When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreWe tested top models from Aroma, Zojirushi, Cuckoo, Our Place, and more to find the best rice cookers for every household.Jennifer Zyman/Business InsiderOne of my mom's favorite kitchen tools after living in Japan was a rice cooker. She had a basic version that she used so often that it landed a permanent spot on the counter. That rice cooker made perfect rice, and it was a big star in our grain-loving household. When I got my own kitchen, a rice cooker became a non-negotiable, and I have since owned and tested many models of all capabilities.If you like to make grain-heavy dishes, getting the best rice cooker can truly transform your workflow. While cooking rice on the stovetop can get the job done (especially for long-grain white rice), the best rice cooker means you will have to deal with fewer mushy bottoms, boil-overs, or overcooked rice. This holds even more true for short-grain rice, brown rice, and other grains that benefit from precise temperature control and hands-off cooking. Technologies such as Fuzzy Logic and pressure cooking make rice cookers one of the easiest ways to cook perfect rice without the guesswork. And they also handle many other grains, including steel-cut oatmeal.I've owned and tested so many rice cookers, but one brand always wins my affection. I put my trusted Zojirushi model up against a smart/compact mid-ranger, a budget-friendly underdog, a large model that sings and talks to you, and one with a built-in water tank. The TLDR? I narrowed it down to the three models you should be considering. The Zojirushi NS-TSC10's spot on my counter remains unseated because of its micom fuzzy logic and reliable durability. For a more budget-friendly option, the Aroma Digital Rice Cooker makes consistent rice and is simple to use.Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and reviews kitchen products.The top 3 rice cookers we testedModelBest forCapacity (uncooked rice)PresetsStandout featureDrawbackZojirushi NSTSC10 Rice CookerThe best overall5.5 cupsWhite/Sushi, Mixed, Porridge,Sweet, Brown, Steam,Quick Cooking; Cake; Keep Warm,Delay Timer, Extended Keep Warm,and ReheatUnbeatable price-to-lifespan valueFlimsy spatula holderAroma 2-Qt Rice CookerBest budget4 CupsWhite Rice, Brown Rice, Steam, Flash Rice; Delay Timer; Keep WarmQuick-cook mode at a budget-friendly pricePlasticky, less durable buildCuckoo High Pressure Rice CookerFor large families6 CupsGlutinous (Turbo), Mixed, GABA Brown, Porridge, Multi-Cook, High Pressure Cook, Reheat, Keep Warm, Delay Timer, Auto CleanMakes flawless rice in large quantities.Large, heavy footprintBest overall rice cookerWhat I liked: The Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer makes some of the most consistent and perfectly cooked rice, with an "even" texture. That, plus its price point, makes this cooker stand out from all the others. Short white-grain rice came out tender with just the right amount of stickiness, while brown rice cooked evenly without becoming dry or underdone. The induction heating system, a premium feature, eliminated hot spots, so each batch was consistently fluffy and evenly cooked from top to bottom. I was also impressed by how the keep-warm function kept the rice soft and moist for hours without drying out or turning gummy. I've used it for up to four hours after a late soccer game, and the rice was still good. It's also really easy to maneuver in and out of the cabinet. After 10 years of ownership and comparing multiple units, the model is still my favorite.I've had my Zojirushi going on 10 years, and it's still the best I've used.Jennifer Zyman/Business InsiderWhat to know: This rice cooker uses micom fuzzy logic, which means it prioritizes precision over speed, so cooking cycles are longer than those on basic one-button models and even some more expensive models. For instance, brown rice can take up to 50 minutes. This extra time allows the heating system to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process for better texture and consistency, and reduce the risk of burning. It also includes a variety of presets for different grains and cooking styles, making it a versatile appliance if you really cook rice regularly. I love the presets since I cook so many different types of rice that need different settings.What I didn't like: One of my biggest gripes about this machine is that, while it feels exceptionally durable, a few parts don't match its premium quality. For instance, the spatula holder is a little flimsy, and I wish they would use a more durable material, even though it is designed to pop in and out. If you only make rice occasionally, the price and size may be more than you need. But if you make rice often, this is an excellent machine that will last for many years in your kitchen. They do make less expensive models, but these are the most durable in my experience.Also consider the Zojirushi NS-ZCC
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