While rice is traditionally cooked on the stovetop, this process can be hard to perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Pressurized rice cookers streamline the process, so it’s as simple as measuring out your rice and water and letting the appliance do all the work. Although a high-quality rice cooker can be expensive, it will surely pay off one fluffy, tender bowl of rice at a time.
Rice is an essential part of Asian cultures and a staple in their daily cuisine, and while there is plenty of American, Japanese, and Chinese rice cookers, we chose to highlight Korean rice cookers, in particular, the South Korean brand Cuckoo.
After thorough research, our top pick is the Cuckoo 8-in-1 Pressure Cooker. This pressure cooker rivals the Instant Pot with its versatility and affordability AND is a more reasonable size. If you’re going to spend the money on a quality rice cooker, it’s nice to know that it can cook more than just rice, and cook it well.
| Brand | Dimensions | Power Supply |
| Cuckoo 10-Cup Rice Cooker | 14.2 x 11.6 x 10.2 inches | 120V |
| Cuckoo 8-in-1 Pressure Cooker | 15.5 x 12 x 11 inches | 120V |
| Cuckoo 6-Cup Micom Rice Cooker | 9.4 x 8.6 x 13 inches | 120V |
1.Cuckoo CRP-P1009SB 10-Cup Pressure Rice Cooker – The Best for Large Families and Gatherings
It holds 10 cups of uncooked rice (20 cups cooked), making it ideal for any crowd. Even better, if you want to cook ahead for dinner or a gathering, the keep-warm function ensures that your rice is ready whenever you are.
This rice cooker is great for families and busy parents because it’s easy to use, easy to clean, and has a turbo mode that can cook rice in 20 minutes. It comes with voice navigation, a smart cooking algorithm for the right combination of steam and heat, a measuring cup, and a rice scoop.
Based on the advice of other reviewers, we made sure to read the instructions fully before getting started but were pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to navigate. We were impressed by the capability and durability of the diamond-coated stainless steel pot, which evenly distributes heat while cooking. The non-stick, non-toxic coating works very well, and it isn’t Teflon, which can flake or leave behind a bad taste.
Worth the Price
This is the most expensive rice cooker out of the three, and if you’re anything like me, spending a small fortune on a kitchen appliance doesn’t appeal unless it’s really worth it. The product needs to be exceptional AND used very often.
Nearly all who purchased this rice cooker found it to be well worth the price, and most were daily users. It takes the guesswork out of making rice and allows you to focus on the rest of the meal while the automatic steam-release creates fluffy, sticky rice every time.
Pros
- Modern, sleek appearance
- The best option for those who cook rice daily
- High-quality product
- 12 menu options
- Stainless steel inner pot
- Easy to clean with a removable lid, pot, and auto-clean function
Cons
- Expensive
- It may be too big for small families
2.Cuckoo CMC-QAB501SW 8-in-1 Pressure Cooker – The Most Versatile
This model is more similar to an Instant Pot than some other options and because it’s a Cuckoo, you know it will also make the best rice you’ve ever had. Although the other rice cookers can cook different types of food, this one feels the most versatile and well-suited for a variety of recipes.
It has specific buttons for different types of food, while the other models simply have an additional ‘multi-cook’ option. And don’t worry, the rice is definitely restaurant-quality.
Superior Deep Clean
When you switch between making yogurt and slow-cooking a roast, it’s important to get a deep clean, which is why our two favorite features are the water drain system and the auto steam clean.
They both work hard to prevent mold and odor by draining all extra water as you cook and steam cleaning the pressure cooker with jets. Made with a non-stick aluminum inner pot and available in three color options, this 5-quart pressure cooker may be your new best friend.
Safety Features
Pressure cookers can feel a little intense, especially for new users. With this in mind, Cuckoo created the soft steam cap to quietly release steam, and there’s also an overheating indicator and heatproof handles on the inner pot. For parents, these small changes can make all the difference.
Pros
- Eight options for versatility
- Impressive safety features
- Available in two black options and rose gold
- More compact than other pressure cookers
- Steam-clean and drain system keep it odor-free
- Fits 10 cups of uncooked rice
- Easy to use
Cons
- Didn’t keep rice warm and fresh for longer than 24 hours
3.Cuckoo CR-0655F 6-Cup Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer – The Best Deal
You’re getting the quality, function, and features of the 10-cup with two noticeable differences: it’s not as big, and it’s not as quick. The 6-cup (12 cups cooked) is large enough for most families and is more compact and half the weight of the other two on our list.
Although this model has a quick mode, it only cuts a few minutes off of the regular cook time and doesn’t get close to 20 minutes. That being said, it’s the only major drawback we could find.
