Rice is a dietary staple for billions of people across the world. As long as you can cook it right, it is enough to use the same recipe each time and serve your meal with different stews, vegetables, soups, and desserts.
There is more to cooking rice than merely boiling it for a few minutes. If you do not simmer it correctly, it will either turn mushy or become too hard to chew. Investing in a rice cooker can play a significant role in simplifying dinner preparation, and ensuring you never undercook or overcook your rice.
If you need to find the best microwave rice cooker in the markets, read on to learn about the 10 top options you have.
10 Best Microwave Rice Cooker Reviews
Microwave rice cookers are simple plastic pots that steam or boil rice. Their most basic parts are the cooking bowl and lid, although some models also come with a measuring cup, colander, and rice spoon.
To help you trim down your options, we have listed down the top 10 microwave rice cookers that can make a superb addition to your kitchen.
1. Sistema Microwaveable Collection Rice Cooker, 87.2 oz./2.6
I’ll start by reviewing an excellent rice cooker I have in my kitchen. Honestly, the main reason I considered this model is because I was on the budget. I also desperately needed saving from the horrific challenges of cooking rice in the microwave using jugs and cling film.
Take it from me; the small investment I made was worth it.
Setting up the pot is quite easy. All you should do is unclip the lid, add your water and rice, then install the pressure chamber tray. Now, this tray does a superb job of retaining the moisture in the rice to give it an excellent texture.
I love the fact that this model has an easy to close the lid with clips. The lock-in system works wonderfully, not to mention that the cover also has steam release vents. As long as the pressure chamber tray is appropriately installed, it will be less messy to cook your rice.
This microwave rice cooker is one of the best bargains you can find in the markets. It is affordable and designed to hold tons of rice and still fit into the microwave with ease.
Pros
- Straightforward setup process
- Capacity: 2.6L
- Easy to close the lid with clips
- Comes with a pressure chamber tray to ensure cooked rice has the perfect texture
- 100% virgin plastic rice cooker (the rice doesn’t stick to the pot)
- Versatile cookware can also steam and heat other foods
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- The bowl has no handles- when it heats up, taking it out of the microwave is challenging
2. Joseph Joseph 45002 M-Cuisine Microwave Rice Cooker
This is a brand that commands respect, and it has delivered several superb products over the years. Their rice cooker stands out because it comes with a range of its items for your convenience. They include the cooking chamber, lid, measuring cup, rice paddle, and colander.
What makes this the best small microwave rice cooker is the fact that it has an impressive design that eliminates any troubles taking your pot out of the microwave.
The rice paddle can stick over the edges of the circumference of the cooking chamber. This allows you to lift the cookware from your microwave safely. It also helps to lock the lid properly.
This rice cooker is slightly more expensive than other models from other brands. I had to put it to the test to find out whether the extra expense was worth it. Well, it certainly is ahead of the game because of its design. I also liked that the cooked rice had a consistent texture.
Pros
- The paddle serves as a handle and also helps to keep the lid tightly locked
- Small-Sized rice cooker fits into the microwave without much hassle
- The cookware’s capacity is reasonable 2L
- Comes with a colander for rinsing your rice
- It comes with a handy guide
Cons
- This product is expensive compared to similar models from other brands
3. Progressive International Microwaveable Rice Cooker Set
This is yet another superb model that is ideal for anyone looking for a dishwasher, safe, microwavable rice cooker. It can hold about 3 cups of uncooked rice and is hence perfect for young couples with one or two kids.
Also, this inexpensive model is also ideal for students living in dorms who want a convenient means of cooking rice or steaming other foods.
The package comes with the rice cooker, a locking lid, a measuring cup, and a rice paddle. In case you are not sure about the amount of water to use when cooking different types of rice, the cooking instruction book will come in handy.
Furthermore, the pot is made of BPA free plastic, so you do not have to worry about falling ill because of consuming contaminated food. It is also crucial to mention that the plastic lid has a handle, to make removing the pot from the microwave remarkably easy.
