Cooking rice seems like a straightforward process that can be done in any pot or cooker. But a professional chef or culinary enthusiast knows it requires precision of ingredients, time, and temperature. And when it comes to cooking sushi rice, you need a cooker that can balance the flavors and texture of the rice.
You may find many options in the market, but very few cookers are made for sushi rice, and even fewer stand out as the best sushi rice cookers. We say this with experience as we have tested 40 and above sushi rice cookers, and among those 40 options, we found only 8 cookers that promise precision and deliver what they claim.
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What is a Sushi Rice Cooker?
A sushi Rice Cooker is a kitchen appliance that is specifically designed for cooking sushi rice. Sushi is a Japanese dish made of vinegared rice, which is then combined with seafood, vegetables, and other ingredients. One of the most essential parts of making sushi is cooking the rice, which requires a very specific humidity and temperature level.
A Sushi Rice Cooker helps cook sushi rice by providing precise temperature control and a non-stick surface to keep the rice from sticking to the pot. This appliance helps make the process of cooking sushi rice much easier and faster and ensures that the rice is perfectly cooked every time with precise, balanced flavor and texture. It is a valuable tool for anyone who loves Japanese food and prepares sushi at home.
What Is The Difference Between Rice Cooker vs. Pressure Cooker
Rice and pressure cookers are popular kitchen appliances frequently used for cooking rice, but they work differently.
A rice cooker is principally used for cooking rice. It has an internal heating element that heats the pot and boils the water. Once the water boils, the rice is immersed and steamed. The rice cooker takes care of the timing, and once the rice is cooked, it automatically switches to the “keep warm” setting. Generally, rice cookers have only one cooking option for rice and take a bit longer to cook compared to a pressure cooker.
On the other hand, a pressure cooker can cook any type of food. It uses high pressure and steam to cook the food faster than a rice cooker. The high pressure inside the pressure cooker cooks the food quicker and helps retain more nutrients than regular cooking. Pressure cookers offer more cooking options and can be used for slow cooking, canning, and making soups, stews, and other dishes. However, pressure cookers require more attention and can be potentially more dangerous than rice cookers if not used properly.
Best Sushi Rice Cookers – Top 8 According to Our Testing
Sushi rice is known for its delicate balance of sweet, salty, and vinegared flavors. And to cook this renowned traditional Japanese dish, you need a cooker that can deliver precise humidity, enough temperature, and time.
We have shortlisted the 8 best sushi rice cookers that perform exceptionally. Read on to pick your best!
Mueller UltraPot
The Mueller UltraPot is a user-friendly and compact pressure cooker that offers the convenience of 10 kitchen appliances in one device.
Its control panel is simple, makes it easy to operate, and includes functionalities such as a rice cooker, slow cooker, pressure canner, egg cooker, and yogurt maker, among others.
With 8 built-in safety features, it prioritizes your safety while cooking. It also promotes cooking fast with less water, saving time and energy. Additionally, it has a food warmer function to keep your food warm and ready to serve.
The UltraPot offers 14 presets and the option to customize time and pressure levels, giving you various cooking possibilities. This appliance can handle everything from rice and yogurt to poultry, meat, stews, and even cake. It also includes canning, slow cook, steaming, and sauté functions.
Cleaning it is effortless thanks to its non-stick cooking pot, and it comes with various accessories, including an inner pot, steamer basket, steam rack, glass lid, gasket, measuring cup, spoon, and recipe book.
Mueller prides itself on delivering superior quality products to make your life easier. It is made in China and offers a reliable and efficient cooking experience.
Features
Capacity: 6 Quarts
Cooking Settings: 14
Control Method: Touch Control
Pros
The touch control panel is simple and easy to operate.
With 8 built-in safety features, it prioritizes your safety while cooking.
It promotes cooking fast with less water.
The food warmer function keeps your food warm and ready to serve.
It offers 14 presets functions.
You can customize time and pressure levels.
It also includes canning, slow cook, steaming, and sauté functions.
Cleaning it is effortless thanks to its non-stick cooking pot.
Cons
It has no cons.
Toshiba Rice Cooker
The Toshiba Rice Cooker is an exceptional appliance that sushi enthusiasts and rice lovers will cherish. It stands out as the best sushi rice cooker, loaded with impressive features.
