Best Rice Cooker With Stainless Steel Inner Pot in 2022

Rice cookers are excellent when it comes to making well-cooked, fluffy rice. However, not all rice cookers are created equal. If you have noticed a metallic taste in your rice, your aluminum pot or non-stick coating might be leaching into your dish. Fortunately, you will not have this problem with a stainless steel rice cooker, as it doesn’t react with food. Here are our top picks for the best rice cookers with stainless steel inner pots in 2022.

Best Rice Cooker With Stainless Steel Inner Pot: Reviews

Aroma Housewares Select Stainless Rice Cooker

This 14-cup rice cooker will give you a restaurant-quality dish every time.

Product Highlights

This Aroma rice cooker is compact, easy to clean, and comes with several accessories, including a measuring cup and steaming tray. It’s also pretty easy to use. Simply add your rice to the cooker, and your appliance will take care of the rest. It will then turn off and switch to keep-warm mode once the rice is fully cooked. This is a great, compact rice cooker that doesn’t require monitoring. It’s also great for preparing other types of food, such as soup and stews.

This appliance can be used by people who don’t have much cooking experience. For instance, if you are not a skilled cook, you can also use this to steam meat and vegetables. Just place your additional items in the steaming tray.

The inner pot of this appliance is made of high-quality steel, which means that you can also use it to keep any leftover rice in the fridge. Once ready to finish the rice, place the inner pot back in the Aroma rice cooker and select “warm” mode to reheat it.

Watch out for the length of time the rice remains in the pot. It tends to get sticky and crispy if you leave it too long in the keep-warm mode.

What I Like

The bamboo spatula provided by Aroma is handy and stands out from the plastic ones provided by other brands. The Aroma Rice Cooker features a digital timer, an auto-warm function, and a variety of settings that allow you to cook both white and brown rice. The inner pot is removable, which makes cleaning up a breeze.

What I Don’t Like

The pot tends to boil over if you don’t seal the lid correctly.

Pros

• Compact design
• Affordable price
• Automatic cooking
• Easy to clean
• Good quality stainless steel pot

Cons

Rice can stick if it’s in the pot too long

Cuisinart CRC-400 4 Cup Rice Cooker

The design of this rice cooker is quite unique. It features a cubic shape, which makes it ideal for those looking to pair form and functionality.

Product Highlights

The design of the Cuisinart CRC-400 rice cooker is modern and elegant. Its steel coating ensures that it cooks food safely and effectively without exposing you to harmful chemicals. The superior construction of this pot is one of its most attractive features. It’s made from high-grade materials, including brushed stainless steel, a tempered glass lid, and chrome-plated knobs and handles. The steel coating makes this appliance easy to clean and durable.

Aside from being sleek and modern, this rice cooker also features various innovative features. You can use it for cooking other food items such as meat and vegetables. Its steam pot allows you to pop vegetables and meat into the cooking area while preparing the rice.

The simplicity of this rice cooker is one of its selling points. Its single-switch operation makes rice preparation effortless. It also allows you to cook brown rice easily, as long as you can work out the correct ratios. The Cuisinart rice cooker can make up to eight cups of rice at a time, making it ideal for families. It can also handle different types of rice with ease.

Cuisinart’s sleek design, high-grade construction, and smooth functionality make this a premium rice cooker.

What I Like

The Cuisinart CRC-400 is a modern rice cooker with a unique design. You can use it to prepare various dishes, and its superior construction means that it will serve you for years.

What I Don’t Like

Its single switch operation may make rice preparation simple, but it doesn’t offer many cooking options.

Pros

• Pocket-friendly
• Great steaming feature
• Durable stainless steel construction
• Easy to clean

Cons

Limited single-switch option

Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker

This is an excellent medium-sized rice cooker ideal for preparing family-sized meals.

Product Highlights

The Hamilton Beach might just be the most straightforward rice cooker to use. First, measure out the rice using the cup provided, wash it in the steamer basket, and place it in the pot. Once you’ve added water, all you have to do is hit the “Cook” button. Unlike other models, it doesn’t have a timer or LCD screen. Instead, it automatically shifts from “Cook” to “Warm” once the rice is done cooking. As a result, there’s no learning curve, and the instructions are easy to follow. You can also use the appliance without a condensation cup.

This rice cooker is not as versatile as other rice steamers but can still be used to prepare different food items, such as mac and cheese and oatmeal. In addition, you can use the steam basket to steam vegetables and fish or poultry.

The Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker is ideal for people with limited space on their kitchen counter. Its compact size and white finish make it a perfect choice for a portable and lightweight rice steamer. In addition, its non-stick coating makes removing the cooked rice from the steamer easier. However, this component can also produce a chemical smell when the rice is cooking, though it doesn’t affect the taste of the food.

What I Like

This is a very affordably priced rice cooker. It’s also straightforward to use and doesn’t require a condensation cup.

