Rice Cookers: Expert and User Reviews

Our AssessmentFine Cooking editors test five high-end fuzzy logic rice cookers, cooking a full pot and a single cup of long-grain white rice, as well as three cups of brown rice. They test quick-cooking cycles and modes for sushi and sweet rice. The quality of the rice is their only criterion. Editors call the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-ZCC10 the best all-around model, while the Sanyo Micro-Computerized Rice Cooker/Steamer is named a Best Buy. The Tiger Electric Rice Cooker AG-B10U is the only model that offers a function to toast the bottom layer of the rice. Editors do not rate the Aroma Sensor-Logic Rice Cooker ARC-896 or the Elite Pro Fuzzy Logic Rice Cooker B601T, presumably because of inadequate performance.

Our AssessmentThe anonymous author of this article recommends six rice cookers, each the best in their class, and says users should opt for the lowest-priced model that meets their needs. The Panasonic SR-G06FG is the least expensive, but isn't recommended for brown rice and doesn't have a keep-warm function. Other models from Panasonic, Sanyo and Zojirushi have more options, but cost more. The author says that expensive fuzzy logic cookers are best suited for people who eat rice every day.

Our AssessmentAfter testing 76 countertop appliances, Food & Wine magazine lists winners, runners-up and honorable mentions in several categories, including rice cookers. However, not much is said about testing methods, and we don't know how many models were considered before editors chose the winners. Rice cookers from Zojirushi, Panasonic, Proctor Silex and Krups make the list. A brief description of each is included.

Our AssessmentFine Cooking magazine explains that the newest rice cookers can do more than just cook rice -- they can also pressure cook, slow cook, saute and even bake. Five models are listed, each with a brief description, but it isn't clear if any of them were tested.

Our AssessmentThis respected consumer magazine from Australia tests nine rice cookers and fails to find a bad one. Editors note that all but one produced some browning in the bottom of the cooker, with the exception being the Toshiba Electric Rice Cooker/Warmer RC-18LMI. However, the Toshiba isn't sold in the U.S. -- a common problem with the models in this write-up. Still, this review has a very helpful buying tips section.

Our AssessmentThere are more than three dozen rice cookers listed for sale at Target.com, but most only receive one or two reviews, if any. The budget-priced models are reviewed more often than high-end models. Among those with the most reviews, the Rival RC61, Aroma 8-Cup Cool-Touch and Aroma 6-Cup rate the highest overall.

Our AssessmentThis article goes into great detail about how rice cookers work and describes the differences between standard, fuzzy logic and induction rice cookers. Tips for purchasing a rice cooker are included, but specific models are not discussed.