The first time I tested this model, I was using my old microwave that had a higher wattage. It was a bit too messy for my liking because the water kept spilling, and I had to place several paper towels on the microwave turntable.
Fortunately, I updated my microwave and settled for a model with lesser wattage. This seemed to address the spilling problem.
Pros
- 6 cups capacity (cooked rice)
- BPA free
- Comes with a measuring cup, plastic paddle and cooking instructions booklet
- Dishwasher safe
- Spill-Free when using a low wattage microwave
Cons
- Cooking with this model is a bit messy when using a high wattage microwave
4. Home & Appliances Rice Cocker Only for Microwave Oven
Let’s talk about the ultimate gadget for cooking Japanese curry and rice. This microwave oven is small in size, with a 1.2L capacity. It can hold a maximum of 2 cups of rice at any one go and is therefore ideal for students, single people, and couples.
If you hardly ever need to cook lots of rice, you may find the size of this model to be quite favorable.
The rice cooker, paddle, and measuring cup are made from traditional white charcoal and heat resistant polypropylene. There is some magic behind white charcoal because, in Japan, it is used to absorb chemical substances. It is safe to say that this pot is BPA free.
Moreover, the inner multipurpose lid is yet another exciting feature of this model. First, it helps to strain the rice when rinsing. It also plays an essential role in preventing spillage. As long as you lock the lid correctly using the clips, you are less likely to deal with a mess when your rice starts boiling.
One downside I noticed is that the manual is in Japanese. On the bright side, some pictures are made available to allow you to guess your way through the instructions if you cannot read Japanese.
Pros
- Measuring cup and rice paddle included
- Sturdy rice cooker with an intuitive design
- The multipurpose lid helps when rinsing rice and prevents spillage
- Affordable
- Dishwasher safe
- BPA free
Cons
- The manual is in Japanese, no English guidelines available
5. Pampered Chef Rice Cooker Plus
As the name implies, this is a rice cooker that has the power to make you feel like a pampered chef. It has a simple yet aesthetically appealing design to make it a perfect addition to any modern kitchen.
If you have a big family and the idea of having at least 9 cups of rice to serve your loved ones sounds enticing, then this is a product you are likely to love.
Here’s a big deal; this cooker produced perfectly fluffy rice. The double lid helps to prevent spills, and this reduces the work of cleaning the microwave once your food is ready. Cleaning this pot is simple because food does not stick to the sides, and its unique color is stain resistant.
Unlike some rice cooker models that are mainly ideal for preparing rice, you can use this product for cooking stews, soups, and vegetables. It also proves helpful when you need to warm leftovers. The sturdy design of the pot promises you years of service.
Something else I noticed is that the manual was quite detailed. It not only contained care and use instructions, but also guidelines for awesome rice pilaf recipes.
Pros
- Stain-Resistant cooker
- A double lid to prevent spills and messes
- 3-quart cooker (9 cups of cooked rice)
- The rice cooker is also ideal for cooking stews, soups, and vegetables
- Sturdy build to avoid deformation and enhance durability
- Detailed manual included
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Takes some practice to get the water amounts right
6. MaxiAids Microwave Rice Cooker
We can all agree that the perks of using a rice cooker for more than just cooking rice are enticing. This model is perfect for slow-cooking stews and soups, and you could even use it to steam fish or vegetables.
If you only cook rice occasionally, cookware designed to boil, steam, or heat other foods may prove useful.
What makes it possible for this product to serve as a multipurpose pot is the fact that it has a sturdy build. The cooker is made from a durable plastic that is highly heat resistant. The flip-down lock lids also allow you to safely cook a range of meals without having to deal with a mess after that.
This pot has a 1.5L capacity, and this means it can accommodate 5 cups of cooked rice. It is hence an excellent model to consider if you have a family of 5 or 6 loved ones. What I liked most is that the plastic is remarkably easy to clean and does not leave the food with the taste or smell of plastic.
