Best Mini Rice Cooker 2021
When it comes to diets with Carbs then rice is one of the most used sources. There is a diversity of rice dishes that can be prepared. But preparing rice dishes isn’t as easy it looks. In most cases, we cannot overlook the importance of the best mini rice cooker just because it’s very portable to use at times
Quantities of different ingredients don’t turn out exactly as is probably expected. These issues can be resolved efficiently using a rice cooker.
Rice cooker appliances are commonly used due to their efficacy in preparing a myriad of other dishes apart from rice such as fish, pasta, soup, steaming veggies, etc. But buying the best rice cooker is also a daunting task because there is a diversity of models and brands in the market.
You need to make a thorough research to come up with a decent purchase. To facilitate your research, we have created a list of the top ten best mini rice cookers that can help you to build your understanding of what you really want. Here’s our top ten rice cooker.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.5 x 16 inches
- Weighs: 2.86 pounds
- Capacity: 2-cups
- Color: pink
- Material: plastic and metal
Dash DRCM200GBPK04 Mini Rice Cooker is the perfect product for smaller servings especially for students or two persons. Users don’t need to vex for making breakfast lunch, dinner, snacks, or whatever.
The compact size of the cooker renders it best for any size of the kitchen. PFOA-free nonstick and dishwasher-safe make it easy to clean. This is the best compact rice cooker.
This product is efficient enough to suffice all these tasks. Moreover, this is the best mini rice cooker for traveling on a trip, hiking, or whatever is enticing for you outdoor.
Apart from rice cooking, users can also prepare a diversity of other meals such as pasta, soup, quinoa, stew, oatmeal, and even steamy veggies. If you are looking to prepare fried rice with veggies, then this cooker will be one of the ultimate conveniences.
The best part of the cooker is to turn it off automatically when cooking is done. This special feature hinders foods from overcooking or overheating. All the ingredients remain intact as required and offer you moist and fluffy rice to adore the dining table.
The meal can be kept warm for hours due to the ‘keep warm’ feature. Its compact design and great features turn it resistive to become rice sticky even after keeping it in warm mode. Dash DRCM200GBPK04 is also the best mini rice cooker for traveling.
Pros:
- Automatic turn-off function when rice cooking is done.
- Rice remains warm and fluffy due to warm function.
- Compact design renders it easy for smaller kitchens.
Cons:
- Spilling of water when boils.
- The glass lid is underwhelming.
2. Oyama 3 Cup (uncooked rice) Traditional Rice Cooker
Specifications
- Dimensions: 8 x 10 x 9 inches
- Weighs: 2.5 pounds
- Capacity: 3 cups
- Color: white
- Material: Aluminum and steel
Oyama 3 Cup is a traditional piece of rice cooker that weighs only 2.5 rendering it easy to take wherever you are going either on hiking or beach.
Its 3 cups uncooked rice capacity is enough to serve four people because the size gets doubled when the rice is cooked. Its average size enables it to occupy the least space on the counter.
Durability and ease to clean become convenient due to the use of stainless steel material on its exterior. It fits well into the décor of a kitchen due to its stainless steel design in white color. Moreover, its design imparts a more elegant look.
For cooking, you just need to put rice in the pot, water and forget worrying about the process. Its automatic function will turn it off when the cooking is done. All these processes save your time and efforts that can be used on other positive things.
Steaming veggies or soaking are even easier due to the steaming tray. This is a valuable purchase in a small rice steamer. ‘Keep warm’ turns on automatically when the cooking is done to keep rice with the steam for hours.
Easy cleaning, keep warm feature, automatic turn off the function, and many others render it an awesome pack of facilities in smaller space covering.
Pros:
- Stainless steel material imparts durability and rust-free longevity.
- Automatic turn-off feature when cooking is done.
- Automatic switching to ‘keep warm’ mode after coking.
- Minimum time taking up to 20-25 minutes for rice cooking.
Cons:
- Sometimes ‘keep warm’ mode switch on even before cooking.
3. Aroma Housewares Select Stainless Rice Cooker
Specifications
- Dimensions: 8.2 x 8.1 x 10.3 inches
- Weighs: 4.1 pounds
- Color: ARC-753SG
- Material: Steel
If you are looking for an item concerning features and multipurpose performances, then Aroma Housewares is a valuable purchase to serve your purposes.
