10 Best Rice Cookers 2026 in the United States

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and food warmer in one. With an 8-quart capacity, it’s ideal for larger families or those who like to batch cook. It offers 13 smart, customizable cooking programs including specific settings for rice, which means you can cook rice quickly and with consistent results. The pressure cooking function speeds up meal prep, cooking dishes up to 70% faster than traditional methods. The keep warm feature is handy for serving meals at the right temperature without overcooking.

Cleaning is convenient thanks to fingerprint-resistant stainless steel sides and dishwasher-safe parts. Its size is somewhat large, so it needs adequate counter space and may be less suited for small kitchens. The stainless steel inner pot with tri-ply bottom promotes even cooking and also allows for sautéing ingredients right in the pot. While the price is higher than basic rice cookers, the multiple functions and safety features, including overheat protection and a safe-locking lid, add good value.

For those seeking a multi-functional cooker that can handle rice and many other dishes with ease and who have the counter space to accommodate its larger footprint, this Instant Pot model is a solid choice.

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker stands out for its multifunctionality. It not only serves as a rice cooker, but also as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, and food warmer. This versatility makes it highly valuable for users looking to save space and money by combining multiple appliances into one. Its 3-quart capacity is suitable for smaller families or individuals, perfect for meal prepping or batch cooking. The stainless steel design is durable and fingerprint-resistant, enhancing its ease of cleaning, especially since the lid, inner pot, and accessories are dishwasher-safe.

Additionally, it offers 13 customizable Smart Programs, allowing for quick one-touch cooking of various dishes beyond rice, from ribs to desserts. This feature can significantly reduce cooking time, which is a great advantage for busy users. The Instant Pot Duo also boasts over 10 safety features, including overheat protection and a safe-locking lid, ensuring user safety during operation. Another highlight is the free Instant Brands Connect App, providing access to over 1900 recipes, which can be a great resource for those looking to explore new meals.

However, its relatively small size might be a drawback for larger families or those who require more capacity for cooking bigger meals. Additionally, at 8.65 pounds, it might be a bit heavy for some users to handle easily. The price can be another consideration; although it offers multiple functions, it might be on the higher side compared to basic rice cookers. This product is particularly well-suited for small households or individuals who value multifunctionality, ease of use, and safety features in their kitchen appliances.

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker stands out for its versatility, making it a great addition to any kitchen, especially for families or individuals who enjoy meal prepping. It combines seven functions—pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, and food warmer—so you can prepare a variety of meals using just one device. The quick one-touch cooking feature simplifies meal preparation with 13 customizable Smart Programs, allowing for easy cooking of rice, soups, and more.

One of its greatest strengths is the time-saving ability to pressure cook meals up to 70% faster than traditional methods. Additionally, the keep warm function ensures that your meals stay hot until you're ready to serve. Cleaning is hassle-free too, thanks to its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel design and dishwasher-safe components. This means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your delicious creations.

While its 6-quart capacity is suitable for most families, it may not be large enough for gatherings or bulk cooking. Some users might find it a learning curve initially, especially if they’re not accustomed to multi-cookers. There’s also a noticeable weight of 11.8 pounds, which may be cumbersome for some when lifting or storing. Safety is another focus of the Instant Pot, boasting over 10 safety features, including overheat protection, which provides peace of mind during use. The added bonus of having access to a recipe app allows for ongoing inspiration in the kitchen.