6 Best Small Rice Cookers, According to Experts
We've researched and tested more than a dozen to find the best small rice cookers for various needs.
Expert consulted: Eva BleyerKitchen Appliances Lab Reviews Analyst
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Whether you’re living solo, sharing a compact space or simply don’t cook rice in large batches, a small rice cooker can be a game-changer. Cooking rice in a rice cooker is an easy, hands-off way to achieve consistent results compared with cooking rice in a pot, but making small batches in a big rice cooker doesn’t often offer ideal results. These pint-sized appliances are designed for just that — efficiency over volume.
When shopping for rice cookers, note that a rice cooker cup is not equivalent to a standard US 8-ounce cup. “It’s based on the Japanese masu, a traditional square 6.1-ounce wooden box historically used to measure sake and rice,” says Eva Bleyer, a reviews analyst for the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab and lead tester for rice cookers. So when we refer to a 4-cup rice cooker, its capacity is closer to 3 cups. Also, that’s referring to uncooked rice, not cooked rice.
From simple, no-frills options to digital models with advanced settings, our experts picked the best small rice cookers for various needs. Some models are shrunken versions of the top-performing rice cookers from Lab testing, and some are from tried-and-true brands we trust and use at home.
Read more about how we test rice cookers — plus everything you need to know to shop for one — at the end of this guide.
Zojirushi Induction 3-Cup Rice Cooker
Pros
- Superior temperature control
- Multiple settings for different rice types
- Perfectly-cooked rice
Cons
- Expensive
Dimensions: 7.5" x 11.87" x 9.12" | Weight: 8.5 lbs | Capacity: 3 cups (uncooked) | Accessories: Rice measuring cup, spatula, spatula holder | Settings: White/mixed, sushi, porridge, brown, GABA brown, rinse-free, quick cooking, delayed start, keep warm
Zojirushi has been in business for over 100 years and offers more than 15 different rice cookers. The 3-cup induction model cooks rice better than any other rice cooker I've used. White rice is fluffy and brown rice is tender but with a nice bite. Steel-cut oats come out like porridge, not mushy or undercooked. The sticky rice setting is a game-changer (no steamer needed).
This machine takes its time, though, with brown rice taking 90 minutes to cook. Its delay-start function (timer) and the automatic keep-warm function help, but you still need to plan ahead. However, if you're making white rice, a quick-cook setting finishes in only 20 minutes. The induction technology's precise temperature control also means you can leave cooked rice on the keep-warm setting for hours without any adverse effects.
The lid detaches for easy cleanup and the carrying handle makes it easy to tote freshly made rice around.
Pros
- Affordable
- Versatile
- Includes a steamer tray
Cons
- Nonstick coating chips easily
- Outer casing can get hot
Dimensions: 9.13" x 8.88" x 9.5" | Weight: 4.36 lbs | Capacity: 4 cups (uncooked) | Accessories: Steam tray, rice measuring cup, serving spatula | Settings: White rice, brown rice, oatmeal, steaming, slow cook, delayed start, keep warm
This digital Aroma model is a versatile and affordable option that includes a variety of user-friendly presets for rice, oats, steaming and even slow cooking. Its cool-touch exterior and nonstick pot make it safe and easy to use.
The included steam tray allows simultaneous cooking of vegetables or proteins, making it a practical choice for multi-tasking in the kitchen. I used this model for years before upgrading to the Zojirushi above and I refuse to get rid of it just in case I'll need it someday. The cooker reliably cooks tender and fluffy rice and I love the one-pot cooking functionality.
However, as is expected at this price point, there are some drawbacks. The nonstick coating shows wear over time, so you must be careful not to use metal utensils or abrasive sponges when washing the pot. The outer casing can also become hot during use, posing a safety concern for households with children.
Pros
- Does a decent job with white rice
- Truly a single-serve cooker
- Affordable
Cons
- No notifications when done cooking
- Cooks a bit unevenly
Dimensions: 6.5" x 8.5" x 6.3" | Weight: 1 lb | Capacity: 1 cup (uncooked) | Accessories: Measuring cup, rice paddle | Settings: Cook, keep warm
This ultra-compact rice cooker is popular for its adorable size and simplicity. Beyond single servings of rice, people use it for oatmeal, soups, steamed veggies and even pancakes.