What I Don’t Like

The non-stick coating produces an unpleasant chemical smell. The Hamilton rice cooker is also not as versatile as other brands.

Pros

• Easy to use and clean
• Can be used to steam vegetables
• Compact design for easy storage
• Dishwasher-safe accessories

Cons

Not very versatile

Elite Gourmet Electric Rice Cooker

The Elite rice cooker is ideal for making different types of rice, including white, brown, and mixed rice. Its sleek design and stainless steel interior prevent it from burning or sticking to the surface. In addition, the exterior is designed to remain cool to the touch during cooking.

The Elite Gourmet is a simple yet intelligent rice cooker that can handle up to 20 cups of cooked rice. It has two programmable options – warm and cook – making it an easy appliance to operate. The cooker also comes with a cook and warm indicator light, which lets you know when your cooking cycle begins and ends.

The glass top of this model features a steam vent that ensures you get fluffy rice every time. However, some users experienced an issue with the water spout, which can occasionally sputter.

The rice cooker’s inner pot is made of high-quality steel, ensuring that the rice stays fresh and aromatic throughout the cooking process. Aside from rice, you can also use it to prepare various other food items such as vegetables, pasta, and oatmeal.

Some users said they experienced a burning plastic odor when they first used the rice cooker. Although this issue is temporary, you can resolve it by simply boiling water in the cooker. This method will help remove the plastic burning odor and allow the rice to cook without issue.

What I Like

The inner stainless steel pot ensures that your rice doesn’t stick during cooking. In addition, it has a simple-to-use design and comes at a budget-friendly price.

What I Don’t Like

The rice cooker produces a plastic smell during the first few uses, but there is an easy fix. The water spout also tends to sputter.

Pros

• Very affordable price
• Tempered glass lid with steam vent
• Cool-to-the-touch exterior
• Easy to use

Cons

• Water spout tends to sputter
• Plastic smell during initial use

Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT Micom 3-Cup Rice Cooker

This rice cooker takes the guesswork out of preparing rice.

Product Highlights

Most people who find cooking rice challenging have difficulties when it comes to measuring out the rice correctly and cooking it for the appropriate amount of time. The Zojirushi, with its in-built microchip, solves that problem, taking the guesswork out of the whole process.

The inner cooking pan of the Zojirushi is made of spherically shaped components that distribute heat evenly. At the same time, its built-in thermal sensor helps keep the rice at an optimal temperature. The MICOM microchip employs fuzzy logic technology that constantly adjusts the settings to ensure that the rice is cooked perfectly.

The LCD control panel of the Zojirushi is user-friendly and has various settings that make rice cooking stress-free. One of these is the timer button, which allows you to set when you want your rice to be ready. Meanwhile, the “Cooking” button on the control panel displays the various rice cooking options. These include “Quick-cooking,” “White rice,” “Brown,” and “Sushi.”

The control panel also displays a small arrow showing the various cooking options you have selected. One of these is the “Keep Warm” setting, designed to keep the rice warm after cooking. However, this setting is not suited for reheating cold rice.

The Zojirushi has a sleek and durable exterior made from clear-coated steel. This makes it easy to clean and ensures that your cooker will serve you for a long time. You can also remove its inner lid for easy cleaning, and the retractable cord helps with storage.

What I Like

This highly programmable cooker makes preparing rice a breeze. It has a sleek, durable design and can be easily cleaned and stored.

What I Don’t Like

The Zojirushi is one of the more expensive rice cookers, which is understandable given that it comes with lots of features.

Pros

• Highly programmable
• Parts are removable for easy cleaning
• Non-stick inner pot
• Durable construction

Cons

Can be pricey

Buyer’s Guide

A non-reactive and non-stick stainless steel rice cooker is ideal for preserving the flavor and nutrients of your food. The interior also features an easy-to-clean design that makes washing up a breeze. However, before you buy a new rice cooker, it’s essential to carefully consider the various factors that will affect the quality of your rice. Here’s what you need to look at.

Size

Before buying a new rice cooker, it’s essential to consider its size and capacity. Having the right appliance will allow you to prepare enough food for the whole family.

Rice cookers come in various sizes, and their capacity is determined by the number of cups they can cook at once. For larger models, this usually means they can cook up to 20 cups of rice at a time. Smaller models can typically handle about two cups.

If the size of your rice cooker is measured in quarts, multiply the number by four to determine how many cups of rice you will be able to get out of it.

Easy to Use

Opening your new rice cooker box only to find a complicated manual to contend with can be frustrating. Before buying a new rice cooker, it would be good to ensure that it’s easy to use. Having a simple and user-friendly interface would be ideal. Fortunately, most modern models have one-touch controls that allow you to get your rice cooking easily.

Some rice cookers even have built-in digital controls that allow you to control various functions, such as keeping the rice warm and steaming. If you’re looking for a more advanced model, some have a 24-hour delayed cooking option.

Some rice cookers have fuzzy logic that allows you to program your devices to handle different cooking conditions. This feature saves you from having to adjust the timing constantly.

