For some of us, small rice cookers are a more commonly used appliance than an electric kettle or toaster. It simply makes life a whole lot easier – especially for those of us who enjoy eating rice. These units are compact and lightweight, and don’t take up much space at all. It’s an easy way to have fresh- made rice whenever you want.
How To Choose The Best Small Rice Cooker
There are numerous small rice cookers on the market these days and the purpose of this article is to outline the best of the best. Our intention is to help you become a more informed consumer by gaining the information you need to choose the best rice cooker for you.
We spent weeks checking out every small rice cooker we could find – off-line and online. And then we narrowed it down to our top selections, which we unveil below. Listed below are our top selections in the small rice cookers category.
#1: Black & Decker Small Rice Cooker
What’s in the box?
Black & Decker 3 cup rice cooker
Measuring Cup and spoon
The Black & Decker small rice cooker has a 3 cup capacity, so you can prepare anywhere from 1 to 3 cups and get perfectly tasting rice every time. It’s ideal for one or two people and has a built-in “keep warm” function after the rice is cooked so you can eat at your convenience. This personal rice cooker also comes with a two-year warranty.
The removable rice pot inside features a non-stick surface that’s easy to clean. Included with the rice cooker is a measuring cup and spoon. It only uses 300 Watts of power and plugs into any standard 120 Volt outlet.
The Black & Decker rice cooker is hugely popular. With nearly 30,000 customers chiming in – it rates an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars. That’s huge! With this kind of massive approval and popularity, you can rest assured that chances are very good you’ll be delighted with the performance of this mini rice cooker too.
The serving spoon included ensures that you will not damage the nonstick surface of the pot. Just be sure to use it instead of reaching for a metal utensil. It also features tempered glass lid with a built-in lid holder. This means you don’t have to worry about finding a place to safely place the lid while the rice cooker is open.
There’s also a steam vent in the lid. This model is designed to cook at a consistent rolling boil temperature in order to efficiently cook rice and other grains like couscous, millet, sorghum, barley or quinoa.
Overall this one measures just 8 inches x 8 inches x 6.5″ tall and weighs less than 3 pounds (2.43 pounds to be exact). For a fresh serving of rice (from1.5 to 3 cups of cooked rice) this is an excellent rice cooker.
With the nonstick coating, rice does not stick to the pot. Just be sure to remember when washing it to use a soft sponge or cloth and never abrasive chemicals or sponges.
#2: Dash Mini Rice Cooker and Steamer
What’s In The Box?
Dash Mini Rice Cooker
Rice paddle
Measuring cup
Removable pot with nonstick coating
Recipe book
Owners manual
Access to a recipe database
Manufacturer’s warranty
Another hugely popular small rice cooker is the Dash mini rice cooker and steamer. This one has earned a solid 4.5 star rating from nearly 26,000 actual buyers reporting. That’s a huge number and one that should be reassuring to potential new buyers.
It’s not just for rice wither. You can cook a whole bunch of things in this mini rice cooker – including stews, soups, pastas, oatmeal, quinoa and other grains.
Just set it and forget it – it’s as easy as can be. Simply add your dry (but well rinsed) rice and the correct amount of water and you’re good to go.
The result is perfectly cooked rice every time. The keep warm function allows you to keep your rice at the right temperature for eating – without overcooking it. Just be careful not to leave it too long.
This rice cooker is best suited for singles or couples. It doesn’t matter whether you live in a house just moved into your first apartment. You could have a small kitchen or larger one. Maybe you want a rice cooker for a college dorm room, camper or RV. Well the Dash would make a solid choice and you can use this thing anywhere because it’s so compact. Oh and… it works perfectly too.
When you buy a Dash rice cooker, you get US-based customer support. Should you ever need help, you can get it from a qualified customer support person – one whose first language is likely English.
This rice cooker is perfect for rice balls, soups, pastas, veggies, Mac & cheese, quinoa bowls – even rice pudding and other desserts.
You can count on this Dash mini rice cooker to give you perfectly cooked single portions. It has a 2 cup capacity with two cool touch handles – so you can easily move the rice cooker from the counter to the table at serving time. Also, the included rice paddle makes it easy to scoop out the rice without fear of scratching the nonstick coated interior. And it’s ideal for fluffing perfectly your race every time.
The removable nonstick pot is easy to clean and the provided measuring cup and water levels ensure that you get rice that’s perfectly cooked – not too mushy and not too dry. The key is to monitor your rice. Check on it once it has cooked so that you can make it to your liking.
You get perfectly portioned rice or other grains soups or other foods. It’s an ideal match for dorms, apartments, and offices. Plus, the included recipe guide provides you with 14 delicious meal options.
The dash rice cooker weighs in at just less than 3 pounds and it produces long grain rice that is soft, fluffy and perfectly cooked.
#3: Panasonic Rice Cooker
What’s in the box?
Panasonic mini rice cooker
Measuring cup
Rice paddle (also known as a Shimoji)
Operating manual
The Panasonic small rice cooker is excellent for cooking both short and long grain rice – both white and brown varieties. You can also use it for vegetables, soups oatmeal and more. It’s a nice looking unit with a silver finish. As for the overall size, this one measures 5.91 inches x 7.68 inches x 7.0 inches tall. And it weighs in at about 1.9 pounds – a lightweight in the mini rice cooker market.
What really stands out about the Panasonic rice cooker is that unlike many competing small rice cookers, this one has an automatic shut off function. We found this to be particularly handy in that once the rice is finished cooking – the system shuts down automatically – without you having to worry about it. And by the way, the rice still remains warm for about 15 minutes afterwards. So it’s not like you have to jump up to get fresh rice the minute it becomes fully cooked. This Panasonic mini rice cooker comes equipped with a glass lid and attached plastic knob. The see-through glass lid makes it easy to keep monitor whatever you have cooking inside.
