Best Rice Cookers in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 20, 2024
A rice cooker can help you prepare perfect rice with a fluffy texture and amazing taste. The best rice cookers will let you achieve ...Read more
PROS

The Yum Asia Sakura rice cooker has a unique 3D heating design that allows dispersing the heat around the bowl sides and the stainless steel lid and reflecting it into the bowl for more thorough and even cooking of your dishes.

CONS

According to some users, the porridge it makes is on the slimier side.

OUR VERDICT

Created for true rice aficionados and healthy eating fans, this innovative appliance can be used to prepare various kinds of rice, not to mention regular or fast white rice cooking. Besides, the unit doubles as a steamer, slow cooker and yoghurt maker. Boasting an intuitive operation, it comes with a whole set of accessories.

detailed parameters
Capacity

1.5 L (up to 8 cups)

Portion prepared

Up to 16 cups

Cooking pot

Bowl with 2mm thick ceramic coating (BPA and PTFE free), rice measurement lines and stay-cool handles

Cooking options

9 programmes: Steam, Regular, Porridge, Soup, Cake, Crust, Yoghurt, Slow Cook, Fast Cook; 6 rice cook functions

Material

Glossy thermoplastic polymer exterior with silver metallic accented lid

Extras

LCD screen, MoTouch button control panel, Timer (up to 24 hours), Keep-warm mode, 10-minute countdown for the rice functions, Spatula, Measuring cup, Soup ladle, Spatula handle clip, Steam basket

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The removable inner pot is made from thick aluminium covered with a double non-stick coating. It also has a honeycomb pattern on the bottom, preventing the rice from sticking and burning.

CONS

The instructions are rather sparse.

OUR VERDICT

Produced by a reputable brand, this compact 500-watt rice cooker is ideal for serving 4-6 portions of perfect rice. The appliance is best for white rice as well as wholegrain rice and sushi rice. Also included is a steaming basket.

detailed parameters
Capacity

1.2 L (6.5 cups)

Portion prepared

Up to 13 cups

Cooking pot

Removable aluminium double-coated inner pot with honeycomb pattern

Cooking options

Rice cooking, Keep warm

Material

Enamelled scratchproof body

Extras

Removable lid with a handle, Measuring cup, Plastic rice cooker spoon, Insert for steaming vegetables

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The peculiar advantage of this model is that it allows you to cook rice in the bowl and veggies on the steaming tray simultaneously. The steaming plastic tray is included in the set.

CONS
The cooking pot is not dishwasher safe.
OUR VERDICT

Since this model can be used for both cooking rice and steaming vegetables, it is an ideal choice for families that stick to a healthy diet. Besides, it boasts one of the best price/quality ratios on the market.

detailed parameters
Capacity
1.8 L (up to 10 cups)
Portion prepared

Up to 20 cups

Cooking pot
Removable aluminium cooking pot with non-stick coating
Cooking options
Fish and vegetables steaming, Rice cooking, Keep warm
Material
Stainless steel body
Extras
Auto shut-off, Transparent glass lid with plastic handle, Measuring cup, Spatula, Tray for steaming
Warranty
2-year warranty
PROS

The 7-phase cooking technology ensures perfectly cooked meals every time. It includes preheating, water soaking, heating, boiling, absorption of valuable nutrients, evaporation of excess moisture and keeping the meal warm.

CONS

Some words on the screen are displayed in German.

OUR VERDICT

If you're looking for a high-quality multifunctional cooker, you can't go wrong with this Reishunger Digital Steamer. It offers 12 preset programs and allows you to cook up to 8 servings per one go. 

detailed parameters
Capacity

1.5 L (up to 8 cups)

Portion prepared

Up to 16 cups

Cooking pot

Removable pot with double, non-stick ceramic coating; Covered with 2.2-mm heat-resistant bronze

Cooking options

12 programmes: Rice, White Rice, Wholegrain Rice, Sushi Rice, Crispy, Congee, Turbo, Quinoa, Corn, Soup, Steam and Bake function

Material

Glossy plastic body with some chrome accents

Extras

LED touch-screen, Timer (up to 24 hours), +10 min add time, Keep-warm mode, Turbo mode, Steam insert, Measuring cup, Rice spoon included

Warranty

30 days

PROS

Owing to the advanced fuzzy logic technology and unique ‘YumCarb’ setting, Kumo not only cooks brilliant rice each time but also reduces the carb value of rice by up to 25%.