This is best to serve smaller to medium families. The inner pot is made of 100% surgical-grade stainless steel. Its stainless steel built leaves its durability and longevity of consistent performance doubtless.
Maximum time non-stick pots get scratched and peel due to heavy usage, but you don’t need to worry about this item because the 304-grade stainless steel pot is used in its construction.
Inner pot can also be removed rendering the process of cleaning handy. Six types of different meals are handy to prepare using a single appliance. White rice, brown rice, oatmeal, pasta, omelets, etc. are easy and fast to prepare.
It’s one touch system that renders the situation quite comfortable for the users. You can prepare rice dishes easily in 15-20 minutes without employing your efforts and wasting time.
This is a worthy item to adore your dining table. This is a remarkable quality mini electric rice cooker.
Pros:
- Multi-function programs to enable the best rice cooking experience.
- Easy and fast cooking in 20 minutes.
- The inner pot is durable and stainless steel 304-grade.
- Automatic turn on ‘keep warm’ mode.
Cons:
- Sticky rice to the bottom of the pot.
- Unplugging from the power is necessary to turn it off.
4. Aroma Housewares 8-Cup (Cooked) (4-Cup UNCOOKED) Digital Rice Cooker
Specifications
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 9.3 x 8.7 inches
- Weighs: 4.2 pounds
- Color: White
- Material: Steel
If you are looking for a rice cooker that can serve from smaller to family purposes, then Aroma Housewares 8-Cup should be your purchase. This mini rice cooker review will tell you how efficient it is to serve our dining purposes.
Restaurant-quality rice dishes can be served using this programmable digital cooker. So, now adorning your dining table on lunch and dinner is just handy and fast without spending much time and effort.
White and brown rice dishes can be prepared using this appliance. This can also be used for making dishes like oatmeal, chili, soups, and much more. The steaming tray makes it even easier to steam veggies and meats.
You don’t need to stay there with the appliance for stirring or monitoring. Instead, the whole process will be done in the pot automatically. You can use your efforts and time on other productive tasks.
The appliance will automatically turn off when cooking is done. It will switch to the ‘keep warm’ function to keep the rice moist and fluffy. Time control can delay up to 15-hour whenever you want to serve.
Its design and color can suit the décor of any room. It could be bigger in size but still great to serve smaller to medium size. Inner non-stick pot makes cleaning convenient. Overall, it worth every penny.
Pros:
- Easy for steamy veggies and meats.
- No room for waster splashing due to the perfect closed lid.
- Time control can be delayed to 15-hour.
- Automatic switch on to ‘keep warm’ mode.
- Multi-programmable digital product.
Cons:
- No handle to carry a pot.
- The non-stick surface is underwhelming built
5. Small Electric Rice Cooker Food Steamer 5 Cup Mini Rice Maker
Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.09 x 9.45 x 9.29 inches
- Weighs: 4.44 pounds
- Material: Silver
- Capacity: 5 cups
Time-saving is one of those primary reasons to buy a rice cooker that can facilitate users in their busiest schedules. Nobody can afford to stay active for long to prepare food.
What if somebody tells you that food can be prepared in 20 minutes, then what would you do? You are hearing very right. Small Electric Rice Cooker is smaller in size but good enough to adore your kitchen with the lowest efforts and dining table with delicious meals.
Unlike many other cookers, it has a lesser effect on the taste of food. If you are looking to spend the least time on cooking, they should purchase it. It is good for smaller to medium servings. This rice cooker serves the best regards for multipurpose menus.
You can cook a diversity of food items such as oatmeal, white/brown rice, sweet rice, mixed rice, and much more. The steaming tray is good for steam veggies and eggs.
‘Keep warm’ function is best for those who delay their mealtime. This function turns on automatically and remains active for 12 hours maintaining the optimal temperature.
Cleaning is easy due to dishwasher-safe. Overall, this is a good product and worth every single penny. This is the most suitable rice cooker for 1 person.
Pros:
- Rice can be cooked in 20 minutes through the quick-cooking function.
- Myriad cooking options are available for cooking rice.
- Steam veggies, eggs, fishes, etc. are handy to cook.
- ‘Keep warm’ function operable for 12 hours.
- The inner pan is made of stainless steel.
Cons:
- The paddle is made of lower-quality plastic.
