivers more features per inch than almost any other sub-$50 model.

The Hamilton Beach 37518 is engineered for families who want flavor without fuss—a true one-pot wonder that excels at simultaneous steaming and rice cooking. Its PFAS-free ceramic nonstick pot ensures safe, even heating, while the dual-purpose steamer basket doubles as a colander for rinsing grains before cooking—a clever touch that reduces cleanup and streamlines prep. With one-touch presets for white rice, whole grains, and hot cereal, plus a countdown timer, it’s designed for busy households where timing and nutrition matter. It’s the best rice cooker with steamer for large families who want healthy, home-cooked meals fast.

During real-world use, the 8-cup cooked capacity handled four-person meals with room to spare, and the steam basket’s wide base accommodated full portions of salmon or Brussels sprouts without crowding. The ceramic coating resisted scratching even with metal utensils (though not recommended), and cleanup was effortless—most residue wiped away or rinsed off. However, the delay timer maxes out at 15 hours, less than the COSORI’s 24-hour option, and it lacks sauté or slow-cook functions, limiting its multi-cooker appeal. It’s excellent at its core tasks but not a full kitchen replacement.

When compared to the BLACK+DECKER RC516, the Hamilton Beach offers smarter programming and safer materials, though with slightly less total capacity. Against the AROMA model, it has a more versatile steam-and-rinse basket, but lacks Flash Rice speed. For families prioritizing healthy steamed sides and reliable rice, this model strikes the best balance of safety, usability, and meal flexibility, outperforming budget rivals in build quality and real-world performance, even without advanced automation.

For grain lovers and oatmeal enthusiasts, the AROMA ARC-914SBD is a precision tool disguised as a simple rice cooker. Its Sensor Logic Technology monitors internal temperature in real time, adjusting heat to deliver perfectly textured brown rice, quinoa, or steel-cut oats—no mush, no crunch. The Flash Rice function cuts cooking time by up to 50%, making it a hero for last-minute meals, while the 15-hour delay timer lets you schedule breakfast oatmeal or dinner grains with ease. With a dedicated steam tray, you can cook protein or veggies overhead, turning this into a complete grain-centric meal station.

In testing, the Flash Rice mode delivered white rice in just 18 minutes with minimal quality loss, and steel-cut oats came out creamy and rich. The steam tray is shallow but effective, ideal for delicate fish or leafy greens, though not suited for large cuts of meat. The 2-quart capacity is great for 2–4 people, but larger families may find it limiting. One quirk: it requires using the included measuring cup for accurate ratios, which can frustrate users used to standard cups. The stainless steel exterior resists dents but shows smudges easily.

Compared to the COMFEE’, the AROMA offers faster cooking and smarter sensors, but at a slightly higher cost. Against the Hamilton Beach 37518, it lacks the rinse-basket convenience but excels in grain-specific programming. It’s not the most powerful steamer, but for breakfast lovers, health-focused cooks, or grain-heavy diets, it’s the best rice cooker with steamer for oatmeal and whole grains, combining speed, precision, and versatility in a compact, reliable package.