| # NAME | Cooking functions | Price (AUD) | Capacity (uncooked rice) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking or steaming rice, cooking sushi rice, sticky rice, porridge, and cake, fast cook, reheat, and automatic keep warm | $200 | 10 cups | |
| Cooking or steaming rice, steaming foods like vegetables or fish | $59 | 7 cups | |
| White rice/mixed, quick cook, sushi rice, brown rice, porridge, keep warm function | $379 | Around 2-3 cups | |
| Quick cook/steam, white rice, brown rice, porridge/soup, keep warm | $99 | 5 cups | |
| Automatic keep warm and steaming function | $75 | 8 cups | |
| Auto-cook programs for brown rice, white rice, quinoa, and more | $130 | 5 cups | |
| Glutinous rice, brown rice, mixed rice, germinated brown rice (GABA), multi-cook, porridge, keep warm function | $350 | 10 cups | |
| White rice, quinoa, brown rice, porridge, clay pot rice, slow cooker function, steaming, cake/bread | $249 | 10 cups |
Cooking rice can be tricky, often ending in undercooked or mushy results. The solution? A rice cooker. It simplifies cooking and cleaning, perfect for rice lovers and meal preppers.
With countless options on Amazon and in stores, choosing one can be overwhelming.
Don’t worry â we’ve compiled a list of the 8 best rice cookers in Australia, along with a handy buying guide to help you choose.
Best large capacity: Breville The Smart Rice Box
Best mini: Japan ZOJIRUSHI Rice Cooker 0.54L NS-LLH05-XA
Best for versatility: CUCKOO Rice Pressure Cooker 10 Cups CRP-P1009S
Best Rice Cookers In Australia đ
Breville The Smart Rice Box
Cooking functions: Cooking or steaming rice, cooking sushi rice, sticky rice, porridge, and cake, fast cook, reheat, and automatic keep warm
Price (AUD): $200
Capacity (uncooked rice): 10 cups
In the realm of advanced rice cookers, the micro-computerised model stands out. It utilizes fuzzy logic technology to adjust cooking temperatures, ensuring each type of rice, from sticky to sushi rice, is cooked to perfection. These cookers often come with a PFOA-free inner pot and user-friendly features like an LED display and a simple program panel. They’re ideal for meal prep due to their large capacity. However, reviews are mixed, with some users highlighting its versatility in cooking different grains and others pointing out flaws in the keep-warm function and difficulty reading pot markings.
Sunbeam Rice Cooker And Steamer
Cooking functions: Cooking or steaming rice, steaming foods like vegetables or fish
Price (AUD): $59
Capacity (uncooked rice): 7 cups
If youâre on a budget, the Sunbeam rice cooker is a solid choice. It boasts a simple, one-push button operation without specific preset programs for different grains. It includes a steaming tray, which is a bonus for cooking vegetables or fish while your rice cooks. The non-stick inner pot and condensation collector add to its appeal, although some users caution about the steam ventâs proximity to the handle, which can be a safety concern.
Japan ZOJIRUSHI Rice Cooker 0.54L NS-LLH05-XA
Cooking functions: White rice/mixed, quick cook, sushi rice, brown rice, porridge, keep warm function
Price (AUD): $379
Capacity (uncooked rice): Around 2-3 cups
For aficionados of brown rice and other special grains, the ZOJIRUSHI rice cooker is a popular pick. Itâs especially appreciated for its even heat distribution and a detachable lid, which makes cleaning a breeze. However, its smaller capacity might not be ideal for those who need to cook large batches, making it more suited for smaller households or individual use.
Panasonic SRDF101WST Rice Cooker – 5 Cup Capacity
Cooking functions: Quick cook/steam, white rice, brown rice, porridge/soup, keep warm
Price (AUD): $99
Capacity (uncooked rice): 5 cups
Panasonic offers another microchip-based rice cooker, acclaimed for its ability to produce perfectly fluffy rice. It features a dome-shaped lid to prevent moisture buildup and a variety of cooking programs to cater to different needs. While praised for its easy one-touch operation and versatility, some users find its cooking times for brown rice excessively long, and the dome-lid design can be tricky to clean.