Pros
- Multi-Purpose rice cooker
- 2L capacity (5 cups of cooked rice)
- Rice cooker is made of a sturdy, heat-resistant plastic
- Comes with a measuring cup, rice spoon
- Easy to secure lid with flip-down lid locks and steam vents
Cons
- It is vital to rinse your rice properly to avoid spill-overs
7. Prep Solutions No Overflow Microwave Rice Cooker Kit
If you love rice and you need a faster and more convenient means of cooking your favorite meal, there are more than a few good reasons to consider this model.
First, you will fall head of heels in love with it because it is designed to mitigate overflows. It’s fantastic to have an inexpensive rice cooker that hardly leaves any mess behind.
This is yet another model ideal for people with bigger families. You can cook about 6 cups of rice to serve 7-8 grownups. What’s more is that this is a multipurpose cooker that proves helpful when cooking pasta, vegetables, and oats.
For the price, you get a 5-piece set that comprises of the main bowl, rice paddle, measuring cup, a lid, nesting shelf insert, and detailed instructions. The nesting shelf insert serves as a colander for rinsing rice and also helps to keep the rice from boiling over.
Other perks that cannot go without mentioning is that the cooker is made from non-stick, BPA free materials that are dishwasher safe and easy to clean.
Pros
- No overflow design
- Can accommodate 6 cups of cooked rice
- Multipurpose pot can also cook oats, vegetables, and pasta
- 5-piece set with a rice paddle, measuring cup and nesting shelf insert included
- Comes with detailed instructions
- Made from non-stick, easy to clean, BPA free plastic
Cons
- No handles on the pot, extra caution is necessary when removing it from the microwave
8. Chefs Basics Select Cooker with 8 Cups Capacity
One of the complaints raised by a decent number of microwavable rice cooker users is the challenge of fitting a large capacity model into a microwave. This product is designed to fit with ease into the majority of standard size microwaves.
At the same time, it is big enough to accommodate about 8 cups of cooked rice.
This is like a mini pressure cooker that helps to reduce the amount of time used preparing different meals. It locks in moisture and juices, ensuring reduced cooking time and the consistent texture of your cooked foods. You can use it to make your rice recipes and also for cooking meat, vegetables, pasta, and more.
The intuitive design of this rice cooker also allows it to fit with ease on the top rack of a dishwasher.
To prepare a hearty meal during dinner parties and holidays, fill the pot with your ingredients and the recommended amounts of water, secure the lid, ensure the vents at the top are open, and slide it into your microwave. Simple!
Pros
- Fits well into a range of standard microwave models
- Dishwasher safe
- Easy to use and clean
- Can hold a max of 8 cups of cooked rice
- Easy to secure lid with vents
- Multipurpose rice cooker, also ideal for steaming meats, pasta, and vegetables
- A sturdy yet inexpensive model
Cons
- Instructions not included
9. DAISO Microwave Rice Cooker
Another low-cost microwave cooker model that had to be on our review list is the Daiso pot. It has a simple design and is just the perfect size for making single rice servings. If you often need to prepare only two cups of cooked rice, then this is an ideal rice cooker to consider.
Even though this appears like a very basic pot, the quality of its materials is reliable. It is not necessary to soak your rice before cooking it to achieve the desired texture.
All you ought to do is rinse the rice properly and use correct water measurements. This pot is designed to handle at least one cup of uncooked rice, and from where I stand, it is better not to go beyond this.
The dual lid is yet another feature I liked. I found the inner cover to be quite helpful when rinsing rice, and it also assists in preventing overflows. The instructions manual is quite detailed and considerably lengthy too.
