Tired of cooking your brown rice on the stove? Looking for a new way to approach your dietary plans without wasting too much time on cooking? Well, this article is just what you need to make some serious changes to your cooking game.
Brown rice has become a fan-favorite of health-conscious consumers all over the world. That’s why we’ve come up with this list to help you choose the best rice cookers for brown rice cooking.
Given its nutty flavor and amazing health benefits, who wouldn’t be a fan? But it takes longer to cook than your regular white rice.
However, brown rice tends to be harder to chew and even more when not cooked properly. But be aware of the different cookers in the market nowadays as not all of them are perfect for cooking brown rice.
For special meals, you need special equipment, after all.
10 Best Rice Cookers For Brown Rice
There are some great options in the market these days. For brown rice, you need an automatic cooker that doesn’t burn the rice at the bottom and gets the job done quickly.
Here’s a list of some rice cookers that can meet those needs perfectly.
1. Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD
This amazing cooking gadget is something any rice lover will desire in their kitchen. In that sense, Aroma always provides the best user-friendly products that are compact and well-designed to fit consumer’s needs. This product is no exception.
If you are someone who needs to cook in a hurry, this cooker will be a lifesaver for you. An 8-cup cooking capacity, a time-saving feature with automatic systems that cooks up a meal with the press of a button – it’s got everything. This is perfect for both brown and white rice as well.
Since this item has multi-purpose features, you can use it to steam your meat and vegetables while cooking rice at the same time. It comes with accessories like a measuring cup, a rice paddle, a steamer made of plastic, and a non-stick inner pot. You can cook any variety of rice up to a maximum of 8-cups at a time.
Two of the unique features of this product are that it comes with a built-in steamer and has a delay timer. So you can easily leave your rice and do other things around the house without worrying about it getting cold. The delay timer is programmable to even 15 hours, and that lets you serve the food at any time you need.
On top of that, you get this in a very stylish design. The lids are tight so that water doesn’t splash out. The timer automatically turns off after the rice gets cooked.
And this is so easy to operate that even a newbie can get amazing rice done with this in no time. It’s worth mentioning that the cooker pot is made of aluminum while the inside is coated with Teflon. It’s durable and easy to clean up.
Pros
- Built-in steamer feature that allows multitasking
- 15-hour delay timer
- Comes with useful accessories
- Has 8-cup cooking capacity
Cons
- The power cord is short
2. Zojirushi NS-ZCC10
For anyone looking to buy a high-end rice cooker that’s durable and allows you to go that extra mile in cooking, this is a great pick. It has all the cool features. And it’s also easy to use with a multi-purpose design with the Advanced Neuro-Fuzzy technology.
However, the question is, what can you cook with this besides brown and white rice? Yes, since it’s a multi-purpose cooker, it comes with a menu setting for porridge, mixed rice, sushi rice, and even steaming options. The best thing is that you can just put your rice in it without even rinsing and it’ll come out just fine.
Accordingly, brown rice cooked in this cooker is said to taste better than other cases. This might be due to the extended preheating time that allows better water absorption for the hard rice bran to get cooked properly. The temperature it applies to cook the rice is lower, and this means more cooking time for the rice.
At the same time, it doesn’t make it mushy like many other rice cookers tend to do. You can cook longer rice grains using the “mixed” mode instead of the regular mode. Cooking any amount from 5 to 10 cups is possible using this cooker. It comes with accessories like a spatula, measuring cups (two), and a holder for the spatula.
Likewise, a great thing about this product is its automatic keep-warm feature. There’s a reheating cycle feature as well to heat your rice if it gets too cold. Besides, it comes with a delay timer that has two settings.
Convenience is the middle name for this product. Along with the wide range of cooking and timer features, it has an inner lid that’s detachable and easy to wash. You even get to program the audio indicator to either beep or play a melody to indicate when a cooking cycle is complete.
Pros
- Multi-purpose features with delay timer
- Portable and has a fold-down handle
- Comes with accessories
- Has an extra-large LCD screen
Cons
- Expensive
3. Tiger Corporation JBV-A10U-W
This cooker is a budget-pick and probably the best one for your brown rice at this price point. It’s great for multitasking and easy to operate for anyone new to rice-based diets.
