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The 9 best rice cookers for perfect fluffy rice every time
We tested 22 models to find the best
Tested by Blossom Boothroyd, Jasmin Joyce and Albert Orech-Achato
Rice is one of the most versatile ingredients in your kitchen cupboard and its simplicity is what makes it so integral to cuisines all over the world. But, as even the best of chefs know, cooking it to perfection can be a challenge.
If you’re sick of mushy, starchy grains or getting it stuck on the sides and bottom of your pan, you may want to consider a rice cooker.
The best rice cookers will produce beautiful, consistent results without any need for supervision, allowing you to crack on with the rest of the meal. Some models will even prepare the whole dish for you. From a colourful, fragrant Spanish paella to a rich, flavourful risotto, dinner times can be transformed with this easy-to-use counter-top appliance.
To help you find the best rice cookers on the market, the Good Housekeeping Institute experts put the leading models to the test. You’ll find their favourites below but scroll on to find out how each one performed in our rigorous testing.
What is the best rice cooker in 2026?
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How we test at the Good Housekeeping Institute
Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we take cooking rice seriously – after all, it’s a mealtime staple so you want to get it just right. To find the very best on the market, we put 23 rice cookers to the test, assessing the performance, ease of use and design of each.
To test their rice prep skills, we cook up white long-grain, brown and basmati rice. We time how long they take to cook the rice and assess the final texture – we don’t want to see any mushiness, chalkiness or scorching on the bottom! We also check for safety features, checking whether the appliance spits while cooking and if the exterior surface gets hot.
Finally, we assess how easy the cooker is to clean, noting whether the pot is dishwasher safe and if there are any sneaky dirt traps.
Russell Hobbs Electric Rice Cooker, Large
Russell Hobbs Electric Rice Cooker, Large
Pros
- Consistent performance across different rice types
- Straightforward controls
- Large capacity of up to 14 servings
Cons
- No timer
Score: 86/100
This affordable buy from Russell Hobbs impressed us with its ability to create fluffy rice of all varieties with the flick of a switch. Simply set it to cook, and when the rice is done (It takes about 20 minutes for white rice), the machine automatically switches to the ‘warm’ setting until you’re ready to serve. Our basmati, long grain and brown rice were well-cooked and tender, with no mushiness or scorching – there was just the faintest bit of browning on our long grain.
While it’s missing extras like a digital timer, you do get a useful rice paddle, measuring cup and steamer basket, so you can steam food above your rice while it cooks. All the non-electrical parts are also dishwasher safe for quick cleaning. It has a huge two-litre capacity, too (that’s up to 14 standard servings of rice), so you can feed a crowd. A simple, reliable pick at a great price.
This rice cooker was assessed using our updated 2026 test protocols. As we re-test the category, some scores may not be directly comparable with older reviews.
Key specifications
| Capacity | 2 litres |
|---|---|
| Time taken to cook 3 cups of basmati rice | 19 minutes |
| Dimensions | H22 x W32 x D25 cm |
| Timer | No |
| Settings | Cook, keep warm |
| Weight | 1.87 kg |
| Accessories | Rice paddle, measuring cup, steamer basket |
Russell Hobbs 19750 Rice Cooker
Russell Hobbs 19750 Rice Cooker
Pros
- Lid handle stays cool during cooking
- Easy to fit and remove the pot from the base
Cons
- Some spitting when cooking brown rice
Score: 85/100
With a generous 1.8-litre capacity, this rice cooker is ideal for busy dinner times. Like the other Russell Hobbs above, it has very straightforward controls and comes equipped with a measuring cup and spatula, as well as a steam tray so you can cook vegetables too.
It produced beautifully fluffy rice every time, and our testers liked that it has a glass lid so you can sneak at a peep every now and again to see how things are progressing.
While it’s not dishwasher-safe, testers found it super easy to clean with a damp cloth, even when given the task of tackling dirt traps around the rim. Another great value model.
Key specifications
| Capacity | 1.8 litres |
|---|---|
| Timer | No |
| Dimensions | H32 x W28 x D24.5 cm |
| Weight | 2.56kg |
| Settings | Cook, keep warm |
| Accessories | Measuring cup, rice paddle, steamer basket |
Instant Rice Cooker and Steamer
Instant Rice Cooker and Steamer
Pros
- Extra slow cook and sauté functions
- Digital countdown timer and delay start
- Large capacity
Cons
- Countdown timer only appears towards the end of the program, making it difficult to plan other elements of your meal
- No handles on the bowl
Score: 83/100
This clever rice cooker assesses the weight of the rice and water, then adjusts the cooking time and temperature to create perfect results every time. This proved effective on test; our rice had a great colour and texture regardless of the type we cooked.
