If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable way to cook perfect rice every time, a rice cooker is a must-have in your kitchen. However, with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which one to choose. Price doesn't always equate to quality when it comes to rice cookers, and finding the best inexpensive rice cooker requires careful consideration.
Before making a purchase, readers need to evaluate their cooking habits. Do you frequently cook rice for a large family or are you often cooking just for yourself? How much space do you have in your kitchen, and do you need a rice cooker with an automatic keep-warm function? Consumers should also look at how easy the controls are to use, clean-up requirements, and the capacity of the cooker to fit your serving size and kitchen needs.
For budget-conscious shoppers seeking an affordable device that will exceed their rice cooking needs, consider a rice cooker that has a high level of durability, cooking performance, quick-cook technology, and energy-efficient usage features. It is important for the rice cooker to be made from quality materials and provide an appropriate level of temperature control to meet your needs.
What could be more satisfying than cooking perfect rice that’s fluffy and perfectly cooked with minimal effort? Before choosing the best inexpensive rice cooker, consider, what is your budget? What features are most important to you? And be sure that the device you are considering fits your kitchen space. Choosing a reliable rice cooker from a trusted brand can be made easy and hassle-free by taking these factors into consideration.
10 Best Inexpensive Rice Cooker
| # | Product Image | Product Name | Product Notes | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
 |
Ideal for cooking rice and steaming food for small to medium-sized families or groups of 1-6 people.
|
|
|
|
2
|
 |
Ideal for cooking rice and steaming food with a removable non-stick bowl and a steaming basket.
|
|
|
|
3
|
 |
The product is ideal for cooking rice quickly and easily in a 6-cup capacity, with a sleek black and stainless steel design.
|
|
|
|
4
|
 |
Ideal for cooking rice and steaming food, with a digital programmable feature and stainless steel construction.
|
|
|
|
5
|
 |
The product is ideal for cooking various types of rice, soups, stews, grains, hot cereals, and keeping food warm.
|
|
|
|
6
|
 |
Ideal for cooking rice with a durable stainless steel cooker and uncoated inner pot.
|
|
|
|
7
|
 |
Ideal for cooking rice and steaming food for small families or individuals with a 6-cup cooked/3-cup uncooked capacity.
|
|
|
|
8
|
 |
Ideal for cooking rice and steaming food with included accessories, making meal prep quick and easy.
|
|
|
|
9
|
 |
Ideal for cooking up to 6 cups of cooked rice and 3 cups of uncooked rice.
|
|
|
|
10
|
 |
The product is ideal for cooking rice quickly and effortlessly with its nonstick surface and large capacity.
|
|
1. Reishunger Ceramic Rice Steamer – 5 Cup Capacity
The Reishunger rice cooker is the perfect addition to every kitchen. With its upgraded ceramic inner pot, customers may receive either a lighter or darker version with differing patterns, but the quality remains the same. This powerful rice cooker, steamer, and multicooker can cook various kinds of rice, including sushi, fragrant, brown, and basmati rice. Once the rice is cooked, the rice cooker automatically switches to keep-warm mode, ensuring fresh rice for up to 8 hours.
Capable of cooking enough rice for up to 6 people, the Reishunger rice cooker holds 5.07 cups and has a power of 500W and 120V. Its dimensions are 9.64 x 9.64 x 9.84 in, and it weighs a mere 5.07 lbs. The rice cooker comes with an inner pot, rice cooker spoon, measuring cup, and steamer insert, allowing customers to cook vegetables as well.
One of the rice cooker's best features is its ceramic coated inner pot, which prevents burning, ensuring perfectly cooked rice every time. Additionally, the Reishunger rice cooker is fast, consistently beating competitors in terms of simplicity and speed. One portion of rice takes only about 14 minutes to cook to perfection.
The Reishunger rice cooker is easy to use and comes in a sleek minimalist design that is easy to clean. With only one button, customers can achieve perfect rice every time. It also makes an excellent gift for anyone who enjoys easy cooking.
