12 Best Rice Cookers For Perfectly Cooked Rice in 2025
A viral TikTok video has shown there is more to this kitchen appliance than meets the eye.
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For such a simple dish, it can be surprisingly hard to make perfectly cooked rice.
All you need is uncooked rice and water and yet how many times have you ended up with crunchy rice or a pot of sloppy gloop? The simple solution to this is a rice cooker.
Cooking everyone's favourite side dish with a press of the button, these versatile appliances can whip up some delicious and fluffy rice in no time. And they aren't just for plain white rice either. Many have different cooking functions to cook sushi rice, brown rice and jasmine rice.
Plus, as TikToker @hungrygellie shows, a rice cooker can do more than cook rice. In their now viral video, the home cook shows their fans how to whip up a complete pasta dish for start to finish without needing a stovetop or oven. Commenters have called the method “amazing,” and leaving plenty of heart eye emojis. In fact, the idea of making a whole meal inside a rice cooker is now huge on TikTok, with videos cooking up bread, pancakes, salmon and chicken and more all inside this versatile unit.
For those wanting a top tier rice cooker in their kitchen, we recommend the Breville Smart Rice Box. It can cook up to 25 servings of rice at a time, with shoppers calling it "perfect," "easy to clean" and "worth every dollar."
Read on to find all the best rice cookers on the market to suit your budget, household and cooking style.
OUR TOP PICKS
Best rice cookers
Breville the Smart Rice Box, $159.20 (down from $199) at Myer
Breville the Smart Rice Box
What You Need To Know
The Smart Rice Box by Breville ticks all the boxes with easy settings, fast cooking times and automatic cooking adjustments.
Using Fuzzy Logic technology, it detects the cooking conditions inside the rice cooker and automatically makes adjustments to ensure it produces perfectly cooked rice. There's also fast cooking, reheating and keep warm settings.
You can easily feed the whole family, holding 10 cups of uncooked rice and making up to 25 servings. Not feeling like plain rice? You can use it as a steamer to make sticky rice, porridge and cake. The removable parts allow for faster cleaning up, plus the digital timer on the LED display lets you set the finishing time up to 24 hours in advance.
This rice maker averages a 4.5-star rating on Amazon, with high ratings for being easy to use and clean.
One five-star review wrote “If you eat rice a few times per week, this is the cooker for you. It’s reliable and looks good on the countertop. Brown rice, wild rice and white rice all come out spectacular and perfect. It’s the Japanese style “fuzzy logic” which makes the difference. Worth every dollar spent on it.”
Similarly, another wrote “Absolutely love my smart rice box! Really easy to use and easy to clean. Makes perfect rice every time and my partner love cooking dim sims in it too.”
Panasonic Induction Heat Rice Cooker, $279 (down from $369) at Amazon Australia
Panasonic Induction Heat Rice Cooker
What You Need To Know
The Panasonic Induction Heat Rice Cooker uses several methods to make sure your rice is cooked evenly each time.
Inside the cooker are sensors that constantly monitors the temperature so the rice is constantly being cooked at the right heat and you get perfect results with every batch. The bowl itself is coated with binchotan charcoal, which creates greater thermal conductivity and increases heat retention. Plus, the dual-layer 3D induction heating cooks the rice from the base and around the sides of the pot.
This induction technology also helps break down and separate the starch from the rice, so it comes out naturally fluffed and steamed.
There are 11 menu presets to make different types of rice as well as soups and cakes, and to reheat and steam. You can set your cooking start time up to 24 hours in advance as well as reheat cooled rice in 15 minutes and keep it warm for up to five hours.
The slick, modern design is just the icing on the cake.
taste.com.au writer Holly Gerrard revealed that this is her favourite rice cooker available.
"While it’s not the cheapest rice cooker on the market, in my opinion it’s the most versatile. I think that the lack of stress around cooking that comes with it, not to mention its multifunctionality, truly makes this appliance worth spending an extra grain or two more on."
