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 Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 is a well-regarded rice cooker that stands out for its advanced Neuro Fuzzy logic technology, which helps ensure perfectly cooked rice by adjusting cooking times and temperatures based on the type of rice being prepared. With a capacity of 5-1/2 cups, it’s ideal for small to medium-sized families or individuals who enjoy rice regularly.

One of the key strengths of this rice cooker is its versatility; it offers multiple cooking functions, including settings for white rice, brown rice, porridge, and even quick cooking. The automatic keep-warm feature is particularly beneficial as it maintains the rice at a perfect serving temperature without overcooking it.

The spherical nonstick inner pan allows for even cooking and easy cleaning, while the user-friendly LCD clock and timer make it simple to keep track of your cooking. On the design front, it’s compact enough to fit in most kitchens without taking up too much counter space, and the retractable cord adds to its convenience. There are some potential drawbacks to consider. The price point is higher than many basic rice cookers, which might make it less accessible for budget-conscious consumers. Also, while the cooker is generally easy to clean, the nonstick coating requires gentle care to maintain its condition over time. Additionally, the measuring cups included are specific to the product, which means users should avoid using standard measuring cups to ensure accurate rice-to-water ratios.

The Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy 10-Cup Rice Cooker is a solid choice if you want a reliable and versatile rice cooker that handles different types of rice well, including white, brown, rinse-free, and even sushi rice. Its advanced Neuro Fuzzy technology adjusts cooking time and temperature automatically, helping to deliver fluffy, tasty rice without much guesswork. With a 10-cup cooked rice capacity, it’s suitable for families or small gatherings, yet it remains compact enough to fit comfortably on most kitchen counters. The cooker also offers useful features like two delay start options and extended automatic keep warm settings, which means your rice can be ready exactly when you want it and stay fresh longer.

Cleaning is easier thanks to the detachable inner lid and stay-cool side handles on the spherical inner pot, though the main lid is plastic rather than metal, which might feel less durable to some. It’s designed thoughtfully with a fold-down handle and a retractable power cord for neat storage. At around 1.9 quarts capacity, it suits everyday home cooking but may not be ideal for much larger groups. While the price is higher than basic rice cookers, many users find the quality and consistency worth the investment. For those who value convenience and cooking flexibility without needing a complicated machine, this Zojirushi model is a dependable and user-friendly option.