Rice is a staple food in many cultures around the world. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just yourself, having a small rice cooker can be a convenient and efficient way to prepare rice. A good small rice cooker should be easy to use, compact, and produce fluffy, perfectly cooked rice.
When looking for the best small rice cooker, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the size of the cooker. If you’re cooking for one or two people, a smaller rice cooker will be more than enough. Second, look for a cooker that is easy to clean and has a non-stick surface. This will make it easier to clean up after cooking. Finally, consider the features of the cooker, such as a timer or automatic shut-off, which can make cooking rice more convenient.
We spent hours researching and testing various small rice cookers to identify the ones that offer the best combination of size, ease of use, and performance. In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the best small rice cooker to help you find the perfect one for your needs.
Best Small Rice Cookers
If you’re looking for a small rice cooker that can cook the perfect amount of rice for one or two people, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve researched and tested the best small rice cookers on the market to bring you our top picks. Whether you’re a student living in a dorm, a single person living in a small apartment, or someone who just wants to cook small portions of rice without wasting any, we’ve got you covered. Our list includes rice cookers that are compact, easy to use, and produce perfectly cooked rice every time.
Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker
If you’re looking for a small, easy-to-use rice cooker, the Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker is a great option.
Pros
- Perfectly prepares 2 to 6 cups of any variety of cooked rice
- Simple, one-touch operation with automatic Keep-Warm
- Great for soups, jambalaya, chili and so much more!
Cons
- Inner pot is not dishwasher safe
- No separate steam basket
- No timer function
We recently purchased this rice cooker and have been impressed with its performance. It’s incredibly easy to use – simply add rice and water, and press the button. The rice comes out perfectly cooked every time, and the automatic Keep-Warm function ensures that it stays at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to eat.
One thing to note is that the inner pot is not dishwasher safe, so you’ll need to hand wash it after each use. Additionally, there is no separate steam basket, so you won’t be able to steam vegetables or other foods at the same time as the rice. Finally, there is no timer function, so you’ll need to keep an eye on the rice to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
Overall, we highly recommend the Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker for anyone looking for a small, easy-to-use rice cooker that produces perfectly cooked rice every time.
DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer
We highly recommend the DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer for anyone looking for a compact and convenient rice cooker.
Pros
- The 2-cup/.5 quart capacity allows for healthier portion control, or individual, quick and easy breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, or sides.
- The Keep Warm function ensures that food stays hot, and the removable, nonstick pot makes clean-up easy.
- The fun color options will match any kitchen décor.
Cons
- The capacity may not be enough for larger families or gatherings.
- The manual settings may require some experimentation to get the perfect results.
- The cord is on the shorter side, which may limit where you can place it in your kitchen.
We found that the DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer is not just great for rice, but also for quinoa, oatmeal, pasta, and even soup and stew. The compact design makes it perfect for small apartments, dorm rooms, or even for traveling in an RV or camper.
The quick and easy set up allows you to cook your meal in less than 20 minutes with minimal clean up. The Keep Warm function ensures that your food stays hot until you’re ready to eat, and the nonstick pot makes it easy to clean up afterwards.
Overall, we are impressed with the DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer and highly recommend it for anyone looking for a compact and convenient rice cooker.
BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker 3 Cups Cooked (1.5 Cups Uncooked) with Steaming Basket, Removable Non-Stick Bowl, White 3-cup rice cooker
We highly recommend the BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker for anyone looking for a small and convenient rice cooker that is perfect for single servings or dinner for two.
Pros
- The automatic “keep warm” function keeps rice fluffy and ready to serve long after cooking is complete.
- The nonstick rice pot is removable for easy dishwasher cleanup.
- The included food steaming basket lets you make healthy meals with vegetables, fish, and more.
Cons
- The maximum it holds to make room for steaming is two cups, and even then the rice will swell up into the steam basket.
- The rice cooker spits water all over the table while cooking, so it needs a bowl over the hole to prevent mess.
- It is not ideal for large families or dinner parties.
We were impressed with the BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker’s 3-cup capacity, which is great for small or large meals and for leftovers. Cooking takes just 20-30 minutes, and then the unit’s automatic “keep warm” function kicks in to keep the delicious, fluffy rice ready to serve long after cooking is complete. Cleanup is a cinch with this small rice cooker thanks to the dishwasher-safe, nonstick rice pot and tempered glass lid.
This personal rice cooker is perfect for single servings or dinner for two, but it can also be used to prepare quinoa, risotto, sushi rice, soups, stews, and even oatmeal! The included food steaming basket lets you make healthy meals with vegetables, fish, and more. The measuring cup makes it easy to cook the perfect amount of rice, and the plastic serving spoon prevents accidental scratches to the nonstick rice pot.
