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10 Best Budget Rice Cookers - Top Rated And Buying Guide

Camilla J.
  Mar 28, 2024 4:36 PM

When it comes to cooking appliances, the rice cooker is one of the most underrated. Though not all-encompassing, a great rice cooker can handle a wide variety of tasks in the kitchen.

Plus, they're relatively affordable and make meal preparation much easier. If you're in the market for a new rice cooker or are just curious about what's out there, read on for our picks for the ten best budget rice cookers.

We've also included a buyer's guide to help you choose the right model for your needs.


Top picks

Best overall: Instant Pot 8Cup Zest Rice Cooker SS

Instant Pot's Zest 8 Cup Rice Cooker is the perfect way to cook fluffy rice, grains, quinoa, and oatmeal.

With four smart programs and automatic no-pressure cooking, this little appliance is a powerhouse in the kitchen. quickly steam veggies, fish and more with the touch of a button.

The built-in protection against overheating makes it compact, lightweight and easy to store. Plus, the included accessories make it a one-stop shop for all your cooking needs.

Cheapest: IMUSA GAU-00013

Imusa's electric nonstick rice cooker is perfect for anyone who loves making delicious, fluffy rice. With a capacity of 8 cups uncooked and 16 cups cooked, this rice cooker can easily feed a large family or group.

The automatic cook/warm switch ensures your rice stays warm and delicious until you're ready to eat it, and the tempered glass lid with air vent allows you to watch your food cook without having to lift the lid.

The removable nonstick cooking pot is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, and the cooking and warm indicator lights let you know when your food is done cooking.

Best design: Tiger JNP-S15U-HU

The Tiger JNP-S15U-HU 8-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer is perfect for anyone who loves rice! This amazing little appliance has a Keep-Warm function that will keep your rice warm up to 12 hours, so you can enjoy it whenever you want.

The non-stick inner pan ensures that your rice will come out perfectly every time, and the included spatula and rice measuring cup make it easy to get started.

Plus, the removable and washable steam vent means cleanup is a breeze. Make delicious rice right at home with the Tiger JNP-S15U-HU 8-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer.

Best value: Proctor 37534NR

Cook up a storm with the Proctor Silex Rice Cooker & Food Steamer! This handy appliance has an 8-cup capacity (4 cups uncooked), so you can cook plenty of rice at once.

The automatic keep-warm function ensures your rice stays warm until you're ready to eat it. The nonstick cooking pot is removable for easy cleanup, and all components are top-rack dishwasher safe.

Top sales: Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD

You deserve the best of everything, even when it comes to your cooking appliances. That's why Aroma Housewares has created the 8-Cup (cooked)/ 2 Quart Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker & Food Steamer.

Enjoy multi-functional use with easy programming and automatic Keep Warm mode, all while preparing nutritious and delicious meals.

The steam function allows for nutrient-rich meals and simultaneous rice cooking. With this high-quality appliance, you'll be able to conquer any meal!


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    Instant Pot
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    Imusa
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    Tiger Corporation
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    Proctor Silex
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    Aroma Housewares
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    DASH
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    Aroma Housewares
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    Elite Gourmet
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    Aroma Housewares
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    Good Cook

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Buying guides

5 Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Budget Rice Cookers

Rice is one of the most popular dishes in the world. It's often served at every meal and there are over 100 varieties. Rice cookers have been a staple in kitchens for decades, making it easy to prepare a tasty dish with minimal effort.

There are many rice cookers on the market today but not all offer similar features or quality. This blog will cover 5 things to consider before purchasing your best budget rice cooker so you can make an informed decision about which one matches your needs!

1. Ease of Use

One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a rice cooker is how easy it is to use. Some cookers have complicated controls and require reading the manual before you can make your first batch of rice.

Others are very simple and only have a few buttons or settings. If you're not comfortable using a certain device, it's not the best choice for you.

2. Price

How much are you willing to spend? Some of the more expensive devices tend to have a larger capacity and better features than their less expensive counterparts.

If you're only looking for something basic without many bells or whistles, there is no need to pay extra money for unnecessary features.

3. Capacity

How much rice do you need to cook at once? Some devices have a smaller capacity and can only make enough for a small family.

Others have a large capacity and can cook up to 20 cups of rice at once! If you plan on cooking larger quantities, be sure to choose a cooker with a larger capacity.

4. Whole Grain Settings

Some budget rice cookers have settings that allow you to use brown or whole grain rice instead of white rice.

This is a great option because it can help lower the glycemic index and reduce the amount of carbohydrates in your diet.

If this is something important for you, be sure to choose a model that supports your needs.

5. Pre-Wash Feature

Many budget rice cookers have the option of washing rice prior to cooking it. This can help get rid of some unwanted debris and make things much simpler for you during the cooking process!

If this is something important for you, look for an appliance with this feature.


Final words

We hope that this rice cooker buying guide has helped you find the perfect appliance for your kitchen. If not, then please contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions or concerns about finding a budget-friendly option on our website. Our team of experts wants you to have an enjoyable experience with whatever product you choose!