Best Rice Cookers Under $50 – Best Value For Money

Last modified on May 14th, 2022 at 11:18 am

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Today I want to share with you the best rice cookers under $50 that can help you cook the best rice you’ve ever tasted.

In A Hurry? Here Are Our Top Recommendations:

Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup
Aroma Housewares 8-Cup
Proctor Silex Rice Cooker

Before I bought my rice cooker, I cooked it in a pan, but it never tasted as nice as I wanted. Now since I got my cost-effective rice cooker, I can perfectly cook rice every time. I can’t believe how much time it saves me compared to when I used the stovetop pan!

How about you? Do you often find yourself frustrated because your rice never seems to come out right? Don’t worry! The rice cookers have been making the lives of rice lovers easier for years now, and the best part is, they are extremely affordable now.

However, different brands produce different types of rice cookers with many features, so selecting one may confuse you.

So, where do you start your search? What qualities do you consider first? Is it the price, size, wattage, or special features?

That is why I’ve put together this list that covers only the best rice cooker under $50. Yes, an excellent bargain for perfectly fluffy rice!

Let’s start…

Best Rice Cookers Under $50: Our Top 3 Recommendations

Preview
Editor's Choice
Zojirushi 3 Cup Rice Cooker/Steamer ( White)
Runner Up
AROMA Digital Rice Cooker, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Grain Cooker, Multicooker, 2 Qt, Stainless Steel Exterior, ARC-914SBD
Value for Money
Proctor Silex Rice Cooker & Food Steamer, 30 Cups Cooked (15 Uncooked), White (37551)
Key Features
Automatic keep-warm function that keeps rice warm long after being cooked (up to 12 hours).
Versatile - This rice cooker can be used to steam vegetables and even bake cakes.
Adjustable time function - allowing you to choose exactly how long you'd like your rice cooked.
Pros
Small rice cooker with steaming feature, ideal for small families or couples
The inner pot is made out of Bonded Granite nonstick material
Includes steam tray/divider for cooking multiple food items at once
Cons
Some customers have reported the inside cooking pan begins to look used after prolonged use - this may affect the capacity
Lid holder is not very durable and can damage easily
Some users have reported the maximum capacity is less than 30 cups of white rice
Prime
-
Editor's Choice
Preview
Zojirushi 3 Cup Rice Cooker/Steamer ( White)
Key Features
Automatic keep-warm function that keeps rice warm long after being cooked (up to 12 hours).
Pros
Small rice cooker with steaming feature, ideal for small families or couples
Cons
Some customers have reported the inside cooking pan begins to look used after prolonged use - this may affect the capacity
Prime
Check Price
Runner Up
Preview
AROMA Digital Rice Cooker, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Grain Cooker, Multicooker, 2 Qt, Stainless Steel Exterior, ARC-914SBD
Key Features
Versatile - This rice cooker can be used to steam vegetables and even bake cakes.
Pros
The inner pot is made out of Bonded Granite nonstick material
Cons
Lid holder is not very durable and can damage easily
Prime
Check Price
Value for Money
Preview
Proctor Silex Rice Cooker & Food Steamer, 30 Cups Cooked (15 Uncooked), White (37551)
Key Features
Adjustable time function - allowing you to choose exactly how long you'd like your rice cooked.
Pros
Includes steam tray/divider for cooking multiple food items at once
Cons
Some users have reported the maximum capacity is less than 30 cups of white rice
Prime
-
Check Price

Last update on 2024-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

7 Best Rice Cookers Under $50 – Get The Best Value For Money

Aroma Housewares 8-Cup Review

The Aroma rice cooker makes it easy to prepare jambalaya, steamed veggies, and rice, or even a delectable cake, all with your rice cooker. The possibilities are endless and depend on your creativity.

Sale
AROMA Digital Rice Cooker, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Grain Cooker, Multicooker, 2 Qt, Stainless Steel Exterior, ARC-914SBD
  • Easy-to-use programmable digital controls complete with an automatic Keep Warm mode after each cycle
  • An array of preset functions for every kind of meal: White Rice, Brown Rice, Steam, Flash Rice
  • Steam meat, vegetables and more with the provided Steam Tray all while rice cooks below

Last update on 2024-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty dish or something lighter, this reliable appliance is packed with features that make cooking healthy meals quick and easy.

The aroma housewares rice cooker comes with 4 preset digital functions, automatic keep-warm mode, and a 15-hour delay timer which is great for families on the go.

The included 8x nonstick inner pot is more durable than ceramic and traditional pots and can be easily washed in your dishwasher – or your sink.

