• Cookworks 1.5-litre rice cooker, £22 from Argos – buy here

If affordability is your main concern, this sleek black rice cooker gets great reviews and is excellent value for the price.

It comes with all the usual accessories – a removable pot, toughened glass lid, measuring cup and spoon – and it makes perfect fluffy white and brown rice every time.

With over 2000 reviews and an incredible 4.7-star rating, you can be sure that this sleek and affordable rice cooker will be a great addition to your kitchen. Customers leave high praise on this product as well.

One reviewer praises the device for its 'great features', and another calls it 'totally worth it'. For just £22, it won't break the bank to get the perfect rice.

Settings: 2, preset timer: no, keep warm function: yes, capacity: 1.5litres

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Russell Hobbs 19750

• Russell Hobbs 19750 rice cooker, £33.99 from Very.co.uk – buy here

This 700-watt rice cooker is a reliable option, and its generous 1.8-litre capacity means you can cook up to 10 portions of rice. Pop in the additional steamer tray, and you can cook fish or vegetables at the same time.

Other useful features include an automatic keep-warm function, non-slip feet and a glass lid.

For a little extra peace of mind, the rice cooker also comes with a 2-year standard guarantee, so for any unexpected breakdowns or issues, the company has you covered.

With 99 reviews and a rating of 4 stars, this handy rice cooker is sure to have you raving about how 'excellent' it is or join the many who purchased the product and 'loved it'.

Settings: 2, preset timer: no, keep warm function: yes, capacity: 1.8litres

SQ Professional Lustro Stainless Steel Rice Cooker

• SQ Professional Lustro Stainless Steel Rice Cooker, £17.39 from Amazon – buy here

With a generous 800ml capacity, this rice cooker is ideal for a dinner party as it can cook four cups of rice at once.

The glass lid means you can keep an eye on things as the rice cooks, and there’s a keep warm function as well as a non-stick 0.8L removable bowl.

The cooker comes with a measuring cup and rice scoop, too.

The very credible 4.4-star rating on Amazon is not just for show. Customers praise the product on how 'easy to use' it is and that they had a 'great cooking experience' with the device.

Settings: 2, preset timer: no, keep warm function: yes, capacity: 0.8litre

Sage Risotto Plus

• Sage Risotto Plus, £109 from Amazon – buy here

Fans of Italian food will appreciate the additional stir-free risotto-making functionality built into this innovative model.

The machine agitates the rice while simmering and then switches off as soon as the risotto is ready, for effortless cooking.

The sauté/sear setting lets you fry off the other ingredients first, for easy one-pot preparation.

You can also use the Risotto Plus for cooking white rice and brown rice, as well as for slow cooking, making this a versatile piece of kitchen kit.

Don't simply take our word for it; this cooker has an incredible 4.4-star rating on Amazon; with shoppers calling it 'incredible', we're sure that you'll agree with one customer who said: "It's a brilliant cooking pot. Does just about everything."

Settings: 7, preset timer: no, keep warm function: yes, capacity: 3.7litres

Sistema 2.6-litre rice steamer

• Sistema 2.6-litre rice steamer, £12.99 from Robert Dyas– buy here

The cheapest rice cooker on our list, this non-electric pot is designed to go in the microwave and is a great option if you aren’t keen on investing in another standalone kitchen appliance (or you just don't like cooking).

The cooker consists of a container, lid, pressure chamber tray and a spoon – all made from BPA-free plastic.

A simple, no-frills way to prepare rice, couscous and polenta.

Simple and no frills do not by any means make this device a bad purchase. It holds an extremely credible 4.4-star rating and is praised for being 'so easy' by one customer and a 'great purchase' by another.

Settings: 0, preset timer: no, keep warm function: no, capacity: 2.6litres

Instant Pot DUO

• Instant Pot DUO, £89.99 from Amazon – buy here

The shiny metal rice cooker by DUO has all the features you could want in a rice cooker.

Excellent for cooking all types of rice, as well as grains and semolina, this model is great for all households with a capacity of 5.7 litres.

If you're after healthy cooking with consistent results, we have the product for you. This pressure cooker adjusts temperature, pressure and time so it can cook your meals up to 70% faster.

One-button operation keeps things super simple but provides you with 13 smart options, so if you want to branch out of just cooking rice, this nifty cooker can do it all.

With a vast capability, it's no shock that this product has a 4.7-star rating on Amazon and has been going down a treat with customers.

One shopper calls it 'the best of the bunch' with another asking, 'How did I manage without this?' So if you're looking for a do-it-all, we highly recommend this cooker.

Settings: 13, preset timer: yes, keep warm function: no, capacity: 5.7 litre

Judge 1.8L Rice Cooker

• Judge 1.8L Rice Cooker, £41.50 from Wayfair – buy here

Steam and low pressure combine in the Judge rice cooker to produce perfect rice every time, no matter what the variety.

It features a keep-warm option, automatic shut-off, inside measurements for water, a cool-touch outer shell and a locking lid.

This is one of the bigger rice cookers on the market and is perfect for larger households.