2. White Non-Stick Rice Cooker With Steamer Basket
This rice cooker is perfect for those who need to prepare small or large quantities of rice. With a 3-cup capacity, it accommodates up to 3 cups of cooked rice, making it great for meals of any size. The rice cooker is ETL listed, ensuring its safety and quality.
Once the cooking is complete, the automatic keep-warm function kicks in, maintaining the rice at the optimal serving temperature until it's ready to be served. This feature is especially convenient for those who may not have the time to immediately serve their cooked rice.
The nonstick rice pot is removable, making it easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, the rice cooker comes with a food steaming basket, which allows for healthy cooking options like steamed vegetables and fish. The dimensions of the rice cooker are 10 x 9.0 x 5.5 inches, making it a compact and space-saving appliance.
The included measuring cup allows for precise measurement of rice, ensuring perfect results every time. Additionally, the plastic serving spoon that comes with the rice cooker prevents accidental scratches to the nonstick rice pot. It is important to note that only the provided rice cup should be used for measuring rice, not a standard measuring cup.
The rice cooker operates on 120V and has a wattage of 200W, making it energy-efficient and cost-effective. Overall, this rice cooker is a convenient and practical appliance for any kitchen, offering ease of use, versatility, and efficiency.
3. Salton Automatic Cup Rice Cooker, 6 Cups Cooked / 3 Cups Uncooked, Black, Stainless Steel
The 6-Cup Rice Cooker is an excellent addition to any kitchen that enjoys rice dishes. With a capacity to make up to 6 cups of cooked rice, this appliance is perfect for small families or individuals. The see-through lid allows you to monitor the cooking process, ensuring that your rice is cooked to perfection every time.
This rice cooker features two indicator lights, 'Cook' and 'Warm', which make it easy to use. Once the rice is cooked, the cooker automatically switches from 'Cook' to 'Warm', keeping your rice hot and ready to serve. This feature ensures that you always have perfectly cooked rice without overcooking or burning it.
Included with the rice cooker are accessories such as a non-stick rice bowl, measuring cup, and 'Stir & Serve' spatula, which make it easy to measure, stir, and serve your rice. The non-stick rice bowl ensures that your rice doesn't stick to the bottom, making cleaning up a breeze.
This rice cooker has a power rating of 300 watts and comes with a BPA-free steamer basket. The steamer basket allows you to steam vegetables, dumplings, and other foods while your rice cooks. This feature makes it easy to prepare a complete meal without using multiple pots and pans.
4. 8-Cup Rice Cooker With Steamer Basket
The Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker Steamer is the perfect addition to any kitchen that craves versatility. This multi-function cooker can prepare an endless variety of dishes from breakfast to dinner. It can make rice, whole grains, and hot cereal, as well as steam seafood, eggs, vegetables, and more. With the capacity to hold up to 8 cups or 2 quarts of cooked rice, the removable nonstick pot is large enough to feed the whole family.
The rice cooker steamer features one-touch cooking with preprogrammed options. Simply press the right button to perfectly cook white rice, whole grains, or hot cereal. A countdown timer shows you how much time is left, and the rice cooker automatically switches to warm when cooking is complete. This feature ensures that your food is always cooked to perfection, and you won't have to worry about overcooking or undercooking your meals.
The Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker Steamer comes with a versatile 2-in-1 steam/rinsing basket. This basket doubles as a colander and is perfect for rinsing rice or grains before cooking. You can also use it to steam everything from salmon to brussels sprouts as your rice cooks. This feature allows you to prepare healthy, nutritious meals in just one pot, making clean-up a breeze.
This rice cooker steamer is perfect for one-pot meals. You can steam seafood or vegetables while rice cooks below for fast, easy one-pot meals. It's great for making homemade fried rice, shrimp with rice, and more.
