I’ve found six of the best induction heating rice cookers. My favorite rice cooker is the Zojirushi IH Rice Cooker and Warmer.
Being able to make rice on a daily basis is an essential part of delicious, healthy cooking. But if you’re going to be cooking rice frequently, you’ll want a rice cooker to streamline the cooking process.
Induction rice cookers are advantageous because they can provide more consistent results. The Zojirushi Rice Cooker and Warmer is excellent because it uses industry-leading induction heating to cook rice perfectly each and every time.
But when you think about price point, size, and extra features, many considerations could influence your decision.
Which induction rice cooker is the perfect rice cooker for you? Keep reading to learn more.
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Induction Rice Cooker Reviews
Zojirushi Induction Heating Rice Cooker: Best Induction Rice Cooker Overall
Total Capacity: 5.5 (1 liter) rice cups, uncooked
When it comes to rice cookers, Zojirushi is one of the most recognizable worldwide brands. Zojirushi manufactures its rice cookers in Japan with exacting standards.
Watch the video below to see the highlights of this advanced induction heating (IH) cooker:
The Zojirushi Induction Heating Rice Cooker features a total capacity of 5.5 rice cups of uncooked rice or 11 cups of cooked rice. It topped my previous review as the best Japanese rice cooker.
The Zojirushi features induction heating technology to provide high heat and cook rice flawlessly each time. With a triple heater on the bottom, side, and lid, this rice cooker generates all-around heat for even cooking.
The cooker has multiple cooking functions for cooking white rice, jasmine rice, mixed rice, sushi rice, porridge, sweet rice, brown rice, germinated brown rice, and quick cooking.
The clear-coated stainless steel exterior has a modern look and is easy to wipe clean. The black, thick, spherical inner pot has a non-stick coating for easy cleanup, as well.
When rice is done cooking, the automatic keep warm and extended keep warm functions will keep rice at the perfect serving temperature for hours.
The detachable and washable stainless steel lid is convenient and keeps odors at bay.
Lastly, this rice cooker is easy to use. The orange LCD control panel features a clock and timer so you can easily pick the perfect settings. The delay timer offers the ultimate convenience for busy cooks.
Buyers raved over the Zojirushi induction rice cooker. They especially liked the consistent results and the keep warm function. Buyers said the Zojirushi gave them perfectly fluffy rice each time.
They liked the easy cleaning and the multiple functions. Several used it for making brown rice, jasmine white rice, and GABA brown rice.
This rice cooker doesn’t save you much time. The average cooking time was still north of 45 minutes. But for most people, it was worth it.
Oddly enough, the most common complaint was the lack of a retractable cord. While it wasn’t a deal breaker for most buyers, they were disappointed.
While this Zojirushi cooker is one of the more expensive options, its reputation for quality and performance makes it one of the most popular rice cookers, as well.
Pros
- Superior performance
- Delay timer & auto keep warm
- Detachable lid
- Multiple rice settings
- Made in Japan
Cons
- Longer cooking time
- No retractable cord
- Expensive
Cuckoo CRP-P0609S 6-Cup Pressure Rice Cooker: Best Korean Rice Cooker
Total Capacity: 6 (1.4 liters) rice cups, uncooked
Cuckoo is the top brand in Korean rice cookers, and it’s not difficult to see why. This Cuckoo Pressure Rice Cooker has maximum versatility, earning a spot in my review as the most versatile Korean rice cooker.
The Cuckoo has a capacity of 6 cups of uncooked rice, or 12 cups of cooked rice, perfect for a family of four. It comes in sleek black and gold housing.
The LED display panel has 12 menu options for pressure cooking, GABA rice, brown rice, white rice, porridge, mixed rice, nu rung ji (scorched rice), keep warm, and more.
The panel features simple touch controls, a preset timer, and Fuzzy Logic technology to take the guesswork out of making perfectly cooked rice. The cooker automatically detects and adjusts the temperature and pressure accordingly.
The inner pot is made of stainless steel, with a proprietary X-wall non-stick coating. This coating is infused with diamonds to increase heat conductivity, scratch resistance, and durability.
