9 Best Electric Rice Cookers in India (2024) from Top Brands

By Consumer Advise Team
Edited On

Cooking rice daily in a conventional way can be a boring task. If you are a beginner, you may find it messy as you need to regulate the temperature manually, and monitor the process so that the rice does not get stuck at the bottom or over-boil.

An automatic rice cooker is made to solve all these problems. You just need to add water and raw rice in a suitable ratio and turn the machine on. The cooker will automatically boil the rice without any manual intervention. You can also turn the “keep warm” function on to maintain the proper temperature of the boiled rice.

Introducing Our Top Pick: Prestige PRWO 1.8 Litre Electric Rice Cooker which we have found to be India’s best rice cooker in terms of quality, performance, durability, design, and price in 2024. This product may look simple but because of the tremendous advantages in the long run, it is worth buying.

best rice cooker in India

9 Best Electric Rice Cookers in India (2024)

PRODUCTCAPACITYPOWERWEIGHTWARRANTYCHECK PRICE
Prestige PRWO 1.8-2 Rice Cooker1.8 L700 Watts2.66 Kg1 YearAmazon
Panasonic SR-WA Rice Cooker1.8 L660 Watts2.67 Kg2 YearsAmazon
Bajaj RCX 1 Mini Rice Cooker0.4 L200 Watts0.98 Kg2 YearsAmazon
Prestige Delight Rice Cooker1.8 L700 Watts2.94 Kg1 YearAmazon
Pigeon Rice Cooker1 L400 Watts2.4 Kg2 YearsAmazon
Bajaj RCX 5 Rice Cooker1.8 L550 Watts2.39 Kg2 YearsAmazon
KENT 16012 Rice and Steam Cooker1.8 L860 Watts3.4 Kg1 YearAmazon
AGARO - 33307 Supreme Rice Cooker1 L400 Watts1.8 Kg3 YearsAmazon
Brayden Rizo Rice Cooker1.8 L700 Watts2.3 Kg1 YearAmazon

Reviews of the Best Rice Cookers

In this review, we have selected the Top 5 automatic rice cookers out of hundreds of popular products. Researching on the typical features, pros, and cons we have found these to be excellent in terms of meeting the satisfaction of the users to the ultimate level.

1. Prestige PRWO 1.8-2 700-Watts Delight Electric Rice Cooker

best rice cooker in India

Key features

  • 1.8 L Capacity
  • 700 Watts Energy Consumption
  • 1 Year Warranty
  • Availability of Keep Warm function
  • Simple user-friendly control panel
  • Detachable power cord
  • Multi-use product

Best for a Medium Sized Family

As the capacity of the model is 1.8 L, it is sufficient for a couple and a family with 3-5 members. Selecting such a large capacity can help you cooking rice faster in one run even if you have a smaller family. The Prestige Delight electric rice cooker can also be good if you are planning to purchase it for elders.

Wide Cooking Range

The cooker is well-suitable for all kinds of raw rice- white, brown, black, jasmine, and even basmati. If you prefer consuming healthy organic rice, this product can work like a charm as the nutrition value does not deteriorate.

Apart from cooking rice, the user can also prepare pulao, soup, boiled vegetables with this product too. After cooking, the rice remains warm. Therefore, it can be very helpful to use on a daily basis.

Simple but sturdy design

In the first impression, the rice cooker can appear to be very simply designed. But its body is quite hard and durable. The body is so good that it does not get damaged or gets a dent mark easily. The lid of the cooker is made of stainless steel and pans are manufactured with aluminium.

High Performance with Low power consumption

This product is powered by a normal 220 V connection and does not need any special attachment to run. The rated power for this model is 700 watts which are considered as moderate consumption of electricity.

If you run the cooker for an hour daily and the rate of electricity is Rs 8/ unit, you may get a bill of around Rs 168/ month only for it. Whereas, if you use a gas oven or a built-in oven, the expense can be 4 to 5 times it. This is why this product is the most useful rice cooker in the Indian market.

PROs

  • Extremely user-friendly product.
  • Easy to operate and maintain.
  • Multiple cooking options.
  • Warranty of 5 years on the heating plate.
  • Fast cooking procedure.
  • The power cord is detachable and long enough.
  • Premium quality and durable design.
  • The utensils are built with corrosion-resistant stainless steel.
  • Improved safety with heat-resistant cool-touch handle.
  • Automatic cut-off power when not required.
  • “Warm” mode is available to keep the boiled rice at an optimum temperature.
  • The power cable can be detached from the product.
  • Easy to clean as rice does not get stuck at the bottom.