It's important to note that this appliance holds 8 cups of cooked rice or 4 cups of uncooked rice. One rice measuring cup equals 6 oz. (177 g) or approximately 3/4 cup U.S. dry measure. This measurement is based on the traditional Japanese gō measurement.
5. 6-Cup Elite Rice Cooker: Soups, Grains, Keep Warm!
The Elite Cuisine ERC-003 pro rice cooker is the perfect kitchen appliance for those who love to cook rice but hate the hassle of traditional cooking methods. With the ability to cook up to 3 cups of rice, this rice cooker takes the guesswork out of cooking and ensures that you get perfectly cooked rice every time.
One of the standout features of this rice cooker is its ability to make fluffy and mouth-watering rice effortlessly. Whether you want to cook jasmine, basmati, or brown rice, the Elite Cuisine professional rice cooker can handle it all. No more waiting for water to boil or constantly watching the pot to make sure the rice is cooked.
The Elite Cuisine rice cooker is also designed to be incredibly easy to use. Simply add the rice and water to the pot, set it, and forget it. The rice cooker will evenly cook the rice and then automatically switch to the “Keep Warm” function, ensuring that your rice stays fresh and warm for hours.
Cleaning up after cooking is also a breeze with this rice cooker. The non-stick aluminum inner pot is super easy to clean and can withstand heavy use without any issues. Plus, it can be removed from the cooker and used as a serving dish, making it a convenient addition to any kitchen.
For those who love to entertain, the Elite Cuisine rice cooker is the perfect all-inclusive housewarming gift idea. With its cool-touch side handles and tempered-glass lid, this appliance is safe and easy to use. Plus, it comes with two bonus accessories – a measuring cup and serving spatula.
The Elite Cuisine rice cooker has a personal capacity that can cook up to 6 cups of cooked rice, making it perfect for families or those who love to meal prep. With its easy-to-use features and convenient capacity, this rice cooker is a must-have for any kitchen.
6. Select Stainless Rice Cooker & Warmer With Uncoated Inner Pot, 6-Cup(Cooked)/ 1.2qt, Arc-753sgr, Red
Introducing the new COATING FREE INNER POT Rice Cooker, a kitchen appliance that is perfect for busy individuals who want to enjoy delicious rice dishes without the hassle of cooking. This rice cooker boasts a durable and dishwasher-safe food-grade 304 stainless steel cooking pot that is free of any harmful coatings, ensuring that your food is safe and healthy.
Using this rice cooker is as easy as one touch. Simply pour in up to 3 cups of uncooked rice, add water, and push down the lever to start. The one-touch, automated design is fool-proof, so you can set it and forget it! No need to worry about undercooked or overcooked rice, as this smart rice cooker detects when your rice is ready and automatically switches modes to keep your rice warm.
Despite its powerful performance, this rice cooker comes in a compact size that is perfect for small kitchens. With a 6-cup capacity, it is versatile enough to cook rice, omelets, soups, oatmeal, pasta, and more. Its small size also makes it easy to store after use.
This rice cooker also comes with a bonus rice spatula and measuring cup, both of which are BPA-free. The spatula can be held in the handle for easy storage, saving you space in your kitchen.
7. Aroma Pot Style Rice Cooker & Steamer – White
This versatile rice cooker is the perfect addition to any kitchen. With the ability to cook 2 to 6 cups of any variety of rice, it takes the guesswork out of preparing perfectly cooked rice every time. But that's not all – this cooker also doubles as a steamer, allowing you to cook meat and vegetables simultaneously while your rice is being prepared below.
The one-touch operation makes it incredibly easy to use, and the automatic keep-warm function ensures that your rice stays at the perfect temperature until you're ready to serve. This cooker is not just limited to rice, either. It's also great for preparing soups, jambalaya, chili, and much more.
The full-view tempered glass lid allows you to keep an eye on your food while it cooks, and the steam tray, rice measuring cup, and serving spatula are all included to make your cooking experience even easier.
