Looking for the best rice cooker in 2025? We’ve tested and reviewed the top rice cookers so you can make fluffy, soft rice every time—without burning or guessing the water ratio.
Rice is one of the most versatile foods in the world. You can enjoy a different rice recipe every day and never get bored. From biryani to fried rice, risotto to plain steamed rice—rice dishes are endless!
If you love rice, you’ll want a great rice cooker. It helps you cook soft, fluffy rice without guessing the water ratio or watching the pot. Just press a button—and you’re done!
After over 150 hours of research and testing more than 275 pounds of rice, our top pick is the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy NS-ZCC10. It makes the best white rice, no matter the grain type, and it also cooks delicious brown rice.
Quick Summary: Top Picks
| Rice Cooker | Best For | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy | Best Overall | 5.5 cups | $224 |
| Zojirushi 3-Cup | Beginners | 3 cups | $54 |
| Dash Mini | Small Spaces | 2 cups | $18 |
| Aroma 4-Cup | Budget | 4 cups | $35 |
| Tiger Micom | Brown Rice | 5.5 cups | $85 |
| Instant Pot Duo | Multi-use | 5.5 cups | $15 |
Why You Need a Good Rice Cooker
Cooking perfect rice on a stove is tricky. You need the right water-to-rice ratio, control heat, and watch the pot. But with a rice cooker, you just add water and rice—press a button—and get perfect rice every time.
Rice cookers also free up stove space and come with a keep-warm feature that holds rice at a safe, warm temperature for hours.
Best Overall: Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy 5.5-Cup Rice Cooker
Price: $224 on Amazon
Best for: Anyone who wants perfect rice every time
Why We Love It:
- Multiple cooking modes (9 total)
- Nonstick pot with clear water lines
- Plays a cheerful tune when rice is done!
- Great for pre-washed rice, white rice, brown rice, and more
What to Know:
- Takes longer to cook (white rice = 41 mins)
- Hand-wash only (nonstick pot)
Size: 14″ x 10″ x 8″
Capacity: 5.5 cups
Includes: 2 measuring cups, rice paddle, spoon holder, recipe book
Best for Beginners: Zojirushi 3-Cup Rice Cooker
Price: $54 on Amazon
Best for: New users who want a simple rice cooker
Why We Love It:
- Easy one-button operation
- Compact and quick
- Includes steamer basket for easy meals
What to Know:
- Only cooks 3 cups
- No fancy cooking functions
Size: 7.5″ x 9″ x 7.5″
Capacity: 3 cups
Includes: Measuring cup, rice paddle, steaming tray
Best for Small Spaces: Dash Mini Rice Cooker
Price: $18 on Amazon
Best for: Dorms, apartments, or travel
Why We Love It:
- Tiny size, perfect for 1–2 people
- Affordable and cute
- Easy to store
What to Know:
- Slight water ratio learning curve
- Rice may be sticky if overfilled
Size: 6.5″ x 8.5″ x 6.3″
Capacity: 2 cups
Includes: Measuring cup, mixing paddle, recipe book
Best Budget Option: Aroma 4-Cup Rice Cooker
Price: $35 on Amazon
Best for: Families and budget shoppers
Why We Love It:
- Can cook up to 4 cups (serves 6–8)
- Dishwasher-safe inner pot
- Steamer basket included
What to Know:
- Can overcook brown rice (use less water)
- Hard-to-read markings inside the pot
Size: 8.6″ x 9.25″ x 8.5″
Capacity: 4 cups
Includes: Measuring cup, steamer basket, rice paddle
Best for Brown Rice: Tiger Micom 5.5-Cup Rice Cooker
Price: $85 on Amazon
Best for: Brown rice lovers
Why We Love It:
- Makes the best brown rice we tested
- Integrated handle for easy carrying
- Very sturdy build
What to Know:
- White rice can come out a bit dry
- Needs hand washing
Size: 14″ x 10.5″ x 8.5″
Capacity: 5.5 cups
Includes: Measuring cup, spatula, spatula holder, cooking plate
Best Alternative: Instant Pot Duo Electric Pressure Cooker
Price: $15 on Walmart
Best for: Versatile cooking (not just rice)
Why We Love It:
- Very fast cook time
- Can make Biryani, soups, stews, meats & more
What to Know:
- Not as consistent as dedicated rice cookers
- Large and bulky
Size: 12.2″ x 13.4″ x 12.5″
Capacity: 5.5 cups
Includes: Steaming rack
How We Tested the Best Rice Cookers
We tested 10 rice cookers with white and brown rice, using the measuring cups and water lines that came with each one. All rice was rested for 10 minutes after cooking for perfect texture.
