10 Best Rice Cooker 2025 in the United States

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile kitchen appliance. With its 6-quart capacity, it's well-suited for families or individuals who enjoy meal prepping. Its multifunctionality is a standout feature, combining the capabilities of a rice cooker, pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer. This range of cooking functions allows for a variety of meal preparations, from quick one-pot dishes to traditional slow-cooked meals.

The inner pot's food-grade stainless steel with a tri-ply bottom ensures even cooking, which is beneficial for sautéing and pressure cooking. Additionally, the appliance is equipped with 13 customizable Smart Programs, making cooking straightforward with the touch of a button.

When it comes to cleaning, the Instant Pot makes the process relatively stress-free. Its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel design, along with dishwasher-safe components, aids in quick clean-up. Safety is also a priority with over 10 safety features, including overheat protection and a safe-locking lid, providing peace of mind during use.

However, for those primarily interested in rice cooking, its multifunctionality might be a bit overcomplicated if you're looking for a straightforward rice cooker. The capacity, while ample, also means the unit is relatively large and may require significant counter space, which could be a consideration for smaller kitchens. Despite these, the Instant Pot Duo's versatility and ease of use make it a solid investment for a variety of cooking needs, particularly for users who value having multiple cooking methods in one appliance.

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance designed to cater to various cooking needs. With its 7-in-1 functionality, it can act as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, and food warmer. This makes it an excellent choice for small families, singles, or those who like to meal prep, as it can cook for up to 3 people with its 3-quart capacity.

The stainless-steel inner pot ensures even cooking and is perfect for sautéing, while the fingerprint-resistant exterior keeps it looking clean. Plus, its dishwasher-safe parts and accessories make cleanup a breeze. The 13 customizable smart programs allow for quick one-touch cooking, simplifying meal preparation for a variety of dishes. Another significant advantage is its safety features, which include over 10 safety mechanisms to prevent accidents during use.

Additionally, the free Instant Brands Connect App offers over 1900 recipes, providing ample inspiration for meals. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The 3-quart capacity may not be sufficient for larger families or for those who want to prepare more substantial portions in one go. Additionally, while the appliance offers many functions, it might have a learning curve for users unfamiliar with multi-functional cookers. The footprint of the appliance is relatively compact, but it may still take up valuable counter space in smaller kitchens. The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker is a feature-rich and convenient appliance that offers great value for those needing a multi-purpose cooking solution in a compact form.

The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is an impressive all-in-one kitchen appliance that stands out for its versatility and convenience. With a 6-quart capacity, it's suitable for families or individuals who like to meal prep. Its 9-in-1 functionality allows it to serve as a rice cooker, pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, and more, making it ideal for those who want to simplify their cooking processes. The stainless steel inner pot ensures even cooking and is easy to clean, as it is dishwasher safe. Users particularly appreciate the improved steam release system and the clear display that shows cooking progress, contributing to a user-friendly experience, even for those who may not be very tech-savvy.

It's worth noting that while the Instant Pot excels in various cooking methods, some users might find the initial learning curve a bit steep given its many features. It can be overwhelming for beginners to navigate through all the settings and programs available. Additionally, the appliance's size, while suitable for many, might be too bulky for smaller kitchens or for those with limited counter space.

In terms of safety, it incorporates multiple features to prevent overheating and ensure a secure locking mechanism, which is reassuring for users concerned about safety while cooking under pressure. The app with over 800 recipes adds a fun element, helping users explore new dishes, though reliance on technology might not appeal to everyone.

The Instant Pot Duo Plus is a fantastic option for those looking to streamline meal prep with its multifunctional capabilities, while its size and complexity may pose challenges for some first-time users or those with limited kitchen space.