With around 40 reviews on Wayfair, this product has high praise, with customers saying they 'love this cooker' and another saying it's 'definitely worth the price'.

Settings: 2, preset timer: no, keep warm function: yes, capacity: 1.8litres

Lakeland 2 Portion Mini Cooker

• 2 Portion Mini Cooker, £34.99 from Lakeland – buy here

A little goes a long way with the Lakeland 2-portion mini cooker.

It has a lift-out non-stick 500ml pan and is ideal for those who want easy rice at the touch of a button.

The timers mean you don't have to watch over the pan, and with the included measuring cups, there's no need to work out the rice-to-water ratio.

A delay timer means you can slow cook your rice, or even wake up to fresh cooked rice if the fancy takes you.

The customer rating of 4 stars is supported by shoppers calling it a 'perfect little rice cooker or an 'excellent rice cooker' so you can be the deciding voice on if it's perfect or excellent.

Settings: 3, preset timer: yes, keep warm function: yes, capacity: 0.5litre

Reishunger Rice Cooker

• Reishunger Rice Cooker, £35.99 from Amazon – buy here

Cook up a storm of delicious rice every time with the Reishunger rice cooker.

Reishunger recommends the cooker is best used with white and whole grain rice, such as sushi, aromatic, jasmine and basmati rice.

It cooks up to six servings at once and has a non-stick coating and a steamer function.

One happy customer stated: 'If you're looking for a great rice cooker that just cooks rice, this has my husband's seal of approval, and you can't get much higher praise than that.'

Settings: 2, preset timer: no, keep warm function: yes, capacity: 1.2litres

Zojirushi Rice Cooker

• Zojirushi Rice Cooker, £229.99 from Amazon – buy here

Prepare perfect rice the quick and easy way with the Zojirushi Rice Cooker.

With its good looks, this cooker looks great displayed in the kitchen, but it also packs a punch with its functionality.

The appliance has a non-stick removable inner pot and comes with a rice measuring cup and spatula.

Getting the right amount of water to rice ratio on the first try can always be a pain if you're not used to it. This device comes with easy-to-read water levels, so you know just how much water to put in.

The inner lid is also detachable, so cleaning is a breeze.

The high price is accompanied by more than just high functionality. This product has an impeccable 4.7-star rating on Amazon, with customers calling it 'genius' and that it makes 'perfect, hassle-free rice'.

Settings: 6+, preset timer: no, keep warm function: no, capacity: 0.5litres

Tefal RK1568UK Cool Touch Rice Cooker

• Tefal RK1568UK Cool Touch Rice Cooker, £40 from Amazon – buy here

Tefal is universally known for creating great non-stick pans, so it shouldn't come as a surprise to know that this easy-to-clean with dishwasher-safe parts rice cooker also has an internal non-stick removable bowl.

With a simple design of 1 button for 2 settings, this rice cooker will cook your rice and then automatically switch to its keep warm functions.

If your house is the social hub or you just really love rice, this device will cook 10-20 portions in one go, so you can keep coming back for more.

So, if convenient rice cooking is for you, then this impressive 4.4-star rating rice cooker is sure to leave you 'very pleased with the purchase' or having the 'perfect rice' at the push of a button like it does other shoppers.

Crockpot 2.2L Saute Rice Cooker

• Crockpot 2.2L Saute Rice Cooker, £39 from Amazon – buy here

Crockpot is well-known for its home cooking appliances, and the Crockpot saute rice cooker is the latest addition to their line.

This cooker has a whopping 2.2L capacity, so is perfect for larger family gatherings or dinner parties.

The saute function is suitable for exotic paellas and risottos, while the auto-keep warm function means your rice stays ready to eat for up to 60 minutes. Great for cooking white rice, paella, risotto, and rice or oat-based desserts. Delish.

The impressive 4.5-star rating is accompanied by shoppers calling it a 'great product' and another said, 'what's not to love?'

Settings: 3, preset timer: no, keep warm function: yes, capacity: 2.2litres

Where to buy rice cookers in the UK?

Whether you prefer to shop online or on the high street, there are many places that sell rice cookers.

Internet retailers are a great place to start looking for the best deals and rice cookers for your individual needs, so we compiled a list for you to get started.

• Amazon
• Argos
• Lakeland
• Robert Dyas
• John Lewis
• Very
• Wayfair
• Currys

How much do rice cookers cost?

Microwave versions cost a few pounds, and even basic automatic cookers are not expensive – one of the cookers featured in our roundup costs under £20.

If you're looking for extra functions and considering a high-tech cooker, then the price rises accordingly. Expect to pay around £50 for a mid-range model, and over £100 for a high-end appliance.

The most advanced rice cookers use fuzzy logic to work out optimal cooking times and can make automatic adjustments for the best results. They may also feature programmes for cooking other foods.

Rice cooker FAQs

We've rounded up all of the information you could possibly want to know about the best rice cookers available, so you can choose your perfect appliance with confidence.

What is a rice cooker?

