Updated on Sep. 22, 2024
Don't burn another pot of rice on the stove! Instead, grab the best rice cooker for your cooking style. You'll never regret this gadget that takes care of the rice while you work on the rest of dinner.
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Rice is a major component of many of our favorite dishes. It serves as a foundation for delicious curry recipes, adds texture to soups and fills out our menus when made as a side dish.
As common as this ingredient is, it often can give even regular cooks some trouble (raise your hand if you’ve ever scorched a pot of rice!). Even if rice doesn’t present major problems for you, keeping an eye on the pot while working on other parts of your meal is a pain. That’s where finding the best rice cooker comes in. A good rice cooker takes care of making this grain perfectly tender and keeping it warm while you finish up that stir-fry.
Our guide to how to cook rice is full of tips and helpful advice for making different varieties of rice.
There are what seems like limitless rice cooker options out there. Our Test Kitchen provided its top picks below, but be sure to keep these considerations in mind when you’re choosing from our favorites (or choosing one of your own):
After testing eight rice cooker brands by cooking white, brown and wild rice, four rose to the top and earned the title of Test Kitchen-Preferred.
Love rice? Make it all the time? Don’t need any frills? You’ll want an IMUSA Electric Nonstick Rice Cooker.
This appliance produced reliably good rice in each of our tests for white, brown and wild rice. With just a single setting, this rice cooker manages to cook and steam these different grains perfectly. The texture is terrific and the cleanup is a cinch thanks to the nonstick insert.
Besides producing spot-on rice every time, the IMUSA rice cooker also worked fast. In 19 minutes our Test Kitchen opened the lid to find perfectly fluffy white rice. Brown and wild rice took just 25 minutes—a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop.
When you cook for a large family or host frequent parties, a compact three-cup rice maker just won’t cut it. Fortunately, Tiger makes generously sized rice cookers in eight- and 10-cup models.
This attractive and streamlined rice cooker was one of our Test Kitchen’s favorite small appliances. Time and time again, Tiger made tender, fluffy rice. Even wild rice, which can be tricky to cook, turned out perfectly. In fact, the Tiger rice cooker made the best wild rice of any model we tried; bear that in mind if wild rice makes regular appearances on your dinner table.
Another bonus of this cooker: It was a breeze to use. Just hit the cook switch and you’re good to go. There are no secrets to great rice with this appliance.
If you don’t have much space to spare but love the idea of rice made easy, grab this BLACK + DECKER Rice Cooker. This compact appliance cooks just enough rice for a pair—ideal for when you make Chinese takeout-inspired recipes for your date night in.
The BLACK + DECKER rice cooker isn’t fancy or flashy but it does its job well and quickly. This rice cooker made white rice in about 23 minutes—that’s less time than it takes for the delivery person to make it to your door.
Are you really serious about your rice? Do you eat it more than once a week? Then you should consider spending a bit more on your rice cooker. Just like with any other appliance, if you use it frequently, you won’t regret leveling up a bit to the Panasonic Japanese Rice Cooker.
This model has 12 different presets that allow you to cook more than just rice; you can also slow cook, steam and cook quinoa in this appliance. And when it comes to rice, you can choose your settings from fluffy, white rice (perfect for an easy side) to sushi rice that’s just the right texture for your California roll.
These pitch-perfect grains take a smidge longer to produce than other models, but the customization is well worth it according to our Test Kitchen.
And if you’re serious about Asian cooking, be sure to check out different types of woks and pick up the Chinese cooking tools to fill out your kitchen.
Our Test Kitchen’s recommendation: Use your rice cooker whenever you can! This set-it-and-forget-it gadget makes your rice perfectly and with near-zero effort. Start with some white rice recipes then move on to brown rice dishes.
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Stuffed Pepper Soup
I was talking about stuffed peppers with the other cooks at the restaurant where I work. We decided to mix similar ingredients for a soup. Customer response was overwhelming! —Krista Muddiman, Meadville, Pennsylvania
Southwest RiceBright, colorful and chock-full of flavor, this hearty southwest rice will become a favorite side to all your Tex-Mex mains. With total prep and cook time coming in under 30 minutes, it's also ideal for busy weeknights.
