6 Best Rice Cookers For Restaurant – Commercial Rice Cookers

We all know that rice is a staple food in many countries and cultures. People around the world eat rice every day, and it’s not uncommon for people to have more than one bowl of rice per meal.

Rice cookers are crucial for today’s busy chefs because they allow you to cook perfect, fluffy, restaurant-quality rice without having to leave your station or spend time stirring pots!

A good commercial rice cooker can cut your cooking time by up to 50% allowing you to prepare other dishes.

However, finding the best rice cooker for a restaurant can be tough. There are so many options, and they all seem to have rave reviews!

However, not all rice cookers are equal, and some are clearly better than others.

Don’t worry about what brand to buy because we’ve done the hard work for you! Read on as we will review 6 different brands of commercial rice cookers that are perfect for restaurants and cafes.

Best Rice Cookers For Restaurant: Our Top 3 Picks!

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What To Consider Before Buying Commercial Rice Cooker For Restaurant – Buyer’s Guide

Brand

The rice cooker brand is important and should be one of the first things you consider. When you’re dealing with commercial-grade equipment, you must find a manufacturer who has experience in making this kind of product.

So, take some time to read up on the different brands and make sure you buy from a reputable brand that makes quality products.

Capacity

You’ll need to decide how much rice you want your cooker to handle. Many of the best commercial rice cookers can hold anywhere from 10 to 50 cups.

If you have a small restaurant with only 5 or 6 tables, then the smaller capacity is sufficient for your needs. However, if you have a larger restaurant with high traffic during lunch and dinner times, you might want to invest in a large rice cooker with over 20 cups.

Material

Another thing to look out for when buying commercial rice cookers is the material it’s made of. It should be made of stainless steel, ceramic, or aluminum.

The most important part of the cooker – the inner pot that holds the rice – must be stainless steel. 

Stainless steel rice cookers are easy to clean, durable, resist rusts and stains, and can cook food evenly. They are also easy to maintain, so you won’t have any issues with high heat or scratches.

Heat Source (Electric Or Gas)

Another important thing to consider when buying a commercial rice cooker is the heat source. There are 2 types of rice cookers, electric and gas, suited for different needs.

An electric rice cooker runs on electricity, so you don’t need to worry about propane tanks, cooking fuels, or other dangerous gases while using it.

You’ll need to decide which one is the best for your restaurant. It’s great to have both types available so you can choose depending on your needs at any given moment.

Features

A commercial rice cooker has many features that will come in handy while cooking and can be very useful.

The most important of these features is the keep warm function which keeps rice at a nice and warm temperature for several hours, so you don’t have to worry about it getting cold. You can also use this function to prepare another dish after the rice is ready.

Settings

A rice cooker can have several settings to make everything from regular white rice to brown, sticky, sweet, savory, creamy dishes.

Some of the best commercial rice cookers on the market come with a lot of different settings that allow you to experiment with flavors and dishes!

Warranty

A commercial rice cooker is a big investment, so you’re going to want some kind of warranty.

It’s not that the cooker could break or malfunction just because you bought it online, but it’s nice to have that peace of mind knowing that you can return your product if something happens to it.

Budget

When buying commercial rice cookers, the last thing to consider is how much you’re willing to spend.

These appliances are an investment, so you’ll need to decide if now is the right time for your business to invest in one of these appliances.

6 Best Commercial Rice Cookers For Restaurant

Aroma Housewares 60-Cup (Cooked) (30-Cup UNCOOKED) Commercial Rice Cooker Review

This rice cooker is a great option and one of the best commercial rice cookers on the market. Its price is impressive, and it’s also very easy to use.

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

With its easy one-touch settings, it’s a very simple rice cooker but don’t be fooled by its simplicity. The Aroma commercial rice cooker is ideal for perfectly cooking rice for your guests every time. With a 60 cup capacity, it is designed to keep your rice warm for long periods of time – ideal for any restaurant.

It is sturdy and can be used by catering companies as well as individuals who cook rice frequently. It also has a stainless steel exterior that is easy to clean and maintain – perfect for any commercial kitchen.

Aroma Housewares 60-Cup (Cooked) (30-Cup UNCOOKED) Commercial Rice Cooker – Key Features

• Easy to use with simple one-touch settings
• Extra large capacity – prepare up to 60 cups of rice or 30 cups uncooked in just 30 minutes
• Keep warm function – keep rice at ideal temperature for hours in the kitchen
• Stainless steel exterior – easy to clean and maintain
• Built and designed for commercial kitchen use

Aroma Housewares 60-Cup (Cooked) (30-Cup UNCOOKED) Commercial Rice Cooker – Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Attractive design	Excess steam can escape and build up in the kitchen during the day
Easy to use and clean
Keep warm function is great for most recipes
Large capacity is perfect for most commercial kitchens
Doesn’t take up much space in the kitchen

Hamilton Beach Proctor Silex Commercial Rice Cooker Review

The Hamilton Beach Commercial will be your best choice if you are looking for an affordable, durable and reliable commercial rice cooker.