Best small rice cookers
Kambrook Rice Express, $42 (down from $49.95) at The Good Guys
What You Need To Know
“For a standard, no bells and whistles rice cooker, I recommend the Kambrook Rice Express 5-Cup Rice Cooker. It produces perfectly cooked, fluffy rice with a simple on and off switch, along with a keep warm function,” says former news.com.au Shopping Food Expert Kim Coverdale.
It cooks up to 10 servings of rice at a time inside its non-stick bowl that can be removed from the machine for easy cleaning. It's super simple to use with one touch settings to start cooking or keep it warm before serving. The measuring cup and serving spoon are also helpful additions.
Most reviews write how much they like that the rice cooker is “easy to use” and “cooks rice well.”
One five-star review wrote, “I love this product I’ve always cooked rice on the stove and have made plenty of messes No mess and no checking constantly to see if the rice is cooked. Easy clean up. Love it.”
Panasonic Premium Rice And Multi Cooker, $169 (down from $219) at Bing Lee
Panasonic Premium Rice And Multi Cooker
What You Need To Know
The Panasonic Premium Rice And Multi Cooker has everything you need to make a delicious rice meal for a small family, with a 5.5-cup capacity.
Using the top panel, you can select from 10 preset menu options for different rice types and meals, as well as waterless cooking. And you'll be sure to get great results thank to the binchotan charcoal coated bowl which can conduct heat around the pot and retain heat for longer.
The 24 hour delayed timer is a handy feature, as it lets you prep ahead of time and start cooking later in the day. You're also be treated to all necessary accessories you need to measure, cook and serve, including a measuring cup, rice and porridge scoops and steam basket.
Looking for something a little bigger? Panasonic also make this rice cooker is a 10-cup model, which is now available at The Good Guys and Amazon.
Best family-sized rice cooker
Cuckoo Pressure Rice Cooker, $309 at Bing Lee
Cuckoo Pressure Rice Cooker
What You Need To Know
Boasting a 10-cup capacity, the Cuckoo Pressure Rice Cooker is ready to feed all the hungry members of your family. It makes up to 20 cups of cooked rice, with 13 menu options to choose from.
This unique cooker uses a "cooking algorithm" that's similar to Fuzzy Logic, which automatically releases steam to minimise condensation and creates the ideal texture based on the type of rice you're cooking.
During the cooking process, it applies heated pressure to speed up cooking time and have your meal on the table in as little as 20 minutes. It also makes rice more tender and allows for richer flavours to come through. This works alongside the stainless steel pot, which aids in even heat distribution, so no portions are over or undercooked.
Need some extra help in the kitchen, or can't focus on your measurements while the kids run a much? It also has built-in voice navigation to guide you through the steps of getting your meal together. This can be spoken in English, Chinese and Korean.
None of the parts can go in the dishwasher but Amazon shoppers commented it was easy to clean with a quick wipe down. It averages 4.6 stars, with many reviews loving how well it cooks sushi rice and how much faster it is compared to other cookers.
Best easy to use rice cooker
Tefal Easy Rice and Slow Cooker, $83 (down from $149.95) at Amazon Australia
Tefal Easy Rice and Slow Cooker
What You Need To Know
After measuring your rice and water and pressing a couple of buttons, your meal will be well underway when using the Tefal Easy Rice and Slow Cooker.
With a simple interface, all the hard work is taken out for you. There are eight cooking presets on the front panel to choose from with a touch of a button. There are four rice types and four cooking style, such as reheating and keeping warm.
As it cooks, the spherical convection design moves heat around the pot to evenly cook the rice. It also uses Fuzzy Logic technology which makes automatic adjustments to the temperature and cooking time as it cooks, so you don't need to lift a finger until it's ready to serve.
It comes with a measuring cup, soup spoon, steam basket and rice spatula. It's also non-stick and all removable parts are dishwasher safe.
