Are you tired of unevenly cooked rice, burnt pots, or constantly monitoring your stovetop? Imagine a world where fluffy, perfectly cooked grains are a daily reality, and healthy steamed meals are just a press of a button away. That’s the magic an Automatic programmable rice cooker steamer brings to your kitchen! These versatile appliances aren’t just for rice; they’re kitchen superheroes designed to simplify your meal prep, ensuring delicious results every time. They are incredibly popular because they save time, reduce effort, and consistently deliver perfectly cooked rice and steamed dishes, making healthy eating effortless.
Choosing the right one can transform your cooking experience. We’ve rounded up some of the best options on the market, highlighting what makes each stand out so you can pick the perfect fit for your home.
1. Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer
This Hamilton Beach cooker is a true multi-tasker, perfect for busy individuals and families who value both convenience and versatility. Its ability to handle everything from breakfast hot cereal to full dinner meals, including steaming while rice cooks, makes it an incredibly practical addition to any kitchen. You’ll love how it simplifies meal prep, turning complex dishes into easy one-pot wonders.
Key Features:
– Enjoy maximum cooking versatility from breakfast to dinner. Prepare a practically endless variety of dishes with this one multi-function cooker. Make rice, whole grains and hot cereal, or steam seafood, eggs, vegetables and more.
– Prepare meals for the whole family: The removable pot of the Hamilton Beach rice cooker steamer has a PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating and is large enough to feed your whole family — it fits up to 8 cups of cooked rice.
– One-touch cooking with preprogrammed options: Simply press the right button to perfectly cook white rice, whole grains or hot cereal. A countdown timer shows you how much time is left. The rice cooker automatically switches to warm when cooking is complete.
– Versatile 2-in-1 steam/rinsing basket: The versatile steam basket on the electric rice cooker doubles as a colander. It’s great for rinsing rice or grains before cooking, or use it to steam everything from salmon to brussels sprouts as your rice cooks.
– Perfect for one-pot meals. Steam seafood or vegetables while rice cooks below for fast, easy one-pot meals. Great for making homemade fried rice, shrimp with rice and more.
– Easy to clean: The removable PFAS-free nonstick coated pot and the steam/rinsing basket are both dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
– This appliance holds 8 cups of cooked rice or 4 cups of uncooked rice.
Pros:
– Exceptional versatility for cooking various grains, hot cereals, and steamed foods.
– Large capacity suitable for family meals.
– One-touch preprogrammed options make cooking incredibly easy.
– Innovative 2-in-1 basket for both rinsing and steaming, adding convenience.
– PFAS-free nonstick coating for healthier cooking and easy cleaning.
– Automatic Keep Warm function for ready-to-serve meals.
Cons:
– May have fewer specialized settings compared to some higher-end models.
– The countdown timer is helpful, but some users might prefer a full digital display showing all options at once.
User Impressions: Customers frequently praise its reliability and the ease with which it produces perfectly cooked rice and steamed vegetables. Many appreciate the PFAS-free nonstick pot and the convenience of the combined rinsing/steaming basket, though a few wish for more specific pre-sets.
See it on Amazon here
2. AROMA Digital Rice Cooker, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked)
The AROMA Digital Rice Cooker stands out with its “Sensor Logic Technology,” which promises consistently delicious and fluffy rice every time. This intelligent feature, combined with its compact yet versatile design, makes it ideal for individuals or smaller families who prioritize perfect texture and flavor. It’s also great for those who love to plan meals ahead with its convenient delay timer.
Key Features:
– Easy-to-use programmable digital controls complete with an automatic Keep Warm mode after each cycle.
– An array of preset functions for every kind of meal: White Rice, Brown Rice, Steam, Flash Rice.
– Steam meat, vegetables and more with the provided Steam Tray all while rice cooks below.
– Perfectly prepares 2 to 8 cups of any variety of cooked rice or grains.
– Sensor Logic Technology for delicious, fluffy rice and grains every time – automatically controls the internal temperature throughout the cooking cycle for optimal texture and flavor.
– Item holds up to 2 to 8 cups of cooked rice.
– Great for soups, jambalaya, chili, and more.
– Save time with the Flash Rice function which cuts cooking time by up to 50%.
– 15-hour Delay Timer for flexible meal planning.
– Includes steam tray, rice measuring cup, serving spatula, and exclusive recipes and coupons.
Pros:
– Sensor Logic Technology ensures consistent, optimal rice texture.
– Compact size is perfect for smaller households.
– Versatile preset functions, including a time-saving Flash Rice option.
– Simultaneous steaming saves time and effort.