CONs

  • Some users have reported automatic shifting to “warm” mode during cooking which can be annoying. It could happen when the water reaches the boiling point or the quantity of water is too much. In such cases, turn off the cooker, open the lid, next release the vapor pressure, and turn it on again. It should work perfectly.
  • The product is warrantied for only 1 year.

Why is this rice cooker worthy?

Prestige is the most trustworthy brand for kitchen appliances in India. This Prestige delight electric rice cooker from them is perfectly suitable for a family with a maximum of 5 members. It has an amazing build quality that ensures it lasts longer. With fast cooking procedures and easy-to-handle options, everyone can use this product.

Also Read: Best Electric Egg Boiler in India

2. Panasonic SR-WA18 E 1.8 Litre Automatic Electric Rice Cooker

best rice cooker in Indian Market

Key features

  • 1.8 L Capacity
  • 660 Watts Power Consumption
  • 2 Years Warranty on the product
  • Easy to operate
  • Cooking pans are made of anodized aluminium
  • Availability of scoop holder

High Capacity Rice Cooker

This Panasonic SR electric rice cooker is excellent for a bachelor and even a large family. The maximum raw rice volume for this product 1.8 L and the post-cooking volume is 4.4 L. Generally, cooking a larger quantity of raw rice requires more power to run. But this product is different as it draws only 660 Watts of power.

Therefore, having it at your home can be very advantageous in terms of capability and power consumption.

Faster & Hassle-free Cooking

As the conductivity of the heating plate and cookware are high, the automatic rice cooker is extremely energy-efficient in cooking in a shorter time. As Panasonic said the required cooking time for a single run is about 15-20 minutes.

They also recommend not to open the lid during cooking. This is because opening the lid would cause a drop of pressure inside the chamber which may delay latent heat transfer resulting in slow cooking time. In the end, the steam vent releases the air.

Built with High Quality Materials

We all know that hard anodized cookware is a good cooking utensil for cooking Indian dishes. The aluminium cooking pan with the cooker is made of superior anodized aluminium which is not only corrosion-resistant but also very durable.

These pans are anchor coated with a non-stick material that is hard to peel off ensuring longer life. Apart from the pans, the body of this electric cooker is rust-proof. Overall, it is a wonderful product to have for your family.

Thermostat-operated Smart heating Coil

All the modern rice cookers are operated with a thermostat including this product from Panasonic. But, the heating system is superior to many of the good products from other brands. While most of the brands use a heating coil that is set as an incomplete circle, this model from Panasonic uses an overlapping circular coil that ensures uniform heating.

The thermostat functions uniformly with the temperature rise. So, there is less chance of malfunction.

With so many advantageous features and a few limitations, this model from Panasonic is the best rice electric cooker for a family of 4 in India.

PROs

  • This high-capacity cooker is suitable for medium and big families with 3-5 members.
  • Very easy to use and maintain.
  • Built with high-quality materials to improve life.
  • Warrantied for 2 years on the product and 5 years on the heater.
  • Superior non-stick coating on the pans.
  • A safe operation can be done by everyone.
  • The product is very good for cooking rice, pulao, and even mouth-watering biriyani.
  • Value for money at this price range.
  • It is easy to clean too.
  • The auto cut-off feature turns off the cooker once the rice is cooked.
  • The hard-anodized cooking pan is durable.

CONs

  • The “Keep Warm” function unavailable with the product.
  • It does not come with a measuring cup.

WHY IS THIS RICE COOKER WORTHY?

This Panasonic SR electric rice cooker may look simple but it is built with some amazing features that can definitely help you with Indian cooking requirements. It is also suitable for a small or medium family and very easy to maintain. With a 2-year warranty, the brand takes care of the product after you buy it.

Also Read: Best Kadai for Indian Cooking

3. Bajaj Majesty RCX 1 Mini 0.4 Litre Rice Cooker

best rice cooker for kitchen

Key features

  • 0.4 L Capacity (Mini)
  • 200 Watts Energy Consumption
  • 2 Years Warranty on the product
  • Portable and easy to carry
  • Cool to touch handles
  • Transparent lid to monitor cooking

Best for bachelors and Couples

As this electric cooker has a smaller capacity of only 0.4 Liters, it is perfect for 2 persons. It also draws power as low as 200 watts. So, if you are single or belong to a small family, this electric rice cooker from Bajaj can be a good choice.

Minimalist Design

Being a smaller cooker, this model from Bajaj is very compact with all basic functionalities. The switch of this model is easy to use and it does not involve any complicated operation. To ease the monitoring of the cooking process, Bajaj has designed a transparent glass lid on the top of the rice cooker.