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This kitchen appliance can prepare up to 60 cups of cooked rice, oatmeal, and grits in record time. This cooker is extremely easy to use, and when your rice is done cooking, it will automatically switch into warming mode.

Importantly for every kitchen, the inner pot has a nonstick coating that is easy to clean.

A clever feature that I love, to make sure your rice comes out perfect, the lid has visible markings to ensure that your rice is always cooked correctly. 

Hamilton Beach Proctor Silex Commercial Rice Cooker – Best Features

• Easy to use and clean – inner pot is removable
• Rotating lid with markings for easy rice monitoring
• Large capacity – can make up to 60 cups of cooked rice
• Nonstick inner pot – stainless steel quality will ensure ease of use and long-lasting durability
• Keep warm mode –  automatically switches to keep warm mode when your rice is done cooking

Hamilton Beach Proctor Silex Commercial Rice Cooker – Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy to use, clean, and maintain	Complaints reported that the lid did not fit properly
Large capacity – great for large parties or busy commercial kitchens
Easy, convenient one-touch controls
Well designed and sturdy for high usage in commercial kitchens
Keeps your rice warm for long periods without losing texture and taste

Zojirushi NYC-36 20-Cup Review

The Zojirushi is a trusted and reputable brand from Japan, known worldwide for its high-quality rice cookers. This commercial model is no different.

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Zojirushi commercial rice cooker and warmer can cook up to 40 servings of cooked rice at once. The warming function is what makes this model stand out from other Zojirushi rice cookers. It doesn’t burn rice like other brands, and it’s perfect for any busy restaurant.

Get cooking straight away with its easy-to-use settings. The built-in keep warm mode allows you to ensure that your rice doesn’t get too hot – remaining at the perfect serving temperature throughout the day.

This rice cooker is easily disassembled with a removable inner lid, so washing it at the end of the day is no longer a chore.

Zojirushi NYC-36 20-Cup – Best Features

• One-touch controls with easy to read settings
• Capacity – 20 cups for 40 servings of cooked rice in just one cooking
• Keep warm function will keep your rice at ideal temperature for hours
• Large capacity – perfect for commercial use
• Removable inner lid for easy cleaning

Zojirushi NYC-36 20-Cup – Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy to use and clean	Complaints about the inner rubber seal being faulty after just a few months of use
The removable inner lid is a great feature for every busy commercial kitchen
Quality build – perfect for heavy-duty usage in a large commercial kitchen
Nonstick pan with a durable non-stick coating that will last through many uses
Keep warm function means your rice stays fresh throughout the day

Panasonic SR-42HZP 23-cup (Uncooked) Commercial Rice Cooker

The Panasonic commercial is a durable machine that can cook 46 cups of rice per time. It’s easy to use with just one button to begin cooking. Because it is so simple, this rice cooker is very easy to clean.

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Although it only has a keep-warm function for up to 2 hours, this is plenty of time to prevent your rice from drying out. It also has a shut-off feature that automatically stops the cooking process when your rice is done.

If you’re looking for a rice cooker with a large capacity, this cooker can be the perfect choice for any restaurant.

Panasonic SR-42HZP 23-cup Commercial Rice Cooker – Best Features

• Large capacity – up to 46 cups cooked rice capacity
• Powerful 1,550 w heating element for fast cook times
• Automatic keep-warm function – can last up to 2 hours after the rice has finished cooking
• Quality made – stainless steel with a durable non-stick inner pot

Panasonic SR-42HZP 23-cup Commercial Rice Cooker – Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Powerful heating element for fast cook times	Keep warm function (2 hours) is not as long as other models
Simple and easy one-button controls allow for easy use of your rice cooker
The automatic shut-off prevents your rice from drying out
Easy one-button controls are simple to use even for the novice chef

Tiger JNO-A36U-XB 20-Cup (Uncooked) Commercial Rice Cooker Review

The Tiger JNO has the capacity you would expect in a commercial environment like a restaurant. The rice cooker can hold 20 cups (160 oz.) of uncooked rice and can make 40 cups (320oz.) of fluffy, delicious rice every time.

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Many features make the rice cooker easier to use. The silicone cooking sheet covers the bottom of the rice cooker to prevent brown rice from forming. The interior is nonstick, so it’s easier to clean.

The automatic warming function keeps your rice warm for hours after it has been cooked. This makes it fresh every time you take it out to serve. The cooker also includes a 6-ounce rice measuring cup with a spatula.

This industrial rice cooker’s exterior is primarily constructed of stainless steel. This makes it both sleek and durable, and an excellent investment for any restaurant.