The Panasonic 1.5 cup rice cooker cooks rice perfectly with one simple step then it shuts off – so you don’t have to worry about it. When in cook mode, an indicator light lets you know that the cooling cycle is in full swing. It makes just enough rice for two large entrée size rice bowls.
For best results it’s important to thoroughly rinse the rice before adding to the pot. We recommend a triple-rinse process to get rid of as much excess starch as you can so your rice turns out soft and fluffy. This is something you should do regardless of the device or method used to cook the rice.
Another option is to soak the rice for 30 minutes prior to cooking for maximum fluffiness. This method works particularly well with short grain rice. If you’ve got the time, go for it. But a good rinsing will produce wonderful rice too.
This mini rice cooker is perfect for busy professionals single people students or couples. Included on the rice pot are measuring lines which are clear to see. This is important because the correct ratio of rice to water is critical for producing an excellent result every time.
The inner pan is made of aluminum and coated in a nonstick finish for quick and easy cleaning. If you’re ready you create your own light, fluffy, restaurant-quality rice perfect for rice bowls and stir-fry’s – this machine makes it easier than ever. You can also make delicious creamy rice pudding for dessert.
#4: Aroma Housewares Mini Rice Cooker With Digital Panel
What’s In The Box?
Aroma Housewares small rice cooker
Inner cooking pot
Rice measuring cup
Rice spatula
ini rice cooker with a cooked rice capacity of 2 to 3 cups. The overall size measures 6.75 inches x 6.25 inches x 7.25 inches tall. It features a slick handle design that lifts up easily and snaps down into place, making this another easy to use rice cooker. It also features programmable digital controls with an automatic “keep warm” feature – as well as special settings for both white and brown rice. And that’s something you just don’t see on a lot of mini rice cookers.
The cooking pot inside is removable and coded in a non-stick finish for easy cleanup. It has a cool touch surface, digital controls and easy locking lid – with a steam vent built-in.
Cook anything with confidence including white rice, brown rice, quinoa, pasta, oatmeal, soups – even omelets – in this small rice cooker. It’s lightweight and portable with a fold down handle that is very convenient.
This rice cooker is easy to operate with three main functions – white rice, brown rice, and keep warm. It’s minimalist design and size makes it something that will easily fit on any counter.
Set it and forget it. If you want to enjoy fluffy rice that’s ready in no time – this rice cooker fits the bill. And for those of us who prefer brown rice – it doesn’t get easier than the one-step system this small rice cooker provides.
Naturally, brown rice is going to take longer to cook. But by using a proven ratio (such as 1 cup dry brown rice to 1.25-1.5 cups of water) you’ll have delicious tasting healthy brown rice in about 45 minutes. You can even throw in a few vegetables on top of the rice and these will steam as your rice cooks. It’s a complete meal at the touch of a button.
Perfect Rice – One or Two Servings At a Time
Small rice cookers are designed for 1 to 2 people and can cook rice perfectly every time without any effort or concern. But that’s not all the small rice cookers can do. They can also heat soups, pasta dishes, steam vegetables – and more.
Small rice cookers are so compact that they’re easy to take with you when traveling. That’s the best way to ensure quality rice when you’re on the road – whether it’s a business trip or you’re simply camping or exploring a new area in your RV or trailer.
Any Kind of Rice
You’re not limited to white rice only – although that is by far the most popular rice. You can also cook brown rice, basmati rice, jasmine rice, sushi rice and many other varieties too. It’s just a matter of getting the ratio of rice to water just right for your taste. It’s also easy to add dumplings or vegetables to the mix and have your dishes come out perfectly – so you can enjoy a more complete meal – wherever you are. All you need is a standard 120 Volt outlet to plug into and your rice cooker will do the rest. It’s really simple.
Simple Steps To Delicious Results
These mini rice cookers are lightweight electric pots that operate in a similar manner to a slow cooker. Most small rice cookers have an interior container that may be made of stainless steel or aluminum coated with a nonstick finish.
Simply add your rice and the correct amount of water. Then close the lid, turn the machine on and get on with your life. That’s all there is to it. In about 15 to 20 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked rice which you can enjoy anytime. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a hot lunch at the office.
The minimum time required to cook rice is 15 minutes, although many of these rice cookers take slightly longer at 20 to 25 minutes. The smaller the quantity of rice, the less time required to properly cook it.
Get One That Meets Your Needs
All small rice cookers on the market have a limited capacity and generally, this ranges from 1.5 cups up to about 3 cups of rice. If you need more rice – you’ll need a larger rice cooker – of which there are many.
You’re also not limited to cooking rice as your grain of choice. These rice cookers also make easy work of quinoa, barley, buckwheat, and other grains, as well as oatmeal. That makes it easy to diversify your foods, if you so desire. Or, stick to the types of rice you like best. Nothing cooks rice (or other grains) better – and it just doesn’t get easier.
The Verdict
Small rice cookers are wonderful mini appliances that can make your life easier and more comfortable. You can enjoy single or double servings of or your favorite rice whenever you want. And there’s a whole host of other grains and meals you can prepare in one of these compact units.
What we have introduced are the best small rice cookers available today. All of our picks are highly rated by previous customers. So the odds are that you will be happy with any one of the above. In our opinion, the top two small rice cookers are the top two from our list – the Black and Decker model and the Dash Mini Rice Cooker. Both are quality appliances, so you can’t really go wrong.