This cooker’s versatility is unmatched, capable of cooking various rice types such as white, brown, mixed, multi-grain, and even steel-cut oats. It goes beyond rice, providing a porridge setting and a quick rice option for fast cooking. Additionally, including a steaming basket allows for flawless preparation of vegetables, meat, and fish.
Powered by cutting-edge Fuzzy Logic technology, this Japanese marvel detects rice moisture levels, precisely adjusting temperature and cooking time for consistent results with different grains.
The user-friendly digital display and menu options make cooking effortless, while the keep-warm function ensures your rice remains hot for up to 15 hours.
Safety is a top priority, with features like a detachable power cord, secure lid lock during cooking, thermal fuse, and a steam vent cap for controlled steam release. Furthermore, the automatic shut-off feature activates once your rice is prepared.
Cleaning is effortless with the non-stick inner pot, and the steam valve and vent can be easily removed for thorough cleaning.
Experience the art of sushi rice with the Toshiba Rice Cooker, where innovation meets tradition for culinary excellence.
Features
Capacity: 3 Quarts (Cooked)
Cooking Settings: 7
Control Method: Manual
Pros
It is a versatile cooker capable of cooking various types of rice.
It has a porridge setting and fast cooking rice setting.
A steaming basket allows for the flawless preparation of vegetables, meat, and fish.
The Fuzzy Logic technology can detect rice moisture levels.
The Fuzzy Logic technology can adjust time and temperature for other grains.
The user-friendly digital display and menu options make cooking effortless.
Its keep-warm function ensures your rice remains hot for up to 15 hours.
It has a safe-to-cook design.
Cleaning is easy with a non-stick pot, removable vent, and steam valve.
Cons
The pot is not dishwasher safe.
Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker
The Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker is the best sushi rice cooker for those looking for versatile cooking capabilities.
This multi-function appliance goes beyond cooking rice and grains, also functioning as a hard-boiled egg cooker, vegetable steamer, and slow cooker, expanding the range of dishes to prepare.
The nonstick removable pot is large enough to feed even the largest families, accommodating up to 12 cups or 3 quarts of everything from cooked rice to hearty chili, stew, or soup.
Flexible programming options allow precise customization to fit your preferences, using the adjustable countdown timer or delay start timer to adjust the cooking start times of rice, grains, or hot cereal.
With automatic keep-warm features, the Hamilton Beach Multi-Function Cooker ensures you can cook rice, eggs, grains, and more without worrying about overcooking or constant supervision.
Cleaning couldn’t be more straightforward, with the removable nonstick pot and accessories being dishwasher-safe for your convenience.
You get all the luxuries that come with a fantastic sushi rice cooker and more with Hamilton Beach Rice Cooke – an advanced, multi-functional appliance that will change the way you cook rice. It is the perfect appliance for busy families who want to enjoy their favorite rice dishes.
Related: Chili Pots
Features
Capacity: 3 Quarts
Cooking Settings: 6
Control Method: Touch Control
Pros
This rice cooker can function as a hard-boiled egg cooker, vegetable steamer, and slow cooker.
The pot is non-stick and removable.
It has a capacity that can serve large families with its meals.
Flexible programming options allow precise customization to fit your preferences.
The automatic keep-warm feature keeps food ready to eat even after hours of cooking.
It prevents overcooking and gives freedom from constant supervision.
The accessories are dishwasher safe.
The non-stick pot makes cleaning easy and quick.
Cons
It has no cons.
Instant Pot Duo
The Instant Pot Duo stands as the best sushi rice cooker for its impressive 7-in-1 functionality. This multi-cooker can pressure cook, slow cook, work as a rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, and food warmer, providing incredible versatility in the kitchen.
With 13 customizable smart programs, the Instant Pot Duo allows one-touch cooking for preparing ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts, and much more. The model also enables quick cooking with pressure-cooking, up to 70% quicker than conventional cooking techniques or slow cooking for traditional grandma-style recipes.
Cleaning the Instant Pot Duo is quick and easy, with fingerprint resistant, stainless-steel sides, dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and accessories. Safety features include over 10 safety functions, overheat protection, and a safe-locking lid.
Perfect for larger families, the model can cook for up to 8 people, enabling meal prepping and batch cooking for singles and smaller households. The versatile inner cooking pot has a tri-ply bottom for even cooking and perfect sautéing.
