Cooking rice is simple and easy with the use of the best stainless steel rice cooker. If you want to cook rice perfectly and in a more convenient manner, you should definitely consider purchasing a rice cooker.
Rice cookers in the market are not created equal. This means that there are rice cookers that will stand out in terms of cooking performance, versatility, and efficiency.
If you want the best rice cooker, you should read on to learn more about how you can find the best one and the top stainless steel rice cooker reviews.
Stainless Steel Rice Cooker – What Is It?
No | Name | Image | Details |
1 | [amazon link=”B0074CDG6C” /] | [amazon fields=”B0074CDG6C” value=”thumb”] | [amazon fields=”B0074CDG6C” value=”button”] |
2 | [amazon link=”B001BOIIW6” /] | [amazon fields=”B001BOIIW6” value=”thumb”] | [amazon fields=”B001BOIIW6” value=”button”] |
3 | [amazon link=”B00FLYWNYQ” /] | [amazon fields=”B00FLYWNYQ” value=”thumb”] | [amazon fields=”B00FLYWNYQ” value=”button”] |
4 | [amazon link=”B01CYB6SPI” /] | [amazon fields=”B01CYB6SPI” value=”thumb”] | [amazon fields=”B01CYB6SPI” value=”button”] |
5 | [amazon link=”B007WQ9Z56” /] | [amazon fields=”B007WQ9Z56” value=”thumb”] | [amazon fields=”B007WQ9Z56” value=”button”] |
[amazon bestseller =”stainless steel rice cooker” items=”20″]
Most of us already know what a rice cooker is. This device is also referred to as a rice steamer. This kitchen appliance is used for cooking rice.
With this useful kitchen appliance, rice is prepared automatically. Once the rice is cooked, the device will automatically switch from cooking mode to warming mode. This appliance can be used to cook, keep warm and reheat rice.
Factors to Consider in Purchasing the Best Stainless Steel Rice Cooker
When considering the best rice cooker, it is important that you pick the rice cooker that will suit your kitchen and culinary needs. Here are some factors that you need to consider as you shop around for the best rice cooker.
Cooking Style – Thermal Convection versus Heat Induction
An electric rice cooker cooks rice in two ways, through thermal convection and heat induction.
With thermal convection, the cooking pan will not heat up. Instead, the heated air outside the pan will heat up through the appliance by thermal convection. Also, this type of rice cooker features a thermal sensing device that will automatically switch the cooker from cooking to warming mode once the rice is cooked and ready.
Heat induction, on the other hand, works as an electromagnetic current, causing heat to build up as it passes through the metal cooking pan. Rice cookers with this design are associated with a more consistent rice cooking process.
Also, heat-induction rice cookers are more expensive compared to their thermal convection counterparts.
Detachable Power Cords
There are rice cooker models that are designed with retractable or detachable power cords. This feature will enable easy storage for the appliance.
Also, this feature enables the rice cooker to double as a serving bowl, which makes the process of cooking and serving the rice more convenient.
Exterior Design and Aesthetic Appearance
The exterior design of the rice cooker should be more than just its looks.
When checking the exterior design of the rice cooker, you should check for various creative functions like see-through glass lids and stay-cool handles.
However, you should also consider the overall appearance of the appliance and make sure it will accentuate the appearance of your kitchen, as it is often stored on countertops.
Size and Capacity of the Cooker
[amazon bestseller=”cooker” items=”10″]
When considering the size and capacity of the rice cooker, you should consider the size of your family. If you have a large family, you should consider a rice cooker that can cook enough rice for the entire family.
If you are planning to cook rice for only a few people, a three-cup rice cooker will do. However, if you are planning to cook rice for a large number of people, you should opt for a six-cup rice cooker.
User-Friendly Controls
While the basic rice cookers often have a one-touch operation, there are some models that feature digital controls.
A good stainless steel rice cooker should be easy to operate and come with user-friendly controls.
Easy to Clean and Maintain
Ease of cleaning and maintenance is another important factor that you need to consider when purchasing rice cookers.
Rice cookers are often designed with non-stick interiors, which makes them easy to clean using soap and water. Also, there are cookers that are dishwasher safe.
Likewise, stainless steel rice cookers are not only durable but are also easy to clean and maintain.