6. Zojirushi NP-NVC10 Induction Heating Pressure Cooker
Specifications
- Dimensions: 15.4 x 10.1 x 8.6 inches
- Weighs: 13 pounds
- Color: Stainless Brown
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 1 liter
- Wattage: 1240 watts
Zojirushi is a brand known for kitchen appliances. Zojirushi NP-NVC10 is one of their best products to adore dining tables with delicious, tasty, and spicy meals that are handy to prepare due to modernly advanced features.
Maximum features built-in product are of modern inventions. Its powerful and highly advanced features garner it a place in the list of top products. Its unique body design renders it quite different from other products.
Zojirushi is built-in multipurpose functions to cook meals such as rice, sushi, sweet rice, and many other rice varieties that can be cooked to their heat, pressure, etc. requirements accordingly.
Steaming or soaking time can be set according to requirements of extended tastes of foods such as meats, aged cheeses, etc. Clock and delay timer are available to operate conveniently for different purposes accordingly.
This process makes steaming or soaking handy. Its size is good enough to serve 2 persons. Higher wattage power of 1240 watts makes hard ingredients to cook easy. Connecting source power required is 120 volts.
Steam can be reduced up to 50%. Reheat function to rewarm and automatic keep-warm render tasks easier. Overall, the product is worthy to adore kitchens. Zojirushi NP-NVC10 is the best small rice steamer.
Pros:
- Easy to operate and multipurpose control panel.
- Extremely durable due to stainless steel built.
- Cooking functions for cooking multi-menus.
- Higher power.
Cons:
- No charging system is provided.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 14 x 10.1 x 8.5 inches
- Weighs: 9.75 pounds
- Wattage: 610 watts
- Color: Stainless Brown
- Material: Steel
- Capacity: 1 L/day
Japan is famous for its technological hacks in every field of life. In kitchen appliances, if you know how good Japanese rice cookers are, then you should try this one. Zojirushi NS-TSC10 is built-in diversity of awesome features at an affordable rate.
This is a perfect rice cooker for those who are quite regular to prepare rice. You can cook a diversity of dishes such as mixed rice, sweet rice, white/brown rice, sushi, fried rice, and many. Its diversity to prepare multiple dishes turns it into a genius product.
Microprocessor and ‘fuzzy logic’ technology control maximum operations such as temperature, pressure, and cooking time considering the style of cooking. ‘Fuzzy logic’ technology also avoids factors humidity and temperature to come up with perfect results.
So, you don’t need to worry even if you forget that you were cooking something. The ‘keep warm’ function automatically turns on when the cooking is done. Steam of rice can be held for 24 hours. Reheat function helps you to rewarm a meal when you want to eat it.
Two preset timers 8 hours and 16 hours can help you to make your rice ready whenever you come home. Overall, Zojirushi NS-TSC10 is one of the most suitable items to adore your kitchen. This is the best mini electric rice cooker.
Pros:
- ‘Fuzzy logic’ cooking technology is used.
- LCD control panel.
- Diversity of food items can be prepared.
- Stainless steel is used on the exterior to impart durability.
- Reheat function and ‘keep warm’ to operate automatically as the cooking is done.
- The power cord is retractable.
Cons:
- Takes more time cooking than conventional cookers.
Specifications
- Dimensions 14.8 x 13.18 x 10.4 inches
- Weighs 10.14 Pound
- Dishwasher Safe
- Capacity: 8 Quart
1-Instant pot 7 in 1 Mini is an advancingly built and modern cooker to perform the cooking process in a myriad of features for multi-purposes. Pressure or slow-cooking dishes such as rice, sushi, etc. are easy to prepare. The myriad of features makes cooking easier for many.
The cooker is built in seven different features to perform multi-purposes. A control panel is equipped with 14 built-in programs that are easy to use. Dual-pressure and automatic warming features facilitate users to perform cooking with a relaxing mind.
The time control feature enables the user to delay cooking time to 24-hours. Users can also set the time manually up to 24-hours. It can also perform as a pressure cooker rendering hard ingredient tasks handy.
Higher pressure will increase the boiling point and the provision of a high amount of heat will be ensured. Rice, sushi, etc. are just handy to prepare. The cooking manual is provided in four different languages i.e. English, Chinese, Spanish, and French.
Stainless steel cooking pot and rack with a handle made of stainless steel are also included in the item. It operates at higher wattage of 1200-watts. The voltage pattern is different for North America 110 volts and Europe 220-240 volts.
