Owning a rice cooker is a must if rice is a regular ingredient in your meals. The best stainless steel rice cookers create a final product that is thoroughly cooked, versatile, and delicious. Add spices and other ingredients to liven it up or stick with a basic white rice for all kinds of meals. Rice cookers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There may be more options to choose from than you expected. We’ve built a list of the best stainless steel interior rice cookers for your kitchen. It’s a small kitchen appliance that will prove its value almost immediately. Keep reading to find your next rice cooker.
Our Top Picks:
  | Best Overall: Instant Pot Duo Rice Cooker Our overall top pick for the best rice cooker is perfect for rice and can be used for other recipes as well. For a versatile stainless steel rice cooker, check this one out. |
  | Best Runner-up: Aroma Housewares Rice Cookers The runner-up best stainless steel rice cooker without Teflon is small, so it fits in almost any space and cooks rice to a desirable consistency each time. |
  | Best Budget: Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker You can have a quality rice cooker without breaking the bank. Our top choice for the best budget stainless steel rice cooker is from Elite Gourmet. |
  | Best for Busy Lifestyles: Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker For those with busy lifestyles, consider this rice cooker. You can cook rice and steam veggies or meat at the same time, making a quick and healthy meal every day. |
  | Best Splurge: Tiger Micom Rice Cooker This is the best splurge rice cooker and it truly has every feature you could need. Everything from a preheat feature to precise measurements make this appliance one of a kind. |
  | Best for Large Families: Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer If you are regularly cooking rice for large numbers of people, this is the rice cooker for you to consider. It holds the most amount of rice of any rice cooker on this list. |
  | Best Simple Option: Tayama Stainless Steel Rice Cooker Some stainless steel rice cookers come with a variety of settings, but maybe you want a simple model. If that is the case, here is one that is easy to learn with a single setting. |
  | Most Hardy: OYAMA Stainless Steel Rice Cooker Those who use their rice cookers almost every day need a stainless steel appliance that stands up to regular use and produces consistent results. |
A Closer Look: Best Stainless Steel Rice Cookers
When it comes to rice, consistency is everything. You want to make sure your cooker is just as consistent which is why we’ve gone a bit deeper into each of our top picks below.
1. Instant Pot Duo Rice Cooker
The best stainless steel rice cooker overall
Brand: Instant Pot | Capacity: 6 Quarts | Dishwasher Compatibility: Lid Only | Accessories: Sold Separately | Price: 💰💰💰💰
Instant Pot performs a variety of tasks, and one of them is cooking rice. It’s landed as our overall top pick for the best stainless steel rice cooker because it combines multiple small kitchen appliances into one. The stainless steel inner pot can easily be removed for easy cleaning. The bottom of the pot is tri-ply, which helps create a more precise cook. You can pressure cook rice and it will be done 70% faster than cooking it on a stovetop. Instant Pot comes with additional safety features which help protect against overheating and it comes equipped with a safe-locking lid. Consider Instant Pot if you want a rice cooker in combination with other cooking features.
Reviewers Like
- So many different possibilities with the Instant Pot
- Directions are clear to read, and setup of the rice cooker is easy
- Instant Pot app comes with unique rice cooking recipes to try
Reviewers Dislike
- Avoid using the pot in areas that the hot air could damage
- Air released from the steam vent is very hot, recommended that you wear gloves
2. Aroma Housewares Rice Cookers
The best runner-up stainless steel rice cooker
Brand: Aroma Housewares | Capacity: 4 Quarts | Dishwasher Compatibility: Not Safe | Accessories: Steam Tray, Measuring Cup, and Spatula | Price: 💰💰
Maybe you want a simple rice cooker, or perhaps you live in a small space. This stainless steel rice cooker from Aroma is perfect for those who regularly cook rice for their meals. It comes with a plastic insert that allows you to steam veggies while cooking rice. The settings let you define whether you’re cooking brown rice or white rice, but they also allow you to make “flash rice” and delay the start timer. A removable stainless steel insert allows for easy cleaning and serving. For perfectly cooked brown or white rice every time, check out this rice cooker from Aroma.
Reviewers Like
- Compact size good for storing
- Perfect for cooking white and brown rice
- Cooks rice much faster than other rice cookers
Reviewers Dislike
- Takes longer than other rice cooker to heat up
- Ratios of water to rice different from stovetop rice
3. Elite Gourmet Electric Rice Cooker
The best budget stainless steel rice cooker
Brand: Elite Gourmet | Capacity: 10 Cups | Dishwasher Compatibility: Some Parts | Accessories: Measuring Cup and Spatula | Price: 💰
Choosing a stainless steel rice cooker on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing all the features that come with high-end competing products. Elite Gourmet’s rice cooker delivers perfectly cooked rice each time. It keeps your rice warm after it’s cooked to ensure it’s ready to be eaten immediately. The stainless steel pot on the interior is surgical-grade 304 stainless steel, meaning it is one of the most durable pots you’ll find. It’s easy to remove for serving and cleaning. Unlike many other stainless steel rice cookers, this one comes with a glass lid that allows you to check on the status of the rice without compromising the overall cooking process. Choose this rice cooker if you’re on a budget and looking for a quality appliance.
Reviewers Like
- Cooks multiple kinds of rice well
- Can be used for oatmeal, grits, and other warm meals, not just rice
- Measuring cup and scoop to get the perfect ratio of rice to water each time
Reviewers Dislike
- Important to have a measuring cup for accurate measurements
- Not ideal if you’re making large quantities of rice for many people
4. Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker
The best stainless steel rice cooker for a busy lifestyle
Brand: Hamilton Beach | Capacity: 8 Cups | Dishwasher Compatibility: Dishwasher Safe | Accessories: Steam Tray, Measuring Cup, and a Spatula | Price: 💰💰💰
Those with busy lifestyles need healthy meals that take little time. That’s where Hamilton Beach’s digital rice cooker comes in to help. This small and compact rice cooker is equipped with a steaming basket, measuring cup, and spoon. Use the steaming basket to rinse the rice before cooking, then put anything from meat to vegetables in the steaming basket to cook at the same time as the rice. Built-in settings allow you to designate whether you’re just cooking rice or you’re cooking rice with other food. It keeps the contents warm for up to 45 minutes after cooking completion.
