Updated on 15 May 2023
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
Tristar RK-6126
Very easy to use, this model offers excellent value for money. It can cook up to 5 cups of uncooked rice and is easy to clean as everything is removable.
During our tests, we cooked one cup of uncooked brown rice in 2 and ¼ cups of water, as recommended in the manual. This rice cooker was very easy to use, as you just press the button to start cooking. The cooking time is 35 minutes. After this time, the button automatically turns upwards to switch to keep-warm mode (a feature found on all the models we tested). When we tested the rice, we thought it was well cooked, but we noticed that the bottom of the bowl was more browned (although not burnt). The biggest problem with this model is that it produces large bubbles that overflow from the steam hole and can lift the lid slightly. As a result, the lid is very dirty at the end of the cooking process. However, as the glass bowl and lid are removable, it was easy to clean them with hot soapy water (especially if done immediately). On the practical side, a measuring cup and spoon are included. Finally, the 1.5-litre capacity allows you to cook 1 to 5 cups of uncooked rice for up to 10 servings of cooked rice (as a side dish).
The different rice cookers we examined. We start designing them as soon as they are unpacked. We note the minimum and maximum number of cups of rice. Some rice cookers have an indicator light that turns off when the rice is ready or an on off button. For easy cleaning, choose dishwasher-safe accessories.
Brandt Sushi Party SUP515
This model stands out for its original design and its various accessories that allow you to prepare Asian specialities as well as steam.
Praised by the brand for its ability to cook sushi rice well, this rice cooker comes with plenty of accessories: maki, bamboo mat, spatula, cup and steamer basket. In our tests, we found it very easy to use, as we just had to turn the knob downwards to start cooking. It took 33 minutes to cook 2 cups of brown rice (using 3 and ¼ cups of water). This is well within the average. At the end of the cooking time, the machine automatically started to keep the rice warm. We found the cooking to be good, although the base was a little overcooked (without burning). In total, the 1.2-litre container can make between 2 and 7 cups of uncooked rice (around 14 servings of rice as a side dish). Simply refer to the lines on the bowl and enter the desired number of cups of rice, then pour water up to the corresponding line. This practical detail was present in all the models tested. We must add, however, that cleaning was not the easiest, as the lid is not removable. In addition, the water container is not the easiest to place and several users broke it when trying to do so.
Yum Asia Sakura
A real food processor, this model offers several different programmes for cooking rice (up to 8 cups). It is a real asset for cooking different meals every day.
This 1.5 L appliance can cook 2 to 8 cups of white rice and up to 6 cups of brown rice, as well as make porridge, soup, yoghurt, cakes or steaming. The cooking times are adjustable. It is the only rice cooker in our selection that has 2 handles on the bowl, which are also insulated to prevent burning. During our tests, it cooked brown rice very well (2 cups of uncooked rice to 3 cups of water), without cooking the bottom of the bowl more than the rest, unlike the other models. For cleaning, the lid is always the most difficult, although, in this case, it is possible to remove the metal part. In terms of accessories, we find the classic cup, the steam basket and the spatula, as well as a spoon. We have placed it as an alternative simply because of its slower cooking time (68 minutes) and because it is much more expensive than the Riviera & Bar model (this detracts a little from its price/quality ratio).
Russell Hobbs 23570-56
This is the largest rice cooker in our selection. It is capable of cooking 4 to 14 cups of uncooked rice (about 28 servings) in less time than many others.
The size of this large rice cooker makes it more suitable for larger families. In our tests, we were able to cook 4 cups of uncooked brown rice (with 5 cups of water) in just 27 minutes. With its removable glass lid, we could not only check the cooking process at a glance but also clean it much easier than if it were attached to the main structure of the appliance. The keep-warm function was automatically activated at the end of the cooking process. The rice was cooked well, although the bottom part was, again, a little more cooked than the rest (but not burnt). It also comes with a plastic steamer basket that allows you to prepare all kinds of vegetables while the rice is cooking. It also comes with a measuring cup and a spoon. The reason we have placed it as an alternative is that it is a little more expensive than the Tristar (although the price is justified by its size).
Our selection
Our choice, Best budget Best mid-range Best high-end Budget alternative Tristar RK-6126 Brandt Sushi Party SUP515 Yum Asia Sakura Russell Hobbs 23570-56 Very easy to use, this model offers excellent value for money. It can cook up to 5 cups of uncooked rice and is easy to clean as everything is removable. This model stands out for its original design and its various accessories that allow you to prepare Asian specialities as well as steam. A real food processor, this model offers several different programmes for cooking rice (up to 8 cups). It is a real asset for cooking different meals every day. This is the largest rice cooker in our selection. It is capable of cooking 4 to 14 cups of uncooked rice (about 28 servings) in less time than many others. £ 30.49 on Amazon See the price on Amazon £ 139.90 on Amazon See the price on Amazon
Selectos compares and tests hundreds of products to help you buy better. We sometimes receive a commission when you buy through our links, which helps fund our work. Learn moreWhy trust us ?
