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Rice is one of the most consumed foods in the world. It offers a long list of nutritional benefits and is equally delicious when properly cooked. To get the best results when cooking rice, you should invest in a high-quality rice cooker. These appliances are a must-have, especially if you cook rice regularly. Rice cookers have great features that can help you avoid guesswork when preparing your favourite grain of rice.
If you’ve cooked rice before, then you must be aware that getting the correct ratio of rice to water is of utmost importance. Too much water will give you overcooked, mushy rice, while too little of it will result in undercooked rice – and that’s where a quality rice cooker comes in handy
TL;DR: The #1 Rice Cooker for Most People 👇
The Tefal RK732 is more than your average rice cooker. It doubles up as a slow cooker and also utilises fuzz logic AI technology for precision temperature control!!
Additionally, it can hold 10 cups of uncooked rice, meaning it can cook up to 20 servings. To top it all up, the cooking pot is both non-stick and removable.
Well, you won’t have to worry about either when using a rice cooker since most models come with measuring cups that will help you with the measurements. Those that lack this accessory have calibrated cooking pots. Plus, some rice cookers are extremely versatile and can be used for other cooking applications. To help you find the best rice cooker, we have handpicked some of the top-rated rice cookers that you can purchase in Australia.
The Best Rice Cookers to Buy Today in Australia
- Best Overall Rice Cooker: NutriBullet Everygrain Cooker
- Best Rice Cooker for Basmati Rice: Tiger 5.5 Cup 1.0Litre JKT-D10A Multi-Functional Induction Heating Rice Cooker
- Best for Most People: TEFAL RK732 Rice and Slow Cooker
- Best Rice Cooker for Family of 4: Panasonic 5-Cup Rice Cooker
- Best Rice Cooker for Brown Rice: Breville Cup LRC210WHT
- Best Rice Cooker for Japanese Rice: Breville BRC460WHT The Rice Box Cooker
- Best Multipurpose Rice Cooker: Sunbeam Rice Cooker And Steamer
- Best Budget Rice Cooker: Kambrook Express KRC150WHT
1. Best Overall Rice Cooker: NutriBullet Everygrain Cooker
Why we like it:
- Sleek and stylish design
- Can cook other grains aside from rice
- Removable cord allows you to serve grains directly from the cooker
- Multiple programs lets you choose right cooking mode
What customers say:
“This rice cooker is amazing, the best rice ever, and was delivered super fast, thanks Amazon as always.”– Rupert Lee
If you want a rice cooker that can cook other grains besides rice, the NutriBullet Everygrain Cooker is the one for you. This rice cooker features a number of options for you to choose from when it comes to cooking your grains.
Some of the options on the programmable panel include white rice, brown rice, quinoa, and oats. This unit will provide you with perfectly cooked basmati rice every time. If you’re cooking other grains apart from these, you can always go for the Grains option, which allows you to cook spelt, farro, buckwheat, and millet perfectly. To ensure perfect cooking of such grains, the measuring guide that comes with this cooker can help you.
Aside from cooking grains of all types perfectly, this cooker also lets you steam a variety of foods conveniently and easily. There’s a steam function and button that lets you do just that. You can also steam vegetables and other food types in the steamer while cooking your grains underneath, and you can do this by choosing the Grains option.
Other buttons you will find on the control panel of this cooker include the keep warm function, delay start, and start/stop. The keep warm button does just that – keep whatever is in the cooker warm for up to three hours. The delay start button allows you to set up your cooker ahead of time with the food within, and it will turn on when your set time is reached.
The inner pot of this cooker is worth mentioning too for a few good reasons. For starters, it comes with markings that help you cook your grains perfectly. There’s a number inside circles that indicate how many scoops of grain you should add (use the accompanying scoop for this). The line beside each circle indicates the level of the water or liquid you should add to the grains before cooking.
This cooker comes with a very useful manual that not only tells you what each button does, how to use it, and what programs to use for steaming food with. It also has usage tips and tricks that teach you how to keep your cooker in optimal shape for a long time.
2. Best Rice Cooker for Basmati Rice: Tiger 5.5 Cup 1.0Litre JKT-D10A Multi-Functional Induction Heating Rice Cooker
Why we like it:
- Removable parts for easy cleaning
- Ceramic coating for non-stick cooking
- Selective cooking programs for user convenience
- Calibrated cooking pot for precise measurements
What customers say:
“If you like rice it’s worth the investment”–Mr. Kevin Sweeney
Tiger rice cookers are known for being efficient, reliable, and durable. Well, the Tiger 5.5 Cup 1.0Litre JKT-D10A Multi-Functional Induction Heating Rice Cooker does not disappoint in these three areas. The cooking pot has a capacity of 1 litre and also features calibration marks that will help you with the measurements.
