11 Best Sushi Rice Cookers Of 2025 – The Ultimate Guide
When preparing sushi rice at home, there are a few tricks that you need to master in order to get perfectly sticky rice for a perfect sushi night dinner.
The process can be a bit challenging, especially if you are cooking the rice in a regular pot and do not have much experience with it. For this reason, we suggest you use a sushi rice cooker to make this somewhat tricky type of rice.
So, what are the best sushi rice cookers? The best sushi rice cookers are designed specifically to cook sushi rice and come with a dedicated sushi cooking function. In addition to this, they are easy to use, versatile, have a decent capacity, and are made with durable material.
Read on for a detailed buyer’s guide for the best sushi rice cookers along with our top picks of the 11 best ones!
What Is Sushi Rice?
Sushi rice is a type of special rice that is ideally used for sushi and is sticky in nature. You can use Japanese short or medium-grain rice to prepare it and season it with vinegar, salt, and sugar.
If you’ve ever eaten sushi, you would know how important it is for the rice to be sicky. It is what binds the entire dish together and prevents it from falling apart.
The stickiness of the sushi rice depends on two factors: the type of rice, and how properly it has been cooked.
Rice comes in various types and lengths, both of which play a huge part in whether or not a particular type will be ideal for sushi or not.
Sushi rice is often prepared using short or medium-grain white Japanese rice since it has the right ratio of amylose and amylopectin to make it sticky.
Once you choose the right type of rice, you will need to cook it properly using the right amount of water since sushi rice needs to be cooked at the right moisture level.
Too much water won’t make it stick and too little water will make it dry (and still not stick).
Another factor is controlling the temperature and time. Manually doing it using a pot or pan can be a bit challenging, which is why to make the process much easier, we suggest using a sushi rice cooker that comes with a dedicated sushi cooking setting and does all the hard work for you.
What Is A Sushi Rice Cooker?
Sushi rice cookers are convenient cooking devices that take the guesswork out of cooking sushi rice and allow you to prepare perfectly sticky and delicious rice to go with your sushi and several other Japanese dishes.
They are electric and work using a heating element that is responsible for boiling the water and steaming the rice in its inner pot.
Sushi rice cookers usually come with a special functionality that lets you prepare sushi rice with a tap of a button in as little as 20 minutes.
They usually have an outer casing made of aluminum or stainless steel that allows for temperature regulation and a manual or digital control on the front to allow you to choose the cooking function you need for your sushi rice.
There are several benefits of sushi rice cookers that include:
- Perfectly cooked sushi rice that is just the right amount of sticky.
- Preparing healthier foods by steaming or slow-cooking them.
- Setting a timer so that you can have sushi rice whenever you want.
- Saving time and money by cooking the rice yourself quickly and conveniently.
- Cooking different types of rice using various cooking settings.
Buyer’s Guide
The best sushi rice cookers add a great level of convenience to your cooking and allow you to prepare perfectly sticky sushi rice every single time.
They all have a few great features in common; however, the particulars vary between cooks and their varying cooking needs.
Sushi rice cookers specialize in making sushi rice and, given the high percentage of starch in it, you may want one that is equipped to handle this feature.
They come with a wide array of cooking options and are big enough to accommodate a big serving.
Here are a few things to consider before buying a sushi rice cooker so that you can have more control over your cooking and get creative in the kitchen:
Reliable Brand
The first thing to look for is a reliable brand. Well-known and well-liked names will give somewhat of a guarantee of their quality. They also usually offer a warranty for 1-2 years depending on the brand.
Lesser-known brands are usually a hit-or-miss situation and you have to rely on customer and professional reviews and do your bit of research if you consider purchasing from them.
Capacity
Sushi rice cookers come in a variety of different capacities, from 3 uncooked cups to over 50!
The size and capacity of the cooker mainly depend on your use, whether you wish to use it at home or in a restaurant, and the number of people you plan on serving.
Simply put, the larger the capacity of the sushi rice cooker, the more sushi rice you can make in it. Keep in mind though that the capacities stated on the rice cooker description often refer to both cooked and uncooked rice.
Since uncooked rice gets bigger and fluffier when cooked, it yields a larger volume. Therefore, you’ll have to look at how many cups of cooked rice the cooker can hold so that you never make too little or overfill the pot.
Also, make sure to look at the available space in your kitchen so that the sushi rice cooker can fit without causing any issues and disruptions.
Sushi Cooking Function
What set sushi rice cookers apart from regular rice cookers is their ability to make perfectly sticky sushi rice.
