Best Stainless Steel Rice Cooker 2023

I’ve looked across the market for the best stainless steel rice cookers. I thought the Aroma Housewares Select Stainless was the finest among the rivals in terms of both quality and affordability.

Rice is one of those foods you can eat at virtually every meal.

Breakfast? Gallo pinto. Lunch? Sushi. Dinner? Risotto. Dessert? Rice pudding.

That’s why I love having a rice cooker in my kitchen.

You need a high-end rice cooker if you want rice that is restaurant-quality. Additionally, you want one that won’t let dangerous chemicals contaminate your food as it cooks.

Safety first!

It can be difficult to find a rice cooker that is healthful. However, I did the legwork for you and discovered a number of non-toxic rice cookers available.

While some goods offer additional culinary possibilities, others are terrific value picks. Which one, though, is the ideal kitchen item?

Keep reading to learn more.

What is a stainless steel rice cooker?

A stainless steel rice cooker is a rice cooker made of stainless steel, right? Easy!

It’s not that simple.

The inside cooking pot of a rice cooker is referred to as stainless steel. An inner cooking pot and an outer shell are common components of a rice cooker. The majority of rice cookers—if not all—will have a cover made of something else.

And that’s okay!

The substance contacting the food is a major source of concern for us. Due of potential health risks, many people choose stainless steel over Teflon

Even while a rice cooker might occasionally be labeled as stainless steel by the manufacturer, it might actually be a stainless steel pot with a nonstick coating. That can’t be good.

With the exception of the final two cookers on our list, all of them have a stainless steel inner pot without a Teflon coating. You won’t have to worry about unintentionally purchasing a rice cooker that is actually non-stick yet looks like stainless steel.

We’ve got your back.

Ready to see which stainless steel rice cookers make the mark? Let’s go

The Best Stainless Steel Rice Cooker Reviews

Aroma Housewares Simply Stainless Rice Cooker-Overall Best Stainless Steel Rice Cooker

The Aroma Simply Stainless rice cooker has a sleek look and comes in a white or black option.

It is simple to store and manage. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t mind keeping it on the counter because the design is appealing.

I definitely can’t say the same for all rice cookers.

The single push-button and auto keep-warm feature of this device, which lacks the flash rice setting featured on other Aroma models, nonetheless make “setting it and forgetting it” simple.

Regarding the inside cooking pot? The 304 grade of stainless steel is hardy. Numerous reviewers highlighted this stove’s ease of cleaning.

Unavoidably, a non-stick pot will stick less frequently than a stainless steel one. In order to prevent sticking, it is advised in several customer reviews to remove the pot from the heating element as soon as the cooker enters the warm mode.

This rice cooker only holds 6 cups of rice, making it one of the more compact stainless steel models on the list (cooked). A household of five to six people can eat 6 cups of cooked rice.

If you want to cook for more people, Aroma does have a 14-cup option, as well.

The cost of this rice cooker is reasonable. However, examine it as soon as you get it so you don’t run into any issues acquiring a replacement paddle. There have been numerous instances of a moldy wooden rice paddle.

Pros

• Sturdy stainless steel pot
• One push- easy to use
• Sleek design
• Automatic keep warm mode
• Affordable

Cons

• Some reports of moldy wooden rice paddle
• Limited warranty

Instant Pot Duo Nova Pressure Cooker, 3 Qt.-Best Multipurpose Stainless Steel Rice Cooker

Although it is technically a pressure cooker, the Instant Pot has earned a spot on this list. This gadget can handle everything with its selection of thirteen culinary routines.

Making yogurt? Check.

Preparing beef stew or chili? Check.

Cooking grains or (obviously) rice? Check.

The only digital rice cooker on the list is the Instant Pot, which is marketed as being 7 appliances in 1. The steel inner pot is reliable and simple to clean. Even the dishwasher will accept it (great!).

The Instant Pot has a delay timer, which I like to use for make-ahead breakfasts.

Additionally, it has an automatic preset for food warming. That comes in particularly helpful if I don’t time my cooking well and we end up eating an hour later than anticipated. Oops.

This Instant Pot is perfect for families because it can cook rice for up to 10 people at once.

I appreciate the recipe booklet that comes with the Instant Pot. This pooch can definitely serve as your go-to culinary workhorse.

