The Best Small Rice Cookers
Table of Contents
Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Small Rice Cookers
Rice cookers come in all shapes and sizes. Each one has its unique features that may or may not be for everyone. Some cookers make use of innovative technology and have a wide variety of menu settings. Others have simple operational features that make the cooking cycle a breeze.
And then there are small rice cooker models that have a compact build and a limited capacity. Often, they can only make up to 6 cups, which is why a small unit isn’t for everyone. They’re ideal for small households and those who want an easy way out when cooking their daily home-cooked meals.
The best perks that come with a little quality cooker are its portable build quality and user-friendly functions. Despite their size, many small cookers are built with great features that can come in pretty handy in the kitchen.
With that, we have listed the top 5 best small cookers in the market, plus their features, pros and cons, and more to help you make the best choice for your investment.
Which is the Top One?
Editor's Choice  Best Overall |  Best for Versatile Cooking |  Best for Quick Meals |
Aroma MI Cool Touch MiniWeighing only 2.45 pounds, this cooker packs a punch with functions, versatile menu options, and a nonstick inner pot. | Instant Pot Lux MiniThis cooker functions as 6 kitchen appliances in one: a sterilizer, slow cooker, steamer, saute, warmer, and pressure cooker. | Tiger JAX-S10U MicomThis cooker comes with Tiger's Tacook technology that enables you to cook your grains and viand simultaneously in one cooking cycle. |
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Watch Our Top 5 Small Rice Cookers Video Review
Let’s Go Over Each One
#1. Aroma MI Cool Touch
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Compact, lightweight, and incredibly versatile, the Aroma MI Cool Touch Rice Cooker is the perfect companion for busy lifestyles and small gatherings. Its sleek and simple design belies its powerful performance, making it a favorite among travel-friendly rice cookers.
Weighing just 2.45 pounds and measuring 6.75 x 6.25 x 7.25 inches, this portable rice cooker is ideal for on-the-go use—whether for picnics, dorm rooms, or road trips. Despite its compact size, it can prepare up to 3 cups of cooked rice, meeting the needs of individuals or small groups with ease.
Operating the Aroma MI Cool Touch is effortless. With just one push of a button, the cooking cycle begins, and once the rice is ready, the automatic Keep Warm function ensures your meal stays at the optimal serving temperature for up to 12 hours.
But this cooker is more than just for rice—it’s a versatile kitchen companion. From steel-cut oats and pasta to steamed vegetables, meats, and even baked goods, the Aroma MI Cool Touch can handle it all without the need for additional cookware. The nonstick inner pot ensures hassle-free cooking and cleaning, while its removable components—including the cooking lid, paddle, and measuring cup—are dishwasher-safe for added convenience.
Key features:
- Travel-Friendly Design: Lightweight and compact for easy transport.
- One-Touch Operation: Simplifies cooking with no complex settings.
- Multi-Functionality: Prepares a variety of dishes, including grains, pasta, and cakes.
- Easy Cleaning: Nonstick, removable parts that are dishwasher safe.
- Keep Warm Function: Maintains food temperature for up to 12 hours.
The Aroma MI Cool Touch Rice Cooker is not only durable but also highly rated for its simplicity and performance. It’s a top choice for anyone seeking a reliable, portable, and easy-to-use personal cooker that delivers delicious meals with minimal effort.
Pros and Cons of the Aroma MI Cool Touch
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Budget-friendly ✔️ Portable and compact ✔️ 12-hour Keep-Warm function | ✖️ Does not feature advanced interface buttons ✖️ Simple build quality |
#2. Instant Pot Lux Mini Rice Steamer (3qt)
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Compact in size but packed with versatility, the Instant Pot Lux Mini combines six kitchen appliances in one, making it the ultimate space-saver for small kitchens. This multifunctional device works as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, sauté pan, warmer, and sterilizer—all for the price of a single appliance. Say goodbye to cluttered countertops and hello to a streamlined cooking experience.
Designed with cutting-edge 3rd-generation microprocessor technology, the Instant Pot Lux Mini intelligently monitors time, pressure, and temperature while adjusting heat intensity for consistently perfect results. Whether you’re making fluffy rice, creamy risotto, or a hearty soup, this rice cooker ensures precision and ease.
