Photo: Zojirushi
Many people like to experiment different cuisines in their house. Rice is not a staple food in the America. It is basically a regular food from the Asia. Yet the selling of the best stainless-steel rice cooker is massive throughout the world.
Rice can be used as a side dish with various prime food items. If you want to cook rice in their finest texture then a rice cooker is an irreplaceable appliance in your kitchen.
In this stainless-steel rice cookers review, you will find all the features that these appliances have, the kind of strength and durability that you can expect from hardened materials, etc. We will also recommend some of the leading cookers available on the market.
In this post:
- 8 Best Stainless Steel Rice Cookers – Review
- 1. Instant Pot Duo Series – Top-rated Stainless-steel Rice Cooker
- 2. Instant Pot LUX60V3 – Best 6 in 1 Programmable Rice Cooker
- 3. Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker – Compact & Convenient Rice Cooker
- 4. Zojirushi NS-LHC05XT Micom – Heavy-duty Rice Cooker
- 5. Hamilton Beach 37548 – High-capacity Rice Cooker
- 6. Cuckoo CMC-QSN501S – Most-expensive Stainless-steel Rice Cooker
- 7. Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD – High-quality Multi-purpose Rice Cooker
- 8. Miracle Exclusives ME81 – Rice Cooker with Standard Features
- How to Buy the Best Stainless-steel Rice Cooker
- Conclusion
8 Best Stainless Steel Rice Cookers – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Instant Pot Duo Series (Top-rated) |
| |
 | 2. Instant Pot LUX60V3 (Best 6 in 1 Programmable) |
| |
 | 3. Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker (Compact & Convenient) |
| |
 | 4. Zojirushi NS-LHC05XT Micom (Heavy-duty) |
| |
 | 5. Hamilton Beach 37548 (High-capacity) |
| |
 | 6. Cuckoo CMC-QSN501S (Most-expensive) |
| |
 | 7. Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD (High-quality for Multi-purpose Use) |
| |
 | 8. Miracle Exclusives ME81 (Has Standard Features) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Instant Pot Duo Series (Top-rated)
|
2. Instant Pot LUX60V3 (Best 6 in 1 Programmable)
|
3. Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker (Compact & Convenient)
|
4. Zojirushi NS-LHC05XT Micom (Heavy-duty)
|
5. Hamilton Beach 37548 (High-capacity)
|
6. Cuckoo CMC-QSN501S (Most-expensive)
|
7. Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD (High-quality for Multi-purpose Use)
|
8. Miracle Exclusives ME81 (Has Standard Features)
|
1. Instant Pot Duo Series – Top-rated Stainless-steel Rice Cooker
Photo: Instant Pot
- Capacity: 3 – 8 qt
- Weight: 8.65 – 15.8 lbs
This is a 3rd generation rice cooker available in 3 sizes – 3, 6, and 8 qt. It gives options to all kind of buyers with versatility in sizes. It is constructed inside-out with stainless steel material. The inner cooking pot is made of food grade 304 stainless steel with no chemical coatings.
Furthermore, there is 3-ply bottom that ensure even distribution of heat. With fully-sealed environment, there is no way out for the flavors.
This model has got 14 smart features like Soup, Meat/Stew, Bean/Chili, Poultry, Sauté/Simmer, Rice, Multigrain, Porridge, Steam, Slow Cook, Keep Warm, Yogurt, Manual, and Pressure Cook. You can simply select any function and allow the cooker to cook for you.
The high-technology cooker also has other features such as microprocessor monitors pressure, adjusting heat intensity for better cooking, etc. Also, there are various programmable functions that makes it a versatile and multi-purpose stainless-steel cooker.
This model is UL and UCL certified and comes with 10 safety mechanisms for added assurance about the product. You might find the rice sticking on the bottom of the pot which is pretty annoying, especially while cleaning.
