Best Small Rice Cooker Reviews for 2022 – Mini & Portable

• Automatic Keep-Warm Feature

One of the most noteworthy aspects of this device is the automatic keep-warm feature which means that the unit automatically switches to a keep-the-food-warm mode once the rice is cooked through. That's especially helpful for anyone with a busy schedule who doesn't want to eat the rice just when it's done being cooked.

• Space-Efficient Design

Thanks to the small bowl and solo-friendly nature, the appliance doesn't take up much of your counter or cabinet space. That said, it's perfect for mini-sized kitchens with limited room.

• Affordable

Costing less than 20$, this model is surprisingly cheap. However, don't let the low price fool you. Thanks to the multiple features and well-built design, the unit is bound to deliver every time with the push of a button.

• Non-Stick Surface

According to the manufacturer, the rice bowl features a non-stick coating which prevents the food from burning and getting stuck to the sides.

• Indicator Lights

The unit has two indicator lights which show when the rice is being cooked and when it's in keep-warm mode.

• Easy-to-Use Accessories

Being the top-rated mini rice cooker that it is, this model comes with multiple accessories which make the process that much more comfortable. So, along with the unit, you'll get a measuring cup and spoon and a plastic serving spoon to avoid scratching the non-stick bowl.

• See-Through Lid

It also has a transparent lid which helps you check the food as it cooks. So, even though the process is automated, you can always keep an eye on the device and avoid burning your rice.

• Easy to Clean

It's no secret that non-stick cookware is very easy to clean. All you have to do is wipe any food residues with a paper towel and load them into the dishwasher. But, non-stick bowl aside, the unit features a bunch of other removable parts (lid, etc.) which helps you keep even those hard-to-reach spots pristine. So, make sure you wash these parts with warm soapy water after every use, and the cooker is bound to last for many years.

• Steam Vent

This model also comes with a specially designed vent which allows the built-up steam to leak through the cooking chamber. This feature prevents any violent bursts of the cooker due to increased pressure.

• Versatility

Even though it's referred to as a rice cooker, this device can do so much more than just boiling the popular grain. That said, you can use the appliance to cook a variety of foods such as oats, quinoa, and legumes. In some cases, you can even use it to warm up your stews and soups.

• Makes a Mess (Or Maybe Not?)

One of the most common complaints about this unit is that it tends to spit some of the food and water during operation. While that may seem like a design flaw on the manufacturer's side, you should remember that the bowl can't take more than 1 ½ cups of uncooked rice. If you do ignore this guideline, both the water and rice will spill out of the unit causing a mess. So, whatever you do, don't add more rice than the bowl can take.

• Portability

Thanks to the small size, light weight, and collapsible handle, this cooker is very easy to move around, so it's the perfect choice for anyone who's always on the go (see: RV-ers, and gadget-loving campers). The portable nature of the unit also favors college students who move from dorm room to dorm room.

• Newbie-Friendly Design

One of the main attractions of this model is the easy-to-use interface. You see, it features a digital control panel which allows you to choose the type of rice you want to cook, whether that's white or brown. On top of that, the device comes with an automatic keep-warm feature which switches the unit into warming mode as soon as the rice is cooked through. This trait can be of great help to people with no time to check on the food or those who are a bit forgetful.

• Non-Stick Cooking Bowl

The device features a non-stick rice bowl which keeps the grains from sticking to the sides and burning. Genius!

• Easy Clean-Up

Since most of the unit's parts are removable, you can readily load some of them (specifically, the pot) into the dishwasher and call it a day. However, to keep your cooker in tip-top condition, you can always wash the individual parts by hand. Don't worry; it's not that hard or time-consuming. Just remove any food residues with a paper towel and then scrub the parts gently with warm soapy water. That's pretty much it.

• Versatile Cooking Options

Besides steaming and boiling two different types of rice (white and brown), you can use the device to cook a variety of other foods and dishes such as pancakes, omelettes, one-pot pasta, oatmeal and much more.

• Easy to Store

Given its small footprint and compact size, the cooker makes storage a breeze. Just tuck all the removable parts in the unit's body to save some more space, and place it in your cabinet.

• Cool-Touch Exterior

Another cool thing about this model is the cool-touch surface. It is specially designed to isolate the heat from the cooker's interior, sparing you any burning accidents.

• Overflowing Pot

According to many previous owners, the cooker tends to overflow and spit the water and the grains after a while. It's worth mentioning, though, that this is a misuse side effect as the pot can take up to 1 ½ cups of uncooked food, and no more. So, to avoid such issues, make sure you always stick to the recommended portions.

• Versatility

Even though many have associated Instant Pot with pressure cooking, this model goes against the grain (literally!) and doubles as a rice cooker, among others. The unit's interface comes with multiple buttons, allowing you to choose which food you want to cook next. So, whether you are in the mood for porridge, stew, rice or eggs, this device has you covered.