Its innovative features include:
- 24-Hour Delay Timer: Pre-schedule your meals for ultimate convenience.
- Automatic Keep-Warm Function: Keeps food at serving temperature for up to 10 hours.
- Customizable Cooking Settings: Choose from 3 temperature levels for sautéing and slow cooking.
- Efficiency Redefined: Cook up to 70% faster than traditional methods, saving energy and time without compromising flavor or texture.
Perfectly portioned for singles, students, or small families, the Instant Pot Lux Mini can prepare up to 3 cups of cooked rice (1.5 cups uncooked), making it ideal for cozy meals. Beyond rice, it offers versatility for steaming vegetables, slow-cooking soups, and even sterilizing utensils.
This compact powerhouse comes with all the essentials, including a spatula, steam tray, and measuring cup, ensuring a seamless cooking experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned chef, the Instant Pot Lux Mini is your partner in effortless, high-quality cooking.
Pros and Cons of the Instant Pot Lux Mini Rice Steamer (3qt)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Compact and portable ✔️ Innovative functions despite small build ✔️ 6-in-1 appliance ✔️ 10 smart programs that offer more food versatility ✔️ Affordable | ✖️ Users complain about the pressure cooking function having a weak steam valve ✖️ Has a tendency to burn the rice at the bottom because of the lack of an induction heating feature |
#3. Tiger JAX-S10U Micom
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Don’t let its compact size fool you—the Tiger JAX-S10U packs all the exceptional features that have made the Japanese brand Tiger synonymous with quality and innovation.
At the heart of its design is the exclusive Tacook nonstick cooking pot, which allows you to prepare rice and a viand simultaneously without mixing flavors or compromising texture. The BPA-free cooking plate ensures that your white or brown rice and accompanying dish are cooked to perfection every time, delivering a complete meal with ease. This advanced synchro-cooking technology sets it apart as one of the smartest and most efficient rice cookers on the market.
The JAX-S10U offers versatility with 10 cooking settings, including:
- Plain white rice
- Synchro-cooking
- Quick
- Sweet
- Mixed
- Porridge
- Multigrain
- GABA brown rice
- Slow cooking
- Steam
Navigating these settings is simple thanks to its user-friendly digital display menu, making it a breeze to cook healthier, more diverse meals. Whether you’re in the mood for hearty multigrain rice, creamy porridge, or steamed vegetables, this cooker ensures optimal results every time.
Additional features include:
- 2 Preset Cooking Timers: Schedule meals in advance for ultimate convenience.
- Automatic Keep-Warm Function: Keeps food at the perfect serving temperature.
- Free Accessories: Comes with a spatula and measuring cup to simplify meal prep.
Rated 4.5 stars on Amazon, the Tiger JAX-S10U is more than just a rice cooker—it’s also a highly efficient vegetable steamer and slow cooker. Its compact design and advanced features make it a standout choice for individuals and families seeking both convenience and health-conscious cooking.
Pros and Cons of the Tiger JAX-S10U Micom
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Small and compact ✔️ Innovative design ✔️ Has Tiger's Tacook cooking plate ✔️ Variety of menu settings ✔️ Has a nonstick pot | ✖️ May be difficult to navigate for some users |
#4. Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Renowned for integrating cutting-edge technology into its products, Zojirushi has designed the NS-TSC10 Micom Rice Cooker to bring innovative cooking to your kitchen. Despite its compact size, this rice cooker features the same high-tech capabilities as its larger counterparts, making it a powerhouse in a smaller package.
At the core of this cooker is Zojirushi’s signature micro-computerized fuzzy logic technology, which adapts to your cooking preferences. By intelligently adjusting heat intensity, temperature, and cooking time, it ensures perfect results for every batch of rice. Whether you’re preparing sushi rice, fluffy white grains, hearty porridge, or even a cake, this rice cooker takes the guesswork out of cooking.