Reviewers Like
- Ease of use makes this perfect for busy days
- Compact size makes it great for small kitchens
- Digital clock on the front helps you know exactly how long it is left
Reviewers Dislike
- Takes longer to cook rice than other rice cookers
- Must be allowed to air and dry out completely after use
5. Tiger Micom Rice Cooker
The best splurge stainless steel rice cooker
Brand: Tiger Co. | Capacity: 5.5 Cups | Dishwasher Compatibility: Not Safe | Accessories: Sold Separately | Price: 💰💰💰💰💰
If budget is not a box to check off when choosing a rice cooker, here is one of the best rice cookers on the market. You have the option of choosing between two sizes, each with 10 computerized cooking settings. Measuring precise water to rice ratios is challenging, but this rice cooker makes it as easy as possible by lining the inside of the stainless steel insert with measurement marks. It comes with an insert steaming tray that allows you to steam vegetables or meats while cooking rice. The appliance also comes with a delayed start option. As you’re looking for one of the best rice cookers, consider this one.
Reviewers Like
- Makes nearly perfect rice every time
- Includes cookbook with several good recipe ideas
- Removable inner lid and steam cap make for easy clean up
Reviewers Dislike
- Too pricey for most budgets
- A lot of moisture builds up in the cooker
6. Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer
The best stainless steel rice cooker for large families
Brand: Zojirushi | Capacity: 3 Cups | Dishwasher Compatibility: Not Safe | Accessories: Sold Separately | Price: 💰💰💰💰
Here is a stainless steel rice cooker that is known for cooking every kind of rice to perfection. Measurement lines on the inside of the stainless steel insert make determining how much water and rice to add a breeze. Rice is cooked from all sides, which helps ensure thoroughly cooked rice. The appliance also comes with settings that keep the rice warm or reheat it after a set amount of time. The clock, timer, and other settings are easy to use and understand on the LCD control panel on the front of the rice cooker. Micom notes that you must follow the instructions to use the rice cooker successfully and make sure you rinse your rice before cooking.
Reviewers Like
- Easy to clean
- Able to preset cook timer
- Cooks all kinds of rice and steel-cut oats
Reviewers Dislike
- Much larger than other rice cookers
- Usually too expensive for most budgets
7. Tayama Stainless Steel Rice Cooker
The best simple stainless steel rice cooker
Brand: Tayama | Capacity: 10 Cups | Dishwasher Compatibility: Some Parts | Accessories: Steam Tray, Measuring Cup, and a Spatula | Price: 💰💰
Many stainless steel rice cookers come with all kinds of bells and whistles. Some have a variety of features that allow you to cook different kinds of rice or other foods. However, if you are looking for something simple, a rice cooker that excellently cooks white rice on each batch, here is one for you. Tayama’s rice cooker takes up little space on the kitchen counter or in the cupboards. Because it has a single setting for white rice, it is easy to learn how to use. Measurement lines on the outside of the stainless steel insert give you assistance in determining how much rice and water to use. To keep it simple, easy, and quick, try out this rice cooker from Tayama.
Reviewers Like
- Size is surprising for this price-range
- Keeps contents warm after cooking completion
- Two buttons make it easy to learn and use effectively
Reviewers Dislike
- The only setting is for white rice
- Can be challenging to clean as the lid is attached to the central pot
8. OYAMA Stainless Steel Rice Cooker
The most hardy stainless steel rice cooker
Brand: OYAMA | Capacity: 8 Cups | Dishwasher Compatibility: Not Safe | Accessories: Steam Tray | Price: 💰💰💰
Hardy and durable are the name of the game with this rice cooker from OYAMA. Similar to the Tayama model, it comes with a single-touch operation. This rice cooker is simple yet effective, thoroughly cooking rice in 20 minutes or less. You can steam veggies while cooking rice for an easy and healthy meal. The stainless steel insert is made from surgical 304-grade steel, guaranteeing a quality cook and long-lasting lifespan. Reviewers consistently remark that this rice cooker holds up well to everyday use.
Reviewers Like
- Sturdy and simple for the price
- Rapid cook time is a huge time saver for most users
- Very durable and can handle upwards of 2 lbs of rice a day
Reviewers Dislike
- Accessories cannot be purchased separately if lost
- Can be difficult to clean, may need to soak pot overnight
Why Should You Consider A Stainless Steel Rice Cooker?
Stainless steel rice cookers don’t have a Teflon coating. This material contains chemicals that can be harmful to our health, that is common in non-stick rice cookers. When choosing your rice cooker with a stainless steel insert, consider the number of settings and quantities of each rice cooker. Know what kind of rice and how much you usually make, then use this information to make an educated choice.
Having a stainless steel rice cooker not only means you’re cooking rice without harmful chemicals, but you’re also cooking rice with minimal effort. With this information you can choose the best stainless steel rice cooker for your kitchen.
Our Process
For this guide on the best stainless steel rice cookers, our team spent 1.5 hours researching the most popular options from over 20 brands and manufacturers big and small. We then read about one hundred and sixty user reviews (both positive and negative) to discover what shoppers thought about each stainless steel rice cooker. After comparing this data, we narrowed our list down to the top 8 stainless steel rice cookers on the market. You can count on this research to guide you to a mindful purchasing decision.
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Further Reading