Discover endless possibilities with the included Instant Brands Connect App, available for iOS and Android, featuring many delicious recipes.
Features
Capacity: 8 Quarts
Cooking Settings: 7
Control Method: Touch Control
Pros
It stands as the best sushi rice cooker for its impressive 7-in-1 functionality.
With 13 customizable smart programs, it allows one-touch cooking.
You can fast cook with pressure-cooking, up to 70% quicker than conventional cooking techniques.
You can slow cook for traditional grandma-style recipes.
The model can cook for up to 8 people.
Cleaning the Instant Pot Duo is quick and easy, with a fingerprint resistant and dishwasher-safe lid.
The versatile inner cooking pot has a tri-ply bottom for even cooking and perfect sautéing.
With Instant Brands Connect App, you can discover limitless recipes.
Cons
It has no cons.
Zojirushi NS-TSC18
The Zojirushi NS-TSC18 is an exceptional rice cooker with impressive features. With its menu settings, you can easily choose from options like White/Sushi, Mixed, Porridge, Sweet, Brown, Cake, Steam, and Quick Cooking to meet your specific cooking needs.
This rice cooker also offers automatic keep warm, extended keep warm, and reheat functions, ensuring that your rice remains warm and ready to serve when you need it.
The LCD panel with clock and timer functions makes reading and setting the cooking time easy. Additionally, the interchangeable melody and beep signal alerts you when your rice is ready.
With its micro computerized Fuzzy Logic technology, it adjusts the temperature and cooking time spontaneously to achieve perfect results every time.
The Zojirushi NS-TSC18 is also designed with convenience in mind. It has a clear-coated stainless steel exterior that is easy to clean, a nonstick-coated inner cooking pan, and a removable inner lid. The rice cooker even comes with a steam basket, allowing you to steam foods and cook rice simultaneously.
Lastly, the built-in retractable power cord adds to this remarkable rice cooker’s overall convenience and ease of use.
Related: Best Pot for Cooking Gumbo
Features
Capacity: 1.9 Quarts
Cooking Settings: 8
Control Method: Manual
Pros
It has 8 menu settings and you can easily select any with the touch of a button.
It offers automatic keep warm, extended keep warm, and reheat functions.
The LCD panel with clock and timer functions makes reading and setting the cooking time easy.
The interchangeable melody and beep signal alerts you when your rice is ready.
It adjusts the temperature and cooking time spontaneously with Fuzzy Logic technology.
The clear-coated stainless steel exterior, non-stick pan, and removable lid make cleaning easy.
You can steam food with its steam basket and cook rice spontaneously.
The retractable power cord prevents entanglement.
Cons
The capacity of this cooker is not ideal for large families.
TIGER JBV-A10U
The TIGER JBV-A10U is considered to be the best sushi rice cooker for its multi-functionality and revolutionary ‘tacook’ synchronized cooking function.
This innovative cooker enables two dishes to be cooked simultaneously, with minimal preparation and just the touch of a button. The Automatic Cooking Logic system actively keeps track of the cooking temperatures to make sure that every meal is cooked to perfection.
What sets this rice cooker apart from others is its especially designed-cooking plate, which prevents flavors from the plate from affecting the taste or texture of rice. With four cooking menu settings, the JBV-A10U provides more options for a variety of tasty meals. Plus, the cooking plate is BPA-free, ensuring safe and healthy cooking.
This rice cooker also includes an automatic keep warm feature, keeping your rice warm after cooking, and an easy-to-clean non-stick inner pot that makes cleaning hassle-free. The detachable inner steam cap allows for convenient cleaning of the chamber.
Experience the convenience of cooking two dishes at once and get perfectly cooked meals with the TIGER JBV-A10U.
Related: Pans with removable handles
Features
Capacity: 1.4 Quarts
Cooking Settings: 4
Control Method: Manual
Pros
It has a revolutionary ‘tacook’ synchronized cooking function.
This cooker enables two dishes to be cooked simultaneously.
The Automatic Cooking Logic system actively keeps track of the cooking temperatures.
The texture and taste of the rice is not affected thanks to its specially designed cooking plate.
It provides more options for a variety of tasty meals with cooking menu settings.
The cooking plate is BPA-free.
It has an automatic keep warm feature.
An easy-to-clean non-stick inner pot and detachable inner steam cap make cleaning hassle-free.