For a product at this reasonable rate, you’d be surprised by what it can do. It has a special “tacook” synchronized cooking function that allows anyone to make two dishes at the same time. There are four cooking menu options as well – brown rice, plain rice, slow cooking, and the synchro-cooking feature.
Due to these options, you can cook your rice in the inner pot while having your other dish done on the tacook plate above.
With this product, you get some extra items like a non-stick spatula, a measuring cup, and the cooking plate. Even more, all these accessories are dishwasher-safe. It comes with a cookbook designed to help you run the machine easily.
You can keep your rice warm with the keep-warm system, and it won’t get over-dried or have crusting at the bottom. Even when you alter the amount of water a bit, this cooker will serve perfectly cooked rice consistently. The inner steam cap is detachable. So you can wash it easily.
It’s possible to cook 5 cups of rice at a time using this product. You can count on it to be durable as the renowned Japan Tiger Corporation manufactures it. The synchro-cooking basket is perfect for serving two.
Moreover, when cooking brown rice with this takes longer, the temperature distribution will be even. So more water gets absorbed, and this lets you get the best chewy brown rice without making it rubbery. Given all the extra modes and temperature control features, it’s a worthy investment of your money.
Nevertheless, the only downsides are that it lacks an alert sound, and the lid isn’t removable. But if you’re willing to take the time to clean it once in a while, it’ll last you a long time.
Pros
- Synchro-cooking feature cooks the main dish along with the rice
- Comes with accessories
- Budget-friendly
- One-push operation is easy to use
Cons
- Doesn’t have an indicator sound
4. Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH
Interested in trying out all the variations of brown rice? This product will help you out for just that. With multiple menu settings and exceptional heating technology, this cooker can cook rice perfectly in no time. In fact, this is popular in the market, specifically for its various features for making different types of brown rice.
This is an induction rice cooker. That means it has the Induction Heating System and Warmer to keep the inner cooking pan nice and warm. The different menu settings include jasmine rice, germinated brown rice, brown rice, porridge, sweet rice, mixed, and sushi rice. It can cook expensive GABA rice as well.
Similarly, it comes with a delay timer that has two settings. There’s an automatic keep-warm feature that makes sure your food doesn’t get cold. So you get to do other things while your rice cooks away.
You can even keep your rice warm for over 8 hours with the “extended keep warm” feature. It has two indicators – a beep signal and a melody. You can change it to whichever you prefer.
As this item is made of stainless steel, it is durable. You get to cook around 5.5 cups (1 liter) portion with this machine. The great thing is that the inner lid is made of stainless steel too and is removable. So washing isn’t an issue with this item.
Consequently, there’s an easy-to-use control panel that’s big enough for almost anyone to read. One bonus with this product is that the instruction manual and box come in multiple languages like English, French, Japanese, and Chinese, etc. So you don’t have to fiddle with the instructions for hours.
Accordingly, cleaning is never a problem with this product. No water gets splashed or splattered while it operates. Whether you are cooking basmati or brown rice, it takes some more time than other kitchenware to have them cooked. But for fluffy, light, and perfect textured rice, time seems like a worthy sacrifice.
Pros
- Durable and easy to operate
- Has multiple menu settings
- Comes with HI technology and triple heater for even cooking
- Delay timer and two keep-warm features
Cons
- Takes more time for cooking
5. Aroma Housewares Mini Rice Cooker- MRC-903D
If you have a tight budget but still want to upgrade your healthy diet with some brown grains, this is for you. Coming at a reasonable price below 50 dollars, this is the best small rice cooker for brown rice. It’s small and compact enough to fit on any kitchen tabletop. The entire setup looks stylish and eye-catching.
And the best thing about this mini rice cooker is its portability. It comes with a handle that you can flip up or down. This is great for carrying easily or storage purposes. It’s perfect for experimenting with different items on small quantities. The capacity of this cooker is around 3 cups.
Besides, it’s automatic and has a sleek design for easy use. The cooking pot is non-stick and removable so that cleaning isn’t troublesome. Moreover, most of the controls are programmable to fit every individual’s needs. The keep-warm feature is automatic and turns on immediately after cooking gets done.