Pros:
- Versatility in sizes makes it suitable for different customers
- There are 14 smart features for multipurpose cooking
- This model is UL and UCL certified
- Comes with adjusting heat intensity
Cons:
- Rice sticks on the bottom of the pan
2. Instant Pot LUX60V3 – Best 6 in 1 Programmable Rice Cooker
Photo: Instant Pot
- Capacity: 3 – 8 qt
- Weight: 8.5 – 15.4 lbs
So, if you have been following this review from the beginning then you will find the Instant Pot LUX60V3 quite similar to the previous model. This one is also from the same brand and comes in 3 versions – 3, 6, and 8 qt.
The construction of this 3rd generation model is done with food grade quality stainless-steel without any added chemicals. There is 3-ply bottom to evenly distribute the heat in the cooker for perfect cooking. This is the best stainless-steel rice cooker without Teflon.
This product combines 6 kitchen appliances in one and the functions that you get in this product is pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, sauté, steamer, and warmer. It has the ability to cook food 70% faster so that you don’t have to wait for a long time.
Furthermore, it has 240 minutes pressure-cooking up to 24 hours delay start. It can also keep the food warm for 10 hours, and you can use 3 temperatures for sautéing and slow cooking. This is a completely enclosed model which does not allow the aroma to leave the cooker.
Unfortunately, this model does not come with any warranty. Also, the rice will stick to the inner pot which will make it difficult to wash also.
Pros:
- Gives 70% faster cooking of the food
- 3-ply bottom for even heat distribution
- Can keep food warm for 10 hours
- Constructed with food grade stainless-steel
Cons:
- Does not come with any warranty
- Rice often sticks to the inner pot while cooking
3. Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker – Compact & Convenient Rice Cooker
Photo: Aroma Housewares
- Capacity: 6 cups
- Weight: 4.35 lbs
Aroma Housewares rice cooker is a dedicated machine that is available in a capacity of 6 cups cooked rice. You can add 3 cups of uncooked rice and the appliance will give back 6 cups of cooked rice. The inner pot of this model is only constructed with 304 food grade stainless-steel.
There is no non-stick coating on the top, so you don’t have to worry about any coating peeling off and contaminating the food. This machine can be used for making soups, stews, chili, etc.
The functioning of this model is pretty straightforward, and it comes with user-friendly programming. This model works on one-touch operation. You don’t have to trigger keep-warm feature as it automatically applies as soon as you finish the cooking.
This model is equipped with a few accessories that include a measuring cup and a spatula. These accessories are quite helpful in measuring accurately the amount of rice to be cooked.
There are no fancy features in this machine. It is a simple cooker and does not even work as a steamer. Moreover, it is difficult to cook brown rice in this machine. It needs more water and there is no capacity to add extra water in the appliance.
Pros:
- 304 food grade stainless-steel
- No chemical coating on the top of inner pot
- One-touch operation of the machine
- Automatic working of the keep-warm function
Cons:
- No fancy features in this machine
- It is not recommended for cooking brown rice
- Does not works as a steamer
4. Zojirushi NS-LHC05XT Micom – Heavy-duty Rice Cooker
Photo: Zojirushi
- Capacity: 3 cups
- Weight: 6 lbs
Zojirushi Micom rice cooker is a perfect product to bring home if you don’t mind spending a large amount of money on this appliance. It is a promising quality product that comes in a capacity of 3 cups uncooked rice.
The making of this model is done with highest-grade stainless steel. It has the outer made with stainless-steel which means that you don’t have to make any specific maintenance attempts. The inner pot of this model is coated with non-stick material. It prevents sticking of the rice.
Also, it has level high-contrast water lines for improved visibility. On the menu, you can find options like white rice, sushi, porridge, mixed, sweet, and quick cooling.
To ensure even heating distribution in the appliance, there is a triple heater on the bottom, side, and lid. This way, rice inside the cooker is cooked completely and perfectly.
The inner lid prevents the aroma and heat from coming out while rice is cooking. The lid is detachable and washable. Furthermore, the rectangular cord is easy to store. You can also find interchangeable melody and beep signal to know when the rice is ready.
This model comes with a spatula, spatula holder, and a measuring cup. The price is a bit on the higher side and the non-stick coating comes out with time which contaminates the food.