Cons
The capacity of this cooker is not ideal for large families.
Crux Rice Cooker
The Crux Rice Cooker is the perfect addition to your kitchen with its multiple functions and features. With a 600-watt heating system, this unit has a faster heat-up time and can prepare up to 12 cups of cooked rice in just 30 minutes!
The Crux Rice Cooker is an all-in-one multicooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, steamer, and stewpot. It means you can make multiple meals with the 10 preset cooking functions like white rice, brown rice, basmati rice, sushi, quinoa, stew, slow cook, quick rice, and delay start option.
With this rice cooker, you won’t have to worry about burnt rice as it automatically turns into a warm setting for up to 12 hours. The non-stick-coated removable cooking pot allows for easier cleanup and less food waste.
The audible signal lets you know when your meal is ready, and the easy-to-read LED display makes it easy to use. The hinged lid stays open for hassle-free serving and is easy and safe.
The removable dishwasher-safe cooking pot and accessories and the detachable power chord for easy storage make cooking and cleaning a breeze.
In short, this Crux Rice Cooker is a must-have appliance for all those who love perfectly cooked rice!
Related: Crux Air Fryers
Features
Capacity: 3 Quarts
Cooking Settings: 5
Control Method: Touch Control
Pros
Its 600-watt heating system is a unit with a faster heat-up time.
It can cook 12 cups of rice in one batch.
It is an all-in-one multicooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, steamer, and stewpot.
You can make multiple meals with the 10 preset cooking functions.
It automatically turns into a warm setting for up to 12 hours to keep the food ready to eat.
The non-stick-coated removable cooking pot allows for easier cleanup.
The audible signal lets you know when your meal is ready.
The LED display makes it easy to supervise.
Its hinged lid stays open for hassle-free serving and is easy and safe.
The detachable power cord prevents entanglement.
Cons
It has no cons.
Cosori Rice Cooker
The COSORI Rice Cooker is hailed as the best sushi rice cooker due to its exceptional features.
Its 18-in-1 functionality offers many options for cooking different types of rice and grains, along with functions like Slow Cook, Steam, Sauté, Keep Warm, Delay Timer, and Quick Rice.
Powered by fuzzy logic technology, it ensures perfect rice every time by precisely controlling the temperature throughout the 7-step cooking process. Whether you’re cooking white, sushi, or brown rice, this rice cooker delivers consistent results.
The ‘Quick Rice’ feature is a game-changer, allowing you to cook rice quickly at 1000W of power without compromising taste or quality. Cleaning is a breeze as all the accessories are dishwasher-safe.
Using this sushi rice cooker is a breeze thanks to the bright LED guided touch display, clear measurement marks, and an alert tone to let you know when your rice is ready. Safety is also a priority, with every surface that comes into contact with food made without harmful chemicals, i.e., BPA, PFOA, and PFOS.
With a large 5-quart capacity, it can cook enough rice for the whole family. Additionally, the rice cooker comes with 50 chef-created recipes, and more can be discovered through the free VeSync app.
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Features
Capacity: 5 Quarts
Cooking Menu Settings: 18
Control Method: Touch Control
Pros
Its 18-in-1 functionality offers many options for cooking different types of rice.
The Fuzzy Logic Technology ensures perfect rice by precisely controlling the temperature.
The ‘Quick Rice’ feature allows you to cook rice quickly at 1000W of power.
Cleaning is a breeze as all the accessories are dishwasher-safe.
The bright LED guided touch display makes it easy to use.
The alert beep lets you know when your rice is ready.
Each surface of this cooker is free from harmful chemicals.
It has the capacity to cook rice for a large family.
It comes with 50 recipes, and more can be discovered through the free VeSync app1.
Cons
It has no cons.
Buying Guide for the Best Sushi Rice Cooker
When seeking culinary perfection in crafting sushi at home, a sushi rice cooker becomes an invaluable ally. Several key factors merit consideration to ensure a well-informed purchase.
Capacity:
Begin by assessing your culinary needs. Sushi making often involves preparing a substantial amount of rice. Opt for a cooker with an ample capacity to accommodate your desired quantity without compromising on quality.
Sushi Cooking Function:
Look for a cooker equipped with a specialized sushi cooking function. This feature tailors the cooking process to the precise requirements of sushi rice, optimizing its texture, moisture, and stickiness. This elevates your sushi from mere food to an artful creation.