Although time is always a significant factor when you’re working, you need a healthy lunch. Brown rice usually takes more than half an hour to cook with most rice cookers, but not with this one. You get healthy, fluffy, and well-cooked rice just within 30 to 40 minutes.
This minimalist rice cooker has two menu functions – brown rice and plain white rice. But you can throw in some veggies to cook with the rice too.
Creativity gives out endless possibilities, after all. It’s also top-rack dishwasher safe and digital, but you need to be careful to turn off the keep-warm feature when you don’t need it, or else the rice will get mushy.
Minimal cooking has become very popular with the modern lifestyle of soloists. So if you find yourself needing something to help make living alone easier, this product will do the trick.
Pros
- Small size and portable
- Comes with accessories like rice paddle, non-stick pot and measuring cup
- Requires less time to cook
- Very affordable
Cons
- Water often splatters while operating
6. T-fal RK705851 10-In-1 Rice and Multi-cooker
Calling this product a simple rice cooker would be an understatement. This is a multi-cooker. That means you can cook a lot more than just rice using this. It’s perfect for making anything from brown rice to steel-cut oats for a health-conscious individual.
While most rice cookers just give you the option to cook and steam your rice, this allows for more varieties. You can brown, steam, simmer, or stew your food using this machine. It cooks brown rice extremely well. However, the pot might get overheated when left for a long time to boil the rice.
Alongside that, this product is dishwasher-safe and comes with a non-stick inner pot. The pot is 2mm thick, removable, and the interior is coated with ceramic coating. You can cook up to 10 cups of rice using this cooker. So it’s ideal for a family of 6 people.
The slow cook program needs around 60 minutes to 2 hours to cook a meal. It’s easy to use and clean up. This device has a 24-hour delay start feature that can let you come home to a hot meal any day. From desserts to full-on heavy dishes, this rice cooker can take on the challenges pretty well.
Furthermore, you get to do some baking, make soup or oats, and even slow-cook meat using this. It can even be used to make some awesome homemade yogurt. So there’s no need to get another appliance for that. Also, reheating features allow you to warm up the food anytime.
Accessories included with this are spoons, a measuring cup, and a durable non-stick pot. The control panels are designed to allow you to operate it with just the press of a button. A key feature of this gadget is that it has the unique Fuzzy Logic technology that automatically adjusts cooking temperatures to give the best outcome.
Pros
- Multi-purpose features with many cooking options
- Comes with accessories
- Easy to clean up
- Has more cooking capacity (10 cups)
Cons
- Not very durable
7. Panasonic 5 Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker
Panasonic is a well-known brand in the kitchenware world with its durable, easy to handle, and stylish products. This rice cooker is also no exception. You get some variation in the model to choose from according to your cooking portion too. It’s easy to operate and provides amazing rice each time.
Likewise, this rice cooker has a white LED display for easy viewing. It has a steam vent in case you want to steam some vegetables. With this, you can cook almost any kind of rice from quinoa, jasmine, and basmati to plain white rice. Since it has 16 pre-set cooking programs, it’s the perfect appliance if you want versatility.
In terms of brown rice cooking, it takes around 1.5-1.7 hours to get it done. You need to soak the rice beforehand, as well. If you’re a lover of medium grain brown or white rice, this will get it cooked without any issues. Compared to the time for rice cooking, this machine cooks up veggies faster.
It comes with extra items like a rice scoop, a scoop for cereal, a handy measuring cup, and a well-built steaming basket that’s adjustable. Counting the 6-layered inner pan that it has built-in with, what more can you ask for from a cooker?
On the other hand, a cleaning technique for this cooker is to let the lid stay open after pouring the rice out so that the entire residue dries out.
That way, you can peel it off and clean it without having anything stick to the pot. This method is easier than letting it sit under the sink after a cook and collect moisture. You don’t want to end up with glue, right?
Another feature for this product is the 12-hour “keep warm” system and a 12-hour delay timer. The capacity is up to 10 cups, and that makes it perfect for families. Since it has a steam release lid on top, you can keep it open to let the rice cool off. That will allow you to keep your rice good for the next day. Convenient, isn’t it?