CONS

The plastic body seems a bit cheap.

OUR VERDICT

The innovative Yum Asia Kumo rice cooker is a real treat for those who control their sugar levels or stick to low-carb diets. Besides rice, it cooks other grains, steams, slow cooks, and makes perfect porridge.

detailed parameters
Capacity

1 L (5.5 cups)

Portion prepared

Up to 11 cups

Cooking pot

5-layer 2mm thick ceramic coated inner bowl

Cooking options

White and Brown (Normal and Yum Carb), Short Grain, Steam, Porridge, Slow Cook

Material

Enamelled scratchproof body that is PA, PTFE and PFOA Free

Extras

24-hour keep-warm function, 24-hour timer, 10-minute rice function countdown timer, 'Smart Button' control panel, LED screen, 3D heating technology, Detachable outer steam cap and condensation collector, Steam basket, Measuring cup, Spatula and soup ladle included

Warranty

2 years

For Rice Aficionados

The simplest dishes are sometimes the hardest to cook, and boiled rice is not an exception. Saving you time and effort, modern kitchen appliances are designed to provide consistent cooking results. The best rice cookers on the market can help you achieve restaurant-quality taste and texture at the comfort of your home. Utilising an innovative 3D multi-phased heating technology, the Sakura rice cooker by Yum Asia is certainly one of them.

The rice cooker is equipped with a premium quality ceramic-coated inner bowl. Safe to use for cooking, this non-stick bowl is super durable owing to its 5-layer composition. It also has ergonomic stay-cool handles for easy lifting and carrying and easy-to-spot marks on the inside for careful measuring. Thanks to the rice cooker's elaborate design and innovative 3D heating technology, the bowl contents will be evenly heated from all sides.

Measuring rice and other grains is a breeze thanks to the included measuring cup. Besides, the rice cooker comes with a steamer that will allow you to steam veggies while cooking rice, soup, or other dishes, to save your time and lower your energy bills. A spatula and a soup ladle are also included in the box.

Rice and More

Now, let's look at the unit's cooking modes. If you are going to prepare normal rice, you can choose between a Regular setting and a time-saving Fast cook mode. Meanwhile, a Rice submenu allows preparing various kinds of rice just the way you like it. There are separate settings for white long-grain and white short-grain rice (perfect for sushi) and brown rice. You can use a Porridge setting to cook rice or oatmeal porridge and a Crust mode to make crusty and delicious Tahdig rice. The rest of the cooking modes (Soup, Steam, Slow Cook, Yoghurt and Bake) will allow you to make a variety of healthy and delicious dishes for 1 person, for 2 persons, or for a whole family.

This functional unit boasts an intuitive operation and comes with a comprehensive user manual. It has a handy control panel with touch-sensitive buttons and a bright LED screen. Surely enough, the appliance is equipped with a timer that you can preset in advance (up to 24 hours) to have your meals ready just when you need.

Maintaining the appliance is a breeze. Its inner lid, condensation collector and steam cap are removable for hassle-free cleaning. The non-stick inner bowl is also simple to clean; if necessary, you can use a little mild detergent to pre-soak it.

Summing up, the Yum Asia ‎A917 Sakura rice cooker is just what you need to make yummy rice and many other wholesome dishes for you and your nearest and dearest.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £139.90
Stock In stock
ASIN B082FWLQ1S

Perfect For Beginners

Just like all appliances from Reishunger, this rice cooker is high-quality, attractively designed and capable of preparing large portions of fluffy rice without burning. Its price is fair and is somewhere between budget-friendly Chinese-made cookers and advanced, larger models produced by famous brands.