This appliance will ensure your rice is not only well cooked but also fluffy. Furthermore, it offers multiple selective programs that you can choose from when cooking different rice grains, including basmati. For your convenience, this rice cooker has a large display that will let you know the amount of time left for the rice to be ready. It also displays other parameters that will assist you during the cooking process.
The Tiger JKT-D10A uses the induction process for fast and effective cooking. It continuously circulates heat inside the cooking pot for even cooking. Plus, the cooking pot is coated in ceramic to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. The pot has handles to allow for easy lifting.
Similar to most rice cookers in its class, this unit has a keep warm function. Both the steam cap and the inner lid are removable,allowing for easy cleaning.If you are in search of a high performance rice cooker, the JKT-D10A can help you get started.
3. Best for Most People: TEFAL RK732 Rice and Slow Cooker
Why we like it:
- Fuzzy-logic technology
- Easy to clean
- Smart features
What customers say:
“This has been really useful for us here in lockdown Melbourne in Winter. I’ve been making soups, curries, dahl and rice. I’ve even been just steam vegies. I haven’t had it long but I have been using it a lot.”–Maia
The TEFAL Rice and Slow Cooker has almost the same features as the Philips HD4514/72. However, this model has a larger cooking capacity and can cook up to 10 cups of rice at the same time. This makes it ideal for large families. The inner cooking pot is removable and is also durably built to give you long-lasting service. It is spherically shaped so that the heat can circulate freely as the rice cooks.
On top of that, the insert is multilayered to allow for quick and even heat distribution. In addition to the cooking pot, this rice cooker comes with a steamer basket, measuring cup, soup spoon, and spatula. Plus, all the accessories are dishwasher safe. The Tefal RK732 has pre-set settings for both brown and white rice. Nonetheless, its use can apply when making porridge, soups, and other foods.
The most impressive thing about this rice cooker is that it can double up as a slow cooker. But that is not all; it features a reheat function that will allow you to warm chilled overnight rice. To make it even more efficient, the fuzzy-logic AI system can adjust the cooking temperature and time automatically. This will, in turn, provide you with perfectly cooked rice that is equally tasty.
There is also a quick cook function that can help you hasten the cooking process. The hinged lid opens fully, so it won’t get in your way when serving the rice. And since the base has non-skid feet, the rice cooker won’t move about even when placed on smooth-surfaced countertops. The housing is made of high-quality material for durability purposes.
If you are looking for a programmable rice cooker, the RK732 is one of the options that should top your list. As you have seen, it has several features that you can use in different situations. Besides, it is reasonably priced compared to most microcomputer rice cookers. Nevertheless, it does not have a timer function.
4. Best Rice Cooker for Family of 4: Panasonic 5-Cup Rice Cooker
Why we like it:
- Compact design
- Versatile
- One-touch control system
What customers say:
“…Very pleased, quiet, quick, easy to clean and good size for storage. Good quality pot feels like it will last. Recommended.”–Serendipity
If you have limited space on your kitchen countertop, the Panasonic 5-Cup Rice Cooker may just be the perfect appliance for you. This is the smallest rice cooker on our review list and can only cook 5 cups of rice. Its capacity should, however, not fool you since it can help you prep enough rice for 4 people. And like the first two rice cookers, the SR-DF101WST utilizes a fuzzy-logic AI control system for precise temperature adjustment.
That being said, the onboard microcomputer will fine-tune the cooker accordingly, allowing the rice to cook without burning. The non-stick insert prevents the rice from sticking, so you won’t have a hard time cleaning this appliance after you are done cooking. This unit is equipped with a 500-watt heating element, which can easily be controlled through the one-touch panel.
There are four cooking programmes that you can use when preparing a variety of rice grains. It even has a mode for cooking liquidy foods. The included steam basket can assist you greatly when using the steam function. Once the rice is cooked to your preferred level, the keep warm function will ensure it stays warm for about 5 hours. This means you will no longer have to deal with chilled rice.
The lid features an easy-to-use locking mechanism that you can disengage with the push of a button. This rice cooker comes with an Australian plug, so you won’t have to buy an adapter to enjoy the amazing features that it offers. The other feature that is worth mentioning is the dome-shaped lid—its unique design prevents condensed steam from dripping back into the cooking pot, thereby preventing the rice from getting mushy.