It has lots of handy functions, too. As well as white rice and brown rice settings, you can slow cook and sauté in this model – plus there's a 'CarbReduce' setting that claims to lower the carb content in your rice via a special boiling and steaming process. We tried out the machine's sauté and slow cook functions to create a fantastic French onion soup.
Unlike more basic models, it has a countdown timer (though it only shows towards the end) and a delay start option for planning ahead. Its 2.8-litre capacity makes it a great pick for large families, and the intuitive controls and dishwasher-friendly pot make it easy to use from start to finish.
Key specifications
| Capacity | 2.8 litres |
|---|---|
| Time taken to cook 3 cups of basmati rice | 22 minutes |
| Timer | Yes |
| Dimensions | H21.5 x W27 x D29 cm |
| Weight | 3.62 kg |
| Settings | White rice, brown rice, carbreduce, steam, slow cook, sauté, keep warm |
| Accessories | Measuring cup and rice paddle |
Pros
- Pot is dishwasher safe
- Detailed instructions
Cons
- Long cooking times
- Can be awkward to get the inner pot out as there aren’t any solid grips
Score: 83/100
Not only is this cooker capable of delivering beautifully fluffy rice, but it’s also equipped with functions for slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, baking cake, and making jam… and they worked well, too. When taste-testing slow cooked beef, our expert noted the meat was beautifully cooked down until soft and tender – that’s two thumbs up from us.
When it came to rice, this easy-to-use cooker produced good results with various rice types, although cooking times were very long. For example, our brown rice took 1 hour and 25 minutes to cook, but had a perfectly light and tender texture at the end. It was a similar story across the board – cooking took much longer than boiling rice on the hob.
Thanks to the handy delay timer and 'keep warm' function, though, you can simply plan ahead and ensure your rice will be hot and ready to serve whenever you need it to be.
Key specifications
| Capacity | 5 litres |
|---|---|
| Time taken to cook 3 cups of basmati rice | 55 minutes |
| Timer | Yes |
| Dimensions | H23 x W27 x D31 cm |
| Weight | 4.45 kg |
| Settings | White Rice, Grains, Brown Rice, Steam, Slow Cook, Soup, Saute, Jam/Sauce, Cake, Keep Warm |
| Accessories | Measuring cup and two rice paddles |
Yum Asia Bamboo Rice Cooker
Yum Asia Bamboo Rice Cooker
Pros
- Has lots of accessories, including measuring cup, soup ladle, spatula and steam basket
- Beeps when cooking is finished
Cons
- Wasn’t the best at cooking basmati rice
Score: 81/100
Although not technically a Japanese rice cooker, this model by Yum Asia is based upon Japanese technology that allows it to make microadjustments to the temperature and cooking time.
It’s is a pricier option, but you do get four multi-cooker features for the money, including cake baking and porridge making functions (which you can use for oat porridge or rice congee). It produces fluffy, delicious results with long grain and brown rice – it was just with basmati rice where we found the texture wasn't quite up to scratch.
The handy digital timer shows you how long your rice has left to cook – but if you’re not quite ready to serve when the timer is up, the ‘keep warm’ function will keep it at the perfect temperature. Just bear in mind that it's a large model, so you'll need sufficient storage and countertop space.
Key specifications
| Capacity | 1.5 litres |
|---|---|
| Timer | Yes |
| Dimensions | H24 x W27 x D37 cm |
| Weight | 6.2 kg |
| Settings | White rice, brown rice, short grain rice, porridge, gaba, yumami, crust, slow cooker, steam, cake, keep warm |
| Accessories | Measuring cup, soup ladle, spatula and steam basket |
Nutribullet EveryGrain
Nutribullet EveryGrain
Pros
- Well-insulated with cool-touch lid
- Every programme delivered tasty results
Cons
- Non-stick cooking pot and base are not dishwasher-safe
- Testers noticed some bubbling around the lid at times, so worth using on a waterproof surface
Score: 81/100
This compact rice cooker preps quinoa, oats, and grains as well as rice (hence the name, ‘EveryGrain’). At 2.3-litres, it comfortably makes enough rice for a family and its self-explanatory controls were a big hit with our testers.