This is often achieved through a dedicated sushi cooking function that offers great customizations and allows you to prepare unique versions of rice that work best for you.
There may be several other operations allowing great versatility in one convenient cooking device.
In addition to individual programmed settings for different types of rice with customized temperature and timing for each, some advanced rice cookers also work as pressure cookers, cook meat, prepare soups, and even ferment yogurt.
Rice Cooking Type
Sushi rice cookers may vary based on their heating methods, with each having its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The best type is based solely on your requirements and preference.
A standard sushi rice cooker will use a combination of convection and pressure along with a heated plate at the bottom which heats the inner pot, turning water into steam.
Gas rice cookers, on the other hand, work using the same mechanics, but the source of heat is an open flame. They cook much faster and give the rice a more genuine taste, although they require more maintenance.
Induction cookers are relatively new in the market and use an alternating electric current, friction, and magnetism to create heat. They are quicker and more accurate in responding to temperature changes than the other types.
Controls And Ease Of Use
Modern sushi rice cookers are incredibly easy to use and control and come with one-touch operations. All you have to do is add the rice and water and turn on the cooker.
Advanced models come with more functions for you to customize your creations. They often have one-touch buttons that let you choose your preset cooking mode and set timers according to the type of rice you wish to make.
Some newer models will even have “Fuzzy Logic” technology that eliminates all the guesswork that goes into learning to make a new type of rice and guarantees perfectly cooked rice every time.
In addition to being easy to use, the best sushi rice cookers are also easy to clean. Most inner pots of sushi rice cookers have a non-stick coating and are removable, making them easy to clean by hand and in the dishwasher.
Electrical Rating
In addition to the durability, versatility, and ease of use of a sushi rice cooker, it is very important to take into account the electrical rating since it determines whether or not the device can be used with your electric supply.
For big sushi rice cookers with a 10-cup capacity, the energy efficiency ranges between 1000-1100 watts.
For 5.5-cup cookers, 700 to 1000 watts is perfect, meanwhile, for smaller 3-cup rice cookers, 300-500 watts is ideal.
Additional Features
A sushi rice cooker needs to have a stay-cool exterior since with the cooking and heating going on inside, it can get very hot very fast.
Therefore, an exterior that stays cool despite the high temperature not only helps you work with the cooker more easily but is also much safer and prevents burns.
With stay-cool handles, you can protect your hand from the heat and make additional settings and adjustments easily without worrying about using oven mitts.
Also, some sushi rice cookers come with great accessories such as a rice spatula and measuring cups specifically made for portioning rice.
Some high-end models also feature a spatula holder or a steaming basket, or sometimes both, which are great for storage and ease of use.
Price Range
Lastly, you need to keep the cost of the sushi rice cooker in consideration since they are available in different price ranges.
You don’t need to overburden yourself by purchasing the most expensive one. You can find some great options at much reasonable rates as well. Just keep your budget and requirements in mind and you should be good to go.
You can find sushi rice cookers for as little as $60, but they might not be as feature-rich as the more advanced and expensive ones.
It all comes down to the features that are most important to you and how willing you are to purchase them for the price.
The best way to go about this is to list down the features you need and find the options that best fit your description and budget.
How To Make Sushi Rice In A Sushi Rice Cooker
There are a few simple steps involved in making the perfect sushi rice using a sushi rice cooker. Here are step-by-step instructions for you to follow:
Step #1: Preparation
Start with preparing the ingredients for the sushi rice. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sticky white Japanese rice
- Salt
- Rice vinegar
- Brown sugar
Sushi rice is best made using short to medium-grain rice, which you will have to rinse thoroughly before cooking. Do not skip this step since it removes the starch, otherwise, you may end with a gooey mess.
Take out the measured quantity of rice into a colander, keeping in mind that 1 cup of uncooked rice equals around 2 cups when cooked. Place a large bowl under the colander and rinse the rice with cold water.
Cover the rice with cold water and stir it with your hands. Don’t squeeze the rice or apply too much pressure.
When the water turns white and milky, rinse and repeat until it becomes completely clear and dry the rice for 15 minutes.
Step #2: Cooking
This is the part where you simply load the sushi rice cooker with the clean and dry rice and let the machine do the rest.
Add the required amount of cold water according to the instructions on your sushi rice cooker, making sure to follow them accurately.
Turn on the cooker and let it handle this part. You will need around 45 minutes for the sushi rice to get ready, but the time depends on the instructions of the cooker so pay close attention to avoid overcooking.