How did we do the test?
To test the rice cookers, we first evaluated their design. We then compared the minimum and maximum number of cups of rice that could be cooked in each model. We also looked at size, quality of materials and the presence of accessories.
For the actual test, we timed how long each rice cooker took to cook the minimum expected dose of brown rice. We then checked that the rice had not burnt on the bottom of the pots and tested whether it was cooked properly. Finally, we cleaned each appliance and compared their ease of maintenance.
| Name | Capacity | Material quality | Cooking time (brown rice) | Cooking quality | Ease of maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riviera & Bar QCR370 | 2 L (1-4 cups) | 5/5 | 50 min | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tristar RK-6126 | 1,5 L (1-5 cups) | 4/5 | 35 min | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Brandt Sushi Party SUP515 | 1,2 L (2-7 cups) | 3/5 | 33 min | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Russell Hobbs 23570-56 | 5 L (4-14 cups) | 4/5 | 27 min | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Yum Asia Sakura YUM-EN15 | 1,5 L (2-8 cups) | 5/5 | 68 min | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Russell Hobbs 27080-56 | 1,2 L (2-7 cups) | 4/5 | 34 min | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Reishunger 542-MDRK-B | 0,6 L (1-3,5 cups) | 4/5 | 60 min | 5/5 | 4/5 |
How to choose your rice cooker?
Rice cookers make it easy to prepare rice thanks to their automatic programmes. Some models can also cook other types of food, such as pulses if they have the steam cooking function.
To help you make the right choice, here is a list of criteria we have used to make our selection:
- Capacity: this depends on your rice consumption habits and the number of people in your family. For example, to accompany a dish, you should have about 85 g of uncooked rice per person, which gives about 250 g of cooked rice (depending on the type of rice used, of course).
- Grain type: white rice is the most common. The best rice cookers can also cook brown or long-grain rice and other grains such as quinoa or couscous. Each type requires a different amount of water for optimal cooking. For example, one and a half cups of water are needed for one cup of Basmati rice.
- The options: most have an indicator light that turns off when the rice is cooked. Some have an on/off button so you don’t have to unplug them to turn them off, a ‘keep warm’ function that automatically activates at the end of cooking, and even other options such as a timer that pre-programs the cooking start time.
- Ease of maintenance: these appliances must be easy to clean. Favour those with non-stick and removable accessories (bowl, lid). If they can be machine washed, that is a plus.
- Accessories: they are usually varied, such as the steam basket, the rice spatula (plastic or wooden) or even dispensers, among others.
Other models we recommend
Russell Hobbs 27080-56 (£44.99 upon publication): our 3rd budget choice. During our tests, we were able to cook brown rice properly (although it cooked a little more on the bottom, forming a slight “crust” like many others). It took 34 minutes to cook 2 cups of rice, which is about average. In terms of design, we liked the handle on the lid, which doubles as a handle. As it is removable, it is much easier to clean than other models. We also note that its 1.2-litre capacity allows you to make between 2 and 7 cups of rice or up to 14 servings. Like the other rice cookers we tested, this Russell Hobbs also has a keep-warm function that activates automatically at the end of cooking and a removable graduated bowl. It also comes with three accessories: a plastic steaming basket, a spoon and a measuring jug. Why did we leave it out of our top pick? Because it does not justify its value for money.
Reishunger 542-MDRK-B (£101.99 upon publication): for perfect cooking. More advanced than others, this rice cooker incorporates several programmes that allow you to adapt the cooking of the rice according to its type (standard, white, brown, sushi), but also to steam it or simply cook it. Most of the models we have tested cook rice very well, but this one does it beautifully. It didn’t even burn the rice on the bottom of the bowl. It is also easy to clean, as the metal part of the lid is removable. It includes a spoon, a spatula, a steam basket and a measuring cup to simplify and diversify its use. It also has a handle, which is rare enough to make it stand out. On the other hand, if we prefer to leave it out of our top selection, it is because of its small capacity (0.6 L for 1 to 3.5 cups of rice) and its rather slow cooking time for brown rice (1 h in our tests).
Other models we tested
Reishunger 533-RK (£41.99 upon publication): Although it cooked the rice perfectly and quickly, we found cleaning it a pain…
Siméo CRM180 (£49.99 upon publication): Not only is this rice cooker not very robust (the first model we received was broken), but it also makes a lot of mess when preparing rice (bubbling water comes out of the steam opening and drips onto the lid and worktop).
Tefal Classic 2 RK103811 (£79.99 upon publication): Despite following the instructions, this model did not cook the rice well. In our opinion, it is better to use two and ¾ cups of water for two cups of rice, rather than the two and ¼ cups recommended by the brand. On the other hand, it is very easy to clean.
Cuisinart CRC800E (£89.99 upon publication): with its glass lid, this model made more of a fuss than the Tristar in our top selection. When the water boils, it bubbles so much that water comes out of the tank when the lid is lifted slightly, splashing onto the worktop.
Translated by Selectos
