Sophie Bates
5 best rice cookers 2022: Whether you're looking for a budget rice cooker for students or a large capacity cooker to feed the whole family, shop our edit of the best easy to use rice cookers with the top reviews.
Rice cookers have been skyrocketing in popularity in recent years, and they're becoming a kitchen essential for hassle-free cooking. If you struggle with undercooking your rice or you're on the hunt for an easy-to-use gadget that makes meal prep that much easier, a rice cooker may be just what you need.
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Whether you're in need of a budget rice cooker for simple student meals, or a large-capacity appliance to feed the whole family, we've rounded up the top-rated rice cookers to shop.
Which brands have the best rice cookers?
There are so many different rice cookers to choose from right now, with top kitchen brands including Tefal, Ninja, and SQ having their own versions of the kitchen gadget.
Which is better; rice cooker or steamer?
Rice cookers are designed for preparing rice, oats, and grains, while steamers often allow you to cook multiple foods at once, such as meat and vegetables. You can also shop for multi-functional appliances which allow you to cook rice and other foods for ultimate efficiency.
Benefits of a rice cooker
There are so many benefits to a rice cooker, with the main selling point being that it prepares perfectly cooked rice with minimal effort, with most requiring just a touch of a button for fluffy rice. Other perks include the warming function which keeps rice hot after it's finished cooking, and the easy-to-clean design.
Best rice cookers
Lakeland rice cooker
Mini Electric Rice Cooker, £44.99, Lakeland
The Lakeland rice cooker is a great option for those that want to cook restaurant-worthy rice without breaking the bank. It's suitable for cooking rice or porridge and features a warming function to keep the rice hot after it's cooked. The compact size is great for space-saving - and the kitchen gadget is super easy to use, getting to work at the touch of a button.
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Top review: "Fantastic mini rice cooker. This item is so compact and easy to use. Cooked rice for the first time today. Perfection. Never had such well-cooked rice-lovely and fluffy. No mess. Sick of water splashing all over hob. It says 2 portions but I only used 1 cup and that was plenty for me and hubby so could probably get another portion-depends on how much you eat. Can’t wait to try porridge."
Russel Hobbs rice cooker
Russell Hobbs Rice Cooker and Steamer, £29.99, Amazon
The Russel Hobbs rice cooker is one of the more affordable on the market - also doubling as a steamer for veg and meat. The 1.8 litre capacity means you can cook up to 10 cups of rice, making it a great option for family homes, and it comes with a spatula, measuring cup, and steaming tray. The Hobbs gadget has racked up over 7,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, and shoppers have commented on its great value for money.
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Top review: "Perfect rice - every time. Rice has never been easier. This machine has to be the easiest thing to use ever, with just one switch you'll have perfect rice after a short time cooking. As long as you follow the rules of cooking rice (rinsing starch and using the appropriate amount of water) you'll get perfect rice every time. If you love rice but don't want to spend mega bucks on a high-quality cooker? This does the job just as well for a much lower price."
Tefal rice cooker
Tefal Cool Touch Rice Cooker, £39, Amazon
Tefal is another go-to brand for efficient home appliances, and the 1.8 litre rice cooker does not disappoint. The removable bowl is non-stick for easy cleaning, with two cooking settings including a keep warm function. The cooker serves between 10-20 portions, so it's designed for larger families, and can be used for gatherings and meal prep without taking up too much space in your kitchen. Amazing!
Top review: "Great piece of kitchen kit. We have used a rice maker for years. There's now one less thing to think about as it takes care of itself and stays warm when cooked. Lovely quality at a reasonable price."
Yum Asia Panda rice cooker
Yum Asia Panda Rice Cooker, £90.90, Amazon
The Yum Asia Panda rice cooker has racked up glowing reviews on Amazon, with over 3,500 five-star ratings. It's suitable for rice, oats, and grains with an easy-to-use LED display - with delayed time and warming features.
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Top review: "Great rice. I got fed up with buying the microwave packets of rice that are always disappointing, and nothing like the rice you get with takeaways, I decided I needed to buy a rice cooker. It's a smaller size so ideal for my needs. Tried it several times now and the rice is so nice. Comes out just the same as my local Chinese does, and they're excellent. Definitely recommend getting this over those microwave packets. It's worth it."
SQ rice cooker
SQ Professional Rice Cooker, was £33, now £19.99, Wayfair
If you're on the hunt for a super affordable rice cooker that can cook for more than one person, this is it. The cooker promises healthier, perfectly cooked rice every time - complete with an automatic keep-warm function so you can keep your rice or grains hot without over-cooking.
Top review: "This rice cooker looks so good on my countertop and can feed three people easily. Really good rice cooker and does its job. Worth every penny! Love this cute little rice cooker!"
Judge rice cooker
Judge Rice Cooker, £37.94, Amazon
The Judge rice cooker is a great option for students, thanks to its compact design that serves up to two people. The cooker uses steam and low pressure to preserve the nutrients of the rice, while maintaining its flavour. The energy-efficient function keeps rice warm for up to six hours, with a one-touch operation that makes it super easy to use.
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Top review: "I just love this rice cooker, it is perfect for any uni student!! I have rice with most meals so I’m happy with this one. The rice takes about 10 minutes max to cook, and it is easy to clean after. It is easy to use and would say It serves up to 2 people max. Highly highly recommend!"
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