Apart from it, safety is one of the important aspects of the design. It is a big concern among users to avoid burning injury or electric shock while cooking in a rice cooker. This product takes care of all of these. The heat-resistant cool-touch handle ensures the safe operation of the kitchen appliance.

Other Remarkable Features

The model from Bajaj weighs only 1.1 Kg. Being such a lightweight, one can carry it easily without any burden. Portability is one of the distinctive features of this product. The package includes the following accessories- one rice cooker, a spatula, a measuring cup, and an aluminium cooking pan. This is exactly what your basic need is for regular use.

Considering all the interesting features and the following benefits and drawbacks, we have found this product to be a good rice cooker for a small family.

PROs

  • Good product for singles and couples.
  • The auto cut-off feature shuts off the machine once the rice is prepared.
  • Easy and Safe to operate.
  • Ideal for carrying and traveling.
  • Good model beginners.
  • Electricity Consumption is very low.
  • The cooking pan is very handy during cooking.
  • The product and the heating element are warrantied for 2 and 5 years respectively.

CONs

  • Having a small capacity, this product can cook only 200 g of rice at a time.
  • Not suitable for large families.

WHY IS THIS RICE COOKER WORTHY?

Bajaj is a brand of trust. Over a decade, Bajaj is manufacturing some of the highest quality home and kitchen appliances as per Indian standards. Having a 0.4 L capacity, this electric rice cooker is suitable for bachelors and small families. With a simple but attractive design, this product also looks good.

4. Prestige Cute 1.8-2 700-Watts Delight Electric Rice Cooker

best rice cooker for home

Key features

  • 1.8 L Capacity
  • 700 Watts Power Consumption
  • 1 Year of Warranty on the product
  • Easy user-friendly operation
  • Very attractive design
  • Availability of warm mode

This is our second pick from Prestige which has most of the important features of our previous pick. However, this particular 1.8 L rice cooker has some extra features costing a little more money.

Brilliant Eye-Catching Design

Prestige is known for its high-quality products with responsive customer service. This cooker is no exception. Apart from the great features, it is designed in such an amazing way, you may not turn your eyes away. Starting from the shape of the body, position of the lid, convenience of the handle, and finally the shiny red color is just done perfectly. It is the most attractive rice cooker we have found in India.

Excellent Performance

Like the previous model by Prestige, this product can perform very well with optimum electricity consumption. Connecting to a 230 V power input, this product consumes 700 watts of electricity that is known to be the standard for this capacity.

Being a 1.8 L rice cooker, it can cook 1 Kg of raw rice in one run that is suitable for a 3-5 member family. But if you are a couple or belong to a small family, it won’t disappoint you too. The time of cooking such a quantity of raw rice is roughly 15 to 20 minutes.

Easy to operate and handle

The Prestige Delight electric rice cooker comes with 2 modes of operation- cook and warm mode. When the cooking completes, it automatically shifts to the warming mode. Both of these modes have 2 separate light indicators for the convenience of the users.

The handles of this product have been designed ergonomically. The famous “cool-to-touch” feature has been implemented on the handles so that the customers can avoid burning injury while it is in operation.

Unlike the previous product from Prestige, there is a groove in the handles of this electric cooker to allow the users to hold it easily. These handles can also be used as rice scoop holders.

PROs

  • The beautiful charming design of the rice cooker.
  • Premium-quality material and finish.
  • Easy to use for daily operation.
  • Perfect cooker for small and medium-sized families.
  • Standard power rating to save money.
  • It comes with the auto cut-off feature.
  • Dual mode of operation- cooking and warming.
  • Fast cooking of rice as it is energy-efficient.
  • Keep warm function is available with it.
  • Heat-resistant cool-touch handles for safe operation.

CONs

  • The product comes with a warranty of only 1 year.
  • The price is slightly higher than the previous products.

WHY IS THIS RICE COOKER WORTHY?

This is another great automatic rice cooker from Prestige. Having a capacity of 1.8 L, this product is perfect for a medium-sized family. The most remarkable thing about this product is its design. The structural design is very impressive and the red color is very attractive that makes it outstanding among the best electric cookers available in India.

5. Pigeon By Stovekraft Joy Rice Cooker

rice cooker in India

Key features

  • 1 L Capacity
  • 400 Watts Power Consumption
  • 2 Years Warranty on the heating plate
  • Portable and easy handling
  • Cool to touch handles
  • Available Warm Mode

Suitable Rice Cooker for a Small family

Pigeon is known for having a good range of budget-friendly kitchen appliances like cookers and OTG ovens. This electric cooker can be a good example of this. Having 1 L of capacity, this product is suitable for cooking 500 g raw rice in a single run which can be suitable for 2-4 persons. Even if you are single, the product won’t disappoint you.