Step #3: Seasoning
Once the rice is ready, you can move on to seasoning it to turn it into sticky sushi rice. Mix up some salt, brown sugar, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until the salt and sugar have dissolved completely.
Transfer the cooked rice into a large bowl and pour the seasoning onto it. For an authentic touch, you may use a traditional Japanese fan (uchiwa) to move the steam away from the rice as you season it.
Using a rice paddle or wide spatula, gently mix the rice and seasoning without smashing up the rice. It is very important to keep a light touch. Your sushi rice is ready!
The 11 Best Sushi Rice Cookers
Finding the best sushi rice cooker depends on your specific needs and preferences. You need to consider whether you want quality or versatility, or both, and if you’re okay with spending a few extra bucks for additional features.
The market is filled with several sushi rice cookers and it can be a bit overwhelming to have to choose the best one out of the lot. To help you pick the right one, here are our top picks of the 11 best sushi rice cookers:
| Rank | Product | Best Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker | Features advanced Fuzzy Logic technology |
| 2. | Zojirushi NS-TSC18 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer | Can be used to steam foods and cook rice at the same time |
| 3. | Aroma Housewares ARC-5000SB Digital Rice Cooker | 12 unique cooking functions |
| 4. | Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker | 7-in-1 functionality |
| 5. | Comfee' Rice Cooker | 12 digital cooking programs |
| 6. | Toshiba Rice Cooker with Fuzzy Logic | Uses industry-leading 3D cooking technology and an intelligent 6-step process |
| 7. | Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer | Triple heating system for even cooking |
| 8. | Zojirushi NP-NVC10 Induction Heating Pressure Cooker | Uses superior induction heating technology |
| 9. | Cuckoo CRP-G1015F Pressure Rice Cooker | Uses heating plate pressure technology |
| 10. | Instant Pot Zest 8 Cup Rice Cooker | Comes with 4 smart programs |
| 11. | Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker | Includes a steam basket and rice rinser |
1. Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker
Zojirushi is a renowned Japanese brand popular for making a variety of rice cookers and other kitchen equipment and products.
Available in capacities of 5.5 and 10-cups of uncooked rice, the NS-ZCC10 features advanced Fuzzy Logic technology and is one of the best rice cookers for sticky rice in the market.
It lets you prepare regular white rice as well as sushi rice, and its menu settings include mixed, porridge, sweet, brown, semi-brown, rinse-free, and quick cooking.
With an electrical rating of 120 volts/680 watts, it has multi-menu selections that include automatic keep-warm, extended keep-warm, and reheat cycles.
It comes with a non-stick inner pot and has a detachable and washable lid for easy cleaning. Its accessories include two measuring cups, a spoon, and a spoon holder.
2. Zojirushi NS-TSC18 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer
Another great rice cooker from Zojirushi, this one also features micro computerized Fuzzy Logic technology and has a capacity of up to 10 cups.
The NS-TSC18 not only cooks the perfect sushi rice but also comes with a steaming basket to be used as a steamer.
In addition to that, it has a cake setting that allows you to bake cakes as well!
It has several different cooking settings that include making white rice, sushi rice, mixed rice, porridge, as well as sweet, brown, cake, steam, and speedy cooking, and has an electrical rating of 120 volts.
It has an easy-to-clean stainless-steel exterior and a non-stick inner cooking pan to prevent the rice from sticking to it.
The LCD panel is easy to read and comes with clock and timer functions as well as an interchangeable melody and beep signal.
3. Aroma Housewares ARC-5000SB Digital Rice Cooker
With 12 unique functions that include cooking sushi rice, brown rice, white rice, quick rice, quinoa, steaming, sautéing, slow cooking, simmering, and so much more, this digital rice cooker from Aroma Housewares is a versatile piece of cooking equipment.
It has a 20-cup capacity and can yield anywhere between 4 to 20 cups of cooked rice.
The built-in steam function allows you to simultaneously cook meals on top while the rice cooks below.
This multicooker includes unique features such as slow-cooking and sauté-then-simmer (STS).
It can be used to prepare a variety of delicious dishes including sticky sushi rice, steamed vegetables, a hearty jambalaya, or even a nice, fluffy cake!
It is simple to operate using a user-friendly digital panel that automatically switches to the “keep warm” mode once the cooking is done.
Its accessories include a non-stick inner pot, a rice measuring cup, a steam tray, and a rice spatula.
4. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
With the Instant Pot Duo, you get the functionality of 7 appliances in 1 including a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, and food warmer.