Convenient Functionalities and Features
Some rice cooker models are designed with convenient functions that make cooking rice easier, even when you are working in a busy and frantic kitchen environment.
For example, models with digital controls often have a timer, which should let you know how much time remains until your rice is cooked.
There are also models that are designed with an automatic keep-warm setting. This feature should help keep the rice warm until you are ready to serve it.
Another convenient feature that some cookers have is the quick-cook setting. This feature is handy during those times when you are pressed for time, and you still need to prepare a meal.
Also, you should consider a cooker that can handle different kinds of rice.
Extra Accessories and Features
Rice cookers often come with extra accessories like a spatula, a measuring cup, and a steamer basket.
Steamer baskets are great, especially if you want to cook vegetables at the same time that your rice is being cooked and prepared.
[amazon bestseller=”steamer basket” items=”20″]
Top Five Best Stainless Steel Rice Cooker Reviews
Below, you’ll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read reviews
Zojirushi Stainless Steel 5 ½ Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker and Warmer (NS-TSC10)
[amazon box=”B0074CDG6C” ]
This rice cooker is definitely one of the best ones in the market. This kitchen appliance not only makes perfectly cooked rice but also works as a steamer. In addition, it even comes with a cake menu setting for baking cakes.
This appliance features the Micro computerized Fuzzy Logic technology, enabling you to cook rice with ease. It is embedded with a computer chip that allows it to make proper adjustments to cooking time and temperature.
This 5 ½ cup rice cooker makes about 10 cups of cooked rice. Not just that, it also features a variety of cooking functions like mixed rice, rice, sushi, sweet, porridge, cake, steam, and quick cooking.
With its thick inner cooking pan, cooking rice is made better, as it is evenly heated. Also, it features an interchangeable melody and beep signal that indicates when the cooking cycle has finished.
In addition, this rice cooker comes with an easy-to-read LCD control panel, automatic keep-warm setting, detachable and washable inner lid, extended keep-warm feature and reheating cycle setting, delay timer, and a built-in retractable power cord.
With this cooker’s stainless steel exterior, it should match any kitchen décor. This appliance also comes with extra accessories, including a spatula, spatula holder, and a rice-measuring cup.
What We Like
- Designed with Micro computerized Fuzzy Logic technology
- Easy to clean
- Retractable power cord
- User-friendly controls and clear LCD display
- Versatile cooking functions
- Automatic keep warm; extended keep warm, and reheating cycle options
- Includes several accessories
What We Didn’t Like
- Available in one size only
- Available in one color only
Tiger Stainless Steel 10-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker and Warmer (JNP-S18U-HU)
[amazon box=”B001BOIIW6″ ]
This rice cooker makes perfectly cooked rice. It has a user-friendly control panel and a lot of great features.
In fact, it comes with a keep warm function that can last up to 12 hours. It will automatically switch to its keep warm setting once the rice is ready.
With its non-stick stainless steel inner pan, you can easily serve the rice and clean it afterward. It is designed with a retractable power cord. Its steam vent is also removable and washable.
This rice cooker comes with extra accessories like a rice measuring cup and a spatula.
What We Like
- Available in different sizes
- Easy to operate with user-friendly controls
- Available in a variety of colors
- Easy to clean
- Automatic keep-warm functions last for 12 hours
- Steam vent is removable and washable
What We Didn’t Like
- Fewer features compared to its advanced counterparts
- Some parts are made of plastic
Instant Pot 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Cooker (DUO60 6 Qt)
[amazon box=”B00FLYWNYQ” ]
This multi-function cooker is definitely one of the best ones on the market. In fact, it works as a rice cooker, pressure cooker, steamer, slow cooker, yogurt maker, sauté, and warmer.
This appliance is designed with advanced microprocessor technology and 14 integrated smart functionalities. Also, this unit is UL certified, which means that it is manufactured with ten safety elements for ultimate user protection.
This is not your regular plug-and-play rice cooker, as you need to master all the great features of this unit.
Its key features include a low-pressure setting, energy-saving mode, a user-friendly control panel, 14 integrated smart programs, stainless steel removable cooking pot, and a stainless steel steam rack with a handle.