Key testing steps:
- Washed rice using lukewarm water
- Used provided rice-to-water ratios
- Evaluated rice fluffiness, stickiness, and consistency
- Cleaned each unit to test ease of maintenance
How to Use a Rice Cooker (Easy Steps)
- Wash the inner pot and accessories before first use.
- Measure rice with the included cup (3/4 standard cup).
- Wash rice 2–3 times to remove starch.
- Use the correct water line inside the pot.
- Wipe outside of the pot before placing it in the cooker.
- Close the lid and press the correct setting.
- When done, let rice rest 10 minutes on “Warm” mode.
How to Clean a Rice Cooker
- Scoop out all the rice.
- Soak the pot with a little water to loosen starch.
- Use a soft sponge (no harsh scrubbers).
- Air dry with the lid open.
Common Rice Cooker Accessories
| Accessory | Use |
|---|---|
| Rice Paddle | Fluff rice without scratching pot |
| Measuring Cup | Usually equals 3/4 standard cup |
| Steamer Basket | Steam veggies or dumplings while rice cooks |
Rice Cooker Accessories Explained (2025 Guide)
Most rice cookers come with a few useful accessories to help you cook better. The most common ones are:
- Rice Paddle
- Measuring Cup
- Steamer Basket
Let’s take a closer look at how each of these tools helps make cooking rice easier and more effective.
Rice Paddle
Many rice recipes tell you to “fluff the rice” after cooking. You might think of using a fork—but that’s not a good idea in a rice cooker because it can damage the nonstick coating.
That’s why rice cookers come with a rice paddle, specially designed to:
- Fluff rice without scratching the pot.
- Prevent sticking.
- Be easier to clean.
Some paddles are made from wood or silicone, and some even have beads or textures to reduce rice sticking. If yours doesn’t, just wet the paddle slightly before use.
Bonus Tip: Some cookers have a paddle holder to keep things clean on the countertop!
Rice Measuring Cup
This one can be confusing at first! The included measuring cup is not a full 1-cup (standard) size—it’s actually ¾ of a cup.
So when the manual says:
“Add 1 cup of uncooked rice”
It means 1 scoop using the rice cooker’s measuring cup.
If you use a standard measuring cup (1 full cup), the water line inside the pot won’t match, and your rice may turn out too dry.
Use the included cup for perfect water-to-rice ratios.
Steamer Basket
Your rice cooker isn’t just for rice—it can also steam vegetables, dumplings, or meat using the steamer basket that comes with most cookers.
Example Meal:
- Add Chinese sausage to the rice
- Place frozen dumplings in the steamer
- Sauté some veggies while the rice stays warm
This gives you a one-pot meal in just minutes!
Tip: Don’t use the steamer basket when cooking more than 3 cups of rice, or the rice may stick to the basket or not cook evenly.
Summary Table of Rice Cooker Accessories
| Accessory | Use |
|---|---|
| Rice Paddle | Fluffs rice without scratching; textured designs prevent sticking |
| Measuring Cup | Special size (¾ cup); matches water line inside cooker for perfect rice |
| Steamer Basket | Steams dumplings, veggies, and more for easy one-pot meals |
Upgrade your kitchen with the best rice cooker accessories to enjoy perfect rice and easy meals every day!