The best rice cookers for fluffy, restaurant-quality dishes

Best for: Smart, simple cooking

Perfectly cooked rice is now just a button press away. Breville’s Smart Rice Box knows exactly how to get your rice right, all thanks to Fuzzy Logic technology, which adjusts the temperature for each stage. The 10-cup capacity is perfect for larger meals or meal prep days and the eight pre-set functions make cooking simple, whether you’re preparing white rice, brown rice or even porridge.

“I had read a lot about the Smart Rice Box but had never tried one,” wrote a five-star reviewer on the Myer website. “After a bit of research, I opted for this model and have been very happy with it. Does everything it says with the different rice modes, easy cleaning and steam functions. And the carry on handle makes it super convenient. Highly recommend this!”

One reviewer noted that it takes up a fair amount of bench space, but it’s worth it if you’re cooking for a large family. “This is the best home-cooked rice I’ve had since I lived in Japan,” they said. “Bought as a gift based on other reviews here. First use resulted in perfect rice.”

Size: 10-cup capacity

Colour: White

Key features:

• 10-cup capacity, cooks for up to 25 people
• Fuzzy Logic adjusts temperature for optimal cooking
• Eight pre-set functions, including rice, soup and cake
• Non-stick, PFOA-free anodised ceramic bowl
• Pre-set timer
• Automatic Keep Warm function for up to 24 hours
• Easy to clean with removable parts
• Comes with a BPA-free steaming tray, spoon, ladle and measuring cup

Also available at:

• $167.20 (usually $199.95) at Amazon
• $180 at Big W
• $196 (usually $209) at Appliances Online
• $199.95 at Breville

Best for: Healthy, delicious rice

With 11 smart cooking modes, this cooker from Panasonic can whip up anything from fluffy rice to savoury soups, cake and more. The induction heating makes sure your food is cooked evenly, while the reduced starch feature delivers healthier meals. And with a non-stick pot and sleek design, cleaning up is as easy as the cooking itself!

“I purchased this rice cooker about a month ago and couldn’t be happier,” posted a happy reviewer at Bing Lee. “I’m using it almost daily and am very satisfied with the results. I’ve made different types of rice, each perfectly cooked, steamed veggies and salmon, made banana bread (super fluffy), and am most impressed with how my potatoes turned out.”

“The even heat distribution makes a huge difference and is easy to manage in comparison to my gas stove. Now I can get dinner started and go back to work. It’s saving time, energy and produces beautiful results. A great piece of engineering!”

Size: 1.5L

Colour: Black

Key features:

• Induction heating for precise cooking
• 11 versatile cooking functions
• Reduced starch rice for healthier meals
• Non-stick inner pot
• Reheat and keep warm options for up to five hours
• Timer with 24-hour pre-set

Also available at:

• $299 (usually $369) at Bing Lee
• $369 at The Good Guys

Best for: Authentic tasting Japanese rice

The Zojirushi rice cooker is small but mighty — a cult favourite for its authentic Japanese design and dependable results. Perfectly sized for singles or couples, it consistently serves up restaurant-quality rice, from fluffy white to nutty brown and creamy porridge. With rave reviews backing its stellar reputation, this little powerhouse might just be the only rice cooker you’ll ever need.

“This is an excellent machine,” wrote a five-star reviewer on Amazon, where it has a 4.5 star rating from over 540 reviews. “I’ve had cheap rice cookers in the past — and this one cost a few dollars more — but this one is so much easier to use, to clean and the rice produced is truly a much better food product. The timer system is straightforward — and its fool-proof. Don’t be fooled by the long name. A quality product.”

“Fantastic rice cooker,” added another. “My rice never had texture like this! It does take a long time (about 50 minutes), but so worth the wait. Love the timer function.”

Size: 0.54L

Colour: Silver

Key features:

• Stainless steel body for durability and style
• Multiple settings for white, brown, sushi rice and more
• Thick black spherical pot for even cooking
• Easy-to-read LCD control panel
• Compact size and lightweight at 3kg
• Includes instructions in multiple languages

Best for: Dual-function versatility

Dinner on a tight schedule? Not limited to just cooking rice, this rice maker speeds things up with 25 per cent faster heating, so you’ll spend less time waiting and more time eating. It’s the helping hand you never knew you needed — with a smart, versatile design that lets you slow cook, pressure cook and multi-cook. Not to mention, the ProCeramic-coated pot makes cleaning quick and painless — because who wants to spend their day scrubbing?

“Apart from being a very good price, the appliance is simple to use,” said a reviewer on the Myer website (currently sold out), where this rice cooker has over 980 five-star ratings. “Its on-screen instructions are great and the cooking results are fabulous. I’m using it for all sorts of recipes and it is so easy to clean afterwards. Trust me, buy one as you won’t be disappointed.”

Size: 6L

Colour: Silver

Key features:

• 25 per cent faster heating for quicker meals
• 6L capacity, ideal for families or meal prep
• Multi-cooking options including slow cook, pressure cook and sauté
• Durable ProCeramic-coated pot for easy cleaning
• Nine safety systems for peace of mind

Also available at:

• $158 (usually $199) at Amazon
• $199 (usually $199) at The Good Guys
• $199 at Betta Home Living
• $237.60 at Big W

Best for: Budget-conscious families who want good rice

Making rice just got ridiculously easy. Big family dinner or meal prep? Kambrook’s 10-cup capacity has you covered. Just add rice, water and hit go — the cooker takes care of the rest. You can even peek through the glass lid without letting heat escape. It’s simple, versatile and ready to make your life easier.