As a nice touch, it comes in a simple, environmentally-friendly package with a basic set of accessories. The first impression after you unpack the cooker is that it looks very modern and is very corresponding. With 1.2-litre capacity, it's also quite portable and doesn't take up much space on the worktop.

Being a bare-bones appliance, the Reishunger rice cooker is ideal for beginners. To get perfect rice, all you have to do is simply add water and rice to the pot (sticking to the right proportion) and then press the single button. Due to the automatic shut-off and the overheating protection, you won't need to worry about anything else. As soon as the rice is cooked, the machine will automatically switch to keep warm mode. And when you're ready to serve the hot rice, you'll be able to carry the appliance to the table, using the handle in the attached lid.

The Reishunger rice cooker is best for white and wholegrain rice including sushi rice, jasmine rice, aromatic rice, and basmati rice. The amount of water changes depending on the number of cups and the type of rice used. Basically, the ratio for white rice makes about 2:1, and there are handy marks on the inside of the bowl for accurate admeasuring.

Perfect Rice Every Time

With an output of 500 watts, the Reishunger cooker is able to prepare rice more evenly and faster than comparable models. It takes nearly 8-10 minutes for the 500 grammes of rice to boil and 5 more minutes for the rice to reach the perfect consistency. That is to say, husked rice for one person is cooked in about 14-15 minutes. It's also possible to cook vegetables simultaneously in the additional steamer basket.

At a filling volume of 1.2 litres, this cooker is ideal for 4-6 servings, yet even small amounts for one person will be cooked evenly in this pot. The texture of the rice is always soft and fluffy and has a good bite to it. With that, the rice doesn't burn due to the high-quality aluminium inner pot with a honeycomb pattern.

Unlike most other rice steamers within its price bracket, this unit doesn't splatter hot water on the counter while cooking, meaning there will be less cleaning afterwards. Also, it has a hinged top that opens fully, allowing you to easily access the inside and wipe the interior down. The pot itself easily comes out for cleaning.

To sum it all up, the Reishunger cooker is very simple to clean and use owing to the one-button functionality. Though not that fancy, it quickly makes perfect rice that doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot due to the double non-stick coating and honeycomb pattern.

Last updated price £39.99
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07T5CVVG7

Great Value

If you're in the market for an affordable rice cooker that can provide you with quite a lot of rice per one batch, you may be interested in the Russell Hobbs 19750 model. For less than £20, you can get a capacious cooker with double functionality.

First things first, we would like to note that this cooker is made from stainless steel that looks quite expensive and very durable. Plus, it doesn't attract fingerprints and generally is easier to wipe clean compared to plastic, glossy models.

Inside, it has a capacious 1.8-litre bowl that is large enough to cook up to 10 cups of rice at a time. So, this appliance can be quite useful for larger households who love rice and other healthy food.

But what really sells the product is the fact that the Russell Hobbs 19750 comes with an additional steaming tray, allowing you to cook a wide variety of dishes from steamed fish and seafood to juicy poultry and vegetables. And if you'd like to puree your veggies afterwards, the manufacturer kindly provides a bundle of "cooker and hand blender" at a discounted price.

Useful Additions

To succeed in cooking, it’s important to stay near the oven and keep an eye on the food constantly. However, there are some rice cookers with non-transparent lids which can't be opened during cooking, so you have to wait until the end of the operation. The Russell Hobbs 19750 Rice Cooker is made with customers' convenience in mind and is equipped with a transparent glass lid providing you with an opportunity to watch the process. This way, you can see if your dish is done and stop the cooking process if required.

Concerning other useful features, there is a plastic handle which is especially useful for easy opening when you want to add some flavourings. It is also important to note that this rice cooker comes with a measuring cup and spatula. And an additional tray will definitely come in handy for steaming fish or vegetables.