Pros
- Has a 12-hour delay timer and keep-warm feature
- Easily washable
- Can cook multiple types of rice
- Comes with a steam vent
Cons
- Requires pre-soaking for brown rice
8. Zojirushi NS-LHC05XT Micom Rice Cooker
This product is the best one for small families or anyone living alone. The cooking capacity of this rice cooker is 3 cups, and it has all the good features that a small rice cooker should provide. For anyone with a bad experience of cooking small portions in a bigger cooker, this will be a pleasant surprise.
Since this cooker is smaller, the rice doesn’t dry out, and you can use it efficiently. Also, it doesn’t take up much space. The compactness, combined with its functionality, makes this a worthy investment. It’ll even make a single serving of rice without trouble.
At first glance, it might seem expensive. But you’ll realize that it performs just as well, if not better than most other bigger cookers in the market.
Apart from the usual keep-warm setting, it has two timer features that you can program easily. Even after 36 hours, your rice will be kept fresh and warm with this product. Although it does comparatively take longer for the rice to cook, it’s worth the wait.
A music tune plays when you turn it on and while the rice cooks. So that just adds to your cooking experience. It can cook both brown rice and GABA brown rice. There’s an extra jasmine rice setting for user’s convenience as well. Alongside that, a triple heater makes sure the food is evenly cooked and warmed up.
You can make porridge, oatmeal, mixed rice, and sushi rice with this too. Notably, cooking steel-cut oats and oatmeal with this takes even longer than usual.
The inner lid of this is detachable and easy to clean. It has a steam vent that helps in high-temperature cooking without overflow. The spherical inner cooking pot is also removable and has a non-stick coating. Since the power cord is retractable, you get to move this appliance around easily, and storage is hassle-free.
In fact, there’s almost no mess while using this product. You get accessories like a spatula, holder and measuring cup with this. Since the item is made with stainless steel, it’s pretty durable too.
Pros
- Compact and saves space
- Can cook small amounts with ease
- Has two-timer features and multi-purpose functions
- The power cord is retractable and storage-friendly
Cons
- Has no “stopper” function, so the bowl rotates while scooping up the rice
9. Aroma Housewares ARC-6106
With this appliance, you can cook up 4 to 12 cups of any type of rice easily. Its power consumption is 120V/60Hz 600W and has several different functions for easy use. Like almost all other Aroma kitchenware, this product has great versatility and efficiency.
This item has 12 different cooking functions that let you cook a lot more than just rice. You can make yogurt, tarts, and even cakes with this. The possibilities are endless when you learn to use it properly. As for the rice, it cooks the best brown rice when you measure out the water to rice ratio as per given instructions.
Furthermore, you’ll get a set of instructions, a rice paddle made of plastic, a soup ladle, steaming tray, measuring cup, and an inner pot. Additional features of this include a saute’-then-simmer technology that allows two unique techniques.
Moreover, this provides high heat for sauteing and a simmer for liquids. It has a steaming function too. So your meats and veggies can steam while the rice cooks. It has a delay timer and a keep-warm feature as well.
Likewise, it has easy to use controls that are digital and programmable. The cool-touch technology in this cooker makes it safer compared to other kitchen appliances. If you have kids or pets, this is a big safety factor.
The inner pot of this cooker is coated with aluminum. Since it has sensor logic technology, the temperature adjusts as per cooking heat. The catch with this is the slow cook feature that has a default setting of high heat that you need to reset according to the amount of rice.
Pros
- Has sauteed’ and simmer functions besides normal ones
- Can be used to make desserts
- Cool-touch technology for safety
- Comes with many accessories
Cons
- Nothing to catch the condensation on the lid
10. Secura SRC-08DW Rice Cooker
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This mid-range rice cooker can help make brown rice cooking easier as it features 7 smart programs that are easy to operate. You can make big batches of healthy rice bowls at once or just a small portion. It’s particularly suitable for dry rice rather than mushy rice, but that’s not always the case either.
The white color and spherical design make it unique and eye-catching on the countertop. It’s automatic and has a one-touch operation that makes it very easy to use. This cooker can hold 2 to 8 cups of cooked rice, which is just right for an average small or big family.