Technical features and body design garner it one of the best stands in our list of best rice cookers. Overall, 1-Instant pot 7 is an intriguing product to adore our kitchens.
Pros:
- Seven compelling programs.
- Phenomenal time controlling features.
- 14 built-in programs to operate in more facilitating ways.
- Cooking timetable offered in four different languages.
Cons:
- No battery for charging.
9. Instant Pot LUX Mini 3 Qt 6-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable Pressure Cooker
Specifications
- Dimensions: 11.5 x 10.51 x 10.5 inches
- Weighs: 8.5 pounds
- Color: Silver
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 2.8 liters
Are you looking for a single item to operate a diversity of cooking functions and rendering a lessened space coverage in your kitchen? Then LUX mini 3 is the best suitable choice to adore your kitchen covering less space on the counter and serving your dining table with healthy and delicious foods.
Myriad of functions such rice cooker, pressure cooker, saute, slow cooker, warmer, and steamer are all built-in one single item. The latest 3rd gen microprocessor technology is used to fast the cooking process two to six times quicker than basic cookers.
Fast operation garners it a stand of energy-efficient. Temperature and pressure are monitored, time sets, heating intensity is adjusted, and duration, etc. are all performed through the microprocessor. Volumes of food are also assessed to offer delicious and consistent cooking results.
A myriad of cooking options can be operated as ten cooking options such as meat, soup, pressure cooking, slow cooking, etc. Dedicated egg program renders egg in soft, medium, or hard shape as required just in few minutes. A ‘24-hour delay’ timer enables users to plan as the mealtime.
‘Keep warm’ feature promptly switch on when the cooking is done. No need to worry about losing any nutrients, aromas, etc. due to the perfect seal lid. Stainless steel renders it a durable stand. Overall, it worth every penny. This is a good small rice cooker.
Pros:
- 3rd gen microprocessor fasts the cooking process intensely.
- Myriad cooking functions.
- Time control can be set up to 24-hours.
- Automatic ‘keep warm mode when the rice is cooked.
- Efficient heat distribution due to 3-ply bottom.
Cons:
- The absorbance of food odors by rubber sealing.
10. Instant Pot DUO Plus 3 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure
Specifications
- Dimensions: 11.5 x 10.2 x 11 inches
- Weighs: 8.8 pounds
- Maximum touch-programs
- Easy User-Interface
- Automatic Seal-lid
If you are looking for a rice cooker to serve smaller to medium families, then Instant Pot DUO Plus 3 is the most suitable purchase for you.
You don’t need to worry about space coverage because this product is efficient enough to serve in 9 in 1 multi-cooker built-up that avoids space of a pressure cooker, steamer, warmer, sterilizer, etc. in one product.
Its 3-quart capacity render smaller servings quite handy. Users can also buy higher capacity options 6 and 8-quart for medium to large servings. Temperature, pressure, timing, and the frequency of cooking are constantly looked after by its 3rd gen microprocessor.
Food volume is pondered automatically and heat is distributed consistently for even cooking. Diversity of foods can be prepared such as eggs can be prepared in a variety of requirements such as half, medium, and hard just in a couple of minutes.
The sterilizing function makes it easier to sterilize milk and utensils. Time control helps to set the timer ‘24-hour delay’ as you plan your mealtime. It automatically turns on the ‘keep warm’ function just after the cooking is done.
Nutrients, flavors, and aromas are trapped in the pan due to the perfect seal lid. 3-ply graded stainless steel renders extreme durability. Overall, Instant Pot DUO is a worthy product to adore kitchens. This is the best portable rice cooker.
Pros:
- Energy-efficient.
- Time control can be set up to 24-hours.
- Built of stainless steel to adore extreme durability.
- Three times faster cooking process due to 3rd gen microprocessor.
- 9 in 1 kitchen appliances in 13 programmable functions.
Cons:
- Food sticks to the bottom of the pot.
- Underwhelming operation for elderly people.
Buying Guide For Best Mini Rice Cooker
A mini rice cooker isn’t a larger investment but still needs to be well researched and understood about your condition and search to buy the most suitable one. Before choosing the best mini rice cooker, consider few things to come up with a valuable purchase.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is one of the reasons behind purchasing a mini rice cooker. Some cookers come with non-stick that turns the cleaning process easier. If the large handler is used then picking large sizes and lifting when it’s full get convenient.