When it comes to the build quality, the thermoplastic polymer from which the casing is made is heat resistant and durable. You can detach the power cord during storage to save up on space. Due to its limited capacity, we recommend the SR-DF101WST to users who’ll be cooking rice for a small number of people.
5. Best Rice Cooker for Brown Rice: Breville Cup LRC210WHT
Why we like it:
- Automatic cooking
- It is easy to operate
- See-through lid
What customers say:
“I did my research and I wanted a simple to use cooker which also could steam vegetables/fish etc. works like a dream and happy with the results thus far.” –Gay Bennett
The Breville Cup Rice Cooker features an automatic cooking function, so all you have to do is add the correct volume of water and the amount of rice that you want to cook. It regulates the cooking temperature on its own, so you won’t have to check the rice from time to time.
Like all the rice cookers that we have included in our review list, the LRC210WHT has a keep warm function. This unit has indicator lights that will let you know the cooking mode that is in use. The 8-litre cooking pot is designed in such a way that the rice won’t stick or burn even when cooking at maximum temperature.
This rice cooker not only has a removable power cord but is also fitted with two side handles for user convenience. As such, you can carry the rice to the table using this appliance. Furthermore, the housing stays cool, so it won’t burn you. The see-through lid is made of toughened glass to prevent breakage and also has a vent hole that regulates pressure while the rice is cooking. Thus, the lid will stay in place throughout the period that you will be cooking.
With the Breville Cup LRC210WHT, you can cook all grain types of rice grains , including brown rice without experiencing any problems. Ensure that you use the measuring cup when filling up the cooking pot to avoid burning or undercooking the rice. This appliance can as well be used for steaming fish and other types of seafood. On the downside, it only has the basic features of a standard rice cooker.
6. Best Rice Cooker for Japanese Rice: Breville BRC460WHT The Rice Box Cooker
Why we like it:
- It’s programmable
- Can make different kinds of rice dishes
- Can be used to steam vegetables, fish, and many more
- Cooks rice fast
What customers say:
“This is an amazing product. It is very easy to use, after reading the instructions and knowing what setting to use. My 12-year-old is now responsible for making the rice for the family.”– danmcguirt
Effortless rice in less time? Different ways to cook rice? Keep your rice warm for 24 hours? With the Breville BRC460WHT The Rice Box Cooker, these are all possible.
This rice cooker lets you cook rice quickly with the fast cook function. It also allows you to keep your rice from going cold or bad while the cooker is on since it can keep rice warm for up to 24 hours. And you don’t have to worry about forgetting that your rice cooker is on either since it has an auto shut-off feature that turns it off after an entire day of working.
As for the different kinds of rice that the Breville The Rice Box can cook, there are a few options. With the help of the device’s settings that let you choose from different rice cooking styles.
Aside from crispy rice, you can also choose to cook congee, sushi rice, porridge, and even soup. Of course, there’s a setting for regular steamed rice, which will give you super fluffy and moist rice that isn’t overcooked or mushy. You can credit this to the embedded element that’s situated in the lid, which helps create additional heat.
This lid feature not only helps expedite the cooking process but also reduces the creation of condensation, which is what can lead to mushy rice. It’s something you can’t find in other rice cookers in the same category.
Another great feature this rice cooker has is the non-stick pan that makes cleaning up after cooking easy. This means you don’t have to worry about anything sticking to the bottom or sides of this pan even if you’re cooking something mushy or sticky.
Also worth mentioning is the steamer function of this rice cooker. With the steaming tray that comes with this product, you can steam anything from poultry to seafood to vegetables to dumplings.
7. Best Multipurpose Rice Cooker: Sunbeam Rice Cooker And Steamer
Why we like it:
- Makes perfectly fluffy rice
- Non-stick pan makes it easy to clean
- Can also be used as a steamer for other foods
- Easy to use
What customers say:
“Perfect size for a small kitchen, looks stylish and modern. But most importantly, it makes the best rice! Rice is so much fluffier with my Sunbeam.”– Ana
If rice is a staple in your household, you should find a rice cooker that can provide you with perfectly cooked rice every single time. The Sunbeam Rice Cooker And Steamer is one such rice cooker you can depend on when you want rice that’s fluffy yet not overcooked.
This rice cooker features a jar-style design that comes with a sealed locking lid. Such a design helps distribute the heat within evenly, giving you rice that’s cooked all throughout, with no raw or undercooked spots. Whether you’re cooking white rice, red rice, or brown rice, this cooker will provide you with optimal results every single time.