Aroma Housewares 8-Cup – Best Features

  • Versatile – This rice cooker can be used to steam vegetables and even bake cakes.
  • Easy to clean – All parts of this cooker are dishwasher safe (including the removable inner pot).
  • Keeps warm function – After the cooking cycle is complete, the appliance will automatically switch to warming mode. This is good for hot pots and rice dishes that need to be held longer or kept warm until served.
  • 15-hour delay timer – Delay start timer allows you to schedule the cooking time up to 15 hours in advance.
  • Two different capacities – 8-cup capacity yielding 2-8 cups of cooked rice / 6-cups yielding 4-6 cups of cooked rice

Aroma Housewares 8-Cup – Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Precise electronic controls include a digital clock and timerLid holder is not very durable and can damage easily
The inner pot is made out of Bonded Granite nonstick material
Easy to use control panel with large buttons for simple operation
Delay start feature offers the convenience of planning up to 15 hours
8-cup capacity / 6-cup capacity

Dash Mini Rice Cooker Review

The Dash Mini rice cooker is a 2 cup rice cooker that, besides rice, allows you to cook other foods such as oatmeal, soup, and pasta.

DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer with Removable Nonstick Pot, Keep Warm Function & Recipe Guide, One Half Quart, for Soups, Stews, Grains & Oatmeal - Black
  • MORE THAN RICE: Oatmeal, stew, soup, quinoa, rice, and pasta. The 2-cup capacity allows for healthier portion control, or...
  • QUICK plus EASY: Set it and forget it. Prep time is minutes (simply add water and your uncooked rice, pasta, or veggies), and...
  • KEEP WARM FUNCTION: Updated with a keep warm function and indicator light - never overheat or overcook ingredients again,...

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It includes a book with recipes and a rice paddle for easy cooking and serving.

The rice steamer and warmer have a double-walled stainless steel exterior which can increase the temperature inside without burning your hands.

It’s dishwasher safe and comes with a removable non-stick pot for easy cleaning. Its compact size makes it great to use when you’re making food for one or two people.

This 800-watt appliance will have your food ready in 20 minutes or less with minimal clean-up, so it’s perfect for those on the go!

Dash Mini Rice Cooker – Best Features

  • Non-stick pot – the non-stick pot is dishwasher safe and easy to clean
  • Double-walled stainless steel exterior – double-walled exterior allows for quick and efficient heating
  • Cooks 2 cups of rice in 20 minutes or less
  • Comes with a rice paddle and a measuring cup
  • Built-in steamer – the inner pot is easy to remove and doubles as a steamer
  • Compact size – Great for smaller households or for traveling
  • 1-year warranty

Dash Mini Rice Cooker – Pros and Cons

ProsCons
20 minute cooking timeNot recommended for larger families due to small capacity size
The small size makes it ideal for traveling
Perfect for making oatmeal, soup, and pasta as well as rice
1-year warranty for extra consumer protection
Great for soups, stews, and making oatmeal

Sistema Microwave Collection Rice Cooker Review

This Sistema microwave rice cooker is perfect for quick cooking, and it can whip up fluffy batches of rice in just minutes.

Sale
Sistema Microwave Collection Rice Cooker, 87.2 oz./2.6 L, Red
  • Microwave rice steamer designed to cook rice, polenta, and couscous
  • Steam release vent on lid allows for splatter-free heating
  • Cool-to-the-touch, easy-lift tabs for easy opening of the rice cooker

Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It’s made of BPA-free plastic and features a pressure chamber, steam-release vent, cool touch tabs, and a lid with cool-touch tabs. This makes cooking rice in the microwave rice cooker completely safe.

It can be washed safely in the top rack of your dishwasher and is freezer-safe – making it easy to store leftovers.

Sistema Microwave Collection Rice Cooker – Best Features

  • Microwave-safe bowl – the BPA-free plastic is microwave safe and top-rack dishwasher safe
  • Vented lid with cool-touch tabs – vents release steam while the cool touch tabs prevent you from burning your hands
  • Includes a plastic rice paddle for easy serving
  • Can cook couscous and polenta – in addition to rice

Sistema Microwave Collection Rice Cooker – Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Great for making quick batches of rice that are ready in minutesThe handle is not as durable as the rest of the container and may separate from the lid when washed using a dishwasher
A freezer-safe container makes it easier to store leftovers or cook extra food at once
Has a compact design, which makes it great for smaller spaces

COMFEE’ Rice Cooker Review

The Comfee rice cooker comes large in size (20 cups) and has many popular features as more expensive models but costs less than $50.