All things combined, we can say that this rice cooker is a real bargain you can't miss. It comes with some extras rarely found within its price range. Plus, it has a stainless steel body that not only makes it ultra-durable but also premium-looking. So, if you're willing to get the most out of your money, this Russell Hobbs Rice Cooker and Steamer hits the spot.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £30.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00ABYI0IE

Convenience of Use

Those who're after a functional cooker that can perform a range of tasks and deliver amazing rice may really like the Reishunger Digital Rice Cooker. Fitted with a 1.5-litre bowl, it can cook fluffy rice for 1-8 people without sacrificing the taste regardless of whether you're cooking a single portion or a large amount. This is mainly achieved owing to the 7-phase cooking technology that involves preheating, water absorption, heating phase, cooking phase, nutrient protection, water absorption, and warming phases. As a result, the rice preserves as many nutrients as possible, not to mention the aroma is beyond the competition.

What also adds to the great cooking results is the non-stick inner pot that consists of numerous layers to ensure even heat distribution. Moreover, on the outside, the bowl is covered with heat-resistant bronze. So, the pot neither requires much time and effort for cleaning nor burns rice. A win-win choice on all levels.

So Many Settings to Choose From

After unpacking, the unit delivers nice impressions since it's really well-finished and cute. It also comes with a few additions such as spoons, a measuring cup, and an insert for steaming vegetables. Besides that, the pack includes thorough instructions, and once you get the hang of using the machine, the cooking process will be easy as ABC. The LED display is very clear and easy to read, whereas navigating the menu system is extremely simple too. The only thing to remember is that you need to press all the buttons for two seconds to activate the functions.

In general, there are 12 programmes for rice, cereals, and more. The machine cooks all colours and shapes of rice including peeled rice, whole grain rice, and sushi rice. There is even a special mode for Persian Tahdig and Congee or Porridge. In addition to that, you can prepare quinoa, cereals, soups, steamed veggies, fish, meat, and even a cake. As a nice touch, you can steam food parallel to the cooking rice thanks to the special insert.

After the cooking process is complete, the unit switches to keep warm function, and the digital display tells you how long your meal has been kept warm. Overall, it's an excellent cooker that can perform a range of jobs perfectly. So, if you need a multi-functional unit that can cook rice, veggies, or meat and even bake a cake, the Reishunger Digital Rice Cooker is worth your closer consideration.

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price £129.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07MWBZQFP

Healthier Way of Cooking

What if we say that it's possible to reduce the amount of carbs in the rice cooking process? Impossible is nothing with the Kumo rice cooker by Yum Asia. Manufactured by a team of professionals, the cooker offers the unique YumCarb setting that naturally reduces carbs in white or brown rice. Actually, it cooks rice in a special way where sugars in the rice are not re-absorbed as it often happens with other cookers or simple pots, which results in up to 25% lower carb levels. Such a reduction of glycemic load is especially relevant for people suffering from diabetics, heart diseases, and just for those who are trying to lose some weight.

On top of its carb-killing properties, this cooker boasts innovative Micom Fuzzy logic technology, meaning it not just boils the rice but cooks it according to a 7-phase pattern to deliver brilliant rice with improved taste, texture, and aroma. It can cook delicious long grain rice, short-grain rice, sushi rice, and brown rice (both short and long grain). Besides rice, Kumo also cooks other grains (cous cous, quinoa, millet, and pearl barley) to perfection. Plus, it steams, slow cooks, makes porridge, and keeps any meal warm for up to 24 hours.

For ease of use, Kumo is featured with a 'Smart Button' control panel and a bright LED screen. And all that is built into a sleek and durable stainless steel exterior.

Small but Mighty

Created specifically for small kitchens, Kumo has a relatively small footprint and takes very little space on the countertop. With that, it has enough capacity for individuals or couples. The 5-layer 2mm Ninja ceramic coated inner bowl can take up to 5.5 cups of rice. As a nice touch, the bowl is made with silk print rice level lines for different types of rice. Also, the pack includes a measuring cup and spatula for convenience of use. So, even if you're new to rice cookers, you'll easily get the hang of using this mini machine.

