If you love quick, hands-off cooking, an instant pot rice cooker can be a game changer. These multi-cookers make perfectly cooked rice fast and free up your stove. Below you’ll find our tested picks, honest pros and cons, real customer feedback, and a short buying guide to help you choose the right model for your kitchen.
Contents
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 8 Instant Pot Rice Cooker Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Instant Pot Duo Mini 3-Quart 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker with App, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Yogurt
The Instant Pot Duo Mini is a compact workhorse. It handles rice, steams veggies, and even makes yogurt. The 3-quart size is ideal for singles or small households.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 7-in-1 functions for pressure, slow cook, rice, steam, yogurt, sauté, keep warm
- ✓ 3-quart capacity fits small meals and side dishes
- ✓ 11 one-touch smart programs for easy use
- ✓ App compatibility for remote control and recipes
Why We Recommend It
This model gives great performance in a small size. It heats fast and cooks rice consistently. It’s perfect for tiny kitchens or meal prep.
Best For
Best for singles, couples, or anyone who wants a small instant pot rice cooker that doubles as a multi-cooker.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact size saves counter space
- Versatile cooking modes
- Easy to clean inner pot
- Solid build and reliable performance
Cons:
- Small capacity not ideal for larger families
- Control panel can be a bit crowded for new users
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Works very well and great quality. All the functions we need with extra. My wife loves it. Easy to use, durable, all kinds of uses and cooks pretty quick.
Customer Review: I think it’s time for review this product after using for almost a year now. I absolutely love this 7-in-1 pressure cooker! I’ve had the 3-quart size for almost 6 years, and it’s still going strong now. I bought it because it might be time to upgrade to a larger one. It’s very easy to use, cooks foo
2. 10-Cup Smart Rice Cooker with Steamer Basket, Nonstick Inner Pot, Delay Timer, Keep-Warm, BPA-Free
This 10-cup smart cooker aims to make perfect rice with minimal effort. It has a steamer basket and a nonstick inner pot for easy clean up. The delay timer and keep-warm functions are handy for meal timing.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 10-cup uncooked capacity for family meals
- ✓ Included steamer basket for veggies and proteins
- ✓ Nonstick inner pot and BPA-free components
- ✓ Delay timer and keep-warm for flexible meal prep
Why We Recommend It
The capacity and smart features make it perfect for families. It produces consistent rice and the steamer adds meal flexibility. Clean up is simple thanks to the nonstick pot.
Best For
Best for families or roommates who want a dedicated rice cooker with added steaming options.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large capacity for family meals
- Steamer basket included for multi-dish cooking
- Easy controls and keep-warm mode
Cons:
- May take more counter space
- Some advanced menus can be confusing at first
Customer Reviews
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3. Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker with App, Slow Cook, Rice, Yogurt, Steam
The 6-quart Instant Pot Duo is a crowd-pleaser. It hits a good balance of size and features. It’s a versatile choice if you want a reliable multi-cooker that also works great for rice.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 7-in-1 functions with 13 one-touch programs
- ✓ 6-quart capacity for families of 3–5
- ✓ App recipes and programmable controls
- ✓ Safe and simple quick-release steam valve
Why We Recommend It
It’s a solid, affordable all-rounder. Rice cooks evenly and the extra functions broaden meal options. Good value for most kitchens.
Best For
Best for families or cooks who want one appliance to handle many tasks, including rice cooking.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great capacity for everyday family meals
- Multiple preset programs simplify cooking
- Durable inner pot and easy cleanup
- Wide support community and recipes
Cons:
- Larger footprint on the counter
- Some learning curve for advanced settings
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Works very well and great quality. All the functions we need with extra. My wife loves it. Easy to use, durable, all kinds of uses and cooks pretty quick.
Customer Review: I think it’s time for review this product after using for almost a year now. I absolutely love this 7-in-1 pressure cooker! I’ve had the 3-quart size for almost 6 years, and it’s still going strong now. I bought it because it might be time to upgrade to a larger one. It’s very easy to use, cooks foo
4. AROMA Professional ARC-5200SG 5-Quart Digital Rice Cooker and Multicooker, Steamer, Slow Cooker, Oatmeal, Egg
The AROMA ARC-5200SG is a nimble 5-quart multicooker. It has smart digital presets and a steam basket that sits in the lid. It’s straight forward to use and great for everyday rice dishes.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 15 pre-programmed cooking modes for rice and more
- ✓ Built-in steamer basket for one-pot meals
- ✓ Delay timer and countdown display
- ✓ Compact 5-quart size for moderate portions
Why We Recommend It
This cooker balances features and simplicity. It’s ideal when you want a dedicated rice cooker that can also steam and slow cook. The countdown timer helps plan meals.