There are hundreds of five-star reviews across the board for this appliance. One customer at The Good Guys loved its versatility, saying it's "Nice to have a good-sized rice cooker that also doubles up as a slow cooker so I can put dinner on and its [sic] ready when I want it without having to stand by the stove."
A second shopper at Myer called it "Good quality, good price and easy to use.
"The quality of the inner bowl is excellent. I've had several other brands where the coating of the inner bowl peels off after a while. but this one is still going as it's thick and strong."
Best versatile rice cooker
Tefal Induction Rice Master & Slow Cooker, $195 (down from $349.95) at Amazon Australia
Tefal Induction Rice Master & Slow Cooker
What You Need To Know
There's so much you can do with rice and countless recipes you can try for yourself, and the Tefal Induction Rice Master is up to the challenge.
Not only are there 14 cooking programs to choose from, but there's also two separate texture settings to suit different rice types and recipes.
The precision induction heating works alongside the spherical shape of the cooker to move hot air around the bowl, plus the six-layer pot helps retain heat for longer while increasing durability.
Topping it off is its non-stick coating, 24 hour timer, keep warm function that can maintain its heat for up to 12 hours and 15 year replacement warranty.
"Cooked 2 cups of raw white basmati rice to see how good this appliance is. I have never had better cooked rice in my life," raves one Amazon shopper.
"Rice were very fluffy. Rice were cooked evenly whether on the top or the bottom. This is just amazing."
Another was inspired by watching recipes online, saying they "Found a video online about claypot chicken rice in a 'Rice Master' and tried it myself. Found it incredibly easy. Next day I adapted a fairly complex lamb biryani to the same process and was totally blown away with the results, as was my Indian wife. Biryani with crispy base!! Wow."
Best multifunctional rice cooker
Breville The Multi-Chef Multi Cooker, $139 (down from $189.95) at Amazon Australia
Breville The Multi-Chef Multi Cooker
What You Need To Know
Who has the space in their kitchen cupboards or on the countertop to keep all their kitchen appliances? In addition to being a quality rice cooker, the Multi-Chef Multi Cooker by Breville is also designed to steam, sear, sauté and slow cook, and "specialises in stir-free risotto."
Even easier are the post-cook settings. It will automatically keep the food warm after it finishes cooking until you are ready to serve. Plus, the removable non-stick inner pot can also act as a serving bowl.
Amazon shoppers give it a 4.6 out of five-star average rating, with many loving how “easy to use” it is as well as how “versatile” it is too.
One happy customer said they "wouldn't be without one," and another added "Rice cooking is quick and the cooker is easy to clean."
Best budget rice cooker
Breville the Set & Serve, $54 (down from $74.95) at Amazon Australia
Breville the Set & Serve
What You Need To Know
This budget rice cooker from Breville comes in at an affordable price and has many of the features you’d expect to find on more expensive models.
It boasts a non-stick coating, a glass lid to see how your rice is coming along, and can cook up to eight cups of raw rice, which makes up to 16 servings. A steamer basket is also included so you can whip up healthy and tasty steamed fish or veggies.
When it has finished cooking, it will automatically switch to the Keep Warm function, which will last for five hours.
"This Breville is easy to clean since its [sic] just the non stick bowl, and the lid which can go in dishwasher if you want. I like being able to see how the rice is cooking. It easy to lift lid and mix rice if needed," said one five-star Amazon reviewer.
Best viral rice cooker
Zojirushi Rice Cooker, $410 at Amazon Australia
Zojirushi Rice Cooker
What You Need To Know
The Zojirushi Rice Cooker has been the star of countless TikTok videos recently, with many influencers and content creators getting their hands on one to see if it lives up to the hype. And the answer is yes!
Influencer @dejashu called it "The Rolls Royce of rice cookers," while @go.tech.geek said "This is the best way to cook rice!” Content creator @my.mellow.menu explored all the best features, revealing "Things I immediately loved were its compact shape, the accessories it came with, and the star of the show is really the retractable cable.
"I think it’s absolutely worth the price tag if you eat rice regularly. It felt like my rice texture was different and each single grain was cooked so well.”