Built with High-Quality materials

The heating element below the cooking plate of the electric rice cooker is the core of the appliance. This is why the manufacturers focus to maximize the heat transfer capability of the component. In this product, Pigeon has built the cooking plate from aluminium that ensures an even and efficient distribution of heat to the pan.

The cooking bowls are made of anodized aluminium to give a better experience to the users. On top of that, the lid of this product is made of high-grade stainless steel. So, you may get better longevity with this electric cooker compared to the other available options.

Remarkable Performance

Being a 1 L automatic rice cooker, the machine requires much less power to run. The rated wattage of 400 is good for low energy consumption. So, running it for an hour each day won’t cost you a massive electricity bill.

Moreover, the product is equipped with the “keep warm” mode that keeps the rice warm for up to 5 hours.

PROs

  • Good rice cooker for a small and medium-sized family.
  • Low electricity consumption.
  • Built with high-quality materials.
  • Easy operation for beginners.
  • “Keep Warm” function available for up to 5 hours.
  • Simple user-friendly design.
  • The build material is anti-corrosion stainless steel.

CONs

  • The product may not suit large families.
  • The warranty is covered only for the heating plate.

WHY IS THIS RICE COOKER WORTHY?

Having a capacity of 1 L, this electric cooker is perfect for most Indian families. Pigeon by Stovecraft is a popular brand that manufactures budget-friendly electric cookers. This product is a prime example of that. If you are looking for a good electric rice cooker, check the product specifications if it is helpful to you.

6. Bajaj RCX 5 1.8-Litre Electric Rice Cooker

Bajaj RCX 5 1.8-Litre Rice Cooker

Key features

  • Comes with a 1.8-liter capacity
  • The cooking bowl is made of aluminum with an anodized finish
  • Cooking is now easy with an automatic cooking system
  • The operating voltage is 230 volts
  • Runs on 550 Watts of power
  • User manual helps to use it easily

Automatic Cooking System Saves Time

Cooking rice is time-consuming as it includes several steps. But, not anymore! This product has made your job easy by reducing the cooking time. The automatic cooking system can help you to cook rice quickly. At busy hours, this product is perfect. Cook rice in the minimum time.

The device is spacious enough to cook rice for 3 or 4 people. You just need to put raw rice and water in the right amount into the cooker. When the cooking is done, the stainless steam vent relieves the air.

User-friendly Control

This electric rice cooker is perfect for cooking at home. As the product consumes a very less amount of power, you can save on your monthly electricity bill. There are strong side handles to carry the product easily.

You don’t need to worry about overcooking the rice. There is an automatic cut-off option that can put off the device when the cooking is done. There is also a cooking indicator that helps in adjusting the device in the right setting. For these reasons, it is undoubtedly one of the most efficient and best electric rice cookers that you can get in India.

Multi-use Rice cooker

Not only cooking rice, but you can also cook other types of meals in this rice cooker. It has a non-stick coating that makes it easy to clean. This time-saving device is something that you may need for your home.

PROs

  • It saves much time cooking.
  • The compact size is perfect for keeping it in the kitchen.
  • The non-stick coating increases the durability of the device.
  • It has premium quality build materials.
  • It is very energy-efficient.
  • The auto cut-off function is quite useful.
  • Cooking different meals in less time is simple now.

CONs

  • The automatic switch can be improved.
  • The aluminium coating should be better in this product.

WHY IS THIS RICE COOKER WORTHY?

This electric cooker from the Bajaj family is outstanding for cooking rice and other meals quickly. It saves much of your time and you can concentrate on other works. Cleaning is easy and the compact design makes it simple to store. So, buying this automatic rice cooker is really worth it.

7. KENT 1.8 L 16012 860-Watt Rice And Steam Multi-Cooker

KENT - 16012 860-Watt Rice And Steam Cooker

Key features

  • Quite elegant and lightweight structure
  • Comes with 1.8 liters of capacity
  • A multitasking gadget that can simultaneously cook two dishes
  • Requires 860 watts mostly
  • Mini container, user manual, and measuring cup accessories are provided
  • A 1-year guarantee is issued

Easy Rice Cooking Procedure

This multi-cooker is specifically built to cook food and immediately serve it. This rice cooker has a removable power cord to store the device easily. The handle provides an easy grip to handle it rightly.

The ‘keep warm’ function allows you to keep cooked food hot for a long period, reducing the challenge of overcooking the food. The unique induction technology ensures that heat is uniformly distributed for optimal cooking. It also enables accurate temperature regulation in a brief duration.

