9 Best Rice Cookers of 2026

This Korean-engineered compact powerhouse delivers precision and convenience in a minimalist package. With fuzzy logic technology, the CUCKOO CR-0375FG dynamically adjusts temperature and cooking time, ensuring consistently fluffy, non-gummy rice—a common pain point for small-capacity models. The 8-menu versatility covers everything from porridge to baby food, while the Quick Rice mode cuts cooking time nearly in half, making it ideal for fast weeknight meals without sacrificing quality.

In real-world testing, this 3-cup uncooked (6-cup cooked) cooker shines in small kitchens and dorms. It handles sticky short-grain rice with ease and transitions smoothly to brown rice and oats, thanks to its adaptive thermal sensors. The self-clean function is a standout—after a rice cycle, a quick steam-clean removes residue from the nonstick pot and removable lid, minimizing scrubbing. However, it struggles slightly with mixed grains, occasionally leaving the bottom layer a bit drier than desired.

Compared to basic models like the AROMA ARC-914SBD, the CUCKOO offers smarter automation and better texture control, though it lacks multicooker functions like sauté or slow cook. It’s best suited for rice purists and small households who prioritize authentic Korean-style results over all-in-one versatility. While not as feature-rich as the COSORI or Zojirushi, it delivers premium performance at a mid-tier price, striking a balance between simplicity and intelligence.

The COSORI 10-cup rice cooker is a multifunctional marvel that blurs the line between rice maker and slow cooker. Boasting 18 preset programs, it effortlessly shifts from sushi rice to steel-cut oats, slow-cooked chili, and even sautéed pilaf—making it a true kitchen workhorse. Its fuzzy logic brain fine-tunes each cycle with a 7-step algorithm, delivering perfectly textured grains every time, while the 1000W heating element ensures rapid, even cooking.

During testing, this model excelled in real-life meal prep scenarios—cooking 6 cups of jasmine rice in under 30 minutes using the Quick Rice function, then holding it warm for hours without drying out. The stainless steel steamer basket proved durable and effective for vegetables and fish, and the 24-hour delay timer made overnight oatmeal or dinner prep seamless. The ceramic nonstick pot resists scratching and cleans easily, though aggressive scrubbing can degrade the coating over time.

Against the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10, the COSORI trades some precision for breadth of function, lacking the Neuro Fuzzy AI learning but offering more cooking modes at half the price. It outperforms budget models like the BLACK+DECKER RC516 with smarter logic and better build, making it ideal for families and meal preppers who want one appliance to do it all. With exceptional versatility and strong automation, it offers the best balance of features and value in the mid-range segment.

The BLACK+DECKER RC516 is a no-frills giant built for big eaters and family feasts. With a massive 8-cup uncooked (16-cup cooked) capacity, it’s perfect for batch cooking, potlucks, or households that rely on rice as a daily staple. Its one-touch simplicity appeals to beginners—just add rice and water, press cook, and let the automatic keep-warm function take over. The removable nonstick bowl makes cleanup a breeze, and the included steaming basket adds a healthy touch for veggies or fish.

In real-world use, this model delivers consistent, fluffy white rice with minimal supervision. The dual heat settings sense moisture absorption and switch to warming mode reliably, though it lacks the precision of fuzzy logic—resulting in slightly uneven textures with brown or mixed grains. It handles large volumes well, but smaller batches (under 3 cups) can dry out due to the oversized chamber. The tempered glass lid allows for monitoring without heat loss, a rare plus at this price.

When compared to the AROMA ARC-914SBD, the RC516 wins on sheer capacity and durability, though it sacrifices digital programming and delay timers. It’s the go-to for budget-conscious bulk cooks who need volume over versatility. While it can’t match the smart cooking intelligence of higher-end models, it delivers reliable, large-scale performance with rugged simplicity—making it the best value for big families on a tight budget.

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 is the gold standard of rice perfection, powered by Neuro Fuzzy logic that learns and adapts to cooking conditions for consistently flawless results. This 5.5-cup cooker doesn’t just boil rice—it engineers texture, offering settings for softer sushi rice or firmer brown grains, and even includes a rinse-free mode for convenience. The spherical inner pan promotes even heat distribution, eliminating hot spots and ensuring every grain is plump, glossy, and never mushy.

In testing, the Zojirushi outperformed all others in texture control and retention. It aced delicate tasks like porridge and sweet rice, and its extended keep-warm mode (up to 12 hours) preserved moisture without overcooking—ideal for unpredictable schedules. The LCD timer and retractable cord add polish, while the included accessories (two measuring cups, spoon holder) reflect its premium focus. However, its slow cooking cycles can take up to 50% longer than competitors, a trade-off for precision.

Versus the COSORI 18-function model, the Zojirushi offers fewer presets but superior rice quality and longevity. It’s overkill for casual users but essential for rice connoisseurs and Japanese cuisine lovers who demand perfection. With unmatched consistency, durability, and intelligent cooking, it justifies its premium status as the best overall rice cooker, even if it costs more than some small appliances.

The AROMA ARC-914SBD is a budget-friendly digital dynamo that punches above its weight with Sensor Logic Technology and a 15-hour delay timer. This 4-cup uncooked (8-cup cooked) cooker delivers fluffy, well-textured rice across white, brown, and quick-cook modes, while the Flash Rice function cuts cooking time by up to 50%—a rare find in this price range. Its steam tray allows for one-pot meals, making it ideal for singles and couples seeking efficiency.

