Today, we will give you the fact based reviews about which is the best Small Rice Cooker.
A small rice cooker is a game changer no matter what your living scenario, small apartment, dorm, you cook small batches of rice, or whatever. Smaller yet, easily used these compact rice cooker appliances are made to cook rice perfectly without needing much space.
They are versatile, too, often an ability to cook other stuff like steamed veggies, oatmeal and even some ‘one pot’ dishes.
In this in depth fact based review guide, we will cover the top 5 best small rice cookers on the market and examine the characteristics of each of these small cookers, the pros, cons, and what makes each of these compact cookers special.
Why Use a Small Rice Cooker?
One of the advantages of small rice cookers is for persons or small families. Here are some reasons why they’re worth considering:
1. Compact Size
+Small rice cookers are compact and won’t take up much counter and storage space if you have a small kitchen, RV or dorm room.
2. Energy Efficiency
+The smaller appliances are intended to be used to cook smaller amounts thus using less energy than larger units do. Not only does this do good for your energy bill, it helps the environment too.
3. Easy to Use and Clean
+Small rice cookers are simple to use, and simple to clean, with fewer components and straightforward controls. These have lots of models with inner pots that don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
4. Versatility
+A plethora of small rice cookers can do far more than that. This one can also steam vegetables, cook oatmeal and other simple meals, so this one is a great addition to your kitchen.
- Capacity: 3 cups uncooked rice (6 cups cooked)
- Operation: One-touch operation
- Inner Pot: Non-stick inner cooking pot
- Lid: Glass lid with stay-cool knob
- Dimensions: 9.1” x 7.5” x 7.1”
- Weight: 4 lbs
The Zojirushi NHS-06 is a great, no frills, rice cooker that makes perfectly cooked rice every time. It’s a 3 cup uncooked capacity and is perfect for small households, individuals or couples. It’s easy to use yet intimidating for someone who’s never worked with one before.
This Zojirushi NHS-06 has a see through glass lid, a stay cool handle with a durable non stick inner cooking pot so rice doesn’t stick to the bottom. At 9.1 x 7.5 x 7.1 inches and weighing in at about 4 pounds, it’s sized just right to not take up much room or weigh a lot.
PROS
- Simple one-touch operation
- It’s always perfects the rice every time.
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy cleaning non stick inner pot
- Monitoring through glass lid
CONS
- Lacks a keep-warm function
- No extra cooking options
- Small batch capacity
- Capacity: 3 cups (Uncooked) or 6 cups (cooked)
- Operation: Automatic keep warm (one touch)
- Extras: Simultaneous cooking steam tray
- Dimensions: 8.5” x 9.3” x 9.3”
- Weight: 3.6 lbs
If you have a budget to work with, then the Aroma Housewares ARC-743-1NGR is one of the best small rice cookers on the market. Despite its low price, this 6 cup rice cooker (3 cups uncooked) serves up versatility and functionality.
It comes with a steam tray, and therefore is capable of cooking rice and steaming vegetables or even fish at the same time. The one touch operation makes this model just easy to use.
It also comes with an automatic keep warm function so your rice won’t get cold until you are ready to eat. Removable and dishwasher safe, the non stick inner pot makes for easy cleaning.
PROS
- Affordable and versatile
- Featuring a steam tray for dual cooking
- Automatic keep-warm function
- Dishwasher safe parts, easy to clean
- Lightweight and compact
CONS
- Limited cooking functions
- Lacks (digital display)
- Cook may take a little longer
- Capacity: Maximum amount varies from 3 cups (uncooked rice)
- Functions: A 7-in-1 multi-cooker
- Preset Programs: Sauté, steam, yogurt and more
- Safety: 10+ built-in safety features
- Dimensions: 11.4” x 10” x 11.2”
- Weight: 8.65 lbs
While technically not strictly a rice cooker, the Instant Pot Duo Mini 3-Quart should make the cut because it’s so darn versatile and small. As a 7-in-1 multi cooker, this product is able to work as a rice cooker, steamer, sauté, slow cooker, pressure cooker, yogurt maker and a warming appliance.
If you have a small kitchen, or just simply want an appliance that can handle everything, it’s also got a 3 quart capacity. The Instant Pot Duo Mini has a digital display and preset cooking functions (including one for rice).
This instructor makes up to 3 cups of uncooked rice (6 cups cooked) and is designed to serve a small family or single.
PROS
- Extremely versatile cooking functions
- Compact size (suitable for small kitchens)
- Easy digital display controls
- Pressurised cooking (fast time)
- Cook rice, steam, and sauté all in one device
CONS
- More complex than standard rice cookers
- Optimal function requires a learning curve
- More heavy than other little rice cookers
- Capacity: Makes 6 cups cooked, or 3 cups uncooked
- Technology: Automatic adjustments done in using fuzzy logic
- Cooking Modes: Porridge, white rice, brown rice, and so on
- Keep-Warm Function: Yes
- Dimensions: 10.5” x 8.9” x 7.9”
- Weight: 6.8 lbs
Not only is the Cuckoo CR-0351F a high quality small rice cooker, but it comes with advanced cooking technology and consistent results. It has a 3 cup uncooked capacity and is perfect for couples or small families.
This model contains fuzzy logic technology, and lets you determine cooking time and temperature that are exactly what your rice needs.
The Cuckoo CR-0351F can be programmed to cook for dry beans, slow cook, white rice, brown rice, or porridge. It also has a keep warm function and a non stick inner pot for easy cleaning.
PROS
- Advanced cooking technology
- Versatile multiple cooking modes
- Compact and easy to store
- Certain part of rice stays warm
- Non stick pot, easy to clean
CONS
- Higher priced than basic models
- slightly heavier
- Capacity: Makes 6 cups cooked
- Operation: Keep warm (one touch operation)
- Inner Pot: Non-stick for easy cleaning
- Dimensions: 8” x 8” x 6.5”
- Weight: 2.43 lbs
The BLACK+DECKER RC503 is a little bit of a rice cooker, but a very reliable and all around good one for the size and price (although you do get what you pay for). It measures 3-cup uncooked capacity and is ideal for singles, couples or small families.
All of these features of this camera are made specifically for easy use — it’s one touch. There’s also an automatic keep-warm function so your rice is warm until you’re ready to eat.
With a nonstick inner pot for easy cleaning, tempered glass lid to monitor, an included measuring cup and serving spoon, this rice cooker has all you need.
PROS
- One touch operation (very easy)
- Compact and very light design
- Automatic keep warm function
- Easy to clean (non stick pot)
- Affordable price
CONS
- Limited cooking (basic features)
- No digital controls
- Lacks the capacity to fill large quantities
Conclusion
- Zojirushi NHS-06: For simple, consistent, rice cooking with a bare bones approach.
- Aroma Housewares ARC-743-1NGR: Into bases for loaves and portions, good budget friendly bread that steams.
- Instant Pot Duo Mini 3-Quart: Great base for those who need more than a rice cooker.
- Cuckoo CR-0351F: High quality cooked rice and multiple settings advanced technology.
- BLACK+DECKER RC503: Compact, affordable and easy to use to cook everyday rice.
Small rice cookers such as this are no dud when it comes to reliable performance and versatility, and the cooking capacity means they’re ideal for the small kitchen or singles looking to save space, or even small families.
The right rice cooker will save you both space and time on the kitchen, as well as ensure that you serve up perfectly cooked rice every time.