Lemon Chicken and RiceOn our busy ranch, we often need meals we can put on the table in a hurry. This all-in-one chicken dish - with its delicate lemon flavor - fits the bill and it's inexpensive to boot. —Kat Thompson, Prineville, Oregon
Texas-Style Spanish RiceThe original version of this recipe was given to me by a Mexican friend, but I've modified the spices to suit my family's tastes. It's become a favorite at our house—see if it doesn't do the same at yours! —Melissa Pride, Plano, Texas
Herbed Rice PilafCombine toasted rice, a few pantry staples and fresh herbs for a flavor-packed herbed rice pilaf.
JambalayaThis low-effort slow-cooker jambalaya recipe features chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage, various vegetables, bold flavors and plenty of spice. It's the ultimate one-pot meal any time of year.
Chicken, Rice and BeansWith pantry spices, salsa and lean chicken breast, our flavorful chicken, rice and beans recipe simmers up on the stovetop for a quick weeknight meal.
Korean Beef and RiceIf you like bulgogi, think of this Korean beef and rice recipe as the quick-and-dirty version. Using ground beef instead of sliced steak, it's ready in just 15 minutes, start to finish.
Stuffed Peppers with Rice
Next time you need a comforting dinner, these stuffed peppers with rice will answer the call. With tender peppers, rice, beef and velvety cheese, the balance of flavors and textures is on point.
Wild Rice SoupThis wild rice soup is delicious and versatile, so you can easily make it, and then make it your own. Experiment with different proteins, extra vegetables and your favorite herbs.
Makeover Shrimp Rice CasseroleI am fond of this lighter version of my shrimp casserole. It has only half the calories and sodium and less fat than my original recipe. —Marie Roberts, Lake Charles, Louisiana
Rice and Bean EnchiladasYou won’t miss the meat with this rice and bean enchiladas recipe. These enchiladas are hearty and filling, and you can make them spicy or mild depending on your preferences. Stash them in the freezer for a quick-and-easy meal in the coming weeks.
Tilapia with Jasmine RiceServe this light, healthy tilapia and jasmine rice dish with a quick chopped salad.
Avgolemono SoupAvgolemono soup is a classic Greek lemon chicken soup. Fortunately, it's harder to pronounce than it is to make!
Spicy Chicken and RiceAs a working mom with two kids, I have little time to prepare something hearty during the week. This recipe is easily tossed together in the morning and fabulous to come home to at night. Both of my picky eaters love it! —Jessica Costello, Westminster, Massachusetts 
Corn, Rice & Bean BurritosNo one will miss the meat when you dish up these satisfying burritos bursting with a fresh-tasting filling. They’re fast to fix and won’t put a dent in your wallet. —Sharon W. Bickett, Chester, South Carolina
Chicken and Wild Rice CasseroleThis chicken and wild rice casserole is the perfect dinner for when you need something easy, balanced and friendly for the whole family. Precooked chicken and rice make it even quicker.
Cranberry Chicken and Wild RiceTender chicken is baked in a sweet-tart cranberry sauce for this elegant entree. This chicken is delicious, and it’s so easy to prepare and I love that I can do other things while it bakes. —Evelyn Lewis, Independence, Missouri
Mexican Chicken and RiceA one-pot skillet meal, Mexican chicken and rice is filled with tasty Mex-inspired goodness. Bookmark it for those weeknights when you're rushed but still craving something nourishing for dinner.
Lemony Turkey Rice SoupThis turkey rice soup manages to be equal parts exciting and comforting thanks to the savory, tangy broth infused with fresh lemon juice.