This Cuckoo rice cooker automatically releases pressure for safe steam release. What’s more? The cooker features an overheating alarm that will alert you if the internal or external temperature is too high.
As for cleaning? The detachable inner lid makes cleanup a simple affair. And if you’ve ever had a weird smell caused by leftover water, you’re not alone. Fortunately, Cuckoo has a drainage dish to collect excess water and keep your rice fresh and delicious.
And to top it off, the automatic steam cleaning program helps freshen up your rice cooker after every use.
So what did buyers think of the Cuckoo Rice Cooker?
Users loved the excellent cooking performance of the Cuckoo. They especially liked the ease of use, the Turbo setting that saves time, and the detachable lid. They had success cooking rice and saving time.
Many people did warn that the lid opens very forcefully. The good news is that you can easily hold your hand over the lid to slow it down and prevent it from hitting the cabinet or flipping over the unit.
Some customers also noted that it was a bit difficult to change the language settings and reapply the silicone ring to the lid after cleaning. In both cases, other customer instructions helped them figure it out.
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Multi-functional
- Turbo setting for cooking rice quickly
- Detachable lid for easy cleaning
- Voice instructions in Korean & English
- High-quality, Teflon-free nonstick pot
- Automatic cleaning function
Cons
- Lid can fling open
- Tricky to change language settings
- Silicone ring can be tough to align
Panasonic 5-Cup Japanese Rice Cooker: Best Splurge Japanese Rice Cooker
Total Capacity: 5 (0.9 liters) rice cups, uncooked
Panasonic is an international brand that makes a wide range of products, with an emphasis in technology. The Panasonic Rice Cooker’s top-notch technology and even heating earned it a spot as the best splurge Japanese rice cooker in my previous review.
This Panasonic’s uncooked capacity of 5 cups (0.9 liters) can easily feed a family of five. The stainless steel exterior has a modern look. This rice cooker uses induction cooking to turn out delicious rice every time.
This Panasonic induction rice cooker features a durable seven-layer inner pot with a diamond-infused non-stick coating and a copper-colored exterior.
This induction rice cooker has 13 preset cooking programs for sushi rice, mixed rice, brown rice, white rice, porridge, sticky rice, and more. The automatic warm function can keep rice warm for up to 12 hours, making it the ultimate convenience.
The built-in umami-enhancing taste catcher enhances the flavor to achieve the perfect rice. The Panasonic rice cooker also comes with a special measuring cup for portioning the desired amount, a ladle, and a non-scratching rice paddle.
When you’re done cooking rice with the Panasonic, use the self-cleaning cycle to get the dinginess out of the unit. The stainless lid is detachable for easy cleaning. The inner pot is dishwasher-safe, as well.
Customers were able to achieve evenly cooked, delicious rice. They were also able to steam veggies and keep rice warm. People praised how fresh their rice tasted, even after a full day.
They enjoyed the easy cleaning of the unit housing and inner pan. And they also liked the multiple cooking functions.
Some people were disappointed that this induction rice cooker didn’t save them time. Part of the reason for this is that the rice cooker includes soak time, which adds to the total time.
The cooking process can take around 50 minutes, which is a time commitment. Still, with the timer and warming functions, you can have rice ready when you want to eat.
Another minor annoyance was that the timer display only shows the time remaining during the final 15 minutes. While that wasn’t a huge problem for people, several mentioned they would have liked to see the time remaining for the entire duration.
This Panasonic is an excellent induction rick cooker, but it will set you back quite a pretty penny. If you cook rice daily, this investment might be worth it. If you’re an occasional rice maker, however, the cost may be too exorbitant.
Pros
- 13 cooking programs
- 7-layer non-stick inner pan
- Battery clock display
- Automatic keep warm function
Cons
- Pricey model
- Only displays last 15 minutes of cooking
- Lengthy cook time
Cuckoo CRP-DHSR0609FD Induction Pressure Rice Cooker: Best Korean Pressure Rice Cooker
Total Capacity: 6 (1.4 liters) rice cups, uncooked
From Cuckoo also comes this induction rice cooker and pressure cooker. With a total capacity of 6 cups (1.4 liters), it can easily make enough rice for five people. I found this Cuckoo to be the Korean rice cooker with the most functions in my previous review.
