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The best rice cookers for every budget
The Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy won for consistently fluffy rice, while Aroma offers a capable, much cheaper option.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-ZCC10 | Aroma Housewares 4-Cup Rice Cooker ARC-914SBD | Dash Mini Rice Cooker DRCM200 |
| Price | about $239 | about $37 | about $25 |
| Why | Food Network named it best overall after it produced fluffy, tender, separate grains without a crispy bottom and did so consistently. Its multiple rice settings make it the most versatile pick for regular rice eaters. | Food Network recommends this model at about $37, and its white rice came out fluffy, tender, and separate in testing. It gives budget-conscious buyers multiple functions and a dishwasher-safe inner pot for far less than the Zojirushi. | Food Network lists it at about $25 and found it a reasonable compact option, particularly for brown rice. It is the lowest-priced pick here, but its small size makes it best for solo cooking rather than families. |
| Good to know | It costs much more than basic cookers and takes longer to cook. | Brown rice may turn out soft, and the pot markings are hard to read. | White rice came out clumpy and sticky with the tested water amount. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AIFood Network named it best overall after it produced fluffy, tender, separate grains without a crispy bottom and did so consistently. Its multiple rice settings make it the most versatile pick for regular rice eaters.
Good to know: It costs much more than basic cookers and takes longer to cook.
See on Amazonpicture by AIFood Network recommends this model at about $37, and its white rice came out fluffy, tender, and separate in testing. It gives budget-conscious buyers multiple functions and a dishwasher-safe inner pot for far less than the Zojirushi.
Good to know: Brown rice may turn out soft, and the pot markings are hard to read.
See on Amazonpicture by AIFood Network lists it at about $25 and found it a reasonable compact option, particularly for brown rice. It is the lowest-priced pick here, but its small size makes it best for solo cooking rather than families.
Good to know: White rice came out clumpy and sticky with the tested water amount.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Choose capacity based on how much uncooked rice you make; cooker cup sizes differ from standard measuring cups. Fuzzy-logic models cook more types of rice consistently, while simple models cost less but offer fewer adjustments.
Who this is for
The Zojirushi is for people who cook rice often and value consistent results across rice types. The Aroma picks suit tighter budgets, with the smallest Dash best for one person or a dorm.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-ZCC10
Food Network named it best overall after it produced fluffy, tender, separate grains without a crispy bottom and did so consistently. Its multiple rice settings make it the most versatile pick for regular rice eaters. The 5.5-cup uncooked capacity suits many households, and the nonstick pot has clear water markings and handles. Food Network measured about 41 minutes for white rice and an hour for brown rice, noting that a soak cycle contributes to the longer cook. The cooker has settings for several rice and grain types, plus a retractable cord and removable inner lid. Skip it if you want a quick, inexpensive cooker or have little counter space.
Good to know: It costs much more than basic cookers and takes longer to cook.
See on AmazonBest value: Aroma Housewares 4-Cup Rice Cooker ARC-914SBD
Food Network recommends this model at about $37, and its white rice came out fluffy, tender, and separate in testing. It gives budget-conscious buyers multiple functions and a dishwasher-safe inner pot for far less than the Zojirushi. It can cook up to four rice-cooker cups of uncooked rice, enough for a larger household, and includes a steamer basket, measuring cup, and paddle. The reviewer found brown rice too soft and noted starchy water escaping the vent, so use less water for brown rice. The dark pot makes its markings harder to read. Choose it for affordable everyday white rice, not best-in-class brown rice.
Good to know: Brown rice may turn out soft, and the pot markings are hard to read.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: Dash Mini Rice Cooker DRCM200
Food Network lists it at about $25 and found it a reasonable compact option, particularly for brown rice. It is the lowest-priced pick here, but its small size makes it best for solo cooking rather than families. The compact cooker is suited to a dorm, small kitchen, or occasional single serving. In testing, white rice took about 35 minutes and came out sticky with the suggested water amount; the reviewer said using less water could improve it. Brown rice took about 55 minutes and was fluffy and tender, with a thin crisp layer at the bottom. Skip it if you regularly cook for several people or need consistently excellent white rice.
Good to know: White rice came out clumpy and sticky with the tested water amount.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Food Network tested 10 cookers using washed white rice and brown rice, following each manual’s directions and water lines, then rested the rice for 10 minutes. Its tester compared texture and consistency, plus ease of use and cleanup; its Zojirushi made white rice in about 41 minutes and brown rice Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
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Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.