Spanish Rice with Ground BeefI don't know the origin of this recipe, but it's been in my family for a long time. I can remember eating it often as a little girl.—Beverly Austin, Fulton, Missouri
Turkey a la King with RiceI like to make this dish with our leftover turkey. It's a nice change from casseroles and so simple. Serve over rice, noodles, biscuits or toast. —Pat Lemke, Brandon, Wisconsin 
Easy Chicken Fried RiceAfter my first child was born, I needed meals that were satisfying and fast. This easy chicken fried rice is now part of our regular dinner rotation. — Alicia Gower, Auburn, New York
Sirloin Strips over RiceI found this recipe in a movie magazine some 20 years ago. It was the favorite of some male star, but I don’t remember which one. Its great flavor and the fact that leftovers just get better have made it a family favorite! —Karen Dunn, Kansas City, Missouri 
Peachy Pork with RicePeach preserves sweeten the spicy salsa in this delicious dish that’s nice enough for company. Adjust the heat level to taste by using mild or spicy salsa and seasoning. —Melissa Molaison, Hawkinsville, Georgia
Vegan BurritosThis classic vegan burrito is packed with rice and beans for a filling plant-based meal that's so easy to make.
Salsa RiceSalsa rice adds a little kick of flavor and color to regular ol' rice. What's more, this recipe doesn't require any special tools or techniques—just three ingredients.
Chicken & Wild Rice StrudelsI wanted the buttery crunch of layered pastry without the sweet filling of strudel. Using rotisserie chicken from the store, I found my savory answer. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Cumin Rice with AvocadoCumin, picante sauce and avocado do a terrific job of perking up rice in this any-day side dish. —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia
Shrimp Fried RiceThis delectable shrimp fried rice is filled with color and taste that makes it vanish fast. Our family of four can't get enough of it. Bacon adds crispness and a hint of heartiness. Consider it when you need a different main dish or brunch item. —Sandra Thompson, White Hall, Arkansas 
Balsamic Pork ChopsRich pork pairs well with tangy sauces and these balsamic pork chops are a slam-dunk. The balsamic-and-honey glaze comes together quickly, and it's pure magic on thick-cut pork loin chops.
Cabbage RollsCall them old-fashioned, but these stuffed cabbage rolls are just as cozy and comforting as they've always been. Once you've got the hang of the rolling technique, you can stuff them with just about anything.
Chicken and Rice DinnerThe chicken in this recipe bakes up to a beautiful golden brown while the moist rice is packed with flavor. The taste is simply unbeatable! —Denise Baumert, Dalhart, Texas
Mushroom Wild RiceThis is one of my favorite recipes from my mother. With only seven ingredients, it's quick to assemble in the morning before I leave for work. By the time I get home, mouthwatering aromas have filled the house. —Bob Malchow, Monon, Indiana
Gulf Coast Jambalaya RiceAs the stew of the South, jambalaya is a definite staple. For ages, home cooks have been making their own tweaks on the traditional recipe. This rendition is my favorite. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Ham and RiceThis one-pot ham and rice meal combines savory ham, earthy mushrooms and fluffy rice to create a crowd-pleasing dinner that's ready in just 25 minutes.
Wild Rice StuffingThis wild rice stuffing has a nutty, earthy flavor and a pleasant chewy texture. It pairs beautifully with a plate of Thanksgiving turkey and gravy.
Brown Rice Stuffed PeppersFor extra flavor, I sometime add beef bouillon to the dish while the peppers bake. It also steams them a little. If also make these with ground chicken or turkey; then I'll use chicken bouillon instead. —Hope Huggins, Santa Cruz, California
Quick Chicken & Wild Rice SoupMy mother-in-law raves about the chicken and rice soup we serve at our house. I tweaked the recipe several times to get it just right. —Teresa Jacobson, St. Johns, Florida
North African Chicken and RiceI'm always looking to try recipes from different cultures, and this one is a huge favorite. We love the spice combinations. This cooks equally well in a slow cooker or a pressure cooker. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Wild Rice Stuffed SquashI made this recipe when we invited both our families to celebrate our first Thanksgiving in our new home. There were 37 of us, and those who tried this dish raved about it. —Robin Thompson, Roseville, California
Curry Chicken and RiceFlavorful, light and nutritious, and happily simple to prepare, this Indian curry chicken and rice recipe is one to bookmark for weeknight meals.