Whether you're a busy parent looking to simplify mealtime, a student living in a dorm room without access to a full kitchen, or just someone who loves perfectly cooked rice, this rice cooker is a must-have.
8. Steam & Cook: Proctor Silex Rice Steamer
This compact rice cooker is perfect for small kitchens, dorms, and studio apartments. With the ability to make up to 6 cups of cooked rice or 3 cups of uncooked rice, it's just the right size for preparing side dishes or meals for 1-2 people.
Equipped with easy one-touch controls, this electric rice cooker steamer is simple to use. Just press one button to cook rice, steam vegetables, and more. The rice cooker automatically switches to warm mode when cooking is complete, so there's no need to watch it closely.
Whether you're cooking brown rice, quinoa salad, or steaming fish and vegetables, this 6 cup rice cooker delivers perfectly cooked results with the press of a button.
The 2-in-1 aluminum steamer basket doubles as a colander for rinsing vegetables before cooking. It's also ideal for steaming foods from salmon to broccoli while rice cooks. The rice cooker also includes a rice measuring cup and spatula, making preparation a breeze.
Cleaning up is a breeze with this compact rice cooker. The removable bowl and lid are dishwasher safe, and the measuring cup and spatula are top-rack dishwasher safe.
9. Aroma Housewares 6-Cup (Cooked) (3-Cup Uncooked) Pot-Style Rice Cooker (Arc-743g) , White
Looking for a simple and easy-to-use rice cooker? Look no further than this small but mighty appliance. With a 3-cup capacity, it's perfect for cooking rice, soups, omelets, oatmeal, pasta, and more!
Using this rice cooker is a breeze. Simply add up to 3 cups of uncooked rice and water, and push down the lever to start cooking. The one-touch, automated design takes the guesswork out of cooking rice. Once your rice is ready, the rice cooker will automatically switch to Keep Warm mode to keep your food at a ready-to-serve temperature.
This rice cooker is not only easy to use, but it's also easy to clean. The cooking pot is made with maximum durability and is completely dishwasher-safe, making cleaning up a breeze.
In addition to the nonstick inner pot and easy-to-clean design, this rice cooker also comes with a tempered glass lid, rice measuring cup, and serving spatula. And with a power consumption of 120V/60Hz 350W, you can feel confident that this rice cooker will get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Whether you're cooking for one or a small family, this rice cooker is the perfect addition to any kitchen. It can perfectly prepare 2 to 6 cups of any variety of cooked rice and is great for soups, jambalaya, chili, and so much more! Plus, with its full-view tempered glass lid, you can keep an eye on your food as it cooks.
10. Imusa Usa Gau-00012 Electric Nonstick Rice Cooker 5-Cup (Uncooked) 10-Cup (Cooked), White
The kitchen just got more convenient with this versatile and functional rice cooker. With its modern white exterior, it is not only aesthetically pleasing but also perfect for small kitchens, college dorms, campers, and RV traveling. It is also an ideal gift as it comes packaged in a gift box.
One of the features that makes this rice cooker stand out is its “Warm” function. This feature ensures that your food stays at the perfect serving temperature once the cooking cycle is completed. The tempered glass lid also allows you to monitor your food while cooking, ensuring that it comes out perfectly every time.
The rice cooker comes with a non-stick removable cooking pot that is ideal for cooking rice, oatmeal, stew, jambalaya, and grains. The pot is easy to clean and ensures that your food doesn’t stick, making cooking and cleaning a breeze.
The cooking and warm indicator lights and switch make it easy to use and understand. The accompanying serving spoon and measuring cup (with a rice cup capacity of 160mL or approximately 3/4 of an American measuring cup) make it easy to portion out your food.
Best Inexpensive Rice Cooker FAQs
Are there any safety concerns with using a cheap rice cooker?
