Do you enjoy cooking curries, stir fries or other dishes that just aren't complete without a generous helping of rice? If so, a rice cooker could transform your cooking experience, guaranteeing you perfect rice every time at the flick of a switch.
If you pride yourself on your knack for south or east Asian cuisine, a rice cooker will ensure that all-important side dish is worthy of your main meal - after all, nothing spoils a perfectly prepared authentic dish more than a side of rice that's dry and chewy or overcooked and gelatinous. Plus, it's handy for whipping up a simple plate of rice to add to anything from a simple weeknight chicken dinner to homemade burritos!
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Many modern rice cookers also come with a variety of extra functions, including steaming and slow cooking, so buying one could replace several appliances.
So read on for our pick of the best rice cookers available in the UK, with price options for every budget!
Best rice cookers to buy in the UK
Russell Hobbs 19750 Rice Cooker and Steamer
One of the cheapest rice cookers on the market from an established brand, the Russell Hobbs 19750 rice cooker and steamer is a great entry-level model. With extremely simple controls, it's the ideal starter appliance for cooks who have never owned a rice cooker before. Simply switch on, add rice and water and let it go - the machine will automatically switch over to 'keep warm' mode when the rice is cooked to perfection.
The non-stick removable cooking chamber has a capacity of 1.8 litres, equivalent to ten cups of rice, so you can cook up large family feasts without breaking a sweat. Plus, it comes with an additional tray that lets you harness the steam cooking power of the machine to cook fish or vegetables.
Reishunger Digital Mini Rice Cooker and Steamer
Cute, compact, and powder pink, this mini rice cooker from Reishunger really stands out from the crowd - it's ideal if you love pink kitchen accessories, but also comes in red and white version if you prefer something less pastel.
Reishunger promises an unbeatable finish thanks to a seven-stage cooking programme designed to gently lock in nutrients and maximise flavour. You can also use the appliance to prepare common rice alternatives like quinoa and bulgur wheat, as well as to steam cook and prepare soups.
This is a mini rice cooker, with a 0.6l capacity, so don't expect to whip up a biryani for ten, but for two main meals or three side dishes, you'll find this model perfectly up to the job.
Crockpot 2.2L sauté rice cooker
How's this for a clever idea! This large 2.2l rice cooker from CrockPot has a sauté function, allowing you to make whole meals like risotto or paella from start to finish - cook your veg and meat on the sauté setting, then add rice and water or stock and switch to rice cooking mode to complete the dish. 'Keep warm' mode automatically kicks in at the end of the cooking time, and will stay active for 60 minutes.
The set comes with a measuring cup and plastic rice spatula - both accessories, as well as the cooking bowl and lid, are dishwasher-safe.
Yum Asia YUM-IH15 Bamboo Rice Cooker
Rice cookers with induction heating are often preferred by serious enthusiasts, as they offer more precise temperature control. The Yum Asia YUM-IH15 1.5 litre rice cooker not only uses induction heating, but also a 'fuzzy logic' microchip which make micro-adjustments to temperature and cooking time to ensure different types of rice unfailingly come out fluffy and delicious. Plus, the timer can be set up to 24 hours in advance, so you can programme your dinnertime rice before you head to work!
This model includes settings specially designed for long grain, short grain, brown rice and sushi rice - there's even a Yumami mode which uses phased cooking to release sugars in white rice for a more intense, sweeter finish. As fans of crispy Persian rice, we love that the cooker includes a programme that gives your rice a crunchy crust.
While it's not the cheapest model, don't overlook the fact that it also doubles as a slow cooker, steamer, porridge maker, and baking oven, so you're getting multiple appliances in one!
TEFAL Cool Touch RK1568UK Rice Cooker
An easy-to-use rice cooker from a trusted brand, we love the stylish curves and on-trend sleek black finish of the Tefal CoolTouch Rich Cooker.
As the name suggests, the appliance is fitted with 'cool wall' technology which prevents the heat inside from reaching the outer casing, making this a safe choice for families with children - or very curious cats! With cook and keep warm settings, this model also comes with a measuring cup, spoon and a plastic basket that sits in the top of the cooker so you can steam your veggies at the same time.
Quest 35530 0.8L Electrical Rice Cooker
An ideal choice for small households or kitchens limited on space, this cute rice cooker from Quest is a compact and easy-to-use solution for fuss-free cooking. Its 0.8l capacity nonstick removable bowl is just the right size for two generous main meals or side servings for four.
Although this is a simple model without the fancy functions of pricier machines, it comes with a welcome 'keep warm' mode that kicks in automatically at the end of the cook time.
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