Out of all the rice tests, basmati was best; it was notably tastier than when cooked on the hob. This one also turned out tasty white, easy-cook and brown rice. All portions were light, fluffy and flavoursome, but none of them were ready more quickly than the hob.
Our testers used the ‘delay timer’ and ‘keep warm’ settings to whip up porridge in time for breakfast, and it was just right when we were ready to eat – we’re sure even Goldilocks would be impressed.
Key specifications
| Capacity | 2.3 litres |
|---|---|
| Time taken to cook 3 cups of basmati rice | 27 minutes |
| Timer | Yes |
| Dimensions | H22 x W27 x D29 cm |
| Weight | 4.2 kg |
| Settings | White rice, brown rice, grains, steam, quinoa, oats |
| Accessories | Measuring cup, spatula and steam basket |
Tefal RK1568UK Cool Touch Rice Cooker
Tefal RK1568UK Cool Touch Rice Cooker
Pros
- Automatically switches to ‘keep warm’ setting after cooking
- Comes with accessories including a measuring cup, spatula and steamer tray
Cons
- No timer
Score: 77/100
Its sleek, smart appearance earned this Tefal rice cooker some extra brownie points from our experts. It also features a cool-touch exterior wall, so you won’t burn your fingers while cooking. In fact, the exterior only reached 44 degrees during use – this is handy as the base doesn’t have handles, so you’ll need to touch the cooker if you want to move it while it’s on.
Testers found this model best suited for easy-cook long-grain rice, but it does do a good job with basmati, too. Just note that it struggles to cook brown rice evenly and has a tendency to spit a little during the cooking process.
Key specifications
| Capacity | 1.8 litres |
|---|---|
| Timer | No |
| Dimensions | H 31.5 x W31 x D23.5 cm |
| Weight | 2.4 kg |
| Settings | Cook, keep warm |
| Accessories | Measuring cup, spatula, steamer tray |
Pros
- Has a ‘keep warm’ function
- Easy to clean with a damp cloth
Cons
- Spat a little during cooking
- No timer or indicator to show it was finished
Score: 76/100
For such an affordable and compact appliance, this impressed our testers with its performance. It cooks white rice well, and comes with the basic accessories you'll need.
The generous 1.5-litre capacity allows you to cook for larger groups, too. It’s ideal for those who are on a budget and don’t have much kitchen space.
Key specifications
| Capacity | 1.5 litres |
|---|---|
| Timer | No |
| Dimensions | H26.5 x W26.5 x D22 cm |
| Weight | 2.12 kg |
| Settings | Cook, keep warm |
| Accessories | Measuring cup and spatula |
Yum Asia Panda YUM-EN06
Yum Asia Panda YUM-EN06
Pros
- Compact design makes it great for small kitchens
- Includes accessories such as a measuring cup, spatula and soup ladle
Cons
- No quicker than cooking rice in a pan
- Bowl isn’t dishwasher safe
Score: 73/100
Another Yum Asia model, this version also has a digital timer and the same cake and porridge-making capabilities as the Bamboo model, as well as a 24-hour preset time option. It’s smaller, hence the lower price point, which means it’s ideal for those cooking for one to three people. It performed best when making easy-cook long white rice, which comes out light and fluffy.
Basmati rice was a little tricker – the grains were still quite hard after cooking. Our testers also spotted some dirt traps around the lid, which required extra scrubbing.
Key specifications
| Capacity | 0.63 litres |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | H26 x W22 x D21 cm |
| Weight | 3 kg |
| Timer | Yes |
| Settings | Long grain rice, short grain rice, brown rice, porridge, quick cook, slow cook, steam, cake |
| Accessories | Measuring cup, spatula and soup ladle |
Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
Having tested products for over 100 years, we have high standards when it comes to kitchen appliances at the Good Housekeeping Institute. We use our wealth of knowledge and experience to create rigorous protocols that test products against their claims, helping us find the best on the market.
Our expert team, led by homes testing manager, Blossom Boothroyd, reviews products as you would use them at home, which means cooking up multiple batches of different types of rice, assessing ease of use and checking how easy each rice cooker is to clean (because no one wants to be scrubbing burnt grains of their machine late at night).
Megan Geall, our senior homes and lifestyle writer, has written about hundreds of kitchen appliances and keeps her ear to the ground to make sure we're testing the latest launches. She knows all the right questions to ask to ensure our reviews tell you everything you need to know before buying.