BREVILLE – LRC210WHT – THE SET AND SERVE
Cooking functions: Automatic keep warm and steaming function
Price (AUD): $75
Capacity (uncooked rice): 8 cups
For those needing a larger capacity without a hefty price tag, the Set And Serve rice cooker is a viable option. It’s appreciated for its simplicity and the auto shut-off feature that kicks in after five hours, helping to prevent overcooking. However, some users have experienced issues with rice sticking to the pot, suggesting a bit of a learning curve in finding the right cooking ratios.
NutriBullet Everygrain Cooker
Cooking functions: Auto-cook programs for brown rice, white rice, quinoa, and more
Price (AUD): $130
Capacity (uncooked rice): 5 cups
The NutriBullet Everygrain Cooker is user-friendly, with automated programs for different grains and a steaming basket included. Itâs noted for its set-and-forget convenience. However, cleaning can be challenging due to the non-detachable lid, and some users report steam accumulation issues.
CUCKOO Rice Pressure Cooker 10 Cups CRP-P1009S
Cooking functions: Glutinous rice, brown rice, mixed rice, germinated brown rice (GABA), multi-cook, porridge, keep warm function
Price (AUD): $350
Capacity (uncooked rice): 10 cups
At the higher end of the spectrum, the CUCKOO Rice Pressure Cooker is celebrated for its array of functions, including the ability to cook germinated brown rice, which is nutritionally superior. It features unique aspects like voice navigation and an auto steam-cleaning function, making it a versatile and convenient choice. While the price is steep, users who make full use of its capabilities find it a worthwhile investment.
Panasonic Premium 10-Cup Rice & Multi Cooker
Cooking functions: White rice, quinoa, brown rice, porridge, clay pot rice, slow cooker function, steaming, cake/bread
Price (AUD): $249
Capacity (uncooked rice): 10 cups
If youâre looking for a product that has the right balance between price, features, and function, then this rice cooker may just fit the bill.
This Panasonic rice cooker comes with 16 different programs that enable you to whip up a range of different grains and ingredients, including brown rice, porridge, and quinoa. You can even choose your preferred texture of white rice (hard, soft, and regular).
Based on user reviews, this rice cooker is easy to operate and delivers impressive results each time, especially at its current price point. It also has a handy timer and a keep-warm function. However, some users have pointed out that the steaming basket is a little flimsy and does not feel durable.
How We Made This List of Best Rice Cookers â
To create our list of the best rice cookers, we’ve relied on a blend of our own experiences and thorough research.
We’ve dedicated hours to reviewing the features of each of these rice cookers, looked at customer feedback and analysed online reviews, ensuring our choices are well-informed and reflective of what real users think.
Is Cooking Rice in a Rice Cooker Better Than Boiling It? đ„”
Cooking rice in a rice cooker differs significantly from the traditional stovetop method. With a rice cooker, you can avoid common issues like boiling over or burning the bottom of the rice. It’s a ‘set and forget’ approach, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the rice cooks perfectly.
Plus, rice cookers often come with added functions for cooking various dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, congee, and even cakes, in a fraction of the usual time.
How To Choose The Best Rice Cooker đ€
When choosing the best rice cooker, consider these key factors:
Capacity
- Assess the right size based on your regular usage. For those who meal prep or have larger families, a bigger capacity (like 10 cups) makes sense.
- Smaller households or less frequent rice consumers might prefer a 3 or 5-cup cooker.
- The right size is crucial: too little rice can affect cooking quality and damage the cooker, while too much can cause messy spillages.
Rice Types and Additional Features
- Think about the types of rice you’ll cook. Most cookers handle white rice well, but for brown or special varieties, choose carefully.
