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The best rice cookers for fluffy, restaurant-quality dishes at home

You'll never go back to cooking rice on the stove.
Multi Cooker On Empty Marble Surface With Blurred Kitchen Background

Rice is the unsung hero of many-a-meal, from hearty curries to light sushi rolls and everything in between. But achieving that perfectly fluffy texture? That’s a true art form.

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Enter the humble rice cooker – your kitchen’s quiet achiever. It doesn’t matter if you’re cooking for a crowd or just whipping up a quick solo dinner – the best rice cooker can turn something that’s often tedious and inconsistent into a hassle-free, perfectly-cooked side dish.

That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to gather the best rice cookers you can buy in Australia, catering to everyone from avid home cooks to those who just want a no-fuss solution.

Get ready to master sticky rice or prep a quick stir-fry with a rice cooker that meets your needs!

2025’s TOP RICE COOKERS

  1. Breville The Smart Rice Box, $159.20, Myer (here’s why)
  2. Panasonic 1.5L Induction Heat rice cooker, $369, Bing Lee (here’s why)
  3. Zojirushi 0.54L rice cooker, $435, Amazon (here’s why)

The best rice cookers to shop in Australia 2025

Below, our favourite options that make cooking rice easy, from budget-friendly picks to premium models.

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Breville The Smart Rice Box

01

Breville The Smart Rice Box

$159.20 (usually $199) 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

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:

Panasonic 1.5L Induction Heat Rice Cooker in Black

02

Panasonic 1.5L Induction Heat rice cooker

$369 at Bing Lee

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 heat 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. “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:

Japan ZOJIRUSHI Rice Cooker

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Zojirushi 0.54L rice cooker

$435 at 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. “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
Philips All in One Cooker

04

Philips 6L All in One cooker

$149 (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 who left five stars on the Myer website. “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:

Kambrook 10 Cup Rice Cooker

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Kambrook 10-cup rice cooker

$69 at The Good Guys

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

Also available at:

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Multicooker 5.7L

06

Instant Pot Duo 5.7L 7-in-1 multicooker

$139 (usually $215) at 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 rating out of 1054 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.

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:

NUTRIBULLET Everygrain Cooker

07

Nutribullet Everygrain cooker

$99 at The Good Guys

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.

“This is a great all in one rice cooker, steamer and cooker,” said a happy customer. “Compact and easy to use and the rice turns out lovely and fluffy with no starch caked to the bottom of the bowl.”

Another wrote: “This machine has allowed me to whip up rice quickly and easily. Easy to use, doesn’t take up too much bench space. The rice comes out perfectly and I also simultaneously steam fish and veggies. Dishwasher safe so no mess or dishes.”

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:

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.

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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.

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