In all, if you're looking for a smart, compact cooker that will be able to cook delicious and, more importantly, healthy rice, you'll be hard-pressed to find something better than Kumo. It's one of a kind cooker with a ‘YumCarb’ setting that can help you reduce the rice’s carb value by up to 25%. Ideal for those who stick to Keto diets or just control their sugar levels.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £79.90
Stock In stock
ASIN B0846ZXGG7

What Is a Rice Cooker?

A rice cooker is a popular kitchen appliance. It does not require constant manual control and supervision, which is a big plus if you have a bunch of other household chores to perform. Moreover, rice makers exclude the risk of undercooking or overcooking. As a result, you will always prepare rice that will be perfectly cooked and fluffy. All you need for that is to load some rice into the pot and set the right setting, and the device will do the rest for you.

Another appliance, which is very popular among consumers, is a slow cooker. It is very similar to a rice cooker by design and functions but it can be used for a greater variety of cooking tasks besides cooking rice. Similar to rice cookers, slow cookers run at low temperatures, consume little energy, and can prepare rather complex dishes without your supervision. They do not dry food nor do they scorch it, plus they allow excellent distribution of flavours, sprucing up all your meals.

For those looking to buy an appliance for cooking quick recipes, a pressure cooker will be the best bet. Able to cook 70% faster than most any other appliance, with pressure cookers, you will be able to cook healthy and incredibly tasty meals without washing out their vitamins and minerals.

What Features to Compare

Cooking Pot Capacity

One of the first things to check out when purchasing a rice cooker is a cooking pot capacity. This parameter will determine how much rice (and other food too) you'll be able to prepare per one go. Generally, if you don't have a big family and usually cook just a small amount of rice, we'd recommend considering models with a standard 5-8 -cup capacity. For larger households as well as for professional use, it'd be best to look in the direction of rice makers that can cook at least 10-20 cups of rice. Keep note that the pot size will also determine how long it will take to prepare a meal: bigger models, as you can guess, usually take more time. Finally, make sure to check out the surface of a cup. The best models feature a high-quality non-stick coating ensuring non-stick performance and hassle-free maintenance.

Cooking Functions

Another thing to consider is what cooking modes are included in the model you choose. Though primarily designed for cooking rice, a rice maker can also be used for preparing many other dishes. Hence, along with the rice cooking setting, most rice makers will also include additional modes such as steaming, pressure-cooking and slow cooking, providing you with the functionality of several kitchen devices. What's more, some of them will also include a baking function so that you can also prepare homemade bread and buns in it. In addition to being that versatile, rice cookers offer one more advantage - they preserve all the useful elements in the food and cook using neither fats nor oil, which makes them especially handy for people who lead a healthy lifestyle and stick to good eating habits.

Extras

Finally, consider the extras. Even if you don't need bells and whistles, some essential features that add to the convenience of use of the device should be present. For example, a timer will shut the device down when the cooking process is over. The heat-up function will keep the meal warm until you're ready to serve and eat it. An LCD screen and alert system will make it easy to control the process. Moreover, many modern devices feature special auto-detecting systems. Such systems can easily determine a water level and turn the machine off when the water drops down below it. Rice makers that do not have special measuring capacities usually have a volume marking on the inner surface of a cooking pot.

And, of course, a very important feature of every kitchen appliance is the material it is made of. For example, a body frame can be either steel or plastic. If you are going to use a rice maker constantly, then it would make sense to invest in a stainless steel appliance. Though more expensive, it will serve you for a longer time. On the other hand, if you don't think you will use the device that often, getting a plastic model might be a better choice. 

Sources:

1. Barbara Bowman How to Select a Rice Cooker, GourmetSleuth.

2. Jessika Toothman How to Choose the Right Rice Cooker for You, HowStuffWorks.

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