8 Best Stainless Steel Rice Cooker of 2022 (Buying Guide)

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Ever since the rice cooker was introduced to the market, cooking rice has become so much easier and enjoyable. It now takes far less time and hassles to prepare a good rice meal that will satisfy the cravings of your loved ones.

More so, with the best stainless steel rice cooker, you can also cook dishes such as vegetables, eggs, and even meat.

However, just as it is with any other kitchen appliance, the market is flooded with these types of cookers, which can leave you feeling overwhelmed when making a buying decision.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you buy from my link I might make a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay. See the full affiliate disclosure here.

In this article, I will try to cover everything (or at least the key information) you need to know about choosing a rice cooker. This includes the top 8 stainless steel rice cookers to choose from, the key features or specifications to look out for, and the benefit of each product as well as the downsides.

If all these sound nice to you, then continue reading.

Contents

8 Best Stainless Steel Rice Cooker Reviews

After putting in a lot of time into research and testing, I was finally able to put together a list of some of the best rice cookers in the market. Without wasting any more time, let’s hit the review!

1. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker with Stainless Steel Inner Pot: Best Overall

To kick off this list is what is arguably the best overall electric rice cooker out there – the Instant Pot DUO60. This multi-cooker has earned a top spot in the industry, and there are two things that are mainly responsible for this – the incredible speed of the cooker and its 7-in-1 cooking function.

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Now, to be more specific, with the DUO60, you don’t only get a rice cooker but also a slow cooker, a yogurt maker, a warmer, a steamer, a pressure cooker, and a sauté pan – that’s seven functions in a single appliance.

Not only that, but the cooker can also be used to keep the food warm until you’re ready to serve it. However, I strongly advise not to leave the device in warm mode for too long as there’s a huge chance of burning the bottom layer of your rice.

As I mentioned earlier, the DUO60 is superfast at its job, up to 70 percent faster than many standard cookers, which makes it an ideal choice for people with a busy lifestyle.

The slim body construction is made from food-grade stainless steel, which includes a 3-ply bottom inner pot that distributes heat uniformly and a brushed exterior that is fingerprint-resistant. Lid holders are provided both on the right and left sides. The cooker also operates quietly and doesn’t have any steam leak.

There are three sizes you can choose from depending on needs – these include 5, 6, and 8 Qt. The features are basically the same regardless of the size. So, you have nothing to worry about.

The oven is also equipped with a simple control panel from where you can easily access most functions by just pressing a button.

However, since the appliance has numerous features, it is very easy to get lost in the heat of things. So, you might encounter a learning curve, but once you get used to the unit, you will enjoy using it.

  • Good
  • Easy to clean
  • Comes with plenty of recipes
  • Advanced safety features
  • Highly versatile
  • Offers up to 14 controlled programs
  • Fast cooking
  • Bad
  • Might take a while to learn for beginners

2. Aroma Stainless Steel Rice Cooker Simply 3-Cup: Budget Pick

If you’re looking to save money, then you will hardly find a better option than the Aroma Simply Stainless Rice Cooker. Like the previous model, the Aroma Simply is outfitted with an inner pot made of a healthy food grade 304 stainless steel, which ensures no leftover is glued to the pot after cooking.

Aroma Simply 3-Cup Stainless Steel Rice CookerBottom of Form

As the name suggests, the device is designed to cook up to three cups of uncooked rice, which is equivalent to six cups of cooked rice. This makes it a great choice for small to medium-sized households.

However, to keep food warm, the cooker has to remain connected to electricity, which might not always be convenient for some people.

The cooker handles are plastic, which is not surprising, while the cover is made of glass. Also, there isn’t much to do in terms of operation. All you need do is fill the pot with water and rice, then press the handle to switch on the appliance.

Interestingly, the cooker automatically changes over to WARM mode once the rice is done. It will remain this way as long as the device is still connected to electricity.

Also, it is important to note that the cooker is not dishwasher safe. However, the inner pot is removable, which makes it easy to clean.

Thankfully, the unit is supplied with its own serving spatula and measuring cup, so you don’t need to worry about purchasing these separately.

  • Good
  • Reliable quality
  • Easy to operate
  • No monitoring required
  • Comes with rice spatula and measuring cup
  • Affordable price
  • Bad
  • Doesn’t offer steamer option

3. Tatung Stainless Steel Rice Cooker TAC-11KN(UL): Premium Pick

Tatung might not be a well-known brand, but there’s no denying that their multi-functional stainless steel cooker is one of the best out there. While it’s priced above many standard cookers, it comes with a lot of interesting features that justify the extra money. This is why it’s our best premium pick.

Tatung - TAC-11KN(UL) Multi-Functional Rice Cooker

The TAC-11KN comes with a classic design that should easily blend into any modern kitchen setup and a range of functions that should satisfy your cooking needs. It has the ability to cook up to 11 cups of uncooked rice, which makes it an ideal choice for serving large households as well as social gatherings.

Unlike the previous model we reviewed, this one comes with a steamer option making it versatile. This enables you to cook healthier and tastier dishes such as steamed veggies, seafood, and various kinds of rice, amongst others. The appliance is also fitted with handles that make it safe and easier to carry.

