Rice cookers are a unique kitchen appliance as they can range from super affordable. To the mega expensive selling for over
Depending on budget, rice cookers can range from
With that being said, you can still pick up an excellent rice cooker for under
Rice cookers, at the highest end, are less “rice cookers and more “cooking machines,” and boy, are these machines! Not only do they have the aesthetic of any Pinterest Pinterest user, but they can also seemingly do it all, apart from washing up!
These rice cookers tend to be multi-zone cookers, meaning you can cook multiple things at once. Most of the highest-end rice cookers will look like a traditional steamer and have different levels – with the bottom “pot” acting as a rice cooker, slow cooker, instant pot, and steamer all in one. Still, they also have technology that can circulate the steam in such a way as to cook the food you put in on different levels.
Needless to say, rice cookers at this price point are reserved for those with money to burn. My advice is: If you have money to burn, spend it on something other than a rice cooker!
Now we are getting into the slightly more realistic yet high-end rice cookers. This price bracket will bag you the best in technology when buying a rice cooker. You should expect to get a unit with grain identification as standard – A function where your rice cooker will pick up which grain you are trying to cook and adapt its cooking per grain.
Sticking on the technology line, units at these price points should integrate with smart homes seamlessly, with most being remotely controllable by Alexa, Google, and Xiaomi and some boasting independent voice control.
Units around this range also should do more than cook rice, including slow cooking and pressure cooker features. Usually, these rice cookers have special thermal technology, claiming to be able to heat, and hold heat better than units at a cheaper price range.
Many boast echo-friendly features such as lower power consumption and are made from recyclable materials as well as being able to be recycled (one problem with mass-produced electronics)
Most rice cookers on the market fall into this price bracket, and mid-range rice cookers are probably the price range most will be looking in.
A rice cooker between $50 and $100 will usually perform multiple functions and cook rice. Expect to pick up a “10 in 1,” being able to steam, slow cook, and saute.
You usually have to trade off functionality VS size at this price point. You can generally pick up an excellent 20-cup cooker (large) which is a rice cooker and a steamer in one. Or a unit that has the functionalities but cooks only 10 cups.
There is no correct answer, however – You should check your current appliances at home to see if any have the functionalities a more “advanced” rice cooker offers. For example, you probably don’t need two appliances that can slow cook. So it may be better to opt for a larger rice cooker, which will come in handy at events or holidays!
Xiaomi Induction Rice Cooker
With the advent of cheaper technology, budget rice cookers are not only accessible to everyone. They work just as well as any other rice cooker – On the basis that you only want to cook rice.
Budget rice cookers will not have the bells and whistles of more expensive units, but usually, people only want a rice cooker to cook the rice! These are perfect for the single unit user or users who don’t intend on cooking rice all day, every day.
Units will a smaller price tag will have a far smaller capacity, with most cooking 4 cups of rice. (which is still 8 portions of rice!). They also come far lighter and easier to store, the perfect option for those with tighter storage space.
I will let you into a little secret. I had a high-end rice cooker for years. I then moved, gave my mother my big high-end unit, and bought myself a Xiaomi $30 3-cup rice cooker.
Not only am I pleased with my budget rice cooker. I PREFER the portability of a smaller rice cooker. I can pull it out and put it back in the pantry with one hand. The footprint is tiny, and the best part. It cooks rice perfectly! (My Rice Cooker Above)
Rice cookers can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you like. There are units for every price range at every size – Though the base function for all units is the same. They will cook rice
Most Expensive rice cookers – For users wanting the latest kitchen gadgets without concerns over budgets
High-End rice cookers – Ideal for regular users who want and will use the extra functionality the higher price point brings
Mid Range rice cookers – Great for small families who want a larger capacity or users who don’t mind spending a little more for a few extra features
Budget rice cookers – Ideal for everyone who wants cooked rice, usually come in smaller capacities and do not have extra functionality.