COMFEE' Rice Cooker, Slow Cooker, Steamer, Stewpot, Sauté All in One (12 Digital Cooking Programs) Multi Cooker (5.2Qt ) Large Capacity. 24 Hours Preset & Instant Keep Warm, Black/Silver (MB-M25)
  • Multifunctional Use -With 12 digital cooking programs to cater to diverse eating habits, you can relish perfectly cooked...
  • User Friendly -Experience ultimate convenience with one touch to start cooking; the preset mode allows for a 24-hour delay...
  • 5.2Qt / 20 Cup Ultra Capacity - This rice cooker has an ultra capacity of 5.2 quarts, which can cook up to 10 cups of...

Last update on 2024-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This machine has 12 digital settings that make your cooking easy as pie. These features include options for quick, brown, and full-fat rice. In addition you can easily cook oatmeal, pasta soup, and stew.

You can even use the DIY mode to adjust the temperature and cook time to make any dish you like. You can also set the timer for 24 hours and keep it warm.

The nonstick, BPA-free pot, and any other accessories (paddle, soup ladle, measuring cup, plastic steamer insert) are dishwasher-safe.

It comes with a 1-year warranty for your peace of mind.

Comfee’ Rice Cooker – Best Features

  • BPA-free plastic
  • Dishwasher safe components
  • 12 cooking settings for quick rice, brown rice, oatmeal, slow cooking, sauteing, steaming, and more
  • 24-hour timer with keep warm function
  • Nonstick pot with measurements on the side
  • Extra safe – cool-touch handle offers protection for your hands when opening
  • Durable and easy to clean – the stainless steel exterior can be cleaned very quickly without smudging or fingerprints

Comfee’ Rice Cooker – Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Includes a 1-year warranty for extra consumer protectionThe inner bowl is not as durable as the outer pot (it may crack or break if dropped)
Perfect for families or dining halls – cooks up to 20 cups of rice at onceNonstick coating may not hold up over time and may need to be replaced after a year or so of use.
12 cooking settings make it easy to cook all kinds of food, not just rice (chili, soup, stew, pasta)
The deep pot makes it easy to serve rice after cooking
Easy to wash and maintain

Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup Review

This is one of the simplest rice cookers under $50 on the market with its easy switching control system and transparent glass lid.

Sale
Zojirushi 3 Cup Rice Cooker/Steamer ( White)
  • Easy-to-use single switch control
  • See-through glass lid with stay cool knob
  • Stay cool handles for easy transport

Last update on 2024-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This 3-cup rice cooker comes with a stay-cool handle that allows you to open the cooker safely, without burning your hands – safely always comes first, right?

It also features a nonstick inner cooking pan that is durable for your convenience.

The mini Zojirushi rice cooker comes with a measuring cup that measures 6 ounces, or about 3/4 the size of a standard cooking pot. This cooker can cook 6 cups of rice, enough to feed a family of 3 to 8 people. Overall, this cooker is compact, efficient, and easy to maintain.

Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup – Best Features

  • 3 cup capacity with a 6-ounce measuring cup, enough for 3-8 people
  • Stay-cool handle on lid with a transparent knob to monitor the cooking process
  • Stainless steel outer coating that resists fingerprints and smudges
  • Nonstick inner cooking pan is dishwasher-safe.
  • Automatic keep-warm function that keeps rice warm long after being cooked (up to 12 hours).

Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup – Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Easy switching control systemSome customers have reported the inside cooking pan begins to look used after prolonged use – this may affect the capacity
Small rice cooker with steaming feature, ideal for small families or couples
Makes 6 cups of uncooked rice at once
Easy to clean

Oster 6-Cup Rice Cooker Review

The Oster rice cooker is a fast and easy way to cook delicious rice. This cooker has an automatic keep-warm setting that will maintain the temperature of your cooked food at serving temperature.

Oster 6-Cup Rice Cooker with Steam Tray, Black (CKSTRCMS65)
  • Holds 3 cups of dry rice and prepares up to 6 cups of cooked rice
  • Easy, one-touch operation: start cooking with a single button push
  • Automatic keep warm setting keeps food at optimal serving temperature

Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The removable inner pot makes cleanup quick and easy. This cooker holds up to 6 cups of cooked rice and has a steaming basket for steaming vegetables, fish, or even a small whole chicken.

The steaming basket is also included, making it a versatile appliance in the kitchen.

It also comes with 2 measuring cups – one for rice and the other for water.

