Best Programmable Rice Cookers of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Programmable rice cookers are a convenient and efficient kitchen appliance that helps cooks save time and effort in preparing meals. These cookers feature digital displays and timers that allow users to set the cooking time and temperature for different types of rice, grains, and other ingredients. They also come equipped with automatic shut-off and keep-warm functions that maintain the perfect temperature and texture of the cooked food. Programmable rice cookers are available in a range of sizes and styles, from small countertop models to larger capacity models that can feed a crowd. They are a must-have for anyone who wants to simplify their cooking routine and enjoy perfectly cooked rice every time.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker & Food Steamer Cover #TOP 1
Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker & Food Steamer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Rice Cooker Cover #TOP 2
Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Rice Cooker
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Aroma Housewares 20 Cup Digital Rice Cooker Cover #TOP 3
Aroma Housewares 20 Cup Digital Rice Cooker
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 3 Programmable Rice Cookers

Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker & Food Steamer

37518MN
Stainless Steel
Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker & Food Steamer Cover
Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer, 8 Cups Cooked (4 Uncooked), With Steam & Rinse Basket, Stainless Steel (37518)

The Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker & Food Steamer allows for maximum cooking versatility, including rice, whole grains, hot cereal, seafood, eggs, and vegetables. With a removable nonstick pot, it can feed a whole family with up to 8 cups of cooked rice. The one-touch cooking with preprogrammed options and countdown timer ensures perfect results every time. The versatile 2-in-1 steam/rinsing basket is great for rinsing rice and steaming seafood or vegetables. It is perfect for one-pot meals and making homemade fried rice and shrimp with rice.

What We Like
Versatile cooking options
Large capacity
Easy to use with preprogrammed options
2-in-1 steam/rinsing basket
Perfect for one-pot meals

Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Rice Cooker

AROMA
ARC-914SBD
Silver
Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Rice Cooker Cover
AROMA Digital Rice Cooker, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Grain Cooker, Multicooker, 2 Qt, Stainless Steel Exterior, ARC-914SBD

The Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Rice Cooker is a multi-functional kitchen appliance that can cook up to 8 cups of cooked rice. It features 4 preset digital functions, an automatic Keep Warm mode, a 15-hour Delay Timer, and an 8x Bonded Granite nonstick inner pot. It also comes with a steam tray, rice measuring cup, and serving spatula. Customers have praised its small size, easy-to-use programming, and fast cooking time.

What We Like
Compact and versatile
Digital control panel and keep-warm function
Low wattage for camping and electricity-free situations
Non-stick inner pot for easy cleaning
Can be used to make various dishes

Aroma Housewares 20 Cup Digital Rice Cooker

AROMA
ARC-150SB
Black
Aroma Housewares 20 Cup Digital Rice Cooker Cover
Aroma Housewares 20 Cup Cooked (10 cup uncooked) Digital Rice Cooker, Slow Cooker, Food Steamer, SS Exterior (ARC-150SB),Black

The Aroma Housewares 20 Cup Digital Rice Cooker is a multi-functional kitchen appliance that can be used to make a variety of dishes, from jambalaya to cakes. It features a slow cook function, user-friendly programming, an XL capacity, and an 8x Bonded Granite nonstick inner pot. Customers love the versatility and ease of use of this product, but some have noted that the plastic steamer basket and nonstick coating can wear off over time.

What We Like
Versatile
Sauté function
Lightweight and easy to clean
Ideal for home or on-the-go cooking
Reliable and durable
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which rice cooker is best?

The Best Rice Cookers for Easier Meal Prep. Best Overall: Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker, Professional Version.Best Professional Pick: Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer.Best Value: Black + Decker Rice Cooker and Food Steamer.Best for Small Portions: Zojirushi 3-Cup Rice Cooker.

2. Are fuzzy logic rice cookers worth it?

As a result, the use of fuzzy logic in rice cookers helps to ensure properly cooked rice because it gives the appliances the ability to make judgment calls similar to those a person might make, albeit typically better than those a hungry, impatient person might make.

3. What is fuzzy logic rice cooker?

A fuzzy logic rice cooker, for example, works much like a real cook. The machine uses its senses to observe the rice as it cooks, adjusting for it type and volume, and intervene--by changing the temperature--when necessary.

4. Is induction rice cooker better?

Induction heating improves rice cookers in three main ways: The temperature-sensing methods can be more accurate, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments in temperature. The heat distribution area can encompass the inner cooking pan, not just radiate upwards from below, to produce more evenly cooked food.

Editor's Notes

During our programmable rice cooker research, we found 16 programmable rice cooker products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,487,952 customer reviews through our big data system to write the programmable rice cookers list. We found that most customers choose programmable rice cookers with an average price of $31.61.

The programmable rice cookers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of programmable rice cookers, including Hamilton Beach, AROMA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.