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
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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
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Tefal rice cooker
Tefal Cool Touch Rice Cooker, £39, Amazon
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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, £90.90, Amazon
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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
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Judge rice cooker
Judge Rice Cooker, £37.94, Amazon
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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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