Introduction
Rice is a staple food for many people around the world, but cooking it can be tricky and time-consuming. That’s why a rice cooker can be a great addition to your kitchen. A rice cooker is a device that automatically cooks rice by controlling the heat and timing. It can save you time, energy, and hassle, and ensure that your rice comes out fluffy and delicious every time. But not all rice cookers are created equal. Some are too big, too expensive, or too complicated for your needs. If you are looking for a simple, affordable, and compact rice cooker that can fit on your countertop and cook enough rice for one or two people, then you might want to check out our list of the best small rice cookers below.
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker
This small rice cooker from Zojirushi is one of the best in terms of quality, performance, and features. It has a 3-cup (cooked) capacity and a microcomputer that adjusts the temperature and time according to the type of rice you are cooking. It has multiple menu settings for white rice, brown rice, sushi rice, quinoa, steel-cut oatmeal, and more. It also has a keep-warm function, a delay timer, a removable inner lid, and a nonstick inner pot. The LCD display and buttons are easy to use and the design is sleek and modern.
2. Best Budget: BLACK+DECKER RC506 Rice Cooker
If you are looking for a cheap and cheerful small rice cooker that can get the job done without breaking the bank, then this model from BLACK+DECKER might be a good option for you. It has a 6-cup (cooked) capacity and a simple one-touch operation. It can cook white or brown rice as well as steam vegetables or meat in the included steaming basket. It has an automatic keep-warm function, a tempered glass lid with a steam vent, and a nonstick inner pot that is dishwasher-safe.
3. Best Compact: Dash DRCM200GBPK04 Mini Rice Cooker
This mini rice cooker from Dash is ideal for those who have very limited space or want to take their rice cooker with them on trips or outings. It has a 2-cup (cooked) capacity and a cute pink color that will brighten up any kitchen. It can cook white or brown rice as well as other grains like quinoa or couscous. It has an indicator light that shows when the cooking is done and switches to keep-warm mode automatically. It also comes with a measuring cup, a spoon, a recipe book, and a 1-year warranty.
4. Best Versatile: Cuckoo CR-0632F Rice Cooker
This versatile small rice cooker from Cuckoo can do more than just cook rice. It has 9 menu options that include white rice, brown rice & more, GABA rice, multigrain/brown rice, porridge, slow cook and reheat. It has a 12-cup (cooked) capacity and a fuzzy logic technology that adjusts the temperature and time for optimal results. It also has a voice navigation system that guides you through the cooking process in English or Korean. It has a nonstick inner pot with an aluminum core for even heat distribution and a detachable cover for easy cleaning.
5. Best Easy-to-Use: Aroma Housewares ARC-743-1NGR Rice Cooker
This easy-to-use small rice cooker from Aroma Housewares is perfect for those who want a hassle-free way to cook rice. It has a 6-cup (cooked) capacity and a simple switch that starts the cooking cycle with one press. It can cook white or brown rice as well as steam vegetables or meat in the included steaming tray. It has an automatic keep-warm function that keeps your food warm until you are ready to serve it.
Things to Consider
If you love rice but have limited space in your kitchen, you might want to consider getting one of the best small rice cookers. These handy appliances can cook perfect rice every time without taking up too much counter or storage space. In this article, we will review some of the best small rice cookers on the market and give you some tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.
When shopping for a small rice cooker, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are some of them:
- Capacity: How much rice do you need to cook at once? Small rice cookers usually have a capacity of 1 to 3 cups of uncooked rice, which is enough for 2 to 6 servings. If you need more than that, you might want to look for a larger model.
- Features: What kind of functions do you want your rice cooker to have? Some small rice cookers have basic features like a single switch or button and a keep-warm function. Others have more advanced features like multiple cooking modes, timers, delay start, and fuzzy logic. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose the one that suits you best.
- Ease of use and cleaning: How easy is it to operate and clean your rice cooker? You want a rice cooker that has a simple and intuitive interface, a removable inner pot that is nonstick and dishwasher-safe, and a steam vent that prevents spilling and splashing.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about small rice cookers:
Q: Can I cook other foods besides rice in a small rice cooker?
A: Yes, you can. Some small rice cookers come with a steaming basket or tray that allows you to steam vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, and more. You can also use your rice cooker to make soups, stews, oatmeal, quinoa, and other grains.
Q: How long does it take to cook rice in a small rice cooker?
A: It depends on the type and amount of rice you are cooking, as well as the power and settings of your rice cooker. Generally speaking, it takes about 15 to 30 minutes to cook white rice and 30 to 60 minutes to cook brown rice in a small rice cooker.
Q: How do I measure the rice and water ratio in a small rice cooker?
A: The easiest way to measure the rice and water ratio is to use the measuring cup and markings that come with your rice cooker. Usually, you need to add one cup of water for every cup of white rice and one and a half cups of water for every cup of brown rice. However, this may vary depending on the type and brand of rice you are using, so you should always check the instructions on the package or consult the manual of your rice cooker.
Conclusion
In conclusion, small rice cookers are great for people who love rice but have limited space in their kitchen. They can cook perfect rice every time without taking up too much counter or storage space. To find the best small rice cooker for your needs, you should consider the capacity, features, ease of use and cleaning of the model you are interested in. We hope this article has helped you narrow down your choices and find the best small rice cooker for you.