– Long 15-hour Delay Timer for ultimate meal planning flexibility.
– Automatic Keep Warm mode adds convenience.
Cons:
– The 8-cup cooked capacity might be limiting for very large families or entertaining.
– Some users might find the digital interface takes a little getting used to compared to simpler knob controls.
User Impressions: Users frequently rave about the consistency of rice cooked in this unit, often describing it as “perfect” and “fluffy.” The delay timer and automatic keep-warm function are highly praised for convenience, though a few note that the steam tray capacity is small.
See it on Amazon here
3. Aroma Housewares 8-Cup (Cooked) (4-Cup UNCOOKED) Digital Rice Cooker
Another fantastic offering from Aroma, this model emphasizes user-friendly programming and incredible multi-functional use. Whether you’re craving rice, soup, or even a cake, this cooker is designed to be your go-to appliance. Its compact size paired with a generous 15-hour delay timer makes it a highly convenient choice for busy individuals or small families who appreciate “set it and forget it” simplicity and versatility.
Key Features:
– Multi-Functional Use – Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty jambalaya, steamed veggies and rice, or even a delectable cake, you can accomplish it all with your rice cooker.
– User-Friendly Programming – This product is also a proud member of our “set it and forget it” mentality. The cooker is incredibly simple to operate using our user-friendly digital panel that switches to Keep Warm mode automatically once cooking is finished.
– Simultaneous Steaming – With the included steam tray, steam foods above while rice, soup, or any other meal simultaneously cooks below, allowing you to save time without sacrificing quality.
– 15-Hour Delay Timer – The programmable delay timer is great for families on the go, delivering delicious meals ready when they’re needed, up to 15 hours in advance.
– Compact Capacity – 8-cup capacity yielding 2 to 8 cups of cooked rice. Its compact capacity is perfect for preparing small individual meals or delicious side dishes.
– Includes a nonstick inner pot, steam tray, rice measuring cup, and a serving spatula.
– Perfectly prepares 2 to 8 cups of any variety of cooked rice.
– Great for soups, jambalaya, chili and so much more!
Pros:
– Exceptional multi-functional capabilities, beyond just rice and steaming.
– Very user-friendly digital controls and “set it and forget it” operation.
– Excellent 15-hour Delay Timer for unparalleled meal planning.
– Efficient simultaneous steaming saves significant cooking time.
– Automatic Keep Warm function ensures food is ready when you are.
– Compact design fits well in smaller kitchens.
Cons:
– 8-cup cooked capacity might not be enough for larger gatherings.
– While versatile, some users might prefer more specific pre-sets for non-rice items.
User Impressions: Customers consistently highlight how easy this cooker is to use and clean. Its versatility, especially for making soups and other dishes, is a big plus. The delay timer is a favorite feature, although some wish the inner pot had a larger capacity.
See it on Amazon here
4. West Bend Programmable Rice & Grain Cooker with 7 Preset Functions
The West Bend Programmable Rice & Grain Cooker is a powerhouse for those who love variety in their grains. With a generous 12-cup cooked capacity and 7 specialized preset functions, it’s designed to perfectly cook everything from white rice to quinoa and oatmeal. The convenient 24-hour delay start and easy-view glass window make it a standout choice for larger families or anyone who enjoys watching their food cook to perfection.
Key Features:
– Large Capacity: Up to 12 cup (six cup uncooked) capacity is perfect for family meals.
– Versatile: 7 preset functions: White Rice, Brown Rice, Multigrain Rice, Quinoa, Oatmeal, Keep Warm, Delay Start.
– User-Friendly: LED display is easy to read.
– Delay Start: 24-hour programmable delay timer for flexible meal planning.
– Glass Window: Easy-view glass window on the lid to watch your favorite recipe prepare to perfection.
Pros:
– Impressive 12-cup cooked capacity is excellent for large families or batch cooking.
– Seven specific preset functions for a wide range of grains.
– Long 24-hour programmable delay timer offers maximum scheduling flexibility.
– Easy-view glass lid allows monitoring of cooking progress.
– Clear LED display for user-friendly operation.
Cons:
– Might be larger than needed for single individuals or couples.
– Less emphasis on steaming meat/vegetables simultaneously compared to other models.
User Impressions: Users love the large capacity and the specific settings for various grains, particularly praising the perfect quinoa and oatmeal it produces. The delay start function is a hit for morning routines. Some users note that while it’s great for grains, the steaming options might not be as robust as dedicated steamers.