Best For
Best for cooks who want a reliable mid-size cooker that handles rice and steaming in one device.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Versatile presets for different rice types
- Useful steam basket for veggies or fish
- Clear digital display and timer
Cons:
- Not as many advanced features as high-end models
- Slightly bulkier lid for storage
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I bought this rice cooker/steamer 2 years ago and so far its functionality is still pretty good. I find it very simple to use and i personally like the color of the product. I have cooked mainly white and brown rice and the quality is pretty good. I did steam salmon with vegetables once and it came
Customer Review: First time ever using a rice cooker, so it was just a little confusing on what to do …but it is a one button push. I cook Roya Authentic Basmati and it came out perfect. so glad i decided to get this. So much easier then cooking it in a pot.
5. Instant Pot Duo Plus 6-Quart 9-in-1 Multicooker: Pressure Cooker, Slow Cook, Rice, Steamer, Yogurt
The Instant Pot Duo Plus adds useful extras over the base model. It adds sous vide and sterilize modes. Rice cooks reliably and the extra presets are handy for varied cooking.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 9-in-1 functions including sous vide and sterilize
- ✓ 6-quart capacity for families
- ✓ 15 smart programs for precise cooking
- ✓ Intuitive display with time and pressure readout
Why We Recommend It
This is a strong choice when you want more than a rice cooker. It handles many cooking styles and still boils down to simple rice results.
Best For
Best for cooks who want a multi-functional appliance and often try new recipes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Wide feature set for a single appliance
- Consistent rice with preset programs
- Good build quality and durable pot
- Great for meal batch cooking
Cons:
- More expensive than basic models
- Extra features may be unused by some buyers
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I love this Instant Pot. Cooking is super fast and very easy, especially when you don’t have much time. Food cooks evenly and tastes great. The inner pot is made of good-quality, durable material and is easy to clean. The multiple functions make everyday cooking much more convenient.
Customer Review: I love my Instant Pot. I bought one for myself years ago. We decided to take it to our vacation home. Sadly, we were robbed and it was stolen! I bought another one for our home, but ended up giving that to my son. I bought one for my daughter. I then bought another one for the house to replace
6. CUCKOO CRP-JHR0609F 6-Cup IH High-Pressure Rice Cooker with 16 Menus, Steam Plate, Voice Guide
The CUCKOO CRP-JHR0609F uses induction heating and offers many menu settings. It’s designed to produce restaurant-quality rice and has helpful voice prompts in some versions.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Induction heating (IH) for even and quick cooking
- ✓ 16 menu choices for different rice and grains
- ✓ Steam plate included for multi-level cooking
- ✓ Voice guide to simplify operations
Why We Recommend It
If rice quality is your top priority, the induction heating really helps. The many presets are great for those who cook different rice types often.
Best For
Best for rice aficionados who want precise, high-quality results and advanced cooking modes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent rice texture with IH technology
- Wide selection of cooking menus
- Build quality feels premium
Cons:
- Higher price point than basic cookers
- Menus can be overwhelming for casual users
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Great Rice cooker… looks very nice. If you can get over the price it’s a great unit.”
Customer Review: “This rice cooker takes the guess out of cooking. It cooks to perfection. I come from a family of rice growers/cookers, so rice is our thing. Just got it 2 weeks ago, but boy oh boy, it’s a masterpiece.”
7. Instant Pot RIO Mini 4-Quart 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker: Pressure Cooker, Slow Cook, Sauté, Rice, Yogurt
The RIO Mini is a compact 4-quart cooker that still offers the popular Instant Pot functions. It’s great for dorms, small kitchens, or as a second unit when you cook sides like rice.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 7-in-1 cooking functions in a small footprint
- ✓ 4-quart size is easy to store
- ✓ Good for single meals or small families
- ✓ Simple controls and quick cleanup
Why We Recommend It
Small but capable, the RIO Mini gives instant pot versatility without taking space. It’s a handy second cooker for rice and sides.
