10 Best Rice Cookers 2025 in the United States

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and food warmer in one. With an 8-quart capacity, it’s ideal for larger families or those who like to batch cook. It offers 13 smart, customizable cooking programs including specific settings for rice, which means you can cook rice quickly and with consistent results. The pressure cooking function speeds up meal prep, cooking dishes up to 70% faster than traditional methods. The keep warm feature is handy for serving meals at the right temperature without overcooking.

Cleaning is convenient thanks to fingerprint-resistant stainless steel sides and dishwasher-safe parts. Its size is somewhat large, so it needs adequate counter space and may be less suited for small kitchens. The stainless steel inner pot with tri-ply bottom promotes even cooking and also allows for sautéing ingredients right in the pot. While the price is higher than basic rice cookers, the multiple functions and safety features, including overheat protection and a safe-locking lid, add good value.

For those seeking a multi-functional cooker that can handle rice and many other dishes with ease and who have the counter space to accommodate its larger footprint, this Instant Pot model is a solid choice.

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker stands out for its multifunctionality. It not only serves as a rice cooker, but also as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, and food warmer. This versatility makes it highly valuable for users looking to save space and money by combining multiple appliances into one. Its 3-quart capacity is suitable for smaller families or individuals, perfect for meal prepping or batch cooking. The stainless steel design is durable and fingerprint-resistant, enhancing its ease of cleaning, especially since the lid, inner pot, and accessories are dishwasher-safe.

Additionally, it offers 13 customizable Smart Programs, allowing for quick one-touch cooking of various dishes beyond rice, from ribs to desserts. This feature can significantly reduce cooking time, which is a great advantage for busy users. The Instant Pot Duo also boasts over 10 safety features, including overheat protection and a safe-locking lid, ensuring user safety during operation. Another highlight is the free Instant Brands Connect App, providing access to over 1900 recipes, which can be a great resource for those looking to explore new meals.

However, its relatively small size might be a drawback for larger families or those who require more capacity for cooking bigger meals. Additionally, at 8.65 pounds, it might be a bit heavy for some users to handle easily. The price can be another consideration; although it offers multiple functions, it might be on the higher side compared to basic rice cookers. This product is particularly well-suited for small households or individuals who value multifunctionality, ease of use, and safety features in their kitchen appliances.

The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 is a versatile kitchen tool that goes beyond just cooking rice. With a 6-quart capacity, it can comfortably prepare meals for small to medium families, making it suitable if you often cook for about 4 to 6 people. It offers many cooking options—including pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, sautéing, and yogurt making—giving you more flexibility than a basic rice cooker. The 15 smart programs simplify meal preparation, and the real-time cooking progress bar keeps you informed without guesswork. Cooking times are generally faster thanks to the pressure cooker function, while the keep warm feature ensures food stays ready to eat for hours. Cleanup is straightforward since both the lid and inner pot are dishwasher safe, saving you time and effort.

The stainless steel inner pot with a tri-ply bottom helps cook food evenly and locks in place for stable use. The design is user-friendly with a clear touch control panel, although the unit is somewhat heavy and takes up a fair amount of counter space. It is priced higher than simple rice cookers, but its multi-functionality adds value if you're looking for an all-in-one appliance. If your main goal is just cooking rice quickly and simply, there are less expensive options, but this Instant Pot is a great choice if you want a reliable device that handles rice along with many other cooking tasks.