Oster 6-Cup Rice Cooker – Best Features

  • Easy to clean removable inner pot makes cleanup quick and easy
  • Small and compact design ideal for small kitchens or limited counter space
  • Steaming basket and 2 measuring cups
  • Keep warm feature – means food stays warm for hours after cooking
  • Holds up to 6 cups of cooked rice – perfect for family dinners

Oster 6-Cup Rice Cooker – Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Cooks up to 6 cups of rice, enough for a small family or coupleSome complaints about the rice sticking at the bottom
Simple design with easy-to-use functionsNot suitable for large families
Makes steaming vegetables/fish/chicken an easy task
Affordable price for people on a strict budget

Proctor Silex Rice Cooker Review

The Proctor Silex rice cooker with steamer is perfect for entertaining guests. It can make up to 30 cups of white rice in one cycle and cook hot cereals like your favorite porridge as well.

Proctor Silex Rice Cooker & Food Steamer, 30 Cups Cooked (15 Uncooked), White (37551)
  • FEED A CROWD: Cooks up to 30 cups of rice (15 cups uncooked) using long-grain white rice. Also cooks grains and hot cereals....
  • PERFECTLY COOKED RICE WITHOUT THE HASSLE: The rice will cook perfectly on its own, giving you time to prepare the rest of...
  • STEAM FOOD WHILE COOKING RICE OR GRAINS: The included steamer basket is ideal for steaming meats, seafood and vegetables...

Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The capacity may vary depending on the type of rice you choose, but regardless it’s enough to feed a large crowd or to cook everybody breakfast when they wake up from that late night!

Boiling water, adjusting temperature, and setting timers – all these have been taken care of so you can prepare the rest of your meal without worrying about a thing.

There’s also a steam tray included with an enclosed divider so each food item gets cooked at its own pace. Steam cook your veg, meats, fish … and when it’s time to clean up – the top-rack dishwasher-safe removable nonstick pot makes cleaning a breeze.

Proctor Silex Rice Cooker – Key Features

  • Large capacity – can cook 30 cups of cooked white rice
  • Removable nonstick pot which is dishwasher safe
  • Automatic keep-warm function – the cooker will automatically maintain food’s serving temperature for hours.
  • Steam tray with a divider to cook different types of food at once
  • Adjustable time function – allowing you to choose exactly how long you’d like your rice cooked.

Proctor Silex Rice Cooker – Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Can cook up to 30 cups of white rice, enough to feed a large family or partySome users have reported the maximum capacity is less than 30 cups of white rice
Includes steam tray/divider for cooking multiple food items at once
Dishwasher-safe pot makes cleaning a breeze
Automatically turns to warm once the rice is done cooking

People Also Ask

Which Brand Of Rice Cooker Is Best?

It really depends on your personal preferences and your budget. Some of the best rice cooker brands are Zojirushi, Proctor, Aroma Housewares, Oster, Dash Mini, and more.

What Size Should A Rice Cooker Be?

The best rice cookers under $50 usually have a capacity of approximately 6 cups.

However, other rice cookers should have a capacity of between 4-10 cups. Smaller rice cookers are great for smaller families, while bigger ones like 10+ cups can cook enough food to feed an entire family or party.

How To Use Or Clean A Rice Cooker?

The best way to cook with your new rice cooker is by simply adding your cup of uncooked rice along with your chosen ingredients and water in the rice cooker, turning it on, and waiting for the meal to finish.

When you’re done cooking, make sure to let your rice cooker cool before cleaning. Always use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratching the non-stick coating on the pot. Avoid using metal sponges or scouring pads as they can damage the rice cooker.

Why Do People Buy Rice Cookers?

People buy rice cookers for many reasons, but the most common ones are because you can make stews and soups using your rice cooker, they’re very convenient to use, and they help save on electricity costs.

adding water to rice cooker

You can also use your rice cooker to steam vegetables, meats, and fish.

Are All Rice Cookers The Same?

No, rice cookers are all different in their own way. Some may cook more rice, others may use less energy to cook the same amount of rice. While some rice cookers can steam food like meat, vegetables, and fish at the same time you’re cooking rice in it, others can’t.

Conclusion

The 7 best rice cookers under $50 presented in this article are the best value for money. They can even match or outperform their more expensive rivals, and they do not skimp on quality.

All of them will allow you to prepare perfectly cooked white/brown/sticky rice and even steam your favorite vegetables/meat/fish.

Some of them can also cook other types of food, which is always a bonus when you’re cooking for a couple or a small family.

So if you’re tired of overcooked or undercooked rice and you can’t afford an expensive model – the rice cookers above are ideal.

For overall value for money, quality, and design, my top 3 rice cookers under $50 are:

Try one of these small rice cookers under $50 and let us know your experience.