The specific delay start functions allow you to cook food at the proper rate. You just need to set the timer. Thus, the appliance activates the steaming process automatically at the chosen time.

User-friendly Features

This rice cooker from Kent has a volume of 1.8 liters. With its inner pot and upper steaming tray, you can cook two dishes at almost the same time. Using this device, you can perfectly cook food at any family event.

It is a lightweight unit that helps in portability. It has a very elegant and sleek look as well and is also simple to handle. The cleaning process of this appliance is very easy.

This electric rice cooker is equipped with 4 preset programs. It can be used to cook various raw rice types, such as white rice and brown rice. If different people have different food choices, with this electric cooker you can cook it.

PROs

  • Various preset facilities are offered.
  • The warm mode is very beneficial.
  • It is an energy-efficient electric cooker.
  • Extremely appropriate for bachelors and 5-6 family members.
  • There is also a Delay Cook choice to cook rice according to your desires.

CONs

  • No screen to indicate the total cooking time.
  • The cooked rice sometimes gets stuck on the bottom of the container.

WHY IS THIS RICE COOKER WORTHY?

Kent is a very trusted company and has been supplying reliable appliances to Indian households for more than 20 years. Kent has earned great fame for manufacturing the best quality electric rice cookers available in India for 2024. Rice is an everyday need for all human beings. People don’t have much time to cook food nowadays. This KENT electric rice cooker is a good appliance to cook your food perfectly within a short time.

8. AGARO 33307 Supreme 1-Litre Automatic Rice Cooker

AGARO 33307 Supreme 1-Litre Rice Cooker

Key features

  • Comes with a capacity of 1 liter
  • The robust lid of stainless steel
  • Cool-touch handles for safe handling
  • Consumes only 400 Watt power
  • A sturdy body provides enough durability
  • Keep the food warm for hours

Perfect for Rice Lovers

Cooking in this rice cooker is very easy now. Not only you can prepare rice, but you can also cook different other preparations. It can cook 400 g raw rice together.

For a family of 3 to 4, this device is perfect. Also, it comes with a close-fit lid that prevents steam leakage, overflow of rice, and lathering. As the handles won’t get hot, you can handle it easily.

Not only cooking but maintaining the device is simple also. The cooker comes with pots, made of aluminum. Therefore, cleaning and maintaining those are easy.

Useful features for Indian Homes

Having a rice cooker means you can cook your food very quickly. At busy hours, it serves you perfectly.

For every household, this product is quite effective as it can be used for cooking rice. The cooker from Agaro requires 400-watt power, it saves much on your electricity bill. You won’t end up paying a lot at the end of the month.

The heating plate comes with a 3-year warranty. The device is robust enough to serve you for a long time. So, it is an effective investment for 2 persons.

PROs

  • It’s very easy to operate this energy-efficient device.
  • The size and specifications of the device are perfect.
  • Every raw rice grain is separate from the other and it won’t be sticky.
  • It consumes very little power and saves on the electricity bill.
  • Comes with a measuring cup, aluminum inner pot, spatula, and steamer.
  • The lid is built with food-grade stainless steel.
  • Comes with 3 years of warranty.

CONs

  • Build quality could be improved more.
  • Not suitable for a large family.

WHY IS THIS RICE COOKER WORTHY?

Rice cookers are perfect for cooking plain rice or any other preparation of rice. Therefore, this product will be handy for every household. As it is a product of the Agro brand, you can rely on it completely without having any doubt about the quality of the product. Cooking rice in it is time-saving and the product is also budget-friendly. You can cook nearly 400 g of raw rice in this electric cooker. So, buying this product is completely worthwhile.

9. Brayden Rizo 1.5 L Rice Cooker

Brayden Rizo 1.5 L Rice Cooker

Key features

  • Comes with a removable bowl coated with aluminum
  • It has a non-sticky base
  • It still stays cool outside, making it easy to manage
  • Once the rice is prepared, it automatically disconnects the power
  • The cooker runs on 500W of power
  • It has a 1.5 L capacity to cook rice
  • 3 days of replacement is given in case of any manufacturing defects

Perfect for Indian Kitchens

This gadget comes with a trendy design. It is perfect to store in your house. Electric rice cooker Brayden Rizo can cook fluffy delicate rice. It can be cooked in a quick flick.

This super-sized electric rice cooker works with a cooking bowl of 1.8 liters. So that it is perfect for a large family. So if you organize any family occasion, this electric cooker can cook for all in a short timeframe.

