What type of Rice Cooker is best for you?

Choose by Price

Prices vary widely depending on the features and functions, manufacturing countries, sizes, etc. Depending on differences like multi-cooking modes, keep-warm functions, and capacity, IH rice cooker prices range from around $300.00 to over $600.00, micom rice cookers range from $200.00 to $300.00, and the electric rice cookers will range from $30.00 – $200.00. Generally, higher prices correlate with better performance and more features. Therefore, if you seek an IH rice cooker that maximizes deliciousness, it will likely be expensive. However, depending on how you use the rice cooker, it may not be necessary to choose a high-priced model. It’s recommended to first pick several rice cookers within your budget, then check their features, size, weight, etc. Visualize how you use the rice cooker and choose one that fits your lifestyle.

Choose by Size

When selecting any rice cooker, considering a size suitable for your household size is also important. One cup of rice (1 go) is roughly equivalent to two rice bowls, so use this as a baseline to choose the optimal size.

As a guideline…

For 1-2 people: A 3-cup capacity cooker is convenient. However, since cooking 3 cups at once might be too much to finish, choosing a model with a reliable keep-warm function ensures the rice stays delicious until the last bite. For a couple, cooking 3 cups in the morning and keeping it warm allows you to finish it over breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Models with a small cook function for less than 3 cups are also convenient when you only want to cook a single serving.

For 3 to 5-person households, a 5.5-cup rice cooker is suitable. With a larger family, cooking a larger batch means most of it will be consumed in a single meal. If you need rice for lunch the next day, a 5.5-cup model allows you to cook it alongside your meal portion. It can also easily accommodate a growing family, so choosing a 5.5-cup model is a long-term solution if you already have three or more family members. Of course, if you eat large portions of rice or prefer to cook in bulk and freeze it, a 5.5-cup model is a good choice even for one or two people as well.

For families with 5 or more members, a 10-cup model may be the right choice. Cooking up to 20 rice bowls, this may be perfect for the rice lovers who prefer to eat larger portions of rice or if you often hold sushi parties on weekend nights. If you are using a non-rice menu such as the slow cook to cook BBQ pulled pork, this 10-cup will inevitably cook a larger portion than the 3-cup or 5.5-cup rice cooker. Select the size based on how much rice you may eat and how you may use your rice cooker.

Choose by Features

Beyond basic rice cooking, IH and micom rice cookers are characterized by their diverse features. Popular models offer appealing functions like selecting the desired firmness of cooked rice, cooking modes tailored to specific dishes and keep-warm functions that preserve the freshly cooked flavor. Some rice cookers even support cooking beyond rice, making models with cooking functions ideal for those wanting to expand their culinary repertoire.

If rice is something you eat daily, choose a rice cooker with features that let you achieve the perfect texture to suit your taste. By focusing on the details when selecting, you’ll not only enjoy delicious rice but also use it conveniently according to your lifestyle. With a multi-functional rice cooker, your daily meals are sure to be more satisfying than ever.

That said, the more features a rice cooker has, the higher its price tends to be, so carefully consider whether it fits within your budget. Before comparing products, prioritize the features you want and clearly identify the “must-have” functions. This is the key to making a good purchase you won’t regret.