Nonstick Interior:
When the curtains fall on your sushi feast, the aftermath shouldn’t be a sticky affair. Prioritize a cooker with a nonstick interior. This not only ensures easy rice removal but also simplifies cleaning—a little feature that makes a big difference.
Electrical Rating:
Delve into the electrical rating of the rice cooker. A higher rating signifies quicker and more efficient cooking, saving valuable time during meal preparation. However, striking a balance between power and precision is key to achieving the ideal sushi rice consistency.
Ease of Use:
In the realm of culinary gadgets, simplicity reigns supreme. Prioritize a cooker that boasts an easy-to-use interface, featuring intuitive controls and clear instructions. This streamlines the cooking process, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned sushi chef.
Price Range:
Begin your quest by establishing a comfortable price range. Quality comes at a spectrum of costs, so find the sweet spot that aligns with your budget. Remember, investing a bit more upfront often pays dividends in long-term satisfaction.
Related: Most Expensive Cookware
Additional Features:
Modern rice cookers offer a symphony of features beyond the basics. Look for the harmonious blend of convenience and innovation. Seek out models with additional features like delay timers for fresh rice exactly when you desire, or intelligent cooking algorithms that adapt to different rice types flawlessly.
In conclusion, selecting the best sushi rice cooker requires meticulous consideration of capacity, sushi cooking function, electrical rating, and ease of use. Invest in a cooker that harmonizes technological sophistication with user-friendliness, empowering you to craft sublime sushi rice with finesse.
How We Tested Best Rice Cooker for Sushi Rice
To determine the best rice cooker for sushi rice, we conducted extensive testing on 40 rice cookers. Our goal was to find the models that consistently produced met specific criteria for cooking sushi rice.
During the testing phase, we evaluated each rice cooker based on several factors, including the quality of the cooked rice, ease of use, cooking time, versatility, and overall performance.
After rigorous testing, we identified the top performers. We shortlisted the best eight of the 40 rice cookers that consistently delivered outstanding sushi rice.
Our testing process involved the following:
● Cooking multiple batches of sushi rice in each rice cooker.
● Analyzing the rice’s texture, taste, and consistency.
● Considering user feedback and customer reviews.
With our comprehensive testing, we have confidently selected the top rice cookers for preparing sushi rice. These chosen models have proven their capability and reliability in consistently producing perfect sushi rice, allowing you to enjoy authentic and delicious sushi in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the some of the most frequently asked questions about the Best Sushi Rice Cookers.
How does the capacity of a sushi rice cooker affect its performance?
The capacity of a sushi rice cooker determines how much rice you can cook in a single batch. It’s important to choose a capacity that aligns with your needs, whether you’re preparing sushi for a small gathering or a larger event.
What is the significance of a sushi cooking function in a rice cooker?
A sushi cooking function is designed to optimize the cooking process specifically for sushi rice. This function ensures that the rice attains the desired texture and stickiness, crucial for creating authentic and flavorful sushi.
Is a nonstick interior essential for a sushi rice cooker?
Yes, a nonstick interior is highly recommended for a sushi rice cooker. A nonstick interior prevents the rice from sticking to the sides and bottom, making it easier to remove the cooked rice and simplifying the cleaning process.
What’s the average price range for high-quality sushi rice cookers?
The price range for high-quality sushi rice cookers can vary. On average, you might find suitable options ranging from $100 to $300, depending on the brand, features, and specifications.
How do I ensure my sushi rice cooker is easy to clean?
To ensure easy cleaning, look for sushi rice cookers with removable parts and a nonstick interior. Removable parts can be washed separately, and a nonstick interior prevents rice from sticking, making cleanup hassle-free.
Can you recommend some reliable brands known for their sushi rice cookers?
Certainly, reputable brands such as Zojirushi, Toshiba, and Tiger are known for producing high-quality sushi rice cookers. These brands are trusted for their performance, durability, and innovation.
Do sushi rice cookers come with accessories for sushi preparation?
Yes, many sushi rice cooker models come with accessories that facilitate sushi preparation. These accessories may include rice paddles, measuring cups, and even specialized settings tailored for sushi rice cooking.
- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.etekcity.vesyncplatform&hl=en&gl=US ↩︎