Aside from cooking rice impeccably at every instance, you also get a device that lets you steam other kinds of food without much hassle. If you love cooking steamed fish, steamed vegetables, dumplings, and other steamed food, this is a tool you will love. It comes with a removable steaming tray that you can use with any of the above-mentioned food items. As long as they can fit in this tray, you can steam them in this rice cooker.
Also worth noting is the keep warm function that this device has. If you’re not ready to eat yet but your rice is done, no need to worry about it going cold since it has a keep warm function that ensures you have warm rice the moment you’re ready for your meal.
Each rice cooker comes with a measuring cup, a serving spoon, and a steaming tray. This device also comes with a condensation collector, which helps ensure that you don’t end up with soggy rice due to condensation that drips down once the steam cools.
The maximum capacity of this cooker is 7 cups, so you can make enough rice for your entire family in one sitting. Just make sure that you know the right ratio of grains to water when cooking rice, so you end up with great rice every time.
8. Best Budget Rice Cooker: Kambrook Express KRC150WHT
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We recommend the to those on a tight budget but are looking for a decent appliance. This rice cooker is extremely affordable and also has great features that can help you prepare perfectly cooked rice. It is equally easy to use, thanks to its one-touch design. Like the Breville LRC210WHT, this rice cooker boasts a transparent lid and well-designed side handles.
You can steam veggies, green beans, fish, and other foods using the included steam trivet. This rice cooker has a cooking capacity of 1 litre and can hold 5 cups of uncooked rice. Since most rice grains double in volume after they are cooked, it means this unit can hold up to 10 cups of fluffy cooked rice. Despite its size, it features a 400-watt heating element that will provide you with enough heat steam and cook simultaneously.
Moreover, this appliance comes with all the basic accessories that you may need for cooking rice. And because it’s lightweight and compact, it can also be used as a serving pot once the rice is ready. Plus, it won’t only cook the rice but will also keep it warm until you are ready to serve. This unit does not take up much counter space and is also easy to store. The inner pot not only has a non-stick coating but is also removable.
Attached to the base are non-skid feet that ensure the rice cooker is locked onto the surface on which it is placed. Additionally, it is counterbalanced, so don’t expect it to topple over when serving the rice. But it doesn’t end there; this equipment is stylishly designed and comes in a white colour that can blend well with most kitchen appliances and décor.
How We Researched the Best Rice Cookers
There is an abundance of rice cookers in the market, so finding the best options was somewhat challenging. With that said, we had to come up with a selection strategy to help us narrow down the search. We started by looking up reputable brands that are known for making premium-grade rice cookers. Additionally, we did further research to identify the common features that a good rice cooker should have.
The next step involved finding the products that fit the criteria that we had come up with. We visited both local and international e-commerce storefronts frequented by Australians to find the best-selling rice cookers. During the selection process, we factored in customer reviews from reputable online retailers such as Amazon, Kogan, Appliances Online, Harvey Norman, and eBay.
We found thirteen products that were of good quality, so we had to eliminate some by comparing the features and overall functionality. Also, we considered the build quality, price, and design of each rice cooker. This made our work easier as we were able to strike off seven products from our list, leaving us with 8 of the best rice cookers that you can buy in Australia.
Rice Cooker: Buying Guide
Before buying a rice cooker, you need to familiarise yourself with the different types of rice cookers that are there, what to consider during purchase, and the features to look for. In addition to this, you should compare brands to ensure you go for nothing but the best. This will help you find an appliance that not only suits your needs but is also durable.
Besides, there is a surfeit of rice cookers on the market, so finding the most ideal product can be a daunting process. Nonetheless, this buying guide can assist you in finding some of the top-quality rice cookers that are currently available in the Australian market.
Types of Rice Cookers
There are different types of rice cookers that you can go for based on your budget and needs. Moreover, rice cookers vary in terms of functionality and capacity, so ensure that you pick the right appliance. Here are the common types of rice cookers that you can consider buying:
Standard Electric Rice Cooker
This is the most common type of rice cooker. The heating element on a standard rice cooker is placed beneath the inner cooking pot. Additionally, this type of rice cooker only has basic features, so they are very easy to use.
These units perform exceptionally when it comes to cooking small quantities of rice. And will provide you with great results when preparing white rice.
Induction Rice Cooker
Induction rice cookers are more complex than electric rice cookers in that they generate heat through a magnetic field. An induction rice cooker dissipates heat uniformly, so the rice will cook evenly.
The induction heating process allows for accurate temperature adjustment. As such, this type of rice cooker can prove helpful when cooking grains of rice that require precision heating throughout the cooking process.