Moreover, with the fuzzy logic technology, you’ll get perfectly and evenly cooked rice each time without worries. It’s ETL certified and is known to be quite durable. The non-stick inner pot is easily washable.
It’s designed to be easily carried with the ergonomic handle. You get to have a steam tray, a rice measuring cup, and a spatula for serving with this product. Besides, its versatility allows you to cook a lot more than just rice. You can even make porridge, cakes, steamed veggies, stew, soup, or pasta with this.
And the best thing about this product is that it has a compact cooker body. Since most cookers are bulky and big, it’s not something suitable for small-living. But with this, your space isn’t an issue at all.
A tip for using it is not to keep opening the lid while it’s running because this causes the heat to escape, and the cooking time increases. As long as you follow the instructions that come along, it’ll cook rice and almost anything else faster than your typical stove.
Pros
- Fast cooking
- Easy to wash
- Compact size and ergonomic handle
- Certified for durability
Cons
- Instructions are difficult to read
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Features To Consider Before Buying
These are some things you must look out while buying a rice cooker:
The Capacity
In the case of kitchen appliances, capacity is a key factor. If you have a big family, a high-end model is better since it’ll last you much longer than cheaper ones. It’ll also let you cook for both friends and family in a short time.
The Keep-Warm Feature
Nowadays, many companies claim to have this feature, but which ones work and which ones don’t is the real question. The keep-warm feature will help you get other dishes cooked or do your business while the rice stays warm to eat at any time.
Price and Accessories
Since you’re paying for it, you might as well keep your expectations high. Accessories like a spatula and cup are usually included with good rice cookers. Buying a high-end model will give you some extra items like a detachable pot and a steaming tray.
Menu Settings
Is the product a multi-cooker? And is it suitable for long-grain rice? What else can you do with your rice cooker? These are the questions you need to ask yourself before purchasing anything. Menu settings are important as it tells you how much potential the product has.
For example, some rice cookers in the market have just two settings – brown and plain rice. But the ones with more settings can let you cook GABA rice, jasmine or basmati brown long grains in no time.
Fuzzy Logic
As fuzzy as it might sound, this technology is necessary if you’re planning on cooking rice regularly. The fuzzy logic helps the cooker to detect the water temperature and amount so that the cooking heat can be adjusted accordingly.
Products with this technology are said to serve perfect textured fluffy rice each time and are much more consistent.
Portability
If you’re someone who needs to travel or move around a lot, it’s a good investment to get a product with more compactness. Portable rice cookers take up lesser space in the kitchen, and you get to cook smaller portions too. Besides, smaller cookers take lesser time usually.
Clock Indicator
Indicators need to be easily readable and big enough to see properly. The timer is what makes a rice cooker unique from a stove. Hence, it needs to include a proper digital clock for you to operate it easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we have some of the most commonly asked queries regarding rice cookers for brown rice:
1. Is cooking brown rice in a rice cooker better than on the stove?
In fact, this is an obvious “yes”. You don’t have to check the cooker, again and again, like in case of a stove. Using a cooker not only will save you precious time, but it’ll also give you the rice texture just the way you want.
2. Is rinsing brown rice necessary before putting it in the cooker?
Although many people tend to skip rinsing the rice, it’s important for the outcome. The rice texture depends a lot on the pre-soaking and rinsing of the rice. Besides, it removes dust from the grains too.
3. Can a cooker without a brown rice cooker setting be used for cooking them?
Yes, but the result will vary. Since most rice cookers have measurements marked in the pot, one without specific functions won’t have the specific markings. But you can add up the ratio through personal calculation.
4. What are the benefits of brown rice?
Brown rice is considered the healthiest variety of rice. It’s packed with nutrients that you wouldn’t get from plain white rice. Also, it has a mild nutty flavor that brings something extra for the taste buds.
5. What should I do to avoid my rice from sticking to the bottom or getting burned?
It’s best to use more water while cooking brown rice compared to regular rice. Again, a safe thing to do is turning off the keep-warm function when you don’t need it. You can reheat the rice, but keeping it warm for too long might result in drying out and induce stickiness.
Final Words
Finding the best rice cookers for brown rice using this guide will be as easy as pie. After all, life’s a mess. But cooking doesn’t have to be messy when you have the right cooker at hand.