10 Best Rice Cookers 2026 in the United States

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and food warmer in one. With an 8-quart capacity, it’s ideal for larger families or those who like to batch cook. It offers 13 smart, customizable cooking programs including specific settings for rice, which means you can cook rice quickly and with consistent results. The pressure cooking function speeds up meal prep, cooking dishes up to 70% faster than traditional methods. The keep warm feature is handy for serving meals at the right temperature without overcooking.

Cleaning is convenient thanks to fingerprint-resistant stainless steel sides and dishwasher-safe parts. Its size is somewhat large, so it needs adequate counter space and may be less suited for small kitchens. The stainless steel inner pot with tri-ply bottom promotes even cooking and also allows for sautéing ingredients right in the pot. While the price is higher than basic rice cookers, the multiple functions and safety features, including overheat protection and a safe-locking lid, add good value.

For those seeking a multi-functional cooker that can handle rice and many other dishes with ease and who have the counter space to accommodate its larger footprint, this Instant Pot model is a solid choice.

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 is a well-regarded rice cooker that stands out for its advanced Neuro Fuzzy logic technology, which helps ensure perfectly cooked rice by adjusting cooking times and temperatures based on the type of rice being prepared. With a capacity of 5-1/2 cups, it’s ideal for small to medium-sized families or individuals who enjoy rice regularly.

One of the key strengths of this rice cooker is its versatility; it offers multiple cooking functions, including settings for white rice, brown rice, porridge, and even quick cooking. The automatic keep-warm feature is particularly beneficial as it maintains the rice at a perfect serving temperature without overcooking it.

The spherical nonstick inner pan allows for even cooking and easy cleaning, while the user-friendly LCD clock and timer make it simple to keep track of your cooking. On the design front, it’s compact enough to fit in most kitchens without taking up too much counter space, and the retractable cord adds to its convenience. There are some potential drawbacks to consider. The price point is higher than many basic rice cookers, which might make it less accessible for budget-conscious consumers. Also, while the cooker is generally easy to clean, the nonstick coating requires gentle care to maintain its condition over time. Additionally, the measuring cups included are specific to the product, which means users should avoid using standard measuring cups to ensure accurate rice-to-water ratios.

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker stands out for its versatility, making it a great addition to any kitchen, especially for families or individuals who enjoy meal prepping. It combines seven functions—pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, and food warmer—so you can prepare a variety of meals using just one device. The quick one-touch cooking feature simplifies meal preparation with 13 customizable Smart Programs, allowing for easy cooking of rice, soups, and more.

One of its greatest strengths is the time-saving ability to pressure cook meals up to 70% faster than traditional methods. Additionally, the keep warm function ensures that your meals stay hot until you're ready to serve. Cleaning is hassle-free too, thanks to its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel design and dishwasher-safe components. This means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your delicious creations.

While its 6-quart capacity is suitable for most families, it may not be large enough for gatherings or bulk cooking. Some users might find it a learning curve initially, especially if they’re not accustomed to multi-cookers. There’s also a noticeable weight of 11.8 pounds, which may be cumbersome for some when lifting or storing. Safety is another focus of the Instant Pot, boasting over 10 safety features, including overheat protection, which provides peace of mind during use. The added bonus of having access to a recipe app allows for ongoing inspiration in the kitchen.