Gas Rice Cooker
If you are not a fan of the electric models, you can go for gas rice cookers. These appliances can run on liquid propane or natural gas. Gas rice cookers are ideal for commercial applications because they can cook large quantities of rice at a go.
A gas-powered rice cooker preps the rice in two phases—preheating over a flame, followed by pressure cooking.
Microcomputer Rice Cooker
Microcomputer-controlled rice cookers can automatically adjust the cooking temperature whilst the rice cooks. And unlike the standard models that cook the rice in a single phase, microcomputer rice cookers will cook your rice in different phases at varying temperatures, thus providing you with nicely cooked rice.
However, computerised rice cookers take a longer time to cook the rice. Some models have timers that will allow you to adjust the cooking time according to your needs.
Jar-o-Mat Rice Cooker
Jar-o-Mat rice cookers are somewhat similar to standard electric rice cookers in that the heating element is embedded below the inner cooking pot. Nevertheless, some models have the heating element placed on the side.
They have hinged lids that lock in the heat, allowing the rice to cook at a consistent temperature.
What to Consider When Buying a Rice Cooker
Capacity
Rice cookers come with different sizes of cooking pots, so you should see to it that the appliance you are buying is of the desired capacity. If you are looking to cook multiple cups of rice simultaneously, you should consider buying large-capacity rice cookers and vice versa.
Most countertop rice cookers can cook up to 10 cups of rice at a go. However, some units can cook more than this, so it will all depend on the model of rice cooker that you choose.
Cooking time
Rice cookers use different methods of generating heat. As such, some models can cook rice to the desired level within a short time, while others may take longer. Most rice cookers take approximately 30-60 minutes to cook rice. This may, however, vary depending on the amount of rice being cooked and the type of rice cooker that you are using.
Accessories
A good number of rice cookers come with colanders, recipe booklets, plastic ladles, measuring cups, etc. These accessories can assist you in different stages when preparing your rice, so it would be wise to buy a rice cooker that has at least one accessory.
A colander, in particular, can help you strain off excess water after washing the rice. As stated earlier, the measuring cup ensures you use the right amount of water during the cooking process.
Ease of cleaning
When buying a rice cooker, it is recommended that you go for one with a removable cooking pot because they are easier to clean. Additionally, you should consider the type of material used in making the inner bowl. Most inner cooking pots are made of stainless, clay, or ceramic.
Lid type
You can go for a rice cooker with a removable or hinged lid. The former is highly preferred because it allows for easy cleaning and will also simplify your work when scooping out the rice. Some lids are transparent, meaning you will be able to check the rice without interfering with the temperature.
Features to Look For When Buying a Rice Cooker
Non-stick cooking bowl
A coated cooking bowl ensures the rice does not stick onto the surface of the pot during and after cooking. Plus, coated bowls are very easy to clean.
Keep warm mode
With this feature in place, your rice will be kept warm for several hours after the cooking process is complete.
Fuzzy logic
This feature is commonly found in micro-computerised rice cookers. It allows for automatic temperature adjustment, so you won’t have to change the settings manually when cooking.
Some of the rice cookers that we have reviewed above have this feature, so you can pick any that piques your interest. You can buy the Philips Daily Collection Grain Master Rice Cooker, TEFAL Rice and Slow Cooker, or Panasonic 5-Cup Rice Cooker.
Reheat cycle
This function allows you to reheat chilled rice after it has been cooked. This can be done without the rice sticking at the bottom of the cooking pot.
Multiple cooking modes
Rice cookers with multiple cooking modes can help you prepare a wide range of foods. They can slow-cook, steam, simmer, etc. If you intend to cook other foods on your rice cooker, you should purchase the multifunctional models.
The Energy Effeciency of Rice Cookers
As mentioned, rice is the most consumed food globally and diue to this it is important to understandf the most energy effecient method for domestic rice cooking. A study conducted in 2006 researched the energy requirements between rice cookers and pressure cookers and concluded the following:
Electric rice cooker was found to be the most energy-efficient among the different combinations of cooking appliance and the types of heat source used in the study. The energy consumption was much less (23–57%) compared to other methods.
You may also be interested in:
- The Best Deep Fryers for Fantastically-fried Food
- The Best Multi-cookers for Easier Meals
- The Best Slow Cookers for Hearty Home-cooked Meals
- The Best Air Fryers For Cooking Healthier, Tastier Meals
- The Best Health Grills for Cooking Low-fat Meals
- The Best Vacuum Sealers for Less Food Waste
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