A removable cord is also a valuable facility to remove it and store it in the cabinet. Control panel is another addition that could also be a facilitation if operations are well labeled and easy to understand. Dishwasher-safe can make the process of cleaning quite easier.
Price
Rice cooker will be cheaper if capacity and functionality are simpler. Mini rice cookers are smaller in size that render them cheaper. You can even buy in 15 to 25 dollars.
If you are looking to cook only white rice, then you can buy a decently built cooker from $15 to $50. But if you are looking for a cooker that can suffice the situation for cooking a diversity of rice dishes, then investing in a smart rice cooker will be great.
You can compare different models from different brands for their features and accessories to get an idea about how often and how efficiently you can cook. You will get an overview of what could be best for you.
You should also consider that a cheaper mini rice cooker may not be durable enough to serve for months or years. So, whenever you are going to buy a mini rice cooler go with the price factor your use accordingly.
Durability
It is observed that high-end cookers serve longer than the cheaper ones. Mid-level brands also offer appliances that can last for years. Whenever you are going to buy a rice cooker, don’t go with the advertised durability. Check reviews from customers as well because they show you the practical picture of that purchase. For buying a mini rice cooker, you can even go for the cheapest that could also last for a year.
Brand
Choosing a brand is an important factor to render your purchase service longer. If you are convinced to buy and use products of a certain brand, then it’s great.
There is a diversity of brands in the market and there will also be those about you haven’t even heard. They could be of lower price and you end up buying.
Few best brands produce high-quality models from smaller and middle to higher capacity such as Oyama, Aroma, Zojirushi, Instant Pot, etc. These are the most famous brands in the market. Choose the brand of your mini rice cooker wisely.
FAQs
Why use a rice cooker to cook rice?
Sometimes cooking rice becomes hectic for expert cookers too. Some people are not good at cooking rice on the stovetop. It always takes time to prepare something relishing to your taste.
Same way, few efforts, and tricks can save the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan or avoid vexing of burning. Rice cookers lessen the cooking time and take guess performance out of the context.
You only need to put all ingredients in the pot and free yourself from any budge of looking for the preparation. You don’t need to worry about setting the temperature. There will be nothing that sticks to the bottom avoiding the vexation of time on cleaning.
What are the different types of rice cookers?
There is a diversity of rice cookers available in the market according to everyone’s needs. Basic models are electric or conventional. They automatically turn off when cooking is done. Most cookers offer rice of perfect serving even after hours of the cooking process.
Cookers could be advanced or digital. This cooker includes a microprocessor and programmable features. Time and heat settings are turned according to the style of cooking. Inductive Heating cooker for rice making operates on advanced technology.
They are capable to set heat and timing more efficiently than basic rice cookers. This results in better tasty rice. Some rice cookers use pressure to enhance the efficiency and fastness of the cooking process. Steam pressure processes the whole situation.
Why does inner pan coating peel?
There are multiple reasons behind pan coating peeling. If the sharp utensils are used inside the pan, then the coating may peel.
Moisture can penetrate through the coating if ‘keep warm’ functions remains on for more than 12 hours. It can be remedied by avoiding use of salts, butter, oil, or vinegar, etc. in the pan.
Gaskets are also used in many models on the outer lid to hold water during cooking. Keep rinsing and wiping it dry to use it for a longer period.
What is the cause of rice becoming crispy when using keep warm mode?
Keep warm mode turns rice crispier due to steam leakage of a foreign matter. If the thermal insulation comes under the minimum heat retention, then refer to the lowest number in the inner pan.
Rice will become crispier too when reheating is done more than three times. This could probably be caused by the overuse of the heater plate. If the issue continues to proceed then ask customer service for help.
Is it okay to use rinse-free rice?
Dust can remain on the rice after the milling process. Soaking for 30-40 minutes would be reasonable to remove it. Silicon mat would be great to use to avoid scorching.
Conclusion
A rice cooker is one of those technologically advanced hacks that minimize the level of effort and time to the lowest level in preparing a diversity of meals. Its versatility and design make it enticing to the décor of kitchens.
It can be of great help for those who are not familiar to prepare rice and other dishes on the stovetop. Rice novices and other cooks will be efficiently purported to both money and time-saving.
If you are looking to buy a mini rice cooker for your personal use or smaller to medium servings, then follow our list of top rice cookers, buying guide, and FAQs to have the privilege of rendering your search valuable.