The Cuckoo Induction Rice Cooker uses induction heating technology that surrounds the inner cooking pan, cooking rice in as little as 20 minutes. The algorithm automatically detects the grain type and internal temperature to take the guesswork out of making rice.
The inner pot features eco-friendly stainless steel construction with Cuckoo’s proprietary X-Wall diamond-infused non-stick coating that ensures the best temperature and heat distribution. The pot is durable and dishwasher-safe, as well.
LED touch controls and a voice guide in three languages (Korean, Chinese, & English) give the Cuckoo induction rice cooker a modern technological touch.
The preset timer and reheat option for leftovers add to the convenience and functionality. The keep-warm function ensures that the contents stay fresh until you’re ready to eat rice.
This Cuckoo has a whopping 17 menu options for GABA rice, brown rice, white rice, sticky rice, sushi rice, pressure cooking, multi-cooking, and bread baking. The automatic cleaning function allows you to effortlessly deep clean your cooker.
Users found the Cuckoo induction heating rice cooker to be beautiful, sophisticated in design, and sturdy. They loved the ability to keep rice warm for several hours, as well as the pressure cook option to save time.
Some users found the instructions to be complicated and counterintuitive. They said the English instructions were awkward as if someone had poorly translated them from Korean.
This made the manual difficult to understand, thus adding a learning curve to the machine. And they also noted that the Cuckoo is a more expensive model.
If you’re willing to take the time to learn the functions, this Cuckoo is a great rice cooker. It will last for a long time, and it will turn out perfect rice cooked in less time.
Pros
- Sophisticated, sturdy design
- Quick cooking time
- Voice navigation in 3 languages
- Non-stick inner pot
- Excellent performance
- Has pressure cooking option
Cons
- Instructions difficult to understand
- No automatic cleaning
- Learning curve
- Pricey
Aroma Housewares Induction Rice Cooker and Multicooker: Best Bargain Induction Rice Cooker
Total Capacity: 12 (2.84 liters) rice cups, cooked
Aroma Housewares makes a wide variety of cookware and small kitchen appliances. They offer other rice cookers, but this Aroma Housewares Induction Rice Cooker is one of their only offerings that uses an induction heating system.
With a capacity of 12 rice cups, this Aroma can make enough rice to feed several people. However, it does measure the total capacity of cooked rice, not uncooked. So you’re looking at a size similar to the other rice cookers on the list.
This Aroma rice cooker uses 360° induction heating technology that includes dual temperature sensors and a heat-retaining stainless steel lid that produces more efficient, even heating.
The easy-to-use, programmable digital controls include cooking functions for white rice, multigrain rice, steaming, oatmeal, porridge, and soup.
The 15-hour delay timer gives you the ultimate flexibility, and the automatic warm function will keep rice at the perfect temperature for you until dinner time.
The Aroma Housewares induction rice cooker comes with a non-stick inner pot, a serving spatula, a soup ladle, a steamer tray, and a rice measuring cup.
Customers used the Aroma Housewares rice cooker for cooking brown rice, white rice, oatmeal, and even grits. They were pleased with the performance and the small footprint on the kitchen counter.
One user said the delay timer was a little off and finished the cooking process a little early. This was an isolated complaint, but you might have to do some trial and error with the delay timer.
In terms of an induction rice cooker, the Aroma Housewares is one of the most affordable options out there that still performs well.
It doesn’t pressure cook or has separate settings for specialty rice like basmati rice or GABA brown rice, but you’ll get the benefits of an induction heating system at a fraction of the cost.
Bottom line? This is the best induction rice cooker if you’re on a budget.
Pros
- Can feed a family of 4-5
- Sleek design
- Delay timer, automatic warming
- Non-stick inner pot
- Affordable
Cons
- Not as many functions
- Isolated report that delay timer is slightly off
Zojirushi Pressure Induction Heating Rice Cooker & Warmer: Best Splurge Induction Rice Cooker with Pressure Cooker
Total Capacity: 5.5 (1 liter) rice cups, uncooked
This Zojirushi Induction Heating Rice Cooker might look similar to the other Zojirushi cooker on the list, but this one also includes a pressure cooker option.