Mushrooms & Peas Rice PilafAnything can be in a rice pilaf. Adding peas and baby portobello mushrooms gives it a springlike burst of color and a variety of textures. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon
Lemon Chicken and RiceThis bright and savory lemony chicken and rice recipe is delicious, easy to prepare and so incredibly satisfying that it will have you rethinking your list of go-to comfort foods.
Sausage, Rice and BroccoliA recipe folding in sausage, rice and broccoli is what everyone needs in their weeknight dinner rotation. If fresh zucchini or summer squash is available, add it to the mix!
Turkey Curry with RiceWhen I have leftover turkey and a hankering for non-holiday food, I make turkey curry with carrots, cauliflower and mango chutney to spoon over rice. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada 
Shrimp & Broccoli Brown Rice PaellaYears ago my husband and I were vacationing in France and came across an open market where a man from Spain was making paella in a skillet; we've been hooked ever since. I love to whip this up for a large group, but if the gathering is small, I know I can easily freeze leftovers for another time. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Caribbean Shrimp & Rice BowlI had a similar rice bowl on vacation and re-created this lighter version at home. It takes me back to the islands every time I make it. Try grilling the shrimp for more beachy flavor. —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia
Broccoli-Chicken Rice SoupI transformed leftover chicken and rice into this tasty soup. It even passed the company test. —Karen Reed, Middletown, Ohio
Rice Pilaf with Apples & RaisinsI love making bulgar pilaf with apricots. So glad I tried it with dried apples and golden raisins! —Elizabeth Dumont, Madison, Mississippi
Lemon Rice PilafNo need to buy premade pilaf mix when you can easily make your own in 20 minutes. The lemon zest adds a welcome burst of tang. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
RELATED: Find out how long does rice last in the fridge before going bad.
Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula SaladThis hearty salad was created when I needed to clear out some leftovers from the fridge—and it became an instant hit! The grilled peaches are the ultimate "tastes like summer" salad booster. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Spicy Rice CasseroleStirring up pork sausage, wild rice and jalapeno to taste makes this a terrific side. Or serve it with cornbread to turn it into a main dish. It’s easy to make ahead and reheat for a potluck meal. —Debbie Jones, California, Maryland
Southern Pork & RiceAt our house, we're big on healthy eating. These ultra tender chops with colorful rice and black-eyed peas are a meal fancy enough for a dinner party. —Annie Holmes, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Pork & Rice MeatballsMy appetizer meatballs combine two of my favorite Asian dishes —Chinese pork dumplings and steamed chicken balls. —Elizabeth Dumont, Madison, MS
Cajun Pork Chops and RiceWe stew Cajun pork chops with rice in a slow cooker to create a hearty, comforting dish that's full of flavor.
Asian Chicken Rice BowlThis super flavorful, nutrient-packed dish makes use of supermarket conveniences like coleslaw mix and rotisserie chicken. This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for large families. —Christianna Gozzi, Asteria, New York 
Northwoods Wild Rice SaladThis is my Minnesota version of a vintage German slaw that’s popular at church suppers. The wild rice has a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with tangy sauerkraut. —Jeanne Holt, St. Paul, Minnesota
Wild Rice, Quinoa & Cranberry SaladThis fragrant salad is a vitamin and protein powerhouse. Toss in leftover cooked turkey to make it a meal the next day. —Jerilyn Korver, Bellflower, California
Festive RiceMy mom and I transformed plain rice by adding feta, cranberries, pumpkin seeds and cayenne. We wound up with a sweet and spicy crowd-pleaser. —Lisa de Perio, Dallas, Texas
Slow-Cooker Spinach & RiceI started making this in the slow cooker to save oven space during the holidays. It's so convenient that I no longer reserve it for special occasions! —Erica Polly, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Chicken Wild Rice SoupThis easy chicken wild rice soup is hearty, cozy and comforting. Featuring leftover chicken and precooked rice, it's a total winner in terms of taste and time.
Glazed Cornish Hens with Pecan-Rice StuffingCornish hens bake up with a lovely golden brown shine when they are basted with my sweet and tangy glaze. The traditional rice stuffing has some added interest with crunchy pecans and sweet golden raisins.—Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