In real-world use, the AROMA handled everyday tasks with surprising competence. It kept rice warm for hours without drying, and the programmable digital controls made scheduling meals effortless. The nonstick pot cleaned easily, though it showed signs of wear after repeated use. It struggled slightly with quinoa and mixed grains, producing inconsistent results due to basic heating control.

Compared to the MOOSUM 3-cup model, the AROMA offers larger capacity and more presets, though it lacks ceramic coating safety. Against the BLACK+DECKER RC516, it wins on programming but loses on size. It’s best for budget-conscious beginners who want digital convenience without smart tech. With solid performance and smart features at entry-level cost, it’s the best digital option under $40.

The MOOSUM 3-cup rice cooker is a health-focused compact champion, built for small households and wellness-minded cooks. Its FDA-compliant ceramic nonstick pot is PFAS and PFOA-free, offering a safer alternative to traditional coatings—perfect for those wary of chemical leaching. With one-touch multifunction, it handles rice, yogurt, steaming, and even cake-making, all in a space-saving 10-inch footprint. The 24-hour keep-warm ensures meals are ready on any schedule.

In testing, the MOOSUM delivered soft, well-cooked rice and excelled at steamed vegetables and overnight yogurt—functions rarely seen at this size and price. The dishwasher-safe pot and lid made cleanup effortless, and the stainless steel housing felt durable. However, the lack of a delay timer was a notable omission, limiting meal planning flexibility. It also struggled with sticky rice varieties, occasionally undercooking the center.

Against the Toshiba B091TW6ND5, the MOOSUM trades fuzzy logic for non-toxic materials and broader function, though it’s less precise. It’s ideal for singles, couples, or health-focused users who want a safe, simple, multifunctional cooker. With strong safety credentials and solid performance, it’s the best choice for small households prioritizing wellness and ease.

The Toshiba B091TW6ND5 is a compact genius that packs Japanese engineering into a tiny frame. With fuzzy logic intelligence, it senses moisture and adjusts heat in real time, delivering perfectly cooked rice—from sushi to quinoa—without guesswork. The 8-menu system includes porridge, cake, and slow cook, while the 24-hour delay timer makes it ideal for timed breakfasts or dinner prep. Its LED display and intuitive panel make operation effortless.

In real-world trials, this 3-cup cooker produced fluffy, restaurant-quality rice every time, outperforming similarly priced models in texture and consistency. The steam function worked well for dumplings and veggies, and the auto keep-warm held quality for hours. However, the non-dishwasher-safe pot requires hand washing, and the removable lid parts can be fiddly to reassemble.

Compared to the CUCKOO CR-0375FG, the Toshiba offers more cooking programs and a delay timer, though it lacks auto-clean. Against the MOOSUM, it wins on precision but loses on non-toxic materials. It’s perfect for apartment dwellers and rice purists who want smart cooking in a small space. With advanced logic and strong build, it’s the best compact fuzzy logic model under $100.

The COMFEE’ 6-in-1 rice cooker is a budget multitasker that brings surprising sophistication to the entry-level market. With 6 one-touch programs—including brown rice, quinoa, and slow cook—it handles everything from weekday grains to weekend stews. The 2-quart capacity (8 cups cooked) is ideal for small families, and the stainless steel housing resists fingerprints and dents. The 12-hour delay timer and keep-warm function make it great for meal prep.

In testing, the COMFEE’ delivered consistent white and brown rice, with the nonstick pot cleaning up easily in the dishwasher. The saute and slow cook modes worked reliably, though the heating element wasn’t as powerful as the COSORI’s. It struggled with large batches of quinoa, requiring water adjustments. The BPA-free materials and UL certification add peace of mind, especially for budget shoppers.

Versus the AROMA ARC-914SBD, the COMFEE’ offers better build and more functions, though it lacks flash cooking. Compared to the Hamilton Beach 37518, it’s more compact but less steamer-focused. It’s ideal for budget buyers who want multifunction without spending $100. With strong safety, decent performance, and real versatility, it’s the best value multifunction cooker under $50.

The Hamilton Beach 37518 is the ultimate 2-in-1 steamer-rice combo, designed for health-focused cooks who love one-pot meals. Its dual-purpose steam/rinse basket is a game-changer—use it to wash rice, then steam salmon or broccoli over simmering grains. The PFAS-free ceramic nonstick pot ensures safe, easy release, and the 8-cup cooked capacity feeds families or meal preppers. The countdown timer adds convenience, showing exactly when food is ready.

In real-world use, this model excelled at simultaneous cooking—steaming vegetables while rice cooked below, creating balanced meals in one appliance. It handled white and brown rice well, though texture was slightly less refined than fuzzy logic models. The digital presets were intuitive, but the cooker lacked advanced features like delay start or yogurt mode.

Compared to the COMFEE’ B0987JNH24, the Hamilton Beach focuses more on steaming versatility than multicooking. Against the BLACK+DECKER RC516, it offers smarter programming and safer coating. It’s perfect for healthy eaters and families who want nutritious, steam-heavy meals without extra gadgets. With exceptional steaming utility and safe materials, it’s the best 2-in-1 steamer rice cooker in its class.