If you care about durability and food safety, a stainless steel rice cooker is a smart upgrade. These models use food-grade steel pots that resist scratching and avoid nonstick coatings. Below you’ll find seven trusted options, each tested for cook quality, ease of cleaning, and everyday reliability.
Contents
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 Stainless Steel Rice Cooker Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Aroma Select Stainless 3-Cup Uncooked Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Inner Pot and Auto Keep Warm
The Aroma 3-cup model is a compact, no-nonsense stainless steel rice cooker. It has a true 304 stainless inner pot. Cooking is one-touch and the unit switches to warm automatically.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Food-grade 304 stainless steel inner pot (no coating)
- ✓ One-touch operation with auto keep-warm
- ✓ Compact 3-cup uncooked capacity — great for singles
Why We Recommend It
This cooker is simple and reliable. It makes fluffy rice with little fuss. The stainless pot cleans well and feels solid.
Best For
Small households or anyone who wants a durable, compact stainless steel rice cooker.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Durable stainless inner pot
- Easy one-touch use
- Compact footprint for small kitchens
Cons:
- Small capacity — not ideal for large families
- No advanced settings or presets
Customer Reviews
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Customer Review: I use this daily for quick rice and it never fails. The stainless pot is easy to scrub and has no coating to worry about. For solo meals, it’s perfect.
2. Aroma 14-Cup Cooked Pot-Style Rice Cooker and Food Steamer, One-Touch Operation, Auto Keep Warm
This roomy Aroma pot-style cooker handles families with ease. It includes a stainless steel inner pot and a steam tray so you can cook rice and steam veggies at once.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Large 4–14 cup cooked capacity
- ✓ 304 stainless steel inner pot and steam tray
- ✓ One-touch cook and auto keep-warm
Why We Recommend It
It’s a no-fuss cooker with strong build quality. The steam tray is handy for simple one-pot meals. The steel pot gives peace of mind on safety and durability.
Best For
Families and meal-preppers who want a reliable stainless steel rice cooker with steaming capability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large capacity for big meals
- Stainless steam tray included
- Simple controls — easy everyday use
Cons:
- Bulky on the counter
- Basic feature set — no advanced presets
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This rice cooker works great and is very easy to use. It cooks rice evenly every time and keeps it warm without burning. The size is perfect for families or meal prep, and the design is simple but effective.I like that it’s quick to clean and doesn’t take up too much space on the counter. It’s a rel
Customer Review: I appreciate that this rice cooker uses a solid stainless steel inner pot instead of the typical nonstick. It’s great knowing that the pot will last much longer, and I don’t have to worry about any potential health concerns associated with nonstick coatings.The overall build quality feels quite good
3. Elite Gourmet 6-Cup Electric Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Inner Pot for Porridge, Soups, Grains
The Elite Gourmet 6-cup is compact and budget-friendly. It uses a stainless steel inner pot and offers simple, reliable cooking for rice and grains.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 6-cup capacity (uncooked/varies by model)
- ✓ Stainless steel inner pot — no nonstick coating
- ✓ Works for porridge, soups, and basic grains
Why We Recommend It
It’s a great low-cost option that still gives you a stainless steel rice cooker. Cleaning is easier than coated pots and the cooker is straightforward to use.
Best For
Buyers on a tight budget who want the durability of steel without extra features.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Durable stainless steel inner pot
- Simple operation and easy cleaning
Cons:
- No advanced cooking presets
- Basic build — not for heavy-duty daily catering
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I purchased this rice cooker after having a much bigger, expensive digital cooker for almost 10 years but the inner pot became so scratched overtime that it needed to be replaced. After shopping around I realize that almost all rice cookers come with a coated, nonstick bowl. I began searching for a
Customer Review: Impressed with this rice cooker! Good value for the money. Especially like the stainless steel bowl. Cleans up very easy. No concerns with Teflon type bowls where Teflon coating could peel off overtime.
4. Elite Gourmet 20-Cup Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Inner Pot and Keep Warm, Cooks Soups and Grains
The Elite Gourmet 20-cup cooker is built for gatherings and meal prep. It uses a stainless pot and keeps rice warm for hours.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Large 20-cup cooked capacity
- ✓ Sturdy 304 stainless steel inner pot
- ✓ Simple keep-warm function for long holds
Why We Recommend It
When you need volume and reliability, this cooker fills the gap. The stainless pot handles frequent use and cleans easily.
Best For
Big families, parties, or meal-prep sessions that need large batches of rice.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large capacity for events
- Durable stainless inner pot
- Easy to operate and maintain
Cons:
- Very large — needs counter or storage space
- Basic feature set — not digital
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This rice cooker is exactly what I hoped it would be. There are no bells or whistles, no overly complicated (and hard to clean) design elements. It is simply a stainless pot, press-marked with water level recommendations on one side, and a glass lid, both of which are dishwasher safe. The whole t
Customer Review: Very good quality rice cooker. The stainless steel inner-pot is durable and easy to clean. Cooks rice evenly and the keep warm function works perfectly. I bought it from amazon. So far very satisfied.
5. Aroma Select Stainless 6-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer with Uncoated Inner Pot, Compact 1.2Qt, Red
The Aroma 6-cup model balances size and convenience. It keeps the stainless inner pot but adds a bit more capacity than the 3-cup version.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 6-cup capacity for small families
- ✓ Uncoated 304 stainless steel inner pot
- ✓ One-touch cook with auto keep-warm
Why We Recommend It
This is a solid middle ground. It’s still compact but roomy enough for a couple or small family. The red finish is a nice touch if you like a pop of color.
