How to Choose the Right Rice Cooker

Why a Rice Cooker Is Worth Owning

A rice cooker produces perfect, fluffy rice every time without monitoring or stirring. Once you've set it and walked away, you return to consistently cooked rice that stays warm until you're ready to serve. Beyond rice, most modern rice cookers also handle a wide range of grains, steaming vegetables, and even slow cooking. For Australian households that eat rice regularly, a rice cooker is one of the simplest and most rewarding kitchen investments available.

See our rice cooker, pressure cooker and slow cooker comparison guide for a broader look at these appliances.

Types of Rice Cookers

Basic Rice Cookers

Basic rice cookers have a single switch that automatically switches from cook to warm when the sensor detects that the water has been absorbed. They produce good results for white rice reliably and are the most affordable option. They typically don't have a keep warm timer and are not suitable for brown rice or other grains that require different timing and temperature.

Multi-Function Rice Cookers

Multi-function rice cookers include separate settings for white rice, brown rice, sushi rice, congee (rice porridge), quick cook, steam, slow cook, and sometimes GABA rice (a sprouted brown rice cooking process). These models suit households that cook a variety of rice types and grains, or that want the cooker to double as a steamer or slow cooker.

Induction Heating (IH) Rice Cookers

Induction heating rice cookers use electromagnetic induction to heat the inner pot directly rather than via an external heating plate. This produces more even, precise heating throughout the pot, resulting in better texture and flavour, particularly for premium Japanese rice varieties. IH models are significantly more expensive but produce noticeably superior results for rice enthusiasts.

Key Features to Look For

Capacity

Rice cooker capacity is measured in uncooked rice cups (where one cup is typically 180 ml, slightly smaller than a standard Australian cup measure). As a guide: a 3 to 4 cup model suits one to two people; a 5 to 6 cup model suits a family of three to four; an 8 to 10 cup model suits larger families or households that batch cook rice. Keep in mind that the cooked volume is approximately double the uncooked volume.

Keep Warm Function

A keep warm function maintains cooked rice at a safe serving temperature (around 65 to 70 degrees Celsius) after cooking is complete. Most rice cookers include this feature. Check how long the keep warm function can maintain rice safely (typically up to 12 hours) before quality deteriorates.

Delay Timer

A delay start timer lets you load the rice cooker and set it to begin cooking at a later time, so rice is ready when you arrive home or when you sit down to eat. Useful for households with predictable mealtimes.

Non-Stick Inner Pot

A non-stick coated inner pot makes cleaning significantly easier and prevents rice from sticking to the base. Look for a pot with a thick, sturdy non-stick coating. Check whether the pot is dishwasher safe.

Steaming Tray

Many rice cookers include a steaming tray or basket that sits above the cooking rice, allowing you to steam vegetables, fish, or dumplings simultaneously while the rice cooks below. This is a practical feature that reduces the number of pots you need to manage during meal preparation.

Grain Programs

If you cook brown rice, quinoa, barley, or other grains regularly, look for a model with dedicated grain programs. These adjust cooking time and temperature for different grain types, producing better results than using the standard white rice setting.

What to Expect at Different Price Points

Budget (Under $50)

Entry-level basic rice cookers produce reliable results for white rice. Simple, single-switch operation. A practical choice for occasional use or students.

Mid-Range ($50 to $200)

Mid-range models offer multiple rice and grain settings, delay timers, keep warm, and steaming trays. Most households will find an excellent model in this range.

Premium ($200 and Above)

Premium IH rice cookers deliver exceptional results, precise temperature control, advanced grain programs, and high-quality inner pots. Worth the investment for rice enthusiasts and households that eat rice daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook other foods in a rice cooker?

Yes. Multi-function rice cookers can steam vegetables, fish, and dumplings, cook congee and soups, and in some models slow cook stews and curries. Check the specific functions of the model you're considering.

How do I get perfect rice every time?

Use the correct water ratio for the type of rice you're cooking (check the model's included cup and water level markings). Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch. Don't open the lid during cooking. Allow the rice to rest on keep warm for 10 minutes after cooking before serving.

Ready to Shop?

Browse our full range of rice cookers. You can also explore our complete small appliances range and benchtop appliances collection.