If you’re in a rush and need to make quick work of dinner, some rice cookers have a feature that speeds up the cooking process significantly. However, this function may not produce the best results.

Some appliances have a multi-grain option. However, not all manufacturers have the same definition of “multi-grain,” so it’s essential to check the manual before throwing in mixed grades of rice.

Easy to Clean

Nobody wants to use an appliance that’s difficult to clean. That’s what makes stainless steel rice cookers stand apart from the rest. Their non-stick quality makes washing up a breeze. When shopping for a rice machine, it would be ideal to look for one that has a removable pot, so you don’t have to worry about getting the appliance’s electrical components wet.

Accessories

Good-quality rice cookers come with various accessories designed to enhance their functions. Some of these include measuring cups and serving spoons. In addition, some appliances even come with cookbooks filled with ideas on preparing various rice dishes. Aside from cooking multiple types of rice, a good rice cooker also comes with a steam tray that you can use for steaming vegetables, fish, and other healthy dishes.

When purchasing your rice cooker, check to see if accessories are sold together with the pot or if they are charged separately. Some manufacturers don’t include these extras with the appliance.

Price

One of the most critical factors you should consider when buying a product is the price. There are many rice cooker models, and each comes at a different price point. The cost of the appliance is primarily determined by the features it carries. For example, a pot with all the bells and whistles can cost up to $400. However, if you are on a budget, you can still get a good pot for $30 to $120.

FAQ

Is a Stainless Steel Rice Cooker Better?

Yes, stainless steel rice cookers have some distinct advantages, including the lack of a non-stick coating. Rice cookers made from aluminum or non-stick coatings can leach chemicals into your rice. This makes them potentially harmful to you and your family. However, a stainless steel pot doesn’t contain these hazardous materials, making it a safer option.

How Long Do Stainless Steel Rice Cookers Last?

A good-quality rice cooker should last you anywhere from two to eight years because its galvanized steel construction makes it quite durable. Those made from high-quality materials can have even longer lifespans. After about a year of use, if your appliance has shown signs of wear after about a year of service, it’s probably not made from pure stainless steel.

To extend the life of your rice cooker, make sure to clean it thoroughly and avoid overheating it. Also, bear in mind that keeping the rice in the pot for prolonged periods can shorten the lifespan of your rice cooker.

How Do You Clean a Stainless Steel Rice Cooker?

Proper maintenance of a rice cooker means giving it a thorough clean after use. Here’s how to do that.

1. Safety First

Before cleaning your appliance, it’s vital to read the manual carefully. This will help prevent you from inadvertently damaging the machine.

One of the most important things that you should keep in mind when cleaning an electrical appliance is not to expose the unit’s components to water. For instance, the hot plate inside the rice cooker should be kept dry. Don’t try to clean this plate until it’s completely cooled.

2. Clean the Removable Parts

To ensure that everything is cleaned thoroughly, it would be best to wash the parts individually. Remove the inner pot of your rice cooker and let it soak in warm soapy water. You can then use a sponge pad or a plastic spatula to get rid of any grains of rice that may be stuck to the appliance.

Clean the accessories that come with the rice cooker, such as the steamer tray and measuring cup. These items should be washed using warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge pad. In addition, they are typically dishwasher safe, making washing even more convenient.

Let all the removable components dry entirely before reassembling them in the pot.

3. Clean the Rice Cooker Interior

Use a damp cloth to gently remove food residue from the inside of the rice cooker. To remove residue that’s more difficult to dislodge, use a ball of fine-mesh steel wool, ensuring that you don’t scratch the pot itself. Once the food particles have been removed, use the damp cloth to wipe down the cooker’s inside.

4. Clean the Rice Cooker Exterior

You can also use a damp cloth to clean the outside of the rice cooker. You can use a cleaning solution to aid with this task, but it would be best to avoid spraying it onto the pot directly. Instead, dab some of the solution onto a clean cloth and wipe down the pot exterior.

Before storing or reassembling the rice cooker, allow it to dry completely. Then, use a dry towel to ensure that the appliance is thoroughly clean and dry, inside and out.

Will Rice Stick in a Stainless Steel Rice Cooker?

Rice won’t stick to the bottom of your stainless steel rice cooker if you follow the instructions on the user manual. Rice typically sticks to the pot if you overcook it or don’t use enough water. Stainless steel cookers distribute heat evenly, making the rice less likely to stick.

Final Verdict

If you are looking for an easy-to-use, affordably priced rice cooker, the Aroma Housewares Select Stainless Rice Cooker is your pot. This versatile device can make rice, soup, and other food items, including cake. Aroma Housewares has been in the rice cooker business for over 40 years, and that vast experience is evident in the quality of this product. It’s built to serve you for years to come. Hopefully, our top picks for the best rice cookers with stainless steel inner pots in 2022 has helped you to buy the perfect rice cooker for your needs.