Automation Controls

For a longer period, the keep-warm feature helps to keep the food warm. You can have the same food flavor as it is cooking right now. And in winter, it is always a treat to have a warm meal with this appliance.

An auto shut-off feature is also provided. This feature automatically shuts the system off once the food is ready. This avoids the rice from overcooking or stuck to the base. So if you forgot to turn off the switch, you can cook the food without any worry.

User-friendly features

The model is fitted with an aluminum anodized pan. For quick and helpful storage, this aluminium cooking pan can be placed efficiently. This makes the product strong in nature and robust.

In this cooker, you can cook different types of raw rice, such as white, brown, yellow rice, and so on. You can prepare soups, cereal, pasta and all the food you want, as well as different types of rice. So in your family, if different people have different kinds of food cravings, this electric cooker is the only solution when you are in a hurry.

PROs

  • Superb product efficiency.
  • Simple to use, to manage, and to carry.
  • Consistent and sophisticated design.
  • It has an auto-cut-off cooking feature.
  • The cooking pan is sturdy and durable.

CONs

  • The cooker is not ideal for small families.
  • It has no transparent lid to check your food.

WHY IS THIS RICE COOKER WORTHY?

This product is the best rice cooker in India under 2000 INR to buy for a large family. And therefore it is faster and more effective. For comfortable cooking, the model is also equipped with a spatula, a safety lid, a measuring cup, etc.

rice cooker in India

Why should You buy the best electric Rice Cooker? – Benefits

We all are familiar with conventional rice cooking where the cooking is done on a gas stove. But, there are more modern innovations like an induction cooktop or even an auto-ignition gas stove. There is also a debate about the differences between them.

But none of these matches the importance of an automatic rice cooker. When cooking in the old ways, you must keep close attention to the boiling process as it might spill over or over-boil.

If you use an electric rice cooker, you just need to pour the ingredients into the aluminium pan with the right water content. Then switch on the machine and it will do the rest on its own. When the cooking is complete, the cooker will automatically turn itself off. There is no need to drain the excess water in this process.

While cooking in such a cooker, the splashing of water is very less likely to occur making the process clean and smooth.

If you like to cook brown, black, jasmine, or basmati rice, there is no need to worry as most of the rice cookers are capable of cooking all these.

Apart from cooking raw rice, you can also prepare khichadi, pulao, idly, sticky rice, and even biriyani with any of the electric rice cookers we have reviewed.

So, buying a good quality rice cooker can definitely help you in cooking rice every day.

rice cooker for home

How does an electric Rice Cooker Work?

The heart of an electric rice cooker is its heating element. When the switch is turned on, electricity passes directly to the heating plate of the machine and starts to heat up. But before you turn it on, make sure the cooking pan is filled with a sufficient quantity of rice and water.

After 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the brand and model, the cooker will reach the maximum target temperature and trigger the thermostat. A lever connected to the magnetic bi-metal of the thermostat will be moved in this operation.

Then this lever will force the electricity to either cut off or pass through the warming element of the rice cooker (availability may vary for different products).

This working principle is mostly common for most Indian rice cookers which are the best in the market.

Here is an interesting video that demonstrates this working method-

Optimum Quantity of Rice and Water for Cooking in a rice cooker

There is a common confusion among people about how much water should be added to an electric rice cooker. Most of the reputed brands provide an instruction manual where you can find the recommended quantity and ratio of raw rice to Water.

best rice cooker in India

In general, most of the manufacturers recommend keeping a 2:1 ratio for water and regular white rice. This means, if you have 1 cup of raw rice, you need to add 2 cups of water.

For the medium and shorter grain of white rice, you can try a ratio of 3:2 and 5:4 respectively.

To cook the brown and black rice, you need more steam to soften the grain.

This ratio of water to the rice of 5:2 or 9:5 can be suitable.

For more delicate rice like the basmati or jasmine, a ratio of 3:2 or 1:1 is desirable as these need much less water to boil.

Adding more water than the required quantity can make the rice over-boiled and sticky.

So be careful during the first runs to find an optimum quantity of raw rice and water. The above ratios can vary slightly for different brands and products.

Therefore, read the user manual to make sure what the manufacturer recommends.

Advantages & Disadvantages of a Rice cooker

In India, more than 10.25 crore metric tons of rice are consumed every year. Though the preparation and taste vary in every region, it is an inherent crop for a majority of Indian households. We all know about cooking rice in old ways. But, a modern innovation like a rice cooker is way more advanced for cooking rice.

There are a lot of benefits of an electric rice cooker that can ease boiling and preparing the raw rice in the right way. But there are also some drawbacks that you should also consider before deciding to buy.