It boasts a simple one-button operation, making it easy to use. The keep-warm function ensures your food stays ready to serve after cooking. The Dash rice cooker performed decently in our Lab tests, cooking white rice in 45 minutes. However, it struggled with evenness — some mushy spots, some al dente spots and some coloring on the bottom. Other limitations include a lack of a timer or an audible notification when cooking is complete. The thin nonstick coating may also wear out quickly, especially with frequent use.
Still, vibrant color options like aqua, yellow and pink make the Dash an excellent gift or dorm room accessory.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- User-friendly
Cons
- Limited features compared to digital models
Dimensions: 7.5" x 9.1" x 7.5" | Weight: 3.1 lbs | Capacity: 3 cups (uncooked) | Accessories: Rice measuring cup, nonstick rice spatula | Settings: Cook, keep warm
A much simpler version of Zojirushi’s advanced models, this lightweight one-lever rice cooker is perfect for those who value ease of use. It delivers consistently fluffy white rice and has a see-through glass lid so you can monitor cooking. The knob stays cool enough to handle.
What it lacks in features, it more than makes up for in longevity and durability. My family has been passing this bare-bones rice cooker down for three generations.
Pros
- Non-toxic coating
- Multiple easy-to-use presets
- Stylish design
Cons
- Hard to read markings on the interior of pot
Dimensions: 8.58" x 8.54" x 10.51" | Weight: 5 lbs | Capacity: 4 cups (uncooked) | Accessories: Measuring cup, rice spatula, carb reduction tray | Settings: White rice, brown rice, multigrain, wild rice, low carb white rice, low carb brown rice, barley, quinoa, beans, steel cut oats, delayed start, keep warm
This small rice cooker is made with GreenPan's signature diamond-infused ceramic nonstick coating, which is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium. Its presets make it easy to cook various grains, including quinoa and risotto.
We tested the larger 8-cup version of this cooker in our Lab. It has a similarly intuitive LED control panel that is easy to read. When you select a preset function, a timer displays the cooking time, which is convenient when you're also preparing other components of your meal.
White rice cooked faster than many other models, at 25 minutes, but it was on the stickier side. Brown rice took 50 minutes and was fully cooked but also stickier than brown rice from other models. A cup of quinoa took 25 minutes and was perfectly cooked.
Its lid is easy to open by pressing a large button on the front but the measurement markings in the pot were difficult to read.
Pros
- Specialized for crispy rice
- Durable build
Cons
- Single-purpose functionality
Dimensions: 10.5" x 9" x 5.1" | Weight: 3.59 lbs | Capacity: 3 cups (uncooked) | Accessories: Rice scoop, rice measuring cup | Settings: Cook, adjustable timer, keep warm
The key distinction between Persian and Asian rice cookers lies in their design focus. Asian rice cookers, like the ones above, are equipped with settings to prevent the rice from burning, delivering perfectly fluffy, moist grains every time. In contrast, Persian rice cookers are purpose-built to achieve that signature crispy base (tahdig) in Persian rice dishes, ensuring the bottom layer is golden and crunchy while the rest of the rice remains tender.
This cooker is highly regarded for its ability to create tahdig. It's designed specifically for Persian-style cooking with a customizable timer that lets users adjust the texture and doneness of the crust.
While we haven't tested this model in the Lab yet, online reviewers appreciate the rice cooker's simplicity, consistent performance and specialized design. It may seem more niche than general rice cookers, but it is ideal for anyone who likes their rice well done.
How we test rice cookers
We have evaluated 16 rice cookers, selecting 13 for comprehensive side-by-side testing in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab.
Testers followed manufacturer guidelines for batch sizes, testing both white and long-grain brown rice for consistency. They also made quinoa, a less common rice cooker ingredient, adhering to specified water-to-grain ratios. White rice was rinsed before cooking to remove excess starch, while brown rice and quinoa were not.
For each batch, testers used the rice cooker’s supplied cup to measure the rice and water was added according to the pot markings if available.
Evaluations included examining rice quality by flipping the pot to check for sticking or browning, assessing yield and tasting for texture and doneness.
We also considered the ease of cleaning and intuitive operation of the control panel. We reviewed the legibility of pot markings, the design of the measuring cup and the clarity of the user manuals.
What to consider when shopping for a small rice cooker
✔ Type:
- Basic rice cookers require a flip of the switch to turn the rice cooker from keep warm to cook; they offer no timer or additional features, but they are usually the most affordable.
- Digital rice cookers have a display screen that may include a programmable timer and/or show the cook time. They may include settings that allow you to choose from brown rice or oatmeal or other grains.