Pros
- The simple design blends well with any kitchen décor
- Best for single rice serving
- A dual lid to minimize overflow
- Inexpensive model
Cons
- Very lengthy instructions
10. Tupperware Rice Cooker Purple Large 3L or 12 cup
Let’s end our review by checking out the Tupperware rice cooker. If you want the perfect rice every time, digging a little deeper into your wallet to afford this model will be worth it. This mess-free pot is the ultimate rice maker, and you can use it for cooking all types of rice in an instant.
One of the outstanding features you will enjoy is the dual lid, designed to collect the steam and channel it back to the base for faster cooking. This unique design prevents the rice from drying out and also helps to mitigate spills.
The line-markings are also helpful. It is easy to know the maximum fill of the pot, and these highly visible markings also allow you to measure your rice and water without any problems.
Another feature worth mentioning is that the cover handles fold downwards. This ensures the lid is secure when the cooker is in use and also provides a comfortable grip to protect you from getting burnt when taking the pot out of the microwave.
Pros
- Sturdy and mess-free rice cooker
- Visually appealing color and design, ideal for the modern kitchen
- Dual lid collects steam and channels it to the base for faster cooking
- The handles fold down to create a secure grip
- Clear markings in the pot for easy measuring of water and rice
- BPA free
Cons
- This model is expensive compared to products from other brands
What To Look For Before Buying A Microwave Rice Cooker?
Microwave rice cookers differ in their features, pros, and cons. For you to have an easy time finding the perfect model for your specific needs, there are a few essential aspects you must consider beforehand.
Capacity
First, get acquainted with the capacity of a rice cooker and note how much rice you cook at any one go. Usually, one cup of uncooked rice will produce about 2 cups of cooked rice, although this is subject to the type of rice you use.
The ideal water to rice ratio is 3:1, and the rule of thumb is to serve each plate with at least ¾ a cup of cooked rice at the side of another dish. That said, a 1L rice steamer can boil around 3 cups of rice. This should be enough to serve four plates.
Durability
The majority of microwavable rice cookers are made from a plastic material. Ensuring that the product you choose has a sturdy build and feel is a matter of paramount importance. Also, see to it that your cooker has an easy to clean plastic, preferably one that is stain resistant.
Lid
If you are not new to using microwave rice cookers, the chances are that you have bumped into some models that create a huge mess. The whole idea of using a microwavable pot is to make work easier for you. When checking out different products, consider those whose lids lock tightly to minimize spillage.
I have a liking for dual layer lids because they trap and re-channel steam to minimize spilling. In case you choose a pot, whose top has two layers, ensure that these two parts come apart to make cleaning easier.
Ease of Use
Rice cooker models differ in their range of accessories and features that make them easier to use. The best models come with a measuring cup, rice spatula, and even a colander to help you rinse your rice more conveniently. A good number of leading brands also provide detailed instructions and basic recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will my rice cooker expedite the cooking process?
Microwave rice cookers mainly ensure that your rice is perfectly cooked. Basic models use just about the same amount of time you would use when cooking with your saucepan on a stove.
Some advanced models, however, act as mini pressure cookers. They channel the steam to the base of the pot to speed up the cooking process.
2. How do I measure my rice?
It is normal to worry about cooking too little or too much rice. Fortunately, the majorities of microwave rice cooker models come with a rice measuring scoop. Some even have to measure notches inside the bowl to guide you with measurements.
You also have the option of reading the instructions booklet. A detailed manual will have helpful information to guide you with rice and water measurements.
3. Which are the primary features to look for in the best microwave rice cooker?
From my experience using microwave rice cookers, there are certain features that I find more important than others. The basic ones to consider include the capacity of a rice cooker and the quality of its build. Additionally, get to know whether the lid locks tightly to minimize spills.
Final Words
It is certainly possible to cook rice without a rice cooker. However, investing in the cookware will help eliminate the guesswork that often results in undercooked or overcooked rice.
To be assured of always serving perfectly cooked rice, use the above guide to find the best microwave rice cooker for your household.