There may be safety concerns with using a cheap rice cooker, as they may not have the same safety features as more expensive models. Some cheap rice cookers may not have automatic shut-off features to prevent overheating or may not have durable materials that can withstand high temperatures. This could potentially lead to electrical or fire hazards if the cooker malfunctions.
It is important to purchase rice cookers from reputable brands and retailers that have undergone safety testing and certification. Additionally, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for safe use of the rice cooker, such as not leaving it unattended while in use and not using it for purposes other than cooking rice.
In summary, while there may be affordable options for rice cookers, it is important to prioritize safety features and purchase from reputable sources to ensure safe use.
Can an inexpensive rice cooker cook different types of rice?
Yes, an inexpensive rice cooker can cook different types of rice. Most rice cookers come with different settings for cooking different types of rice such as white rice, brown rice, sushi rice, and others. Some rice cookers also have a "mixed" setting for cooking a combination of different types of rice.
It is important to follow the instructions that come with the rice cooker and measure the rice and water accurately to ensure the best results. Different types of rice may require different amounts of water and cooking times, so it's important to adjust the settings accordingly.
While more expensive rice cookers may have additional features or be made with higher quality materials, an inexpensive rice cooker can still produce great results for cooking a variety of rice types. Just make sure to choose a reputable brand and read reviews before making a purchase.
Can you recommend a good rice cooker under $50?
Yes, there are several good rice cookers available under $50 that can cook rice evenly and efficiently. One of the best options is the Aroma Housewares 6-Cup Pot Style Rice Cooker. It has a simple design and can cook up to 6 cups of rice at a time, which is perfect for small families or individuals. The cooker is easy to use, with just one button to start the cooking process. It also has a keep-warm function that keeps your rice warm and ready to serve for up to several hours. Another good option is the BLACK+DECKER RC506 6-Cup Cooked/3-Cup Uncooked Rice Cooker. It has a non-stick pot that makes cleaning up a breeze, and it also comes with a steaming basket for cooking vegetables or fish. Both of these rice cookers are affordable, reliable, and can cook rice to perfection.
How do I choose the best affordable rice cooker for my needs?
When selecting a rice cooker that is both affordable and meets your requirements, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, decide on the size of the rice cooker that you require. Rice cookers come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small 3-cup models to larger 10-cup models. Consider the number of people you will be cooking for and how much rice you will be cooking on a regular basis.
Next, examine the features of the rice cooker. Some rice cookers come with a keep-warm feature that automatically switches on after the rice has finished cooking, while others offer a delay timer that allows you to delay the cooking time. Other features can include a non-stick coating for easy cleaning, a steaming basket for vegetables or meat, and a removable cord for easy storage.
It's also a good idea to read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the rice cooker's reliability and performance. Lastly, consider your budget and shop around for the best deal. With these factors in mind, you should be able to find an affordable rice cooker that meets your needs.
How does the quality of rice cooked in an inexpensive rice cooker compare to more expensive models?
The quality of rice cooked in an inexpensive rice cooker can vary depending on the brand and model. Generally, less expensive rice cookers have fewer features and may not have the same level of precision as more expensive models. This can result in unevenly cooked or undercooked rice.
More expensive rice cookers often have advanced features such as fuzzy logic technology, which can adjust cooking time and temperature based on the type of rice being cooked. This can result in perfectly cooked rice every time.
However, it is important to note that the quality of the rice itself is also a factor. Using high-quality rice and following proper cooking instructions can greatly improve the outcome, regardless of the rice cooker used.
Ultimately, it is up to personal preference and budget when deciding on a rice cooker. While more expensive models may offer additional features and precision, inexpensive rice cookers can still produce satisfactory results with proper use.
Is it possible to find a quality rice cooker for under $30?