As earlier indicated, the cooker is made of high-quality food-grade stainless steel (18/8) both for the outer and inner pot. In other words, you can expect the appliance to last you a long time without losing its shine.

Besides cooking and steaming, the TAC-11KN offers two more cooking modes – frying and stew making – making it even more versatile. It also has a warm mode, which helps to preserve your food after cooking until you’re ready to serve it.

Also supplied with the cooker is a spatula, measuring cup, inner pot lid, and a steam plate.

  • Good
  • Uses indirect heating technology for even heating
  • Easy to clean (non-stick interior)
  • Automatic warming
  • Multiple cooking modes
  • Great for big families
  • Bad
  • Pricey

4. Zojirushi Stainless Steel Rice Cooker NHS-18 10-Cup

If you’ve been in the market for a while, the chances are that you’ve heard about Zojirushi rice cooker or even used one of their products before. This is a reputable brand well-known for making high-quality and durable cooking appliances. The NHS-18 rice cooker is one of such products.

Zojirushi NHS-18 10-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker

Built with high-quality materials, the Zojirushi NHS-18 is one best electric rice cooker with stainless steel inner pot available in the market right now. Like most units, it is supplied with a serving spatula and measuring cup.

You will be glad to know that the rice spatula and inner cooking pan are non-stick, which allows for easy food removal and cleaning.

The cooker is available in three sizes – 10-cup, 6-cup, and 3-cup. Thus, you can select one that meets your family size.

Operating the cooker is simple. To start cooking, all that is required is a button push. The appliance will automatically switch to warm mode after the cooking phase is complete. Interestingly, the handle remains cool, all the while making it safe to use. You don’t have to worry about incurring burns.

Another thing I like about this unit is that the lid is transparent (made of glass). This makes it easy for what is happening inside the cooker without removing the lid. Unfortunately, rice measurement can only be done with the measuring cup provided. This means you will have a hard time measuring rice if the cup gets lost.

Overall, I find this cooker a great bargain for its price. The mere fact that it’s listed by UL makes it highly reliable. I can’t recommend this enough.

  • Good
  • Fast cooking
  • Detachable cord
  • Automatic “keep warm†mode
  • Available in three size options
  • Transparent glass lid
  • Bad
  • Rice measurement would be difficult if the cup got lost

5. OYAMA Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Inner Pot (16 Cup Cooked) (8 Cup UNCOOKED)

The next item on the list is one from a well-respected brand – the OYAMA Stainless Steel Rice Cooker.

OYAMA Stainless 16-Cup (Cooked) (8-Cup UNCOOKED) Rice Cooker

This is an 8-cup (uncooked) capacity cooker that consists of a stainless steel pot and steamer tray. In other words, besides cooking rice, you can also use it for steaming. The stainless steel material used here is a surgical grade (304), which makes it safe for food preparation and consumption.

Like the other models we’ve considered so far, it is easy to use. To access its cooking features, all it requires is a one-touch button push. It also has a “keep warm” mode, which automatically turns on when the food is done cooking.

In addition, the cooker comes with a tempered glass lid, which allows you to look inside while the food is cooking. A steamer tray is also provided with the appliance. Other accessories include measuring cup and rice paddle.

Overall, this is a decent cooker that offers more than what you get with a standard option. I have no doubt you will get good value for your money.

  • Good
  • One-touch operation
  • Comes with steamer option
  • Reasonable pricing
  • Easy to clean and operate
  • Equipped with accessories
  • Tempered glass lid
  • Bad
  • Thin rice cooker inner pot might begin to chip after a while
  • Often splatters while cooking

3 Best Premium (Professional) Rice Cooker

These below fall into the pricey line of cookers. Check them out to find out why do they demand more from your pocket and whether the extra cash is justified or not.

1. Cuckoo Induction Rice Cooker CRP-JHVR1009F

If you don’t mind spending extra on a unit with the professional quality that can cook almost anything, then you should consider the Cuckoo CRP-JHVR1009F pressure cooker.

So why is this worth considering?

Cuckoo CRP-JHVR1009F Multifunctional Electric Induction Rice Cooker

First, it comes with an x-wall stainless steel inner bowl, which ensures even heat distribution and helps to maintain optimum temperature. This ensures that your rice is cooked perfectly every time.

On the outside is a non-stick layer that is scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Here you will find a press button that you only need to touch once to release the lid. Isn’t that cool?

Like I said earlier, with this cooker, you get access to some cool programmable features you will hardly find in many similar units. These include 14 cooking functions with LCD display, voice navigation, and fuzzy logic technology, to mention a few.

Voice navigation is available in three languages – English, Chinese, and Korean. Interestingly, the cooker also has the ability to identify the grain type, cook time, and even temperature – all these are possible through its smart cooking algorithm, which identifies the grain type and tweaks temperature and time accordingly.

All these features don’t only make the appliance smarter but also faster. Safety is not left out as the cooker is also outfitted with a lid locking device, an alarm system, and automatic temperature control.

Overall, I find this pressure cooker, both cool and useful. Though expensive, I believe it’s worth the bill.