Pros:
- Comes with spatula and a measuring cup
- Made from highest-grade stainless-steel
- High-contrast water lines for improved visibility
- Available in promising quality
Cons:
- Non-stick coating will come out
- This model is quite high in price
5. Hamilton Beach 37548 – High-capacity Rice Cooker
Photo: Hamilton Beach
- Capacity: 14 cups
- Weight: 4.85 lbs
So, this model is from one of the most committed brands in the kitchen appliance industry – Hamilton. This product is available in capacity of 14 cups of cooked rice. It is suitable for the large families.
It is a basic model that does not come with very fancy functions. The inner pot of this model is also made of stainless-steel which makes it quite dependable. There is no Teflon coating on the top, so your food will remain uncontaminated throughout.
There is 2 in 1 basket that includes rice rinser and a steam basket. As far as functions are concerned, it has pre-programmed settings that can cook or steam the food with a single touch of button. Other than that, there are no special settings given to this model.
In this machine, you can make rice, whole grain, hot cereal, steamed vegetables, and much more. You will have to set temperature manually according to the time required by the meals for cooking.
This model is the best suitable for the needs of large families that want a simple product to make rice for the entire family.
Pros:
- Made with extremely high-quality material
- 2 in 1 basket for rice rinsing and steaming
- Great value of money
- Comes with pre-programmed settings
Cons:
- Not at all suitable for smaller families
- No fancy features or programs in this appliance
6. Cuckoo CMC-QSN501S – Most-expensive Stainless-steel Rice Cooker
Photo: Cuckoo
- Capacity: 5 qt
- Weight: 17 lbs
Cuckoo rice cooker is a premium model that is available at an extremely high price. This is a Korea made product that comes in a capacity of 5 qt. The inside and outside this model are constructed with exclusive-quality stainless steel and aluminum for superior heat conduction.
The material can endure high temperature, pressure, and steam. There is no coating on the top of inner pot, and it comes with cool touch handles for convenient carrying.
There are 11 smart in-built programs with various cooking modes that makes it suitable for cooking Soup, Meat, Vegetables, Rice, Porridge, Browning Fry, Multi cook, Steam cook, Slow cook, Warm, Auto Steam.
It is a secure model that comes with CETL safety certificate and a digitally programmed steam valve that automatically releases the steam once when cooking is done. Other than the high cost, this model is a great purchase for everyone.
Pros:
- Comes with CETL safety certificate
- There are 11 smart in-built programs
- Constructed with stainless steel and aluminum
- The inner pot comes with cool touch handles
Cons:
- This model is extremely high in price
7. Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD – High-quality Multi-purpose Rice Cooker
Photo: Aroma Housewares
- Capacity: 8 cups
- Weight: 3.6 lbs
This machine from Aroma Housewares is a multi-purpose rice cooker, available in a capacity of 8 cups. This model is pretty suitable for the large families.
The machine has got inner pot and outer frame made of stainless-steel. It is a great model that comes with various accessories like non-stick pot, steamer tray, measuring cup, and a plastic spatula.
It does not have a lot of stunning features or programs but the ones it has, they work pretty well for basic rice cooking. This is like a “set it and forget it” model. The user-friendly digital panel let you operate all the features of this machine conveniently.
It also gives you the option of slow-cooking where you can sauté the vegetables. The lack of fancy features could be a set-back for this product. Also, rice sticks to the stainless-steel inner pot.
Pros:
- This model is quite user-friendly
- It is constructed with quality stainless-steel
- Multi-purpose model available for cooking various vegetables and dishes
Cons:
- Does not have any fancy pre-programmed features
- Rice sticks on the bottom of inner pan
8. Miracle Exclusives ME81 – Rice Cooker with Standard Features
Photo: Miracle Exclusives
- Capacity: 12 cups
- Weight: 5.5 lbs
The Miracle Exclusives is another considerable model for the people with large families as its capacity of 12 cups cooked rice is suitable for such families.