But be prepared. There is a bit of a learning curve to pressure cooking.

Although the Instant Pot comes with a comprehensive instruction booklet, it does take some getting used to the timing and amounts.

The newest models also lack cup measuring lines, so you’ll have to calculate the ratios of rice to liquid on your own.

However, you may create a variety of foods in this pot and even save time in the kitchen. That is a significant factor in the popularity of this product among consumers.

Pros

• Stainless steel pot is dishwasher safe
• 13 cook settings for grains, rice, meat, chili, stew and yogurt
• Delay timer and automatic keep warm function
• Pressure cooking method saves time
• Affordable

Cons

• Learning curve of cooking methods
• No measurement lines for rice
• Bulky, not easy to store

Elite Gourmet ERC2010B Electric Rice Cooker-Best Budget Rice Cooker

Elite Gourmet provides this rice cooker in a white or black choice for individuals who desire cooked rice at a reasonable price.

Up to 10 people can use this rice cooker to make up to 10 cups of cooked rice (1.8 liters).

You may set the heating technique with a single push and leave. The keep-warm setting ensures that your rice will be warm when you’re ready to eat.

Is there a feature I appreciated in particular? The tempered glass lid can be held in place by the handles. The lid’s wet rings on the counter are no longer present. These are the kinds of particulars that make me a satisfied customer.

Although the cooking pot’s grade 304 stainless steel construction is claimed by the manufacturer, allegations of black spots and pitting on the stainless steel inner pot have surfaced.

Some customers have reported that when they are cooking, water spouts from the steam vent. Some people advocate cooking only 2 cups of rice, which would provide 4 cups of cooked rice.

Pros

• Handle can hold glass lid
• Affordable
• Lighter weight, easier to store
• Includes rice paddle and rice measuring cup

Cons

• Some reviews mentioned pitting, black spots on steel
• Reports of steam vent spitting water
• Plastic outer cover not as sturdy

Oyama Stainless 8-Cup Rice Cooker-Best Stainless Steel Rice Cooker for Steaming

With a 16 cup capacity, this Oyama stainless steel rice cooker is a more robust choice. A measuring cup, rice paddle, and tempered glass lid are all included.

Additionally, this model is the only one on the list with a stainless steel steamer tray. While the rice cooks underneath, you can steam veggies using the steam tray.

Cooking dinner just got a little faster.

Several reviews liked how this product is easy to clean, including the steamer tray.

However, durability is a concern. Some customers said their cooker stopped working after a few uses.

Like with earlier versions, some people have reported that the lid is spitting out water. Some folks came up with the notion to cover the opening with a bowl or cup to halt the spraying.

Pros

• Includes steamer basket
• Larger capacity (8 cups of rice, uncooked)
• Easy to clean
• Glass lid to see progress
• Includes convenient measuring cup

Cons

• Most expensive of the single cook setting models
• Some reports of burning smell

Buffalo Classic Rice Cooker-Best Stainless Steel Rice Cooker Splurge

This Buffalo Classic rice cooker is an excellent option if you want to spend a lot of money on a stainless steel rice cooker.

There are distinct cooking settings for brown rice, white rice, and congee in this rice cooker. Porridge or rice pudding can be prepared using the congee setting.

The Buffalo Classic rice cooker, which can generate 10 cups of cooked rice, is one of the larger cookers on the list.A 5-cup variant is also available. A family of three to four people can use the five cup version.

Three layers make up the stainless steel inner pot: an aluminum center layer, a thermal exterior layer, and a stainless steel inner layer.

The stainless steel layer allows for safe cooking while the aluminum layer provides the greatest conductivity. You also don’t have to worry about the stainless steel peeling or flaking like you do with non-stick pans.

This particular model has a maintain warm option that operates until the device is turned off. A detachable vent and inner lid are also included.

The inside pot of the cooker has a 3-year warranty in addition to a 1-year warranty. They stand behind their rice cooker, which I enjoy. Compared to other items, this warranty is superior.

Pros

• 3-year warranty for inner pot
• Holds 10 cups cooked rice
• 3-layer stainless steel inner pot
• Separate setting for brown rice, white rice, and congee

Cons

• Pricier than other models

Tiger JNP-S10U-HU 5.5 Cup Rice Cooker– Alternative Best Rice Cooker

When many people think of rice cookers, the name Tiger immediately jumps to mind.