  • Good
  • Voice navigation
  • Automatic cleaning setting
  • Easy to clean
  • Clear LED display
  • Bad
  • Large footprint

2. Cuckoo Electric Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker

Next up is another wonderful electric induction rice cooker from Cuckoo. Yes, this is the second product from the same company, but I only choose to include it because it deserves the spot.

Cuckoo Electric Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker

This one also comes with most of the programming functions found in the Cuckoo CRP-JHVR1009F. Some of these include intelligent cooking algorithms, fuzzy logic technology, auto steam clean, x-wall coating, voice navigation, and so on.

The x-wall layer, which forms the inner pot, consists of premium quality 304(18/10) stainless steel and core base made of aluminum. Also, the cooking pot is non-stick, which makes it easy and fast to clean.

With the auto steam clean feature, the cooker is able to carry out self-cleaning on the interior. All that is required is a simple button push.

Like the previous product, this is a 10-cup rice cooker with 19 pre-programmed cooking options. You can cook anything from sushi rice to chicken soup and even make your own yogurt.

All these you can do with so much convenience as the appliance is very easy to use.

In addition, the cooker features a double layer cover packing to completely seal the pot inside so there won’t be any stem leakage. You can also detach the cover lid whenever you want to clean the cooker to make things easier.

  • Good
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Built with safety in mind
  • Can be connected to android device
  • Cool programmable functions
  • Fast cooking
  • Bad
  • Nothing noteworthy

3. Tiger Stainless Steel Rice Cooker JKT-S10U-K IH

To round off this list is one of the more popular models from Tiger Corporation – the JKT-S10U-K IH Rice Cooker. Don’t be deceived by its name, this unit does more than just cooking rice.

Tiger JKT-S10U-K IH Rice Cooker

From cooking vegetables and stew to baking bread, there’s so much you can do with this appliance. In fact, you can make an entire meal in a single cycle.

Like most of the units we’ve reviewed above, this cooker offers more than one cooking function. These include bread, baking, brown rice cooking, slow cooking, and so on. In fact, there are up to 11 computerized cooking menus.

I find the slow cook function pretty cool as it allows the cooker to maintain a low heat temperature for up to 3 days, which is definitely a big plus, especially for an oven that does many things.

Also, there is the synchro-cooking function that allows you to cook rice together with some other dish, thus saving you time. Moreover, the cooker comes with a detachable inner pan with a grip handle that makes it easy to carry around.

Overall, it won’t be out of point to say the Tiger JKT-S10U is more than just an average cooker since most regular rice cookers do only one thing, which is to cook rice.

  • Good
  • Perfect rice cooking
  • Multiple cooking functions
  • Automatic warming
  • Cool handle
  • Comes with a cookbook
  • Bad
  • A bit expensive

What to Look for Before Buying Rice Cooker

Stainless Steel Rice Cooker Buying Guide

As earlier indicated, there are several brands and makes of rice cookers in the market, which makes choosing a big decision. In other words, to find a unit that will match your needs, there are certain things you need to look out for. Let’s quickly go through them.

Cooking Capacity

More than anything, you need to choose a cooker with a capacity that matches the size of your family. Buying a 3-cup unit when you have a lot of people in the house means you will have to cook more than once every time to have enough to go round.

You don’t want this. So, before putting out your money for any unit, first, you need to resolve the number of people you will be cooking for.

Thus, for a household with few people, a cooker with 3-cup capacity will do. But for a large family, you will need a cooker with a higher capacity, such as 6-cup or even 10-cup depending on the number of persons.

Construction

Another thing you need to consider when choosing a rice maker is the material it’s made from, especially the inner pot. Ideally, you want something made of high-quality materials that ensure quick and even heat distribution and will last for a long time.

A good example is stainless steel. Some cookers might come with a non-stick layer to make cleaning easier.

Accessories

Besides the rice cooker, you should also lookout for the type of accessories it comes with. The more common accessories you will likely need include steam tray, spatula, and measuring cup.

Some newer models might also come with WIFI or Bluetooth, which allow remote access and control. I don’t think this is a must-have, but it’s still a nice feature.

Programming Functions

If you’re looking for a stainless steel cooker that would do more than just cook rice, then you need to pay attention to the programming features. Some of these include multi-cooking functions, temperature adjustment, timer function, warm mode, pre-set programs, and so on.

Believe me, using a multi-purpose programmable cooker is a lot more convenient and cost-saving.

Budget

Finally, you should consider how much you’re willing to spend. Rice cookers come in various price ranges, ranging from very simple models that only cook rice to premium options that can cook various types of dishes.

Cookers with more advanced features tend to be much more expensive than those that have only basic functions. The chances are that you will always find something that suits your budget.

Conclusion

There’s so much you stand to gain from using a rice cooker. Imagine being able to cook rice perfectly – no chances of overcooking or undercooking it.

Personally, I have never gone back to the traditional way of doing things ever since I started using a cooker, and I have no doubt you will feel the same way. It will save you a lot of time and effort.

Hopefully, you now know how to choose the best stainless steel rice cooker. If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to drop it in the comment section below.

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