This product is constructed with 304 food grade stainless-steel from the inside and outside. The durability is quite appreciable. There is no Teflon coating on the inner pot.
This is a very basic model that does not have any pre-programmed function. You just have to fill the rice in the cooker and cook it by manually giving the time.
There is a cook to warm mode that you get with this machine. It will keep the food warm for a long time.
It comes with a measuring cup and a rice paddle. Furthermore, it also comes with a year-long warranty. Considering the features of this model, the price is too high. Also, this one does not have any significant or fancy features.
Pros:
- Suitable for big families
- Constructed with food grade quality stainless-steel
- Cook to warm mode to keep food heated for a long time
- Comes with a year-long warranty
Cons:
- Price is too high according to the features
- There are no fancy functions in this model
How to Buy the Best Stainless-steel Rice Cooker
Photo: Instant Pot
Actually, buying the best stainless-steel rice cooker is not very competitive. These appliances have specific features that customers can learn about and then while making a purchase, they need to look for these features.
Since these models are made with stainless-steel material, you don’t have to be concerned about them getting oxidized or requiring a lot of maintenance. These are quite durable as well.
1. Capacity & Size
Size and capacity are the first thing that one should consider while purchasing the cooker. Since these products are available in different sizes and capacities, you should make purchase considering your every day need.
If you have a family of 3 – 4 members then you would not need a cooker serving the needs of a family of 10. Size should also be considered critically by the people that have less space in their kitchens.
You can find the capacity of a cooker in a number of cups or quartz. A cooker that has the capacity to inhibit 2 cups of uncooked rice and can cook 7 cups of cooked rice is suitable for a small family.
Always make sure that you are picking the right size. A larger cooker can still suffice but if you have a large family and have bought a smaller cooker then it is completely worthless.
With all the products recommended above, we have mentioned the capacity of each model respectively. You can check the capacity of your need and purchase.
2. Features
The cookers that are manufactured these days are 3rd generation cookers that can be used for variable purposes. Some of the common features that you can find in these appliances are:
Programmable Functions: There are various programmable functions such as cooking different type of rice items in one cooker.
Some common options available in these appliances are soup, meat/stew, poultry, sauté, simmer, porridge, slow cook, yogurt, pressure cooking, etc.
These are some common programmable functions that you get with the smart cookers. These functions can be operated through the buttons on the face of the appliance.
Automatic Keep Warm: This function comes handy for the people that cook earlier in the day to serve the food later. Working people really appreciate this feature as it doesn’t matter when they cook the rice, on the time of serving, rice is served hot and fresh.
3. Accessories
The high-quality stainless-steel rice cookers are given some accessories that are quite useful. Mostly, the kind of accessories that you can expect to be accompanied by the cooker are steam tray, measuring cup, and a serving spoon.
If you have got a measuring cup with the cooker then for accurate proportions, make sure to use that very measuring cup. It will serve the accurate quantity of the rice.
4. Easy to Use and Clean
There is no denying the fact that a cooker with multiple fancy features is the one that will attract you the most. But honestly, a cooker is meant to cater a certain amount of functions only. Its pointless investing your money in an extremely complex cooker.
Make sure that the working of the cooker is easy and that it is serving the prime function of rice making. It is considered to be the best model that gives you single-touch feature of cooking rice without any hassle.
As far as cleaning is concerned, you would want to have the best stainless-steel rice cooker inner pot because it is an inner pot that has to be cleaned in running water. Rest of the appliance can be cleaned with a dry or damp cloth piece.
It is best to invest in the inner pot that does not oxidize and is scratch-free. There is a huge variety available in the inner pots as well. Make sure to invest in the right material.
Conclusion
The purpose of stainless-steel rice cooker review is to suggest you the best appliances on the market. In this review, we have mentioned all the leading models that have ruled the hearts of the customers.
You will find all these cookers quite promising in performance and durable enough to cater your family for many years to come. Pick any of the models referred above safe purchase.
The buying guide will help you in assessing the best stainless-steel rice cooker of your choice.