See it on Amazon here
5. TAYAMA Automatic Rice Cooker & Food Steamer 10 Cup
For those who need a truly ample cooking capacity, the TAYAMA Automatic Rice Cooker & Food Steamer is an excellent choice. With a massive 20-cup cooked rice capacity, it’s perfect for large families, gatherings, or anyone who likes to meal prep in bulk. Its straightforward “Cook & Keep Warm” functions, combined with a durable non-stick pot, offer reliable, large-scale rice and steaming without unnecessary complications.
Key Features:
– With non-abrasive and non-stick Xylan material.
– Convenient detachable cord.
– Elegant round shaped cool-touch body.
– Cook & keep warm features.
– 20 Cups Cooked/10 Cups Uncooked.
– Included components: rice cooker, inner pot, spatula, measuring cup, manual, warranty, steam tray.
Pros:
– Very large 20-cup cooked capacity, ideal for big families or entertaining.
– Durable non-stick Xylan material for easy food release and cleaning.
– Detachable cord for convenient storage and serving.
– Simple Cook & Keep Warm functions for straightforward operation.
– Cool-touch body for safety.
Cons:
– Fewer programmable options compared to other digital models.
– The steaming function is basic and may not be as integrated for simultaneous cooking as other multi-functional units.
User Impressions: Customers requiring large batches of rice consistently praise its substantial capacity and reliability for cooking perfect rice. The non-stick pot is also frequently mentioned as easy to clean. Some users miss advanced digital features or more intricate steaming capabilities.
See it on Amazon here
Conclusion
Choosing the best automatic programmable rice cooker steamer depends on your specific needs. If versatility and one-pot meals are your priority, the Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer is an excellent all-rounder. For consistently perfect rice texture and flexible meal planning in a compact design, the AROMA Digital Rice Cooker or the Aroma Housewares 8-Cup Digital Rice Cooker are fantastic choices, both boasting impressive delay timers. If you need large capacity and diverse grain settings, the West Bend Programmable Rice & Grain Cooker will serve you well. Finally, for massive batches of rice with simple, reliable operation, the TAYAMA Automatic Rice Cooker & Food Steamer is your go-to.
No matter your household size or cooking style, there’s an automatic programmable rice cooker steamer out there to make your kitchen life easier and your meals more delicious.
Still deciding? Start with our top pick – check it out here
FAQ
Q. What is an Automatic programmable rice cooker steamer?
A. It’s a kitchen appliance designed to cook rice and other grains perfectly with minimal effort. “Automatic” means it handles the cooking process on its own, often switching to a “keep warm” mode when done. “Programmable” means you can set specific functions or delay cooking. “Steamer” means it typically includes a basket to steam vegetables, fish, or other foods simultaneously or separately.
Q. Why should I use a rice cooker instead of a pot on the stove?
A. Rice cookers offer unmatched convenience and consistency. They eliminate guesswork, prevent burning or undercooking, and free up stovetop space. Programmable models often have delay timers and automatic keep-warm functions, allowing for flexible meal planning.
Q. Can I cook more than just rice in these appliances?
A. Absolutely! Most modern automatic programmable rice cooker steamers are highly versatile. Many can cook other grains like quinoa, oatmeal, and barley. The steaming function allows you to prepare vegetables, fish, dumplings, and more. Some even have functions for soups, chili, and jambalaya.
Q. How do “Sensor Logic” or similar technologies work?
A. Technologies like Sensor Logic use internal sensors to monitor the temperature and moisture levels within the pot throughout the cooking cycle. This allows the cooker to adjust the heat and cooking time automatically, ensuring consistent, perfectly cooked rice with optimal texture and flavor, regardless of the rice type.
Q. What is the “delay timer” feature for?
A. The delay timer allows you to add ingredients to the cooker and set a specific time for it to start cooking in the future. This is incredibly convenient for meal prepping, as you can prepare everything in the morning and have freshly cooked rice or steamed food ready for dinner when you get home.
Q. How do I clean an automatic programmable rice cooker steamer?
A. Most modern rice cookers come with non-stick inner pots that are very easy to clean with warm, soapy water. Many are also dishwasher-safe. The steam tray and lid are usually removable and washable as well. Always consult your product’s manual for specific cleaning instructions.
Q. What does “X-cup cooked” vs “X-cup uncooked” capacity mean?
A. Rice expands significantly when cooked. “Uncooked” capacity refers to the amount of dry rice you can put in. “Cooked” capacity refers to the total volume of cooked rice the cooker can produce from that amount of dry rice. For example, a “4-cup uncooked / 8-cup cooked” cooker means it takes 4 cups of dry rice to yield 8 cups of cooked rice.