A rice cooker is a small kitchen appliance with a built-in thermostat that is designed to boil or steam rice automatically. The best rice cookers have several functions as well as a basic cook option. These can include warming, slow cook, steaming and risotto functions.

Many come with measuring cups, so you always add the correct amount of water for perfectly fluffy rice. No need to watch the pan or refill it with water.

Rice cookers are available in different capacities, from two servings for singles or couples, to up to 10 or 12 servings for large families and dinner parties. Some can also steam fish or vegetables, while others are great for sushi, risotto and paella.

How do I use a rice cooker?

While each brand will have its own instruction manual specific to the model in question, there are a number of basics that work with any rice cooker.

First of all, make sure you rinse the rice to remove excess starch before adding it to your cooker. Next, either add water to the cooking pan with the measuring cup included or add water to the indicated fill level inside the pan, depending on your model cooker.

Close the lid, select your cooking programme if your appliance offers that option, and switch it on. The rice cooks and is ready in around 15-20 minutes. Your cooker will automatically move to keep warm mode when its contents are cooked.

How does a rice cooker work?

Rice cookers work automatically, and your rice will never boil dry or burn. The water is absorbed into the rice until it becomes tender, but unlike a normal pan, it is self-regulating, so you don't need to watch it, leaving you free to do something else.

How long does it take to cook rice in a rice cooker?

It depends on the amount and type of rice you're cooking, as well as on the size of your appliance.

Cooking white rice is quickest – around 15 minutes. Brown rice takes longer (as it does when you cook it the traditional way, on the hob).

If your rice cooker is small and you're cooking one or two portions, then the time it takes from switch-on to dinner-ready will be less than if you're cooking for a party of 10.

Generally speaking, the average cooking time is in the region of 25 minutes.

Can you cook rice in a slow cooker?

You can cook rice in a slow cooker, no problem. Coat the inside of your cooker with olive oil to help prevent the rice from sticking as it cooks. Then after that, the basic steps are the same.

So you need to rinse the rice to remove excess starch, add it to your slow cooker, add water and add salt.

Set your slow cooker to high and set the timer for 2 hours (or check after around 2 hours if your model doesn’t have a built-in timer). If it’s not yet done to your liking, then leave it for longer. Stir occasionally to help stop the rice from sticking to the base and sides of the cooker.

Can you cook pasta in a rice cooker?

You certainly can. With the right method, you can cook perfect pasta.

First, add water and a dash of salt to the pan – you will need more water than you would use for cooking rice. Close the lid and switch on, then when the water is boiling, add your pasta.

As it cooks, remember to keep an eye on the time, as pasta is quicker to cook than rice.

Are rice cookers worth it?

If you like maximum taste and texture with minimum effort, the short answer is yes.

Using a rice cooker ensures the end result is fluffy and perfectly cooked. You don't have to worry about overcooked, burned or undercooked rice – and you don't have to keep an eye on it while it's cooking either.

There's a variety of cookers on the market, from budget rice cookers to pro versions, so you're sure to find something to suit.

If you eat rice frequently, or you enjoy different types of rice dishes, such as sushi, risottos and paella, then a rice cooker can be a great addition to your kitchen.

Are rice cookers dishwasher-safe?

Standalone electric rice cookers obviously cannot be washed in a dishwasher. However, many models have removable inner bowls or pans, and these are often dishwasher-safe, though read the instructions for your particular appliance to check first!

Clean the outer unit with a damp cloth only and avoid getting water into the electrics, plug or power cable.

Microwave rice cookers are generally dishwasher-safe, but again, check before washing.

Which rice cooker is best?

The best rice cooker for you depends on your needs. Are you cooking for yourself, for a partner as well, for a family, for a bunch of friends?

Will a basic model suit you? Do you want an appliance that creates perfect risotto or paella? Do you host dinner parties every week, or is the ping of the microwave your timer of choice?

There are rice cookers to suit all budgets, so a bit of thought before buying means you will end up with the best rice cooker for your needs.

What are the best rice cooker brands?

There are some great brands of rice cookers on the market, and it is best to research the type you will need.

We found some classic brands such as Russell Hobbs, Lakeland, Cookworks and Crockpot, while there are many other individual online brands like Klarstein, Judge and SQ.

What to look for in a rice cooker

There are a few basics to look for when purchasing a rice cooker.

Easy-to-use controls are a must. Also, check the cooker has a removable and non-stick pan base, which means rice will not stick to the bottom, and the pan will be easier to clean.

A keep-warm setting is a great addition if you want to serve perfectly cooked rice at the right temperature. Some models also have a quick cook function for when you're super hungry and just cannot wait.

Other great settings include a reheat cycle, slow cook program, and texture settings for super soft, or slightly firmer grains.

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How do I use a microwave rice cooker?

Your microwave rice cooker will have instructions with it, but in a nutshell you:

• Rinse your rice
• Add rice to the cooker
• Add water
• Fasten on lid
• Cook for around 10 minutes on high
• Check rice is cooked, if not cook it for a few minutes more
• Let stand for five minutes before serving

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