The NS-TSC10 is ideal for a wide variety of grains and dishes, including:
- Short, medium, and long-grain white rice
- Japanese rice and sushi rice
- Mixed, sweet, brown, and GABA brown rice
- Porridge, fried rice, and even baked goods
Key features:
- Dual Delay Timers: Schedule meals in advance for added convenience.
- Automatic Keep-Warm & Reheat Cycles: Keeps rice at the perfect serving temperature until you’re ready to eat.
- Generous Capacity: Holds 5.5 to 6 cups of cooked rice, ideal for families or entertaining guests.
Designed with user convenience in mind, this model comes with a nonstick inner pot for easy cleaning and includes essential accessories such as a mixing paddle and measuring cup.
The Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Micom Rice Cooker blends innovation, versatility, and simplicity, ensuring restaurant-quality rice and more from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re a rice connoisseur or just starting out, this mini yet mighty cooker is the perfect addition to your kitchen.
Pros and Cons of the Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Compact build ✔️ Advanced technology ✔️ Variety of menu settings ✔️ Comes with a steamer tray and basket | ✖️ Expensive for its size ✖️ Complicated for beginners |
#5. Aroma Housewares 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker ARC-302NGP
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The Aroma Housewares Rice & Grain Cooker (ARC-302NGP) is a compact, budget-friendly solution for consistently perfect rice, making it an excellent addition to any kitchen. Its lightweight and portable design is ideal for small spaces, and it’s easy to store when not in use.
With its simple one-touch operation, this rice cooker makes meal preparation incredibly straightforward. Add rice and water, press the lever, and let the cooker take care of the rest. Once the cooking cycle is complete, the automatic keep-warm function activates, keeping your rice at the ideal serving temperature without overcooking.
More than just a rice cooker, the ARC-302NGP doubles as a food steamer, allowing you to prepare a variety of dishes. Steam vegetables, dumplings, or fish to create healthy, balanced meals with minimal effort—all in one convenient appliance.
Key Features:
- Capacity: Cooks up to 4 cups of rice (2 cups uncooked), ideal for singles, couples, or small households.
- Nonstick Inner Pot: Prevents sticking and burning, ensuring easy cleanup. The pot is removable and washable for added convenience.
- Compact Design: Perfect for kitchens with limited counter space or for taking on the go.
While its compact size is perfect for small households, it may not suit the needs of larger families. However, for those seeking reliability, ease of use, and versatility, the Aroma Housewares Rice & Grain Cooker is a fantastic choice that delivers value for money.
Pros and Cons of the Aroma 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker ARC-302NGP
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Budget-friendly price ✔️ Simple one-touch operation ✔️ Compact and lightweight design ✔️ Includes a steaming tray for added functionality ✔️ Easy to clean | ✖️ Limited capacity ✖️ No advanced features like delay timers or specific cooking modes |
What is the Best Mini Rice Cooker?
Among rice cookers in this list and the best in the market by far is the Aroma MI Cool Touch. It only measures 6.75 x 6.25 x 7.25 inches and weighs a meager 2.45 pounds.
What Size of Cooker is Good for 2 Persons?
To feed 2 people, you need a unit that can accommodate at least 3 cups. At full capacity, a 3-cup rice cooker can yield more or less 1 cup per person.
Is there a 1-Cup Rice Cooker?
Yes, there are 1-cup cookers in the market capable of making only a single cup of rice and feeding one person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a small cooker?
There are plenty of small rice cookers in the market perfect for a single-person household. We list the best ones in the market in this guide.
What is the best small rice cooker?
The best small rice cooker is the Aroma MI Cool Touch Rice Cooker. It weighs 2.45 pounds and measures 6.75 x 6.25 x 7.25 inches, making it extremely easy to carry and bring with you wherever you need it. While small in size, the rice cooker features easy operations, perfect cooking, and can even handle dishes other than rice.
What is the best small Japanese rice cooker?
Several Japanese rice cooker brands are well worth your purchase. When it comes to small Japanese rice cookers, we listed the DASH Mini Rice Cooker as one of the best in our guide.
What is the smallest rice cooker capacity?