And for good reason.

The rice cookers made by this manufacturer are among the best on the market. One of the most reputable manufacturers, Tiger, produces the majority of their cookware in Japan

What don’t they have? Cookers with a stainless steel inner pot.

Despite the fact that this model’s inner pot is non-stick, it is promoted as stainless steel. Thus, by our definition, it is not a rice cooker made of stainless steel.

So why did I include it on the list?

For individuals who are accustomed to using nonstick cookware but really want the stainless steel look, I added it as an alternative.

This cooker has an attractive sleek stainless steel gray cover. It looks great in almost any kitchen. 

Utilizing this product is easy. Pushing a button will start the rice to cook. Additionally, it turns to the remain warm mode automatically.

As long as you use the warm option for up to 12 hours, you may put the rice in before you leave for work and have it ready for dinner that night.

And this cooker is simple to store thanks to the retractable power cord. Of course, using metal utensils with this rice cooker is not recommended to preserve the nonstick finish.

You should surely take careful care of your nonstick cooking pot because this rice cooker is expensive.

Pros

• Well-respected brand
• Retractable power cord
• Easy to use

Cons

• Non stick inner pot (not a true stainless steel rice cooker)
• More expensive

Zojirushi NP Induction Rice Cooker Alternative Sophisticated Rice Cooker

Zojirushi is yet another well-known brand. They don’t appear to provide a rice cooker with a stainless steel inner pot as Tiger did above.

However, they do sell “stainless steel” induction-heated rice cookers that use fuzzy logic to cook the rice. Most likely due to the exterior.

Although I find it intriguing that even the most complex and cutting-edge rice cookers lack stainless steel inner pots, I’m including it nevertheless for the sake of option.

The sleek stainless exterior is attractive and will suit most kitchens.

For consistent and thorough cooking of the rice, an induction heating technology is employed. It can cook a variety of rice because to its sophisticated logic system.

With a removable lid, the Zojirushi rice cooker is simple to clean. Additionally, the inner non-stick pan is considerably simpler to clean than stainless steel.

This rice cooker comes with a measuring cup, a scoop, and lines for the cooking pot.

Best of all, customers report this Zojirushi consistently turns out perfect rice dishes.

Pros

• Excellent performance
• Induction heating
• Fuzzy Logic
• Multiple rice settings

Cons

• Very Pricey
• Long cooking time
• Inner Pan is non-stick, not stainless steel

What to consider when buying a stainless steel rice cooker

Are stainless steel rice cookers new to you? Unsure of what to search for? Learn more about the factors you should take into account when choosing the ideal stainless steel rice cooker for you.

What are the advantages of using a stainless steel rice cooker?

With a stainless steel pot, you may cook without being concerned that Teflon or other dubious substances would leech into your food.

While some nonstick may not be as concerning as the aluminum beneath, it most certainly is. What happens when those pots begin to flake or peel? You’ll need to replace it with a new one.

Since stainless steel is non-reactive, there is no need to be concerned about dangerous chemicals getting into your food.

What’s more?

It’s resistant to rusting or corrosion, which is great for getting the most mileage out of your cookware.

Since it is strong, there is little danger that the pot will be harmed if you drop it inadvertently (or, as happened to me, when I did).

However, aluminum conducts heat more effectively than stainless steel. As a result, some pots may have an aluminum core with a stainless steel covering on top.

That’s not a problem.

Because the stainless steel won’t flake or peel like a non-stick coating would, you won’t have to worry about the aluminum coming into contact with your food.

Ensure that you only consider grade 304 stainless steel, which contains nickel and chromium. This improves its resistance to corrosion.

What size cooker should I choose?

For many, this is a significant factor. You must select a rice cooker that can handle the amount of rice you intend to cook.

You should think about your family size, how much rice you’ll need for each meal, and whether you’ll be doing any bulk cooking.

As a general guideline, each individual should be given one cup of cooked rice or half a cup of uncooked rice. The sizes of rice cookers are given in cups of uncooked rice. So, allow each individual half a cup. I prefer to leave a little room for error, so I’d recommend 1 cup (margin) plus 1/2 cup for each individual. According to this maxim, a family would do well with a rice cooker that holds 5-7 cups. (Be sure the rice is undercooked!)