Overall, the BLACK+DECKER Rice Cooker is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a small and convenient rice cooker. Its compact size and easy-to-use features make it perfect for small kitchens and busy lifestyles.
Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker, White (-WB)
We highly recommend the Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker if you’re looking for a small and efficient rice cooker.
Pros
- The single switch control makes it easy to use.
- The see-through glass lid with a stay-cool knob lets you monitor the cooking process.
- The stay-cool handles make it easy to transport.
Cons
- The capacity is limited to 3 cups of uncooked rice.
- The plastic spatula that comes with it is not very durable.
- The cooking time is a bit longer than some other rice cookers.
This rice cooker is perfect for small families or individuals who want to cook rice without any hassle. It’s easy to use and has a simple design that allows you to cook rice perfectly every time. The non-stick inner cooking pan is durable and easy to clean, and the glass lid lets you see the rice as it cooks.
The Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker is an excellent choice for those who want to cook rice quickly and easily. The single switch control makes it easy to use, and the see-through glass lid with a stay-cool knob lets you monitor the cooking process. The stay-cool handles make it easy to transport, and the non-stick inner cooking pan is durable and easy to clean.
The only downside to this rice cooker is the limited capacity of 3 cups of uncooked rice. If you need to cook more rice, you’ll need to do it in batches. The plastic spatula that comes with it is not very durable, so you may want to invest in a sturdier one. Also, the cooking time is a bit longer than some other rice cookers, but the end result is worth the wait.
In conclusion, the Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker is a great investment for those who want to cook rice quickly and easily. It’s simple to use, easy to clean, and produces great results every time.
Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer
If you are looking for a small rice cooker that can cook perfect rice every time, then Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer is the one for you.
Pros
- The multi-menu cooking functions make it easy to cook different types of rice and oatmeal.
- The triple heater generates heat all around for even heating, ensuring that the rice is cooked perfectly.
- The retractable cord makes it easy to store, and the interchangeable melody and beep signal make it easy to operate.
Cons
- It is not cheap, but the quality of the rice cooker justifies the price.
- The internal battery cannot be replaced by the user.
- The capacity is limited to 3 cups of uncooked rice.
We recently purchased the Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer and have been using it for a few weeks now. We are extremely satisfied with its performance.
The rice cooker has a sleek and modern design that looks great in our kitchen. The multi-menu cooking functions make it easy to cook different types of rice and oatmeal. We have tried cooking white rice, brown rice, and steel-cut oatmeal, and all of them turned out perfectly.
The triple heater generates heat all around for even heating, ensuring that the rice is cooked perfectly. The rice is fluffy and has the perfect texture. The retractable cord makes it easy to store, and the interchangeable melody and beep signal make it easy to operate.
The removable steam vent cap allows for high-temperature cooking without messy overflows. The microcomputer automatically adjusts cooking temperature and time, making it easy to cook perfect rice every time.
Overall, we highly recommend the Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer. It is a bit pricey, but the quality of the rice cooker justifies the price. The rice cooker is easy to use and produces perfect rice every time.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best small rice cooker, there are a few key features that we should look at to ensure that we are getting a product that meets our needs. Here are some things to consider:
Capacity
The first thing to consider when choosing a small rice cooker is the capacity. Rice cookers come in different sizes, and it’s important to choose one that suits our needs. If we’re cooking for just one or two people, a 3-cup rice cooker might be sufficient. However, if we have a larger family or want to cook rice for guests, we might want to consider a 5-cup or even a 10-cup rice cooker.
Material
The material of the rice cooker is also an important factor to consider. Rice cookers can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or non-stick materials. Stainless steel and aluminum cookers are durable and easy to clean, but they can be heavy and take longer to heat up. Non-stick cookers are lightweight and heat up quickly, but they may not be as durable as stainless steel or aluminum.
Features
Another important factor to consider when choosing a small rice cooker is the features it offers. Some rice cookers come with a variety of features such as a timer, a keep-warm function, and a steaming basket. These features can make cooking rice more convenient and can also allow us to cook other foods at the same time.
Price
Finally, we should consider the price of the rice cooker. Small rice cookers can range in price from around $20 to over $100. While a higher price doesn’t always mean a better product, it’s important to choose a rice cooker that fits our budget and meets our needs.
In summary, when choosing the best small rice cooker, we should consider the capacity, material, features, and price. By taking these factors into account, we can choose a rice cooker that is perfect for our needs and budget.