Made in Japan, it has everything you need to make a high quality rice dish without a fuss. There are seven cooking presets to match the type of rice you're cooking and how you like to cook. These are white/mixed rice, sushi rice, porridge, brown rice, germinated brown rice (GABA), rinse-free and quick cooking.
It uses induction heating to warm the entire cooker so everything is cooked evenly, and the automatic keep warm function will maintain its temperature without overcooking until you're ready to eat.
Although small, this is a great rice cooker for those wanting to whip up a meal for themselves or eat rice as a side dish in their family meal.
"Gold standard rice cooker," one Amazon reviewer called it, who went on to say "This is an excellent machine. I've had cheap rice cookers in the past - and this one cost a few dollars more - but this one is so much easier to use, to clean, and the rice produced is truly a much better food product. The timer system is straightforward - and its fool-proof."
Best Japanese rice cooker
Tiger Electric Rice Cooker, $219 at Bing Lee
Tiger Electric Rice Cooker
What You Need To Know
Tiger is a well-respected Japanese manufacturer and its rice cookers regularly turn up on best rice cooker lists. This model has 5.5-cup capacity with a non-stick removable inner bowl and an automatic keep warm function, which will keep your rice ready to serve up to 12 hours after it finishes cooking.
Setting it apart from other models is the flower print on the side and the retractable power cord that allows for more compact storage.
Amazon shoppers globally gave it 4.5-stars out of five average rating. One five-star review called it "the best rice cooker, my parents had the same one. Simple to use, no gimmicks, will last a lifetime."
Another loved the sweet flower design as much as its functionality, saying it "looks beautiful, fits in the kitchen decor nicely. It’s easy to use. Fluffy yummy rice each time. Best buy and hassle free."
Best microwave rice cooker
Fresh De Chef Pronto Microwave Rice Cooker, $19.99 (down from $39.99) at MyHouse
Fresh De Chef Pronto Microwave Rice Cooker
What You Need To Know
While you may not get the same perfect fluffy white rice as a rice cooker, the Fresh De Chef Pronto Microwave Rice Cooker is ideal if you need a single batch, smaller portions or don’t have cabinet space for another appliance.
Getting the cooking times perfect can take a few goes given different microwave settings and human error, and you should always take care when removing the lid in case of trapped steam. Once you get the hang of it you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with saucepans of gloopy rice.
There are plenty of happy customers leaving five-star reviews on this product online. One shopper at MyHouse said "The rice turns out perfect in this microwave container, not soggy or to dry, just perfect, the way I like it!"
Another said it "Cooks rice well once you get used to the right timing which varies with individual microwave ovens and different types of rice. Best to follow the supplied directions and then tweak to suit your appliance, and the way you like your rice. I've had best results using hot water rather then cold."
How we choose our products
To help you find the best rice cooker for your needs, we asked for advice from Food Director at Australia’s leading recipe site, taste.com.au, Michelle Southan as well as former news.com.au Shopping Food Expert Kim Coverdale who've both tested rice cookers in the past.
In addition, our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles by analysing reviews, ratings and articles. When choosing the best rice cookers, we considered their size and capacity, the types of rice it can cook, the thoughts from our experts, and if it's worth the price.
What to consider before buying a rice cooker
Capacity and size: “Rice cookers generally range from 3-cup to 10-cup capacity cookers. But be mindful that depending on the machine, the cup capacity can either mean the number of cups of uncooked rice it can hold or the amount of cooked rice you will end up with,” Kim said.
“Sure, you might want to go for the largest option available, however these cookers will have a minimum amount of rice that has to be cooked in it – and that amount might still be too much for what you need. This will result in either a lot of food wastage or an appliance that just isn’t right for you.”
Rice type: There are multiple types of rice and grains you can add to your meal, including white, brown, jasmine and basmati rice. Each need to have their cooking method slightly tweaked to cook them well. See if the rice cooker has settings for the different rice types, as this will make it easier to get the best quality and delicious rice with every use.