The most common error I see people make when using rice cookers is trying to cook too much rice at once. Due to this mistake, rice gets stuck to the bottom of the pot and water shoots out of the lid.

So how do you avoid that?

You must first comprehend the measuring unit. A rice measuring cup is different from a typical U.S. measuring cup.

240 mL is the same as a typical measuring cup used in the US. The go is a conventional Japanese measuring cup that is used for measuring rice. 3/4 cup is equal to the go (180 mL).

Unaware of this distinction, people could be dissatisfied when their rice cooker is smaller than anticipated.

So, if a rice cooker says it holds 5 cups, it actually holds 5 rice measuring cups, or 900 mL. That translates to roughly 3.75 regular cups.

The majority of manufacturers show the capacity of their cookers using uncooked rice, however some also utilize cooked rice. Verify everything twice (or read my evaluations!)

Something else to consider?

Rice expands when it absorbs water, creating steam that needs a place to go. If you completely fill your rice cooker, there won’t be much room for the steam.

The result?

Water was randomly erupting from the steam vent. I would advise only filling the rice cooker halfway, unless you want to constantly have to wipe up water spills.

Just to be on the safe side.

What features should I look for in a stainless steel rice cooker?

At the end of the day, you want a product that is great at cooking rice. That tops everything else.

But is that all?

A rice cooker can have a broad variety of bells and whistles, including voice navigation, LED displays, and induction heating. However, there are several fundamental components that make cooking a little simpler.

Storage

Typically, a paddle and a measuring cup for the rice are included with rice cookers. You might favor a cooker that includes built-in shelving for those things.

You should choose a rice cooker that is simple to store if your kitchen counter space is limited. To make sure it can fit in your cabinets, check the dimensions.

A retractable power cord also comes in handy for easy storage.

Vented Lid

Rice is cooked by producing steam. There needs to be a vent for that steam. Your rice won’t get wet if your lid has vents.

Vent holes come in various sizes. The steam hole will expand and release more liquid. Select a cover with a smaller vent hole if you are concerned about your rice drying out.

There have also been occasions where the vent holes on glass lids have plastic rims. To prevent plastic from melting around the vent hole, I would go for a metal rim.

Keep Warm Mode

Compared to the conventional stovetop method, using a rice cooker doesn’t save much time. A rice cooker’s benefits include predictable results and timeliness.

You cannot cook rice on the stovetop in the morning and just leave it there during the day.

Not unless you like chewy, dried out rice. I’ll pass on that.

But if you buy a rice cooker with a warming feature, it can cook the rice in the morning and keep it warm until you’re ready to eat it.

Much better.

Of course, the time a cooker can maintain warm, fresh rice varies. If you intend to prepare the rice ahead of time, get one that can keep it heated for several hours.

Multiple Cook Settings

Cooking rice is a straightforward but meticulous process. To consistently achieve the greatest outcomes, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of how various rice species cook.

For instance, cooking a cup of long-grain brown rice requires more time and liquid than cooking a cup of short-grain white rice.

But sometimes you just want things to be easy.

Midweek school-night dinner. Need I say more?

This is where different cook settings can help.

You can control the cooking process and achieve better results by having a button for brown rice, white rice, or other types of grains.

How do I avoid sticking with a stainless steel rice cooker?

Cooking grains like quinoa, brown rice, or other kinds of grains requires taking precautions to keep food from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Unfortunately, stainless steel rice cookers are more likely to experience that. You make that trade-off in order to avoid any possible health dangers when cooking.

So what’s the solution?

I have one word for you: Rinsing.

Extra starch that absorbs water and makes rice cling together is removed during the rinsing process. Rice that is starchy will be thick and sticky. The majority advise rinsing the rice in clean water.

If you want a sticky rice, however, feel free to skip the rinsing process.

Another straightforward recommendation is to rub a little oil around the inner pot before cooking. Many users have had success using this approach

Of course, soaking the cooking pot for a few minutes after cooking can also loosen up any stuck-on grains.

Whatever approach you select, there are easy solutions to deal with this widespread problem.

Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API