With glowing reviews highlighting its consistent performance and convenient features, this rice cooker is a real crowd-pleaser. Customers love how easily it makes perfect rice, calling it “fantastic” and “easy to use and clean.” Whether you’re cooking for a family or just yourself, you can’t go wrong with this reliable pick.

Size: 10-cup capacity

Colour: Stainless steel

Key features:

• Great for large batches
• Stainless steel exterior and glass lid
• Intuitive programs for all rice varieties
• Keep-warm function for piping-hot rice
• Nonstick cooking bowl
• Also steams vegetables, seafood or poultry
• Includes rice measuring cup and serving spoon

Best for: Budget-friendly, versatile cooking

The Tefal Easy Rice & Slow Cooker Plus brings two kitchen favourites into one clever gadget. Its Fuzzy Logic AI adjusts cooking time and temperature automatically, so rice and slow-cooked meals come out perfectly every time. With 11 programs (including white, jasmine, brown and glutinous rice soups, stews and steaming), you can cook almost anything with just a button press.

112 out of 122 (92 per cent) of Myer reviewers recommend this appliance. They love that it delivers fluffy, perfectly cooked rice and tender, flavour-packed slow-cooked meals. A few noted minor drawbacks, such as water markings, a lack of detailed instructions, or slightly longer cooking times compared with traditional rice cookers. However, most users found it easy to use, reliable and excellent value for money.

“Very hesitant about buying this machine but I am so glad I did,” shared one reviewer. “I have cooked sushi rice for my grandchildren and they ate more of my sushi than at a restaurant. The other modes for cooking are awesome and it’s so easy to use.”

Size: 1.8L

Colour: Black

Key features:

• 1.8L capacity for up to 10 cups of rice
• Multi-functional: rice, slow cooking, steaming
• Non-stick inner bowl for easy cleaning
• Automatic Keep Warm function
• Includes steaming basket, serving spoon and measuring cup

Also available at:

• $124.95 at Amazon
• $149.95 (usually $169.95) at Tefal
• $151.20 (usually $189) at Myer
• $169 at Bing Lee
• $190 at Appliances Online

Best for: Quick, hassle-free meals

Sick of babysitting your cooker? The Instant Pot Duo lets you set and forget — whether you’re making rice, stews, or even yoghurt. Featuring 13 one-touch programs, this all-in-one gadget does the hard work for you, cooking up to 70 per cent faster than other methods. Its large 5.7L capacity can feed the whole family, and the Keep Warm function means your meal is ready when you are.

Amazon customers have given it a 4.6 star rating out of 1559 reviews, noting how easy it is to use and clean. They praise its ability to cook well, make weeknight meals easier and simplify kitchen tasks. The size, build quality and value for money also earn plenty of love.

It also has a 4.8 star rating over at Myer, where 96 per cent of 263 shoppers recommend it in their reviews. “Love the sauté and then slow cook all in one pot,” shared a recent customer. “Hooray for no extra washing up! But the best feature? When I forget I was going to put on dinner to slow cook… the pressure cooker feature is my hero! Just remember to follow all the safety instructions and the Instant Pot is your new best kitchen friend.”

Size: 5.7L

Colour: Black/grey

Key features:

• Cooks 70 per cent faster than traditional methods
• 13 one-touch programs, including rice and porridge
• 5.7L capacity for up to six servings
• Keep Warm function
• Easy steam release and cleanup
• Free access to hundreds of recipes via the Instant Brands app

Also available at:

• $143.20 (usually $215) at Amazon
• $159 at Bing Lee
• $169 at Big W
• $169 at Woolworths

Best for: Making large batches to perfection

Make large batches of your favourite rice or grains to perfection with this popular Nutribullet cooker. Its auto programs include options for brown rice, white rice, quinoa, oats, or grains like barley and buckwheat. A stackable steaming basket is also included so you can steam veggies, fish and more.

“I am so impressed with this rice cooker.,” said a happy customer at Myer. “The rice comes out perfectly cooked every time, fluffy and evenly done. I also used the steaming function for vegetables and the results were just as good. The broccoli was tender but still vibrant and full of flavour. Honestly, my broccoli has never been better.”

Another wrote: “Hands down the best rice cooker I’ve used! Easy to operate and cooks each variety of rice perfectly every time.”

Size: 10-cup capacity

Colour: Black

Key features:

• 10-cup capacity for large meals
• One-touch programs for a variety of grains
• Steaming function for veggies, fish and more
• Delay start
• Keep warm function
• Removable bowl and steaming basket for easy cleanup
• Dishwasher-safe steaming basket, spatula and scoop
• Includes recipe book and user guide

Also available at:

• $119.20 (usually $149) at Amazon
• $130 (usually $150) at Appliances Online
• $139 at Bing Lee
• $149 at The Good Guys