There are plenty of small rice cookers in the market perfect for a single-person household. We list the best ones in the market in this guide. The smallest size for a cooker is 0.4 liters, which measures roughly 1.96 x 6.69 inches and weighs 2.16 pounds. A cooker of this size can make approximately 1.6 cups.
What are the sizes of mini rice cookers?
Mini units typically have a 1.5 to 3-cup capacity and measure less than 10 inches all around.
Is a 3-cup rice cooker too small?
It depends on how many people you’re looking to cook for. A 3-cup rice cooker is more than enough to yield delicious rice for one to two people.
How many liters is a small rice cooker?
A small unit usually ranges from 1 to 6 liters of cooking capacity.
How big is a 1 Litre rice cooker?
A 1-liter rice cooker typically has the capacity to cook around 5-6 cups of cooked rice, which would be equivalent to about 1.5 to 2 cups of uncooked rice, depending on the type of rice being used. In terms of physical size, the dimensions of a 1-liter rice cooker can vary by brand and model, but they are generally compact, with an approximate size of 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) in diameter and 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) in height.
How many people can fit in a 1.5 liter rice cooker?
A 1.5L cooker can feed up to 4 to 5 people, yielding 5 regular portions. However, this would still depend on how much each person consumes.
Which rice cooker is best for 1 person?
The Aroma MI Cool Touch, which is the smallest one on our list, is perfect for single-person households. Capable of making 3 cups, it can yield rice for one person enough to last an entire day.
What size rice cooker for 2 persons?
For two people, opt for a 3 to 4-cup rice cooker, depending on how much rice you can consume per meal.
What size rice cooker do I need for 4 people?
For four people, you need a cooker that can make up to 4 cups of cooked rice, assuming each person consumes 1 cup per serving. These cookers usually come with capacities of 2 to 2.5 cups of uncooked grains.
What is the best rice cooker for a small family?
For a small family of 3-4 people, we recommend the Tiger JAX-S10U-WY Rice Cooker. Despite its compact build, it has the capacity of 5.5 cups of uncooked rice, which can cook up to 10 cups of rice in a single cycle.
What are the benefits of a mini rice cooker?
A mini rice cooker is convenient for small spaces and perfect for individuals or small households, making it ideal for dorm rooms, small kitchens, or travel. It is energy-efficient, consumes less power compared to larger models, and typically cooks rice faster. Additionally, it often comes with versatile cooking options, allowing you to prepare a variety of meals beyond just rice.
What is the best size rice cooker?
The best size for you will depend on how much you’re looking to yield. For reference, 3-cup rice cooker can feed up to 3 people, each with roughly 1 cup. Ultimately, determine how many you need to feed with your small cooker and choose one with a capacity enough for your household.
What is the best rice cooker for 5.5 cups?
If you are looking to cook 5.5 cups, try the Zojirushi 5.5-Cup Induction Rice Cooker and Warmer. Equipped with precise rice cooking functionalities and other reliable features, this model can help you cook your meals with ease.
Will rice cooked in a compact cooker burn?
No, most rice cookers are built to stop the cooking cycle when the grains are fully cooked. You will never encounter burned grains at the bottom of the pot with a cooker, especially if your model is equipped with advanced cooking technology and a nonstick inner pan.
How much water should you add to a mini or compact rice cooker?
The rice-to-water ratio when using a small cooker will still depend on the type of grains you are cooking. Generally, you should add one cup of water for every cup. But some varieties, such as brown or red, will require more water.
How long does it take for a small cooker to actually cook?
The cooking duration of a small cooker will depend on the type of grains you’re cooking and the grain cooker that you have. While it generally takes 15-20 minutes to cook, some models have quick cook settings that can cook grains faster.
Is a mini rice cooker worth it?
These cookers in the list can be perfect kitchen companions for small households, solo dwellers, or University students, allowing them to cook their daily meals without all the fuss. It’s definitely worth the purchase, especially if you don’t cook and consume large amounts regularly.
Should I get a small or big rice cooker?
The size of the rice cooker you should get depends on your household size and how much rice you typically cook. Here’s a general guide:
- Small Rice Cooker (1-3 cups of uncooked rice): Ideal for individuals, couples, or small households who don’t cook large quantities of rice regularly. It’s perfect if you only need to prepare enough for a few servings.