Tiger JNO-A36U-XB 20-Cup Commercial Rice Cooker – Best Features

• Clever and compact design that saves space on your countertop or storage area
• Large capacity at 40 cups of cooked rice every time
• Easy to use with one-touch controls
• Keep-warm function that lasts for hours
• The rice cooker includes a 6 oz. measuring cup and spatula
• Easy to wash and maintain

Tiger JNO-A36U-XB 20-Cup Commercial Rice Cooker – Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Allows you to cook 40 cups of rice every time – perfect for commercial use	The burner inside can rust and wear over time
Clever and compact design that saves space on your countertop or storage area
One-touch controls make it easy to cook your rice without hassle
Keep-warm function to hold the food for hours at a time
Durable

Paloma 55 Cup Commercial Gas Rice Cooker Review

This is a rare rice cooker that is natural gas-based. This efficient and fast jumbo-sized rice cook is ideal for large restaurants with its large 55-cup rice capacity.

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

An auto-ignition function makes it easy to start – even in places without electricity.

It is safe to use too. The built-in safety device stops the main burner from lighting if the pan is removed. The main burner will not ignite if it is not aligned properly.

Easy to clean, this rice cooker features removable parts and an automatic shutoff. To ensure perfectly cooked rice, a sensitive ferrite sensor system regulates the gas heat.

This gas cooker does not have a warming function. Therefore, it is important to remove the rice as soon as possible when cooked.

Paloma 55 Cup Commercial Gas Rice Cooker – Best Features

• Automatic ignition function makes it easy to start even without electricity
• Accommodates large quantities of food at once with its 55-cup capacity
• The rice cooker is safe to use due to the built-in safety device that stops the main burner from lighting if the pan is removed
• Fits all cooking gas types

Paloma 55 Cup Commercial Gas Rice Cooker – Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy to clean since it has removable parts	No keep warm function
Can cook up to 55 cups of rice
Easy to use since the gas functions automatically for you
Great at cooking rice fast because of its big capacity and high heat output
Gas cookers can heat up and cool down faster than electronic cookers

Benefits Of Using Commercial Rice Cooker For Your Restaurant

Cooking Large Amounts Of Rice

Using a commercial rice cooker can save you time and effort when cooking large amounts of rice. Instead of constantly checking the rice to see if it’s done, just set the timer and walk away.

Easy To Use And Clean

One of the best things about commercial rice cookers is their ease of use. A lot of them are very easy to clean because they’re made with non-stick materials, which makes cleaning up a breeze.

Saves You Time

Cooking with a commercial rice cooker can save you time throughout the day. With just one press of a button, you’ll have perfectly cooked rice which you can then serve to your customers.

Flexible And Versatile

A commercial rice cooker is flexible and versatile, which allows you to use it for more than just cooking one kind of food. The settings will allow you to cook many different kinds of rice dishes, stews, and steaming vegetables.

Advanced Fuzzy Technology

Some rice cookers come with advanced fuzzy logic technology, which is very useful when cooking different types of dishes.

It allows you to choose different settings depending on the type of food being cooked so you can make sure everything always comes out tasty.

Controlling the temperature, water amount, and other factors associated with cooking rice will allow you to make all kinds of rice dishes.

People Also Ask 

How Do You Cook Rice In A Commercial Rice Cooker?

One of the best things about commercial rice cookers is their ease of use. The main control panel of the cooker will have different buttons that you simply need to press to set it into cooking mode.

As a general rule, you simply need to press the button that reads “rice” and then follow the directions from there. Rice will take about 30-35 minutes to cook, depending on the model.

Can You Use A Regular Rice Cooker In A Restaurant?

Yes, you can.  However, it’s best if you get a commercial rice cooker that is specially designed for use in commercial kitchens.

Regular rice cookers are not meant to be used in such settings because they’re not as durable and can’t handle the high volume of usage that restaurant kitchen appliances need to go through.

Do Professional Chefs Use Rice Cookers?

Yes. Professional chefs use rice cookers for various reasons, one of which is the fact that they make rice dishes much faster than traditional methods.

Also, commercial rice cookers are way easier to clean up after you’re done cooking the food because they don’t have many parts.

Can You Make Sticky Rice In A Commercial Rice Cooker?

Yes, you can. However, it may take a little time and some trial and error before you figure out the right cooking times for sticky rice in a commercial rice cooker. Some models have a “sticky rice” button that automatically adjusts the cooking time, so your food comes out perfectly every time.

Conclusion

If you own or operate a restaurant, it may be time to start considering a commercial rice cooker. We’ve compiled six of the best rice cookers for restaurants and what you should look for when purchasing one.

Whether you need something that can handle high volume cooking or just want something reliable with an easy-to-clean design, there is a commercial rice cooker out there to suit you.

So don’t wait any longer – get your ideal commercial appliance today!

Here are my top 3 picks from the list above:

• Aroma Housewares 60-Cup (Cooked) (30-Cup UNCOOKED) Commercial Rice Cooker
• Zojirushi NYC-36 20-Cup
• Hamilton Beach Proctor Silex Commercial Rice Cooker

Do you own a rice cooker for your restaurant? What is your top choice from our recommended list?