Cooking capabilities: “Look for a rice cooker that suits your cooking style,” Kim advises. “Most rice cookers on the market now come with a variety of programs for different methods for cooking rice. Do you like sticky sushi rice? Got a craving for crispy rice? Or how about some delicious nutty brown rice for a salad?
"These different settings can turn a basic rice cooker into an easy combination cooker. Some of the settings available can take a little longer than it would on a regular stove top, so take that into consideration – time vs. quality and what’s more important to you.”
Ease of cleaning: “Choose a rice cooker with an easy-to-clean removable non-stick bowl that can be hand washed or popped in the dishwasher with very little chance of scratching or pitting. Check that lids be removed, along with any other extras (such as steam vents) to make sure that all cooking surfaces can be washed really well.”
Extra features: “Although not imperative, check if the rice cooker has other features like a delay timer so that you can pop your timer on and the rice will be beautifully cooked at the exact time you will be needing it.
"Fast cook is a great feature for those who are time poor or are just wanting dinner a little quicker than usual. Having a reheat setting can be a godsend to those who like to meal prep and want to reheat cold rice that they’ve cooked in advance.”
Price: Cheap rice cookers are usually built for just cooking rice and don't have the features to set timers, temperatures or settings for different grains. Many rice cookers on the higher end of the price scale will often be more high tech and versatile. Weigh up how much you want to spend and if you need all the extra additions or whether a cheaper and traditional rice cooker is all you need.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS FUZZY LOGIC TECHNOLOGY?
Fuzzy Logic technology is a high-tech feature often found in more expensive rice cookers that makes automatic and precise alterations to the cooking process help make rice soft, fluffy and tasty. This helps take the guesswork out of cooking rice or fiddling with too many settings.
It can adjust the cooking settings based on the moisture level, the temperature, the amount of rice you're cooking and the time set to cook. It continually reassess the cooking conditions throughout to maintain the optimal settings. For example, if it is getting too hot, it will release steam, or if it detects the rice hasn't cooked as much as it should have, it will increase the temperature.
It makes its changes is based on the type of rice you use, however this must be indicated in the initial settings. So if you are cooking brown rice, you should select the brown rice setting, and it will make intuitive cooking decisions for this rice type.
HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD I USE WHEN COOKING RICE IN A RICE COOKER?
This will vary from between machines, rice types and the amount you're cooking. Michelle says it is always best to refer to the manufacturer’s book that comes with the machine to ensure you're getting the best results.
She also says that rice cookers come with a measuring up and in some cases marked lines inside the cooker bowl designed to let you know the level of water according to the amount of rice scoops you add.
CAN I LEAVE THE RICE COOKER UNATTENDED WHILE IT'S COOKING?
“The idea of a rice cooker is to set and forget, for perfectly cooked fluffy rice every time and the beauty of these machines” says Michelle.
“Most machines have a keep warm setting that automatically switches on once the rice is cooked."
She also notes that some rice cookers also come with a preset timer function of up to 24 hours. This is so "rice begins cooking at the time set and is ready by the time dinner is done.”
CAN I ADD SEASONINGS OR FLAVOURS TO THE RICE WHILE IT'S COOKING IN THE RICE COOKER?
Michelle says that you definitely can.
“Adding a little sliced garlic and ginger or even fresh sprigs of herbs to your rice adds extra flavour. A sprinkle of saffron is great for Indian inspired dishes for colour and flavour. You can even replace the water for chicken stock for an extra flavour boost.”
HOW DO I COOK DIFFERENT TYPES OF RICE?
Each of the various rice types and grains have slightly different ways of cooking them to perfection.
White rice: For long grain, medium grain and short grain white rice, the ratio will be one cup of rice to two cups of water. It should simmer in boiling water for approximately 18 to 20 minutes and sit covered for around five minutes after cooking, then fluffed with a fork before serving.