Is it worth getting a rice cooker?
If rice is a regular part of your meal rotation, a rice cooker is worth the investment. Rice can be tricky to cook, and the slightest mistake can result in burning, mushiness or undercooked grains.
Rice cookers take out all the guesswork, automatically adjusting the temperature as the rice cooks and switching to a ‘keep warm’ mode when it’s ready. That means no watching the hob or worrying about burnt pans. Most models can also steam vegetables or cook other grains such as quinoa, too.
How to use a rice cooker
Cooking rice in one of these handy appliances is meant to be as simple as possible. All the models in our list come with a measuring cup so you can gauge the right amount of rice to add depending on how many you’re feeding.
When it comes to the best ratio of grains to water, it will depend on the cooker and the specific type of rice you’re using, as white, brown and basmati rice will all cook at different speeds and require varying amounts of water.
It’s best to follow the advice on your particular model, but following the instructions from our winner, the Russell Hobbs 19750 Family Rice Cooker, the general rule of thumb is to add 1.5 cups of water to every cup of rice.
For ease:
- 2 cups of raw rice = 3 cups of water
- 4 cups of raw rice = 6 cups of water
- 6 cups of raw rice = 9 cups of water
What features should a rice cooker have?
All the models on this list come with a measuring cup and spatula as standard, and some have handy extras such as a tray for steaming vegetables. They can also keep your rice warm until it’s ready to serve and some have a digital display timer so you can see how much cooking time is left.
Before buying a rice cooker, think about how many people you'll be cooking for. A 1.8 litre capacity cooker can make enough rice for eight to ten people, while a more compact model with a 0.5 litre capacity can serve around three to four people.
Can you use an air fryer as a rice cooker?
Surprisingly, yes – you can cook rice in an air fryer. You can’t just treat it like a rice cooker and throw in rice and water, though. To allow the rice to cook properly, you have to trap the steam. Here are our four steps to success.
- First, find an oven-safe dish (a cake tin works) that fits in the basket, then add washed rice and boiling water in a 1:1.5 ratio – 1 cup of rice and 1.5 cups of boiling water will make 3-4 portions.
- Tightly seal the dish with foil to trap steam.
- Place it in the air fryer and cook at 200°C for 25 minutes.
- Rest the rice, still covered, for 5-10 minutes before fluffing and serving.
The verdict on the best rice cookers
Our winner, the Russell Hobbs Electric Rice Cooker, Large, put in an excellent performance on test. It’s easy to use, has a large capacity and offers great value for money.
But if you’re only cooking for a couple of people or lack storage space, we recommend the Yum Asia Panda YUM-EN06, which is more compact with a 0.63-litre bowl. It also makes porridge, bakes cakes and steams vegetables, so you’re getting a lot of functionality for your money.
22 March 2025: This article was updated to reflect the latest prices and deals and check stock levels. We also adjusted the headlines and added links to relevant Good Housekeeping content.
23 June 2025: We added our review of the Cosori Rice Cooker, our a new runner-up.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Jasmine is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s homes writer. With a background in design, she is committed to sorting the good products from the great –and helping Good Housekeeping readers do the same.
Throughout her career, Jasmine has written extensively about product quality, craftsmanship and sustainability, and is passionate about consumer rights. She previously worked as a writer and researcher at the product longevity platform Buy Me Once.
If she isn’t reviewing the latest gadgets for your home, you can probably find Jasmine cooking elaborate meals or crafting something weird and wonderful!
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
Jasmin is a Household Product Specialist at the Good Housekeeping Institute, with extensive experience testing products across kitchen, sleep, laundry care, household cleaning, refrigeration, dish care and more. Her work ranges from detailed performance analysis of washing machines, dishwashers and refrigeration appliances to hands-on assessments of cookware, cleaning products and sleep essentials.
With a Master’s degree in Chemistry from Imperial College London, Jasmin combines technical expertise with a strong aptitude for interpreting large datasets to deliver clear, evidence-based consumer insights.
Albert Orech-Achato is a Homes Product Tester at the Good Housekeeping Institute, bringing a technology-led background that includes experience at Apple. He applies a critical, evidence-based approach to product testing, with a particular focus on performance, usability and value for money. Albert especially enjoys assessing kitchen appliances, while also testing a wide range of products for the home. His work helps consumers make confident, informed purchasing decisions based on rigorous, real-world evaluation.