This rice cooker is simple to use, solid, extremely well-made, and it cooks rice just as well as its more expensive counterparts. At the end of the day (literally), you can’t beat being able to push a button and come back to perfect rice.
It also features the same non-stick, non-toxic inner pot, and the auto-clean and keep-warm functions are perfect for busy families. Many daily or weekly users put rice and water in the rice cooker before bed or work and then had it warm and waiting for them. Keep in mind that you can use it for more than just rice, such as veggies, meat, and pasta, and it comes with a measuring cup and rice spoon.
Micom Technology
This is a micom rice cooker, but what does that actually mean? Micom is short for a microcomputer, which automates and controls the rice cooking process with smart technology. A micom rice cooker knows exactly how to detect weight and adjust the temperature and cooking time for each batch of rice.
Pros
- Very compact
- Heavy-duty
- Easy to clean
- Keep-warm function
- Non-stick, non-toxic pot
- Micom technology
Cons
- Quick mode isn’t very quick
- Only comes in red and white
- Can slide on the countertop
What Didn’t Make The Cut
You may be wondering why only one brand made it onto our top three, and the main reason is that the other Korean brands were significantly more expensive with only a couple of reviews. This made it hard to spend that amount of money on what felt like an untested product, but maybe you’re braver than us. There are also some other Cuckoo models that came close.
- Dimchae 10-cup Rice Cooker
- Lihom LJP-HK100GDE 10-Cup Rice Pressure Cooker
- Cuckoo CR-0632F
- Cuckoo CRP-LHTR0609F
- Cuckoo CR-1020F
- Cuckoo CMC-ZSN601F
- Dimchae A060USTRL
- Cuckoo CR-0351F
- Cuckoo CR-0675F
- Lihom IH 6-cup Rice Cooker
- Cuckoo CRP-EHSS0309FG
- Cuckoo CRP-G1015F
- Cuckoo CRP-HS0657FW
Buyer’s Guide
When searching through the sea of options, it’s easy to get hung up on the details and confusing descriptions. Here’s what you need to know to make the best choice.
Capacity
The capacity of your rice cooker is how much rice it will hold, which is measured in uncooked rice. If it has a 10-cup capacity, it actually holds 20 cups of cooked rice.
If you have a big family, like to make a lot of rice at once, or host gatherings often, a larger capacity may be right for you. If you have a smaller family or are short on space, go for less capacity.
Versatility
The rice cookers on our list have multiple functions that go beyond rice. They are pressure cookers that use pressurized steam to cook rice perfectly, as well as meats, vegetables, porridge, and other dishes. The keep-warm function is also a must-have that I use frequently to keep rice ready to go for hours to days.
Power
When it comes to the power of your rice cooker there are two main components: the power supply (measured in volts) and the power consumption (measure in watts). The power supply of our top three rice cookers is 120V and the power consumption varies based on whether you are cooking or keeping warm.
Easy To Clean
Nobody wants to spend hours scrubbing pots after dinner, which is why it’s so important to choose a rice cooker with a non-stick inner pot. Many rice cookers have auto-clean functions, removable pots, and removable lids, which all make the process easier on you.
Weight & Size
When it comes to the weight and size of your product, your choice comes down to personal preference and how much counter or cabinet space you have. Take a look at the measurements and weight before purchasing, so you know how much space it will take up and how heavy it’ll be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Make In My Rice Cooker?
Although you came here looking for a rice cooker, the good news is that a pressure cooker has a few tricks up its sleeve. Not only can you make all types of rice, but pressure cookers can also be used for dishes like meat, yogurt, oatmeal, vegetables, and soup.
Are Korean Rice Cookers Different Than Other Rice Cookers?
The main difference is that a Korean rice cooker is, well, made in Korea. While that seems like it would be easy to find, not many Korean rice cookers are available for Americans to easily buy.
Cuckoo is the most well-known brand (for good reason), and there’s also Lihom and Dimchae. Asian rice cookers tend to be more innovative and made for those who will use them on a daily basis.
How Long Will A Rice Cooker Last?
While there’s no guarantee spending more money will mean your appliance lasts longer, that is often the hope. Cuckoo makes quality rice cookers that will most likely last you 5-10 years, or longer if you’re lucky.
What Kind Of Rice Can I Cook In My Rice Cooker?
A rice cooker will cook any kind of rice you want- including basmati, jasmine, wild rice, short-grain, long-grain, brown, black, and white rice.
Choosing The Right Korean Rice Cooker for You
Buying a pressurized rice cooker may seem extravagant, but anybody who has tasted the difference knows it’s money well spent. Compared to instant rice, steaming in a bag, or boiling on the stovetop, the smart rice cooking algorithm really can’t be beaten. With any of the Korean rice cookers on our list, you can have perfectly made rice in half the time and with half the effort.