• High-End Features

Being the reputable brand that it is, Instant Pot has equipped the model with various high-end features which can take your experience to the next level. One of these features includes a 24-hour delay start which allows you to cook your food at a preset time even when you are not around. It also has an automatic keep-warm feature which can keep your rice fresh and fluffy for up to 10 hours. Lastly, you can adjust the temperature while sauteing and slow cooking.

• Helpful Accessories

Upon purchase, the model comes with a variety of accessories which help improve your cooking experience. These utensils include a measuring cup, a rice paddle, a soup spoon, a stainless steel rack for steaming veggies and a recipe booklet filled with ideas on how to use your brand new rice cooker efficiently.

• Largish Capacity

While most mini rice cookers can steam up to 1 ½ cups of uncooked rice, this model goes beyond this standard and is ready to accommodate up to 6 cups of your favorite uncooked grains.

• Detachable Power Cord

If safety is your #1 priority, you are going to love this feature. You see, the unit sports a removable power cord which is easily detached when pulled. That means that if you accidentally trip on the cable, it will disconnect from the plug, sparing you the accident.

• Uneven Cooking

The only problem with this model is that food tends to be cooked unevenly. That happens because the heating element is placed at the bottom of the unit and may not reach the upper side of your food when the pot is filled. One way to go about this issue is to add less food in the bowl every time you cook.

• Easy to Use

For many, figuring out just how a rice cooker works can be beyond confusing. But, this no-frills model doesn't fall into that category. Equipped with just one ON/OFF switch, it's perfect for anyone who wants to keep things as simple as possible. That's one of the reasons why this device is considered a top choice for cooking newbies such as college students and singles.

• Keep-Warm Function

Just because your food is ready to serve, it doesn't mean you have to eat it now. If this sounds like you, then the keep-warm feature on this model will come in pretty handy. Now you can have warm rice even 5 hours after it's done being cooked.

• See-Through Lid

Unlike many rice cooker, this Japanese masterpiece comes with a transparent lid that's made of tempered glass. This way you can check on your food while it's cooking and make sure it's perfect every time.

• Versatility

Who said rice cookers can steam just... rice? According to the manufacturer, this unit can also be used to cook veggies. However, we'll take things a step further and encourage you to add more foods and functions to the mix. That said, next time you want to warm up your stew, give this puppy a spin. You won't regret it.

• Heat-Resistant Parts

The device also features a stay-cool know which allows you to open the lid without burning. The same principle applies to the side handles which are also made of heat-proof materials. That means you can man the cooker safely.

• Accessories

It also comes with a measuring cup and a serving spatula for some added convenience.

• Easy to Store

Given its compact size and small footprint, the appliance can be stored quite easily. Just tuck away any accessories inside the cooker's pot, top with the lid and put it away.

• Uneven Heat Distribution

Many previous users report that the device tends to overcook the rice at the bottom, leaving the grains on the top crunchy and tasteless. While that may seem like a design shortage, it's actually a matter of just how much rice you put in the pot in the first place. If you add more than the unit can handle, then chances are some of it will not be cooked thoroughly.

• Long-Lasting Materials

Unlike many models on the market today, this one is mostly made of stainless steel to ensure a lasting experience. The parts that consist of this durable material include the exterior, the attached steaming basket and the rim of the cover.

• Air Release Vent

The cover of the cooker also has a small hole which allows the steam to leak outside the chamber and, thus, prevent any pressure-related accidents.

• Keep-Warm Feature

Cold rice sucks, and the people at Cuisinart know it. To help you enjoy warm food every time you use this cooker, they made sure the unit automatically switches to the warming mode as soon as cooking is done.

• Indicator Lights

The device is equipped with two indicator lights, one for showing whether the food is being cooked and the second for when the unit automatically switches to the warming mode.

• Multiple Cooking Options

The device comes with a built-in tray which allows you to steam other foods even when the rice is cooking.

• Nice Looks

Thanks to the shiny stainless steel finish, the cooker gives off a futuristic vibe which instantly upgrades any kitchen, from classic to modern.

• Safe to Use

Another feature that makes this rice cooker stand out is the fact that it's made according to the North American Electrical Standards. That means that there's little to zero chance it will ever burst out into flames due to electrical malfunctions. The manufacturer also notes that the rice bowl contains zero BPA which is a toxin that is found in Teflon and plastic products.

• Transparent Lid

It also features a tempered glass lid which allows you to keep an eye on the food as it cooks.

• Accessories

The unit comes with a measuring cup and a rice paddle which are adapted to the bowl's size, making the whole process much more comfortable.

• Bulky Design

Compared to most mini rice cookers, this one is a bit larger, occupying more space and making storage a bit difficult.

• Water Spills Out

Many owners claim that the cooker's design causes the water to spill out the chamber and onto the counter, making a huge mess along the way. To avoid that, make sure you add less water than usual.