- Large Rice Cooker (4+ cups of uncooked rice): Best for families or those who cook larger portions. A larger rice cooker can handle more rice, making it ideal for meal prepping, gatherings, or anyone who needs to cook rice in bulk.
Consider how often you cook rice, the portion sizes, and whether you need extra capacity for guests or leftovers.
How do I choose a good rice cooker?
Choose a rice cooker based on capacity (small for singles, larger for families), features (basic models cook and keep warm, while advanced ones offer settings for different rice types, porridge, and even steaming), and brand reliability (Zojirushi, Panasonic, and Tiger are known for quality). Look for a non-stick inner pot for easy cleaning and fuzzy logic technology if you want precision cooking. Finally, consider your budget—basic models are affordable, while high-end ones provide more versatility and durability.
How much does a cooker cost?
Prices depend highly on the brand and model that you choose. You can expect to shell out anywhere from $20 to $150 for a good unit.
Is a cheap rice cooker worth it?
A cheap rice cooker can be worth it if you primarily cook basic white rice and don’t need advanced features like precise temperature control or different rice settings. However, higher-end models provide better texture, consistency, and versatility, making them a better investment if you eat rice frequently or prefer different types like brown or sushi rice.
Which cheap cooker is best?
One of the best cheap rice cookers is the Aroma ARC-150SB 20-Cup Rice Cooker, which features a large 20-cup capacity, cooking menus for white and brown rice, a Keep Warm setting, timer, steam, slow cook, and a flash rice feature. Read more about this model and other cheap rice cookers in our full guide.
Which brand rice cooker is best?
Which is the no. 1 rice cooker brand?
The no. 1 rice cooker brand will depend on your personal preferences. However, the general consensus is that Aroma and Zojirushi rice cookers are the best in the market. When it comes to specific models, it will vary based on the features that you value.
What is the best all day rice cooker?
For an all-day rice cooker that can prepare rice for an entire day’s serving, opt for one with a large capacity that can cook 2-3 meals in one cycle. Some of our picks in this list, including the Tiger JAX-S10U Micom Rice Cooker and the Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer are good options.
What is the best tasting rice rice cooker?
The Zojirushi Induction Heating System Rice Cooker is widely regarded as the best-tasting rice cooker due to its precise temperature control, which ensures evenly cooked, fluffy rice every time. For a more budget-friendly option, the Cuckoo CR-0655F offers excellent customization for different rice types while maintaining great taste and texture.
Why are Japanese rice cookers better?
Many consumers consider Japanese rice cookers better because of their advanced technology. They often feature fuzzy logic technology to ensure that every grain of rice is cooked perfectly by adjusting the cooking process based on the type of grains, the altitude, the time of day, etc.
Can small cookers cook brown rice?
Generally, most rice cookers can cook brown rice, including small and mini units. However, more advanced models would have a specific brown rice setting to cook these grains perfectly.
Conclusion
Compact cookers are definitely a good buy, considering that they are budget-friendly, compact, and easy to use. Most, like a number of those we listed here, have the same functions you will find in bigger models but shrunk to a smaller package.
Ultimately, the choice between buying a small cooker or a bigger one will depend on your needs and preferences, because there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all cooker. But for solo-dwellers, students, busy individuals, and small households, small cookers serve a good purpose and are definitely what we recommend for your daily rice dish fix.
If you’re looking for a much bigger model, take a look at our guide to the best rice cookers, where you will find large-capacity cookers like Hamilton Beach, Tiger, Cuckoo, etc.
Editor’s Choice
Aroma MI Cool Touch Mini Rice Cooker
The Aroma MI Cool Touch Rice Cooker is easily the best small rice cooker you can find in the market today. In fact, it’s probably the smallest cooker available.
This 3-cup rice cooker for one person or two has a very unique and innovative build, plus a sleek handle that makes it possible for you to bring the appliance anywhere you want to.
With its one-touch operation, keep-warm feature, removable inner pot, and nonstick coating, this portable cooker definitely does a great job of making the cooking process of rice a breeze.