What We Like
- Comes with stainless steel inner pot
- Allows versatile cooking
- Easy to operate and clean
- Safe to use
- Designed with automatic keep-warm functions
What We Didn’t Like
- Comes with a fragile handle
- Difficult to lock safety lid
Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Rice Cooker (37548)
[amazon box=”B01CYB6SPI” ]
This rice cooker is not only elegant and smart cooking, but it is also durable and offers convenience in making perfectly cooked rice. This handy kitchen appliance can work with rice and cook hot cereals like oatmeal and cream of wheat.
With its versatile cooking functionality, you can cook various dishes for one person or the entire family. This cooker is designed with durable stainless steel material to ensure optimum performance for a long time. Also, it is available in 14-cup and 20-cup sizes.
This device features a delay start feature that lasts up to 11 hours, allowing you to have your meals prepared according to your preferred schedule.
Lastly, this cooker comes with a non-stick inner pot, which is easy to clean.
What We Like
- Versatile cooking with multi-functionality
- Comes in different sizes
- Durable and easy to operate
- Easy to clean
- Features delay start function and an automatic keep-warm function
What We Didn’t Like
- Does not come with a steam basket
- Non-stick surfaces often do not last long
Aroma Housewares Simply Stainless 14-Cup (Cooked) Rice Cooker (ARC-757SG)
[amazon box=”B007WQ9Z56″ ]
This stainless steel rice cooker is simple to use and very efficient in cooking rice. Also, it produces more than just perfectly cooked rice. You may also use it for cooking delicious oatmeal, stew, soup, and more.
With its one-switch control, you can easily operate it. Not just that, it has an automatic keep-warm function, which is very convenient when you are multitasking in the kitchen.
This rice cooker can prepare 4 to 14 cups of cooked rice, which is perfect for cooking meals for the entire family.
Its cooking pot is made with 100% surgical-grade 304 stainless steel material. Since its inner pot is removable, cleaning is a breeze. Lastly, it includes various accessories like a serving spatula and a rice measuring cup.
What We Like
- Easy to operate and simple to use
- Easy to clean
- Versatile cooking with multi-cooking functionality
- Can cook up to 14 cups of rice
- Comes with stainless steel removable pot
- Comes with a serving spatula and a rice measuring cup
What We Didn’t Like
- The vent hole on the lid shoots out water when cooking rice
- Fewer features compared to its advanced counterparts
- Does not come with a steam basket
The Bottom Line
Rice cookers are not created equal, and there are cookers that will definitely stand out from the rest based on their advanced features and additional functionalities.
If you want to have the best rice cooker for your kitchen, you should definitely consider the factors mentioned above before purchasing one.
Also, based on the reviews conducted, the number one stainless steel rice cooker is the Zojirushi Stainless Steel 5 ½ Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker and Warmer (NS-TSC10). This appliance does cook not only perfects rice but also has several other cooking functionalities, including baking.
No | Name | Image | Details |
1 | [amazon link=”B0074CDG6C” /] | [amazon fields=”B0074CDG6C” value=”thumb”] | [amazon fields=”B0074CDG6C” value=”button”] |
2 | [amazon link=”B001BOIIW6” /] | [amazon fields=”B001BOIIW6” value=”thumb”] | [amazon fields=”B001BOIIW6” value=”button”] |
3 | [amazon link=”B00FLYWNYQ” /] | [amazon fields=”B00FLYWNYQ” value=”thumb”] | [amazon fields=”B00FLYWNYQ” value=”button”] |
4 | [amazon link=”B01CYB6SPI” /] | [amazon fields=”B01CYB6SPI” value=”thumb”] | [amazon fields=”B01CYB6SPI” value=”button”] |
5 | [amazon link=”B007WQ9Z56” /] | [amazon fields=”B007WQ9Z56” value=”thumb”] | [amazon fields=”B007WQ9Z56” value=”button”] |
With its Micro computerized Fuzzy Logic technology, you can cook different meals with ease, as it can make proper adjustments to the temperature and the cooking time. Its additional features include an easy-to-read LCD control panel, detachable and washable inner lid, delay timer, automatic keep-warm setting, extended keep-warm feature and reheating cycle setting, and a built-in retractable power cord.
With all its great features, this rice cooker may just be the best one for you!
Jen Lin-Liu is the founder of Black Sesame Kitchen. A Chinese-American writer and a nationally certified Chinese chef in Beijing. Jen is the author of two memoirs, Serve the People: A Stir-Fried Journey Through China and On the Noodle Road: From Beijing to Rome with Love and Pasta.