Brown rice: Cooking brown rice will take longer than white rice. The ratio if one cup of rice to 2.5 cups of water. It will need to simmer on a low heat for up to 45 minutes and with the pot covered with a lid. Then you should let it sit covered for 10 minutes after cooking, and then fluff.
Basmati rice: It is recommended to soak basmati rice in water for approximately 30 minutes prior to cooking to improve its texture. It is then cooked at a ratio of one cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water for around 15 minutes at a low heat. It needs to rest for five minutes and then fluffed before serving.
Jasmine rice: Jasmine rice follows a very similar process to basmati, but does not need pre-soaking. It cooks for 15 to 18 minutes at a ratio of one cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water, then rested for five minutes and fluffed for serving.
Black rice: Black rice simmers at a low heat for up to 35 minutes with a ratio of one cup of rice to two cups of water. It will need to sit for up to 10 minutes after cooking then fluffed.
Arborio rice: Typically used for risottos, the cooking method of arborio rice will vary depending on your recipe. Generally, it will require one cup of rice to four cups of broth. While it is recommended to rinse rice before cooking, this isn't the case for arborio. Instead, it is cooked in a pan with butter or oil until toasted, and has the broth gradually stirred in so the rice absorbs it. Keep stirring and adding broth until it is all absorbed and the rice has a creamy texture.
Glutinous / Sticky rice: Sticky rice will need to rinsed a few time and soaked for at least four hours before cooking. It is then steamed for around 30 minutes or until it is tender.
Wild rice: Wild rice takes a little while to perfect, boiling at a low heat for up to 45 minutes at a ratio of ove cup of rice to three cups of water. It needs to sit for five minutes after cooking before serving.
DO I NEED TO WASH RICE BEFORE COOKING IT?
“Different rices contain different amounts of starch,” says Michelle.
“It is this starch which can make your rice gluggy while cooking it. It is always best to rinse your rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This applies when cooking rice with or without a rice cooker."
DO I REALLY NEED A RICE COOKER?
If you love rice but hate cooking it, then a rice cooker is the perfect appliance for you, according to former news.com.au Shopping Food Expert Kim Coverdale.
“Simple to use with great programmable options, rice cookers have changed over the years from a set-and-forget basic rice cooker to now having the functionality of cooking a variety of different types of rice,” she said.
“But don’t just stop at rice as an easy side dish, rice cookers are great for cooking a whole range of wonderful recipes – why not try a creamy rice pudding, a delicious chocolate cake or an Instagram-worthy giant pancake. For the health conscious, steamed chicken or salmon with vegetables are also rice cooker favourites.”
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU MAKE IN A RICE COOKER?
A rice cooker isn't just for classic rice dishes. There is plenty more it is capable of cooking, but this will depend on the model of your machine and its settings.
You can easily cook other grains like quinoa to get a superfood kick into your meal. Many also use there's as a steamer to make steamed vegetables, fish and chicken.
Some makers have several functions to utilise it as a multi cooker or slow cooker. This can help you whip up some stews and soups. You can even try cooking different meats, potatoes, polenta, beans, frittatas and pasta.
Those wanting to experiment can try their hand at dessert making - a trend that's gone viral online. Some have used their rice cookers to whip up puddings, pancakes and cakes.
Who are our experts?
Michelle Southan, Food Director of taste.com.au
Michelle Southan heads up Australia’s leading food team as Food Director of taste.com.au. With over 25 years of experience in food publishing, Michelle comes with plenty of hints and tips, and believes that when they’re armed with easy foolproof recipes everyone can become a star in the kitchen.
Kim Coverdale, former news.com.au Shopping Food Expert
Kim Coverdale has worked in food publishing for more than 25 years, including as Food Director on some of Australia’s leading food titles including taste.com.au and Super Food Ideas. She trained in the respected Australian Women’s Weekly test kitchen and now creates, writes and edits recipes for food magazines and online. Her passion for baking means you can find her in the kitchen most days creating new sweet food trends with flavour twists.
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