What we like about a rice Cooker:

  • It can cook faster than the old conventional way. While cooking in the old way takes up around 30 minutes, it only needs half of that time.
  • Using an automatic rice cooker is very easy and convenient. The process is also less complicated and easy to understand. Anybody can cook rice using it by just reading the manual.
  • If you are concerned about cleanliness, it can help you to maintain it properly in the kitchen. The splashing of water is less likely to occur if you use it.
  • With an electric rice cooker, you cannot only cook raw rice but also other items like pulao, momo, biriyani that we have mentioned earlier.
  • Safety measures should be considered whenever buying a kitchen appliance. As cooking involves heat and electrical hazards, it is necessary to keep the matter in the top priority. The rice cookers we have listed above are perfectly safe to use.
  • Most of the rice cookers need a little space comparing the gas stoves. Being smaller in size, it involves less difficulty in operation and maintenance.
  • It is portable and easy to carry. If you are planning to cook while traveling, there is no better option than it.
  • The cooker can boil the rice ideal for consumption. The cooked rice is not too soft or hard, but it is perfectly balanced.
  • Many of the electric rice cookers come with a “keep warm” function that makes the raw rice stay at a proper temperature for a long time.
  • Fixing undercooked rice is easy when using a rice cooker. It gives you more freedom and control to operate it.

Things we do not like about a rice cooker:

  • The rice and water should be put in the cooking pan in the proper quantity. If the amount of water is too high, the cooked rice might get sticky and over-boiled. On the other hand, if you put less volume water, the rice might get a little hard and not boil properly.
  • The cooking pans are limited to preparing rice in an electric rice cooker. As these use non-stick technology and have a specific dimension, other pans may not be suitable.
  • It may not turn off automatically after cooking rice. Most of these products have a “Warm” mode that is triggered after cooking is complete. It may remain turned on unless you manually switch it off.

Rice Cooker Vs Pressure Cooker: Which is better and Why?

Using a pressure cooker is very common in Indian households. Almost every family owns a multi-functional pressure cooker. While a rice cooker comes with newer technology, it has several remarkable features that you cannot ignore. Check out the following comparison table to know which can suit you most.

ParameterPressure CookerRice Cooker
Cooking TimeA pressure cooker is known for its faster operation. It can cook faster than a rice cooker.It is not remarkably a slow appliance. But takes up a little more time than a pressure cooker.
Quality of Cooked FoodRice cooked in a pressure cooker is a bit sticky and can dry up very fast.Rice prepared in an electric rice cooker is perfectly balanced for consumption and generally does not stick.
Variety of cookable foodA pressure cooker is mainly used for boiling rice, vegetables, or meat.It can be used to prepare Idly, Momo, Pulao, or even Biriyani apart from just boiling.
CostPressure cookers are cheap, generally within Rs 1000.These are not expensive but a good rice cooker will cost you somewhere between Rs 1000 to Rs 2000.
SafetyAs pressure cookers work on reducing the boiling point by application of increased vapor pressure, one needs to be cautious.Though it needs electricity to run, it is a safer appliance as it needs very less involvement of the user.

Considering the above points, it can be clearly seen that an automatic rice cooker is the best kitchen appliance compared to a pressure cooker as it is more versatile, has more variation in cooking, cost-effective and different applicability. An electric pressure cooker is a close alternative to a rice cooker.

Buying Guide to choose the best Rice Cooker in India

Before buying the best electric rice cooker in 2024 it is necessary to look upon several factors to check if the product really matches your requirements.

buying guide for best rice cooker

Cooking Capacity

When you are planning to buy a rice cooker, capacity is the most important factor that you must consider. The quantity of raw rice depends on the size of the family or the number of consumers.

The consumption may vary from person to person with different food habits.

The capacity of a rice cooker is also known as the maximum volume of raw dry rice it can prepare. In general, you may get guidance from the following chart to choose the most suitable product.

Many brands highlight the volume of cooked rice as the capacity of the cooker which is significantly higher than the volume of dry raw rice. We advise you to consider it as most of the reputed brands follow this guideline.

Capacity of Rice CookerCompatible Weight of Dry Rice
0- 0.5 L250 g
0.6- 1 L500 g
1.1- 1.2 L600 g
1.3- 1.5 L750 g
1.6- 1.8 L1000 g
1.9- 2.2 L1100 g
2.3- 2.8 L1700 g
2.9- 3.5 L1900 g
3.6- 4.2 L2000 g

From this chart, you can clearly understand how much capacity you need according to the need of your family.