- Some cookers have preset programs for different grains like quinoa, oats, sushi rice, or even porridge and congee.
- Features like steaming trays add versatility, allowing you to cook vegetables or fish alongside rice.
Versatility and Multi-Functionality
- Multi-cookers are an excellent choice for those seeking more than just rice cooking. They often include slow cooking, pressure cooking, steaming, sautéing, and warming functions.
- These models can replace several kitchen appliances, saving space but may come with a higher price tag.
Type of Rice Cooker
| Feature | Traditional/Conventional Rice Cooker | Jar-o-mat Rice Cooker | Micro-computerised Rice Cooker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operation | One-push (on/off button) | One-push button (on/off) plus automatic switch to keep-warm | Computer chip for temperature and settings adjustments |
| Keep-Warm Function | Automatic switch to keep-warm after cooking | Automatic switch to keep-warm after cooking | Program-based, automatic adjustments |
| Lid Type | Metal or see-through glass; may allow heat escape leading to uneven cooking | Hinged lid that seals tightly, preventing heat escape | Varies, often tightly sealed for optimal cooking |
| Heating Element | Located at the bottom | Present at the bottom, sides, and sometimes the inner lid | Adjusts temperature throughout cooking for consistent results |
| Ease of Use | Generally easy, best for plain white rice | Suitable for plain white rice, better heat distribution | Versatile, suitable for various grains and dishes, offers steaming or slow cooking |
| Special Features | Limited additional features | Prevents crusting of rice, more even cooking | Options for brown rice, white rice, porridge, oats, quinoa; ‘quick cook’ in some |
| Best Suited For | Simple rice cooking needs | Those preferring quality white rice cooking | Users seeking versatility, convenience, and a range of cooking options |
| Size | Commonly more compact and petite | Commonly more compact and petite | Varies, often larger due to additional features |
Instant Pot: Offers a wide range of cooking functions but its preset rice program is generally best for long-grain white rice.
Multi-Function Rice Cooker: Features fuzzy logic technology with programs for different grain types like brown, sticky, sushi rice, or risotto, allowing for customised cooking processes for optimal quality.
Choosing the Best Inner Pot for Rice Cookers đ«
- Non-Stick Coating Concerns: Non-stick (often Teflon) pots are easy to clean but there were past concerns about health risks from chemicals like PFOA. However, Teflon has been PFOA-free since 2013, making it generally safe as it doesn’t reach harmful temperatures in rice cookers.
- Alternatives: For those still cautious, options include stainless steel pots (durable but not non-stick) or ceramic pots (non-stick and chemical-free).
- Ease of Cleaning: Most rice cooker pots are dishwasher safe for convenience.
Additional Rice Cooker Features to Consider đ
- User-Friendly Design: Look for simple one-touch operations. Many come with accessories like measuring cups and recipe booklets.
- Brand and Durability: Opt for reputable brands for better quality and longevity. Proper care and maintenance are key to the appliance’s durability.
- Budget Considerations: Balance your budget with the need for quality. Cheaper models may not always be the best value.
Why is the Zojirushi Rice Cooker Popular in Australia? đŠđș
The Zojirushi rice cooker has gained popularity in Australia for its consistent performance and ability to cook a variety of grains perfectly.
Known for its superior quality in preparing brown rice and other special grains, it stands out for its even heat distribution and user-friendly features.
The detachable lid for easy cleaning and its suitability for small households make it a practical choice for many. Its ability to consistently deliver perfectly cooked rice with minimal effort has made it a favoured appliance in Australian kitchens.
If you love rice as much as we do, dropping some funds to purchase a good and durable rice cooker will be one of the best investments yet! Why? Well, because cooking rice does not have to be a fuss or hassle!
Find a rice cooker that suits your personal needs best, and before you know it, this trusty companion will take its place as your loyal and indispensable kitchen sidekick!
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This was a very helpful, well written article. Everything I wanted to know right here!