SHOPPING TIP:
With regular sales popping up throughout the year at retailers like Myer, David Jones, Kitchen Warehouse and Amazon, you’re bound to stumble across a bargain or two.
Rice doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves, but it truly is the backbone of everything from saucy curries to crisp-edged sushi rolls. And while it sounds simple, nailing that fluffy, just-right texture is trickier than it looks. Thankfully, that’s where the best rice cooker comes in.
Quietly dependable, rice cookers take the guesswork out of cooking and turn a basic grain into a reliably good side (or main) with very little effort. Whether you’re batch-cooking for the week or pulling together a quick solo meal, the right one makes all the difference.
“As well as delivering just-right rice, your rice cooker can whip up other grains like quinoa, lentils and pearl barley,” says Tracey Ellis, The Good Guys Buyer – Portable Appliances. “Porridge, risotto and soup can also be on the menu and, if you buy a model with a steaming basket, you can use your rice cooker to steam fish and veggies too, for a healthy and delicious dinner.”
SKIP AHEAD TO OUR TOP 3 RICE COOKERS:
- Breville The Smart Rice Box, $167.20 (usually $209) at Myer (here’s why)
- Panasonic 1.5L Induction Heat rice cooker, $269 (usually $369) at Amazon (here’s why)
- Zojirushi 0.54L rice cooker, $425.99 at Amazon (here’s why)
The best rice cookers to shop in Australia 2026
If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve rounded up the best rice cookers you can buy in Australia – from smart models with all the bells and whistles to fuss-free options that just get the job done.
01
Breville The Smart Rice Box
$167.20 (usually $209) at Myer
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
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
- $191 (usually $209) at Appliances Online
- $199.95 at Breville
02
Panasonic 1.5L Induction Heat rice cooker
Amazon
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!
“So impressed. I haven’t had a rice cooker for 15 years and thought I’d get a new one,” posted a happy reviewer at Myer, where it has a 4.9 star rating from over 140 reviews. “Did lots of research on best rice cookers and this one always made the list. So happy with it. Easy to use. Rice is perfect every time.”
Another recent shopper shared: “Very happy with this Panasonic induction rice cooker. Rice is cooked perfectly and evenly thanks to induction heating. Easy to operate, good capacity and the keep-warm function doesn’t dry the rice. Build quality feels premium. Highly recommend.”
Size: 1.5L
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:
- $269 (usually $369) at Bing Lee
- $279 (usually $399) at Myer
- $369 at The Good Guys
03
Zojirushi 0.54L rice cooker
Amazon
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 4.6 star rating from over 450 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 it’s fool-proof. Don’t be fooled by the long name. A quality product.”
“Fantastic rice cooker,” said a second reviewer. “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
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
04
Philips 6L All in One cooker
$129 (usually $199) at Myer
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, where this rice cooker has over 1000 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
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:
- $129 (usually $199) at Amazon
- $148 (usually $178) at Bing Lee
- $149 (usually $199) at David Jones
- $149 (usually $199) at The Good Guys
- $149 (usually $199) at Betta
- $193 at Appliances Online
- $237.60 at Big W
05
Kambrook 10-cup rice cooker
$79 at The Good Guys
Best for: Budget-conscious families who want quality 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
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
06
Tefal Easy Rice & Slow Cooker Plus
$105 (usually $189) at Myer
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.
114 out of 124 (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.”
Another 2026 reviewer posted: “If you’re looking for a rice cooker that makes perfect rice, look no further than this product. With its integrated technology this appliance makes, not only rice but can be used for making other warm dishes such as risotto and porridge. It’s super fast and effective and makes the perfect dish every time.”
Size: 1.8L
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:
- $105 (usually $124.95) at Amazon
- $149.95 (usually $169.95) at Tefal
- $124.95 (usually $189.95) at Kitchen Warehouse
- $148 at Bing Lee
- $190 at Appliances Online
07
Instant Pot Duo 5.7L 7-in-1 multicooker
Amazon
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 1622 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 330 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
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:
- $139 at Bing Lee
- $139 at Big W
- $139 at Woolworths
- $143.20 (usually $179) at Myer
08
Nutribullet Everygrain cooker
$129 (usually $150) at Appliances Online
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
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:
- $139 (usually $149) at Amazon
- $139 at Bing Lee
- $149 at Myer
- $149 at The Good Guys
Quick tips for cooking the perfect rice:
To get that signature fluffiness, we recommend these three non-negotiables:
- Rinse for results: Always rinse your rice in a sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes surface starch that causes rice to become gummy.