- Digital induction rice cookers send an electric current through the coils around the pot to provide more even cooking. These models tend to be more expensive though.
✔ Capacity: Consider your household size and portion needs when choosing a rice cooker. A 3-cup capacity yields about 6 cups of cooked rice, ideal for one to three people.
✔ Settings: Versatility adds value, especially in small kitchens. If you often cook different types of grains, like quinoa or oats, or like the convenience of timed cooking, opt for a digital model with versatile presets. Some can even make soups or steamed vegetables.
✔ Ease of use and cleaning: Choose a model with clear instructions and simple controls. Easy-to-read markings on the pot and intuitive buttons make a big difference in daily use. Look for removable inner pots and lids to simplify cleanup.
✔ Inner pot material:
- Nonstick coating: Easier to clean but prone to wear over time.
- Stainless steel: More durable and healthier for those avoiding coatings, but can require more effort to clean.
- Ceramic: Non-toxic and naturally nonstick, though less common in small rice cookers.
✔ Accessories: Many rice cookers come with extras like a steaming basket, measuring cup or rice paddle. These add convenience and can save money on buying separate tools.
What else can you make in your rice cooker?
Rice cookers are surprisingly versatile and can handle a variety of dishes beyond basic rice. Here are some creative ways to use a rice cooker:
- Cakes and desserts: Rice cookers are great for making cakes. The even, consistent heat makes them perfect for sponge cakes, cheesecakes and even mochi.
- One-pot meals: You can turn your rice cooker into a complete meal maker by adding vegetables, proteins and seasonings alongside your rice. Small rice cookers are especially useful in dorms or for solo diners since they’re compact and make portion sizes manageable.
- Oatmeal and porridge: Rice cookers can double as a porridge maker. Add fruits, nuts or sweeteners to steel-cut oats or top congee with meats, eggs and spices.
- Steamed dishes: With a steaming tray (if included), you can cook dumplings, vegetables or fish. Steam them alongside your rice or as a standalone dish.
- Soups and stews: Many rice cookers can also handle soups or stews. Add your ingredients and let the cooker simmer them to perfection.
- Eggs: From hard-boiled to poached, you can prepare eggs in a rice cooker. You can even layer them with rice and veggies to make a tamago gohan (egg rice) style dish.
Is a rice cooker faster than a stovetop?
Not always. Zojirushi models tend to take longer than stovetop rice and some rice cookers have a presoak built into the cook, which takes longer.
"With some of these small rice cookers presoaking your rice for about 10 minutes will give you better results," says Bleyer.
Even if you're not saving time with a rice cooker, you're certainly gaining convenience. You don't need to watch your rice; just set it and forget it.
Are cheap rice cookers good?
Small rice cookers that cost around $20 can be a good option, especially for those who need a simple and budget-friendly appliance. However, their suitability depends on your needs and expectations.
Cheaper models like the Dash typically have a one-touch operation, making them user-friendly and straightforward. If you primarily cook white rice and aren’t too concerned about advanced features, they often get the job done well.
Unlike more expensive models, cheap rice cookers lack advanced settings like multi-grain options or delay-start timers. They may also struggle to cook more challenging grains like brown rice, quinoa or specialty rice varieties.
The thinner materials used to make these appliances also shorten their lifespans, and nonstick coatings may wear out faster. For more versatile cooking or long-term reliability, it may be worth investing in a mid-range or high-end model, like the Aroma or induction Zojirushi.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Eva Bleyer has tested everything from gas ranges to microwaves to kitchen scales to blenders in the Good Housekeeping Institute. She conducted our most recent side-by-side rice cooker testing. She graduated from NYU with a B.S. in food studies, nutrition and public health and is a trained chef through the Natural Gourmet Institute.
Perry Santanachote is a freelance writer and editor with over 15 years of experience testing and writing about consumer products. She is very passionate about rice and owns more rice cookers than she's willing to publicly admit.
Perry Santanachote (she/her) has more than 15 years of experience in service journalism, specializing in food and consumer goods. She tests and reports on kitchen appliances and cooking tools. She also evaluates food products and cleaning supplies. She’s an experienced writer, product tester and recipe developer who has worked in labs, test kitchens and media organizations, including Thrillist and Consumer Reports.
Eva (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she tests kitchen gear, home appliances and culinary innovations. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor of science in food studies, nutrition and public health and is a trained chef through the Natural Gourmet Institute. Eva has more than 10 years of experience in the food industry, working as a food stylist, personal chef and marketing manager.
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