The total capacity is 5.5 rice cups, enough to make approximately 8 standard U.S. measuring cups of cooked rice. It comes in a black and stainless steel finish for a modern look.
Menu settings include white rice (regular, softer, or harder), umami, mixed, sushi/sweet, Jasmine, porridge, congee, brown, GABA brown, steel-cut oatmeal, rinse-free, and quick cooking grains.
In addition to the induction heating rice cooker, the Zojirushi includes a rice spatula, spatula holder, and two measuring cups.
Customers raved about the Zojirushi pressure cooker and rice cooker. They were amazed at the results with rice and with other foods like oatmeal, scorched rice, and congee.
But with the high price, several did say that this is not a rice cooker for a beginner. The Zojirushi is better for someone who is either an avid rice consumer or someone who has owned a rice cooker before and wants the top-of-the-line.
Pros
- Multifunctional
- Superb results
- Delay timer
- Keep warm & extended keep warm
- Non-stick inner pot
- Uses AI to make adjustments
- Made in Japan
Cons
- Very expensive
All About Induction Heating Rice Cookers
Are Induction Rice Cookers Better?
When compared to basic rice cookers, many consider induction rice cookers to turn out superior results. The reason is that with an induction heating system, rice cooks quickly and evenly.
Here’s how it works: Induction heating rice cookers use coils to create a magnetic field inside the cooking pot. The magnetized inner pot reacts and heats up quickly and thoroughly.
The inner cooking pan essentially acts as the “heating element,” which means the rice is heated from all sides.
Induction cookers cook rice more precisely in less time, making them some of the top rice cookers, performance-wise. They do run more expensive than your average rice cooker.
Watch the video below for a simple explanation of how an induction heating system works:
What is the Number #1 Rice Cooker?
If you want a good induction rice cooker, many rice cookers fit the bill.
If you want just a basic rice cooker, you’ll have good luck with an Aroma Housewares, Panasonic, Zojirushi, or Tiger rice cooker.
If you want more advanced technology or bells and whistles, I would go with Zojirushi or Cuckoo cookers.
Why is the Zojirushi Rice Cooker So Good at Cooking Rice?
Rice cooking is a breeze with Zojirushi rice cookers. Even though they’re pricier, the results speak for themselves.
Zojirushi rice cookers are made in Japan with the highest quality materials.
Several feature an induction heating system to produce more consistent results.
Zojirushi also has several useful features, such as specific options for different types of rice or an extended keep warm function.
What Size Rice Cooker do I Need?
In general, you should estimate 1/2 cup of cooked rice per person as a side. If it’s the base of a meal, estimate 1 cup per person.
Most rice cookers include the total capacity, either in cooked or uncooked rice. They include special rice cups, which are equivalent to 3/4 U.S. standard measuring cups.
As a quick reference, use the chart below to find the correct size rice cooker for you:
Capacity in Rice Cups (Uncooked) | # of People |
3 cups | 1-2 people |
5 cups | 4-5 people |
10 cups | 8+ people |
How Long Does It Take to Cook Rice?
Different types of rice require different cooking times. This is mostly influenced by the type of rice and the length of the grain. The longer the grain, the longer the simmer time.
Brown rice takes a longer cooking time and more water because the grains still have the outer layer of bran on them, which requires more time to cook. White rice already has the bran removed; hence, the cooking process is much faster.
If you’re unsure how long to cook your particular grain of rice, use the chart below:
Rice Type | Stovetop Cooking Time (after rinsing/soaking) |
Short grain white rice | 20-30 minutes |
Long grain white rice | 20-25 minutes |
Long grain brown rice | 40-45 minutes |
Parboiled | 25-30 minutes |
Basmati Rice | 45-55 minutes |
Induction Rice Cookers: Final Verdict
Which model is the best induction rice cooker? My recommendation is the Zojirushi Rice Cooker and Warmer. It is the best rice cooker for induction heating, in my opinion.
But there are several solid alternatives out there if you want something different.