It features 13 customizable smart programs for cooking rice, poultry, yogurt, beans, soups, and desserts, and is the epitome of convenience in any home kitchen.
It prepares delicious meals 70% faster than traditional cooking methods and helps save a ton of energy in the process.
It has a versatile inner cooking pot made using food-grade stainless steel and a tri-ply bottom for even cooking.
Its exterior is made with stainless steel and is fingerprint-resistant, making it quick and easy to clean. In addition to that, its lid, inner pot, and accessories are all dishwasher-safe.
With over 10 safety features plus overheat protection and a safe-locking lid, it is perfect for small to medium-sized families and has a capacity to cook for up to 6 people.
5. Comfee’ Rice Cooker
The Comfee’ rice cooker is a multifunctional kitchen appliance that comes with 12 digital cooking programs to help you prepare various meals throughout the day including sushi rice, pasta, soup, stew, steamed vegetables, as well as cakes and yogurt.
With a capacity of around 10 to 20 cups of cooked rice, it is extremely user-friendly and has an easy-to-use digital panel and LED display.
It automatically switches to “keep warm” once the food is cooked and has cool-touch handles to prevent burns and ensure your safety when you open the cooker.
With a non-stick inner pot and a stainless-steel external house, it is easy to clean and maintain. The inner pot and all of the cooker’s accessories can also be cleaned in the dishwasher.
6. Toshiba Rice Cooker with Fuzzy Logic
Toshiba is a leader in the rice cooker industry and launched the first automatic electric rice cooker way back in 1955.
This is a Japanese-style rice cooker using industry-leading 3D cooking technology and an intelligent 6-step process to cook perfect rice every single time.
With 7 pre-programmed settings to cook white rice, brown rice, mixed rice, Japanese short and medium-grain rice, oatmeal, and porridge, it has the capacity for 12 cups of cooked rice.
It includes a quick rice feature that accelerates the cooking time to 30 minutes, which is an excellent option for when you are in a hurry. It also has 2 delay time options and a removable large steam vent to prevent a messy overflow.
7. Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer
Another great find from Zojirushi, this rice cooker and warmer has multi-menu cooking functions which include special settings for sushi rice, white rice, brown rice, GABA rice, long-grain white rice, and quick cooking.
It has a triple heating system on the bottom, side, and lid for even heating and cooking and has around a 3-cup capacity using raw short-grain white rice.
Its key features include a detachable and washable inner lid, a removable steam vent cap to prevent messy overflows during high-temperature cooking, a fold-down handle for easy transportation, and a built-in retractable power cord.
8. Zojirushi NP-NVC10 Induction Heating Pressure Cooker
One of the fanciest rice cookers on the list, this one from Zojirushi uses superior induction heating technology to make the cooking temperature more flexible and accurate than ever.
Paired with the cooker’s Fuzzy Logic technology, you get a piece of kitchen equipment that gives you the best possible outcome when it comes to making sushi rice or any other kind of rice.
With several different pre-set programmable settings that work for all kinds of different rice, it features an extended steaming and grilling option to give your foods an umami flavor.
9. Cuckoo CRP-G1015F Pressure Rice Cooker
Probably the cutest rice cooker on this list, the Cuckoo CRP-G1015F is a Korean-made pink-colored pressure rice cooker that uses heating plate pressure technology to cook delicious rice with improved cooking times.
It has a large 10-cup capacity of uncooked rice, and 20-cup cooked rice, and features 11 unique menu options for making sushi rice, white rice, brown rice, GABA rice, mixed rice, porridge, and much more.
It has a stainless-steel inner pot that is durable, scratch-proof, non-stick, and non-toxic, and has a curved shaped body for optimal heat circulation.
10. Instant Pot Zest 8 Cup Rice Cooker
Another one from Instant Pot, this one is made specifically for cooking rice and comes with 4 smart programs to make white rice, brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal with a simple touch.
In addition to making rice, you can steam vegetables, fish, and more, and it also doubles as a food warmer for all kinds of foods.
It is compact, lightweight, easy to store, and comes with built-in protection against overheating. Its accessories include a non-stick ceramic pot, a dishwasher-safe steamer tray, a rice measuring cup, and a rice spoon.
11. Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker
This digital programmable rice cooker by Hamilton Beach is an underrated yet exceptionally functional kitchen appliance that makes more than just rice.
It has an 8-cup cooking capacity and you can make different types of rice, whole grains, hot cereal, steamed vegetables, and so much more using pre-programmed settings.
It also includes a steam basket and rice rinser to let you rinse your rice before cooking it.
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