Yes, it is possible to find a quality rice cooker for under $30. There are many brands that offer affordable rice cookers that are reliable and efficient. However, it's important to keep in mind that the size and features of the rice cooker may vary depending on the price. For instance, a basic rice cooker that can cook up to 3 cups of rice may cost less than a larger rice cooker that can cook up to 8 cups of rice and comes with additional features like a steamer basket or a keep-warm function. It's important to read reviews and compare features before making a purchase to ensure that the rice cooker meets your needs and expectations. Some popular brands that offer affordable rice cookers include Aroma, BLACK+DECKER, and Hamilton Beach.
What are the best inexpensive rice cooker brands?
When it comes to finding an affordable rice cooker, there are several brands to choose from that offer both quality and value. One such brand is Aroma, which offers a range of rice cookers that are not only budget-friendly but also come with useful features such as programmable settings and automatic keep-warm function.
Another reliable brand is Hamilton Beach, which offers high-quality rice cookers at an affordable price point. Their rice cookers are known for their durability and ease of use, making them a popular choice for many households.
Cuisinart is another brand that offers affordable rice cookers with advanced features such as fuzzy logic technology that allows the cooker to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on the type of rice being cooked.
Lastly, Black + Decker is a brand that offers rice cookers that are not only affordable but also versatile. They offer rice cookers with multi-cooking functions, allowing you to cook not only rice but also other dishes such as soups and stews.
In summary, when looking for an inexpensive rice cooker brand, Aroma, Hamilton Beach, Cuisinart, and Black + Decker are all great options to consider.
What is the average lifespan of an inexpensive rice cooker?
The average lifespan of an inexpensive rice cooker can vary depending on the brand, model, and how frequently it is used. Generally, an inexpensive rice cooker can last anywhere from 2 to 5 years. However, with proper care and maintenance, some models can last even longer. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and cleaning to help extend the lifespan of the rice cooker. Additionally, using high-quality rice and not overfilling the cooker can also help to prolong its life. It is worth noting that more expensive rice cookers often have a longer lifespan and come with additional features, such as multiple cooking settings and advanced programming options, which may be worth considering if you are looking for a longer-lasting option.
What is the best budget rice cooker for a small family?
If you are looking for a budget-friendly rice cooker for a small family, there are several options available that can fit your needs. One of the best budget rice cookers is the Instant Pot Duo Mini. It is a versatile appliance that can cook rice, soups, stews, and many other dishes. It has a 3-quart capacity which is perfect for small families. The Instant Pot Duo Mini is also very easy to use, and it has a variety of settings that allow you to cook different types of rice.
Another great option is the Aroma Housewares ARC-743-1NGB. It is a compact rice cooker that can cook up to 6 cups of rice and it has a keep-warm function that keeps your rice warm and fresh for up to 12 hours. It is very affordable and easy to use.
Lastly, the BLACK+DECKER RC506 is also a great budget-friendly rice cooker. It has a 6-cup capacity, and it is perfect for small families. It comes with a non-stick pot that is easy to clean, and it has a keep-warm function that keeps your rice warm and fresh for hours.
Overall, these rice cookers are all great options for small families looking for a budget-friendly rice cooker.
Which features should I look for in an inexpensive rice cooker?
When looking for an inexpensive rice cooker, there are a few features you should consider to ensure that you get the most value for your money. First and foremost, you should look for a rice cooker that is easy to use and clean. This means finding a model that has a non-stick surface, a removable inner pot, and simple controls that are easy to understand.
You may also want to consider the size of the rice cooker, as well as its capacity. If you are cooking for a small family or just yourself, a smaller rice cooker may be sufficient. However, if you often cook for larger groups, you may want to invest in a larger model.
Another feature to consider is the type of rice that the cooker can handle. Some models are designed specifically for white rice, while others can cook a variety of different types, including brown rice, sushi rice, and more.
Lastly, you may want to consider any additional features that the rice cooker may offer, such as a steaming basket for vegetables or a warming function to keep your rice warm after it is cooked. Ultimately, the best inexpensive rice cooker for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.