Power Consumption

Being an electrically operated machine, a rice cooker requires electricity that will add up to your electricity bill. Many people fear a huge electricity bill to run a kitchen appliance. But do not worry as this is not a significant amount. Below is a general chart for electricity consumption by an electric cooker. It may vary slightly for different products.

Capacity of Rice CookerEnergy Consumption
0- 0.5 L200 Watts
0.6- 1 L300 Watts
1.1- 1.5 L500 Watts
1.6- 2.2 L700 Watts
2.3- 2.8 L1000 Watts
2.9- 3.5 L1400 Watts
3.6- 4.5 L1650 Watts

If you have a small family with 3 members, we recommend buying a 1.8 L electric rice cooker by foreseeing the future. A typical 1.8 L rice cooker consumes 700 watts of power.

If you use it for an hour daily, consumed electricity unit/ Day= 0.7 which is 21 units a month.

We assume the cost of electricity is Rs 8/ unit of power, the monthly expense becomes= Rs 168 only.

The above figure for electricity bill is cheaper if you compare it with cooking by using a gas stove.

Therefore, using a rice cooker is definitely advantageous if you are concerned about cooking costs.

rice cooker requirement

Weight, Space Requirement and Portability

It is a compact device that requires less space to fit in. The only thing you need to arrange is a nearby 220 V plug point to connect it. The diameter is around 250 mm to 400 mm depending on the capacity. So, space is not a problem to buy a rice cooker.

Most of the good quality rice cookers for home use have very lightweight ranging from 1 Kg to 3 Kg. So, you can easily carry it wherever you go. We recommend buying Bajaj Majesty RCX 1 Mini Rice Cooker if you need to travel frequently.

Best Electric Rice cooker brands in India

Being a very popular kitchen appliance, many popular companies are now into the business sector of rice cookers. Brands like Prestige, Panasonic, Bajaj, Philips, Morphy Richards produce some of the best brands for electric rice cookers available in India. Buying from a reputed manufacturer will give you the following advantages.

  • Their process of buying is transparent and trustworthy.
  • You can get a better after-sale service and claim warranty.
  • Product design from the reputed brands is reliable.
  • You can rely upon the declared features.
  • Products from these brands are very satisfactory.

Safety Requirements

Operational safety should be one of the utmost priorities of the customers as it is an electrical heating appliance. Whenever there is an application of heat, people should be cautious about any possible burning injury.

It is perfectly safe in this regard. Most of these appliances have a handle that does not get much heated even during the cooking process. You only need to be careful about the steam released from the steam stop valve. We recommend not to open the lid while it is still running.

To ensure proper electrical safety, all of the electric rice cookers come with a good earthing arrangement. Most of these cookers are equipped with proper protection against electrical hazards.

cooking in a rice cooker

Frequently Asked Questions about rice cookers

Is rice cooked in a rice cooker healthy?

Yes, it is completely safe for cooking. As the rice is steamed at a high temperature, there is no bacterial or fungal infestation. There is no adverse effect of electromagnetic force on the cooked rice too. Therefore, the rice cooked is completely healthy and safe for consumption.

What can be cooked in a rice cooker?

While an automatic rice cooker is primarily designed to cook raw rice, it can be used to prepare various dishes. For breakfast, you can use it to make oatmeal, boiled eggs, pancakes, poha, pasta, idly, stews, and soups. For lunch and dinner, it can prepare steamed vegetables & meat, pulao, khichadi, and even biriyani. Being a multi-cooking appliance, it can be an excellent addition to your kitchen.

Can I use Rice Cooker pans to cook on the oven?

We do not recommend such a practice. Most of the rice cooker pans are made of anodized aluminium which is further coated with a layer of non-stick Teflon. Exposing to direct flame may damage the coating which can not be reversed.

How often should you clean a rice cooker?

After cooking completes, turn off the power, take out the aluminium pan, and leave the cooker for half an hour. You should clean the pan when it cools down. Then check for any spillage inside and outside of the body. Take a wet cloth and wipe the dirty area. The process is very easy and can take hardly 10 minutes.

India’s Best electric rice cooker: Conclusion

As cooking raw rice is essential for most Indian homes, we need to upgrade our old cooking system to a modern solution that takes less time, saves money but does not degrade the quality.

The best electric rice cookers in India we have listed above are capable of cooking faster, have multi-functional features, greater build quality with minimum consumption of power. You can also use a convection microwave oven to cook various recipes of rice. If you also like to have roti, check the best-quality roti makers to simplify your tasks.

Therefore, read the review and buying guide of the electric rice cookers, compare the advantages and disadvantages of each to find the most suitable product for your family in 2024.


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