- The power of the rest: Once the cooker switches to ‘Keep Warm’, don’t be tempted to peek! Let the rice sit for 10 minutes. This allows the moisture to redistribute, ensuring every grain is tender.
- Fluff, don’t stir: Use the provided rice paddle to gently ‘fold’ the rice. A heavy-handed stir can break the grains and ruin the texture.
What is the best rice cooker to cook rice?
Our list above goes into more detail, but we recommend looking into reliable brands like Zojirushi, known for its advanced cooking technology, or Breville, which excels with versatile smart options for different rice types. For something budget-friendly and multifunctional, we recommend the Kambrook 10-cup rice cooker. Each option offers consistent results and practical features to simplify meal prep.
Are rice machines worth it?
Absolutely, rice cookers can be worth it, especially if you eat rice regularly. The best rice cooker takes the guesswork out of cooking, giving you consistently fluffy rice — no more hovering over the pot or worrying about it sticking or burning.
Many rice cookers come with multiple settings for different types of rice, like brown, sushi, or jasmine and can even handle quinoa, porridge and other grains. Some models also have steaming, slow-cooking, or sautéing functions to make them even more versatile.
Which rice cookers do Japanese restaurants use?
Japanese rice is celebrated worldwide for its sticky texture, subtle sweetness and versatile flavour, making it a go-to for dishes like sushi, onigiri and teriyaki bowls.
If you’ve ever wondered how restaurants consistently serve up perfect bowls of this short-grain delight, it’s not just skill — it’s also the equipment. High-quality Japanese rice cookers are the secret behind that flawless texture and taste, and they’re worth a closer look.
In professional kitchens, high-end, commercial-grade rice cookers are indispensable. Trusted brands like our above picks lead the charge, promising precision and consistency. These machines are built to meet the demands of busy restaurants, offering features like:
- Induction heating: For even and consistent heat distribution.
- Large capacities: To cook large batches of rice quickly.
- Durable construction: Built to last in a high-pressure environment.
- Advanced controls: Precise temperature and timing controls for optimal rice cooking.
Best rice cookers: More frequently asked questions
The 5-5-5 rule is an easy pressure-cooker method that helps take the confusion out of cooking rice, especially in multicookers.
It simply means cooking the rice on high pressure for five minutes, letting the pressure release naturally for another five minutes, then resting the rice for five minutes after you open the lid.
Those short pauses give the steam time to finish the job, so the grains cook through evenly without turning mushy or sticking to the base. It’s a handy little trick many home cooks swear by when they want delicious, fluffy rice.
Look at the size, settings and extra functions. If you mostly cook plain white rice, a simple model is fine. For versatility, consider a cooker with multiple rice settings, slow-cook or steam options and programmable timers. Brands like Zojirushi and Breville balance reliability with smart features.
Yes! Most modern rice cookers can handle quinoa, barley, oats, or even risotto. Check your model’s settings – some have dedicated grain or porridge modes to make cooking these easier.
Absolutely. The best rice cooker can cook rice without constant supervision, freeing you to focus on other meal prep. Many also keep rice warm for hours, so dinner’s ready whenever you are.
Induction rice cookers heat the entire pot evenly using magnetic technology, which helps cook rice more consistently. Conventional cookers rely on a heated base, which is fine for smaller portions but may cook unevenly with larger batches.
Price often reflects extra features like fuzzy logic technology, precise timers, or multiple cooking modes. But a mid-range model can still deliver fluffy, well-cooked rice – it depends on how much you’ll use it and which functions matter to you.
In fact, CHOICE experts found some frugal options from Big W and the Anko brand at Kmart and Target that scored well in performance tests, with one even outperforming some pricier models while staying under $50. CHOICE kitchen expert Fiona Mair says: “If you’re aware of the issues and don’t feel they’re a problem for you, then these models are worth considering if you’re on a tight budget.”
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- 7 quality non-stick cookware pieces for the home chef
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