Best For
Couples and small families who want a reliable stainless steel rice cooker with slightly larger capacity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good mid-size capacity
- Durable uncoated steel pot
- Simple and reliable controls
Cons:
- Limited advanced functions
- Lid can fog during long cooking
Customer Reviews
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Customer Review: I bought this for dinners and it’s been very dependable. Rice cooks evenly and the stainless pot is easy to scrub. The keep-warm holds without drying the rice out too much.
6. Aroma Select Stainless Digital Rice and Grain Multicooker, 4-Cup Uncooked Capacity, Multi-Function Cooking
This digital multicooker brings presets to the stainless steel rice cooker world. It’s small but versatile for rice, quinoa, and steaming.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Digital presets for white, brown, steam, and quinoa
- ✓ 304 stainless steel inner pot
- ✓ Compact 4-cup uncooked capacity
Why We Recommend It
Preset buttons make cooking predictable. The stainless pot reduces worry about coatings and lasts longer than nonstick bowls.
Best For
Users who want a compact multi-function cooker with the health benefits of a stainless pot.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Multiple presets for common grains
- Stainless pot for durability
- Easy to clean and store
Cons:
- Small capacity for bigger meals
- Can stick slightly to stainless surface if water ratio is off
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Picture shows how much two uncooked cups of rice makes with 3 cups of water. Big enough for me. Works well. I like that it’s stainless steel, replaced a non-stick one with toxic chemicals. Sticks a bit to the bottom a bit as expected but so did my non-stick one.
Customer Review: Love this for it’s perfect size and easy to clean. Steams rice perfectly and no more worries about the non stick coating coming off into my food. I was surprised that nothing sticks to its stainless steel surface!
7. Novaspark Low-Carb 5-Cup Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Inner Pot, LED Display and 24H Timer
The Novaspark adds a low-carb setting and a digital timer to the stainless steel cooker concept. It’s feature-rich but still focused on clean materials.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 304 stainless steel inner pot with non-stick bottom design
- ✓ Low-carb cooking setting and 3D surround heating
- ✓ LED display with 24-hour timer
Why We Recommend It
It fits health-focused cooks who want programmable options and the durability of stainless steel. The low-carb feature is a nice addition for those watching carbs.
Best For
People who want tech features like timers and special modes, while avoiding coated inner bowls.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low-carb mode for healthier cooking
- Stainless steel inner pot with solid build
- Digital timer and display for planned meals
Cons:
- Slight learning curve for special modes
- Smaller capacity for larger households
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This rice cooker has a stainless steel inner pot. The white rice I cook with it has clear grains and is delicious. It is non-stick and has no coating, which is very healthy. It can also be washed in the dishwasher. It is small, exquisite and practical. It also has multiple functions. I am ready to t
Customer Review: I love rice but worry about the high sugar content. I’ve always heard about low-sugar rice cookers. I bought one this time and tried it out; the rice it cooks is great. The stainless steel inner pot is very thick and of good quality. The overall appearance is beautiful, and it’s easy to clean.
Complete Buying Guide for Stainless Steel Rice Cooker
Essential Factors We Consider
We look at the inner pot material first. Stainless steel is durable and safer than peeling nonstick. Capacity matters next — pick a size that fits your usual portions. Controls and presets matter if you want one-touch convenience. Finally, check cleaning ease and steam options.
Budget Planning
Budget models typically offer basic one-touch cooking with a stainless pot and no presets. Mid-range models add presets, steam trays, and better build. High-end units add digital timers, multiple grain programs, and more refined heating. Decide what features you actually use and avoid paying for extras you won’t need.
Final Thoughts
Choose a stainless steel rice cooker that matches your household size and cooking style. If you want simple, pick a compact steel-pot model. If you cook many grains or want presets, consider a digital multicooker with a stainless inner pot. For tips on cooking the best rice, see our guide on How To Cook Rice Perfectly Every Time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are stainless steel rice cookers better than nonstick?
A: Stainless steel inner pots avoid coating wear. They are more durable and reduce concerns about nonstick chemicals. They may require slightly different water ratios and stirring care.
Q: How do I prevent rice from sticking to a stainless steel pot?
A: Use the right water-to-rice ratio and a bit of oil or rinse rice before cooking. Let the rice sit on warm for a few minutes after cooking, then fluff gently. For more tips, check our rice cooking guide.
Q: What capacity should I choose?
A: Choose based on servings. Singles/couples do well with 3–6 cup models. Families should consider 10–20 cup cookers. If you meal-prep, pick larger batches.
Q: Can I steam food while rice cooks?
A: Yes. Several models include a stainless steam tray so you can steam vegetables or protein while rice cooks below.
Q: Do stainless steel pots require special cleaning?
A: They are dishwasher-safe in many models, but hand washing is gentler. Use non-abrasive cleaners to preserve the surface.
If you want a simple recommendation: the Aroma ARC-753SG is compact and reliable, the Aroma 14-cup is best for families, and the Elite Gourmet 6-cup is a great budget pick. Ready to upgrade to a safer, long-lasting cooker? Click the buttons above to compare prices and pick the best stainless steel rice cooker for your kitchen. For recipe ideas to go with your new cooker, try our Easy Rice And Beans Recipe or review the Types Of Rice And Best Uses Guide to match rice type to your cooker.