Best For
Best for students, singles, or anyone with limited kitchen space who still wants a multi-cooker.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Multi-function convenience in a small unit
- Easy to use and clean
Cons:
- Smaller capacity limits larger meals
- Not ideal for large family gatherings
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: ’ve been using the Instant Pot 4 qt RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker for a few weeks now, and it’s become one of my favorite kitchen helpers — especially since I don’t always feel like firing up the stove. It’s small enough that it doesn’t take over my counter, but still big enough to make meals for one
Customer Review: “I love it! Cooks thoroughly and efficiently. It’s a large size so it’s great for feeding a family or cooking for a party. The quality of the instant pot is great and comes with thorough instructions. It’s also easy to clean as you can take out the inner pot. The one down side is it does take up a lo”
8. AROMA Professional Plus ARC-5000SB 20-Cup Digital Rice Cooker and Steamer with Nonstick Pot, Slow Cooker
The AROMA ARC-5000SB is a big-capacity rice cooker made for gatherings. It’s great for meal prep, steaming, and even baking simple dishes in the pot. It keeps rice warm reliably.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 20-cup cooked rice capacity for large groups
- ✓ Nonstick pot for easy cleanup and even cooking
- ✓ Built-in steam function for healthier meals
- ✓ Slow cooker and multi-use presets
Why We Recommend It
Choose this when you need volume and steady results. It’s ideal for big families, potlucks, or batch cooking. The nonstick pot makes cleanup less painful.
Best For
Best for parties, large families, or meal preppers who cook rice in large batches.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge capacity for events and meal prep
- Versatile functions beyond rice
- Simple controls and reliable keep-warm
Cons:
- Large footprint and heavier to store
- Not ideal for single-portion cooking
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’m not one for writing reviews but after almost being dissuaded from purchasing this product by reading a slew of dumb reviews (like who decides to bake a potato in a rice cooker or who is confused at reading the simple instructions?) I decided to write one in the hopes that you will find this and “
Customer Review: “Very easy to use and cooks rice perfectly. Automatically keeps rice warm and is easy to clean. Great for daily meals.”
Complete Buying Guide for Instant Pot Rice Cooker
Essential Factors We Consider
We look at capacity, cooking modes, ease of cleaning, and build quality. Capacity matters: pick 3–4 quarts for singles, 6 quarts for families, and 10+ cups for large batches. Check if the inner pot is nonstick and dishwasher-safe. Also note if the unit has presets for brown rice, white rice, and mixed grains.
Budget Planning
Decide how much you want to spend. Basic rice cookers cost less and are simple. Mid-range multi-cookers add presets and large pots. High-end models with IH (induction heating) cost more but can improve rice texture. If you want value and flexibility, a 6-quart Instant Pot model is usually a solid mid-range pick.
Final Thoughts
Pick a model that fits your daily needs. If you cook often, invest in a model with presets and a good inner pot. If space is tight, choose a compact instant pot rice cooker. For tips on rice cookery, check our guide on how to cook rice perfectly every time. To match rice types to recipes, see our types of rice and best uses guide. And if you want a simple meal to try, our easy rice and beans recipe works great with any of these cookers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can an Instant Pot replace a dedicated rice cooker?
A: Yes. Many Instant Pot models have a rice setting and cook rice well. A dedicated rice cooker may be simpler, but the Instant Pot adds pressure, slow cook, and sauté functions for more versatility.
Q: How much water should I use for white rice in an Instant Pot?
A: A common ratio is 1:1 (rice to water) for white rice in electric pressure cookers. For brown rice, use about 1:1.25 to 1:1.5. Always check the manual and adjust for your rice type. Our how-to guide has step-by-step tips.
Q: Is induction heating worth the extra cost?
A: IH models heat more evenly and can improve rice texture. They often cost more. If you cook rice frequently and want premium results, IH is worth it. For casual cooks, standard heating works well.
Q: Can I steam vegetables while rice cooks?
A: Yes. Many models include a steam basket or tray. Use the steamer to cook veggies above the rice for one-pot meals.
Thanks for reading. If you found this roundup helpful, pick the model that fits your needs and try it out—cooking rice gets easier fast. Tap any “Check Price on Amazon” button above to view the latest price and specs. Happy cooking!

