What Is The Rice Cooker?
A rice cooker is an appliance that uses water poured on the bottom of it that is heated up quickly to a boiling temperature. The boiling water creates steam that cooks the rice to a perfect fluffy consistancy.
You add your water and rice to the rice cooker and stir, cover it and set your cooking time. You can add other liquids such as broths and milks in place of water to make it more flavorful. You can also add spices, meats and ingredients such as tomatoes, onions and other veggies to create a meal.
Many rice cookers will also come with a steaming basket that sits above the cooking rice. The steaming basket allows you to cook other foods with steam such as fish, chicken, beef and chunky veggies. This is a quick way to create a full meal easily with one appliance.
Jump Right To The Reviews On Small Rice Cooker 2 Cup Capacity
Jump Right To The Reviews On The Best Small Rice Cookers 3-4 Cup Capacity
How To Choose Rice Cooker Capacity?
The rice cookers will typically cook your rice at a 2 to 1 ratio. This means that if you put a cup of rice in the cooker with the water then it will double in size. The ratio can change with different types of rice and grains that you are using.
Here is how to break down the size of the rice cooker that you will need.
| Cups of Raw Rice | Makes How Many Cups of Cooked Rice | Serves How Many People |
| 1 Cup | 2-2.5 Cups | 1-2 |
| 2 Cups | 4-4.5 Cups | 2-3 |
| 3 Cups | 6-6.5 Cups | 3-4 |
| 4 Cups | 8-8.5 Cups | 4-5 |
| 5 Cups | 10-10.5 Cups | 5-6 |
| 6 Cups | 12-12.5 Cups | 7-8 |
| 7 Cups | 14-14.5 Cups | 8-9 |
| 8 Cups | 16-16.5 Cups | 9-10 |
| 9 Cups | 18-18.5 Cups | 10-11 |
| 10 Cups | 20-20.5 Cups | 11-12 |
You need to choose a rice cooker that has the capacity to hold and cook the rice properly for the desired amount that you prefer. Rice cookers come in a large array of sizes from a small 1.5 cup capacity up to an extra large 30 cup capacity for home use.
What Is A Rice Cooker Good For?
A rice cooker is good for much more than just cooking rice into a fluffy perfect consistancy we have all come to love from restaurants.
Here are some more foods that can be made with a rice cooker
- Quino
- Both rolled oats and steel cut
- Porridge
- Beans
- Steam veggies
- Steam pastas and potatoes
- Eggs
- Steam seafood and meats
- Slow cook soups and stews
- Steam bake cakes and other desserts
There are a lot of different foods that you can cook with a rice cooker. Not only does it cook with steam but it can boil water or other liquids, to a high temperature for foods like pastas, oats and porridge.
You can also use a rice cooker as a crockpot to slow cook foods such as stews, soups, sauces and even frozen pouched meals.
What Should You Look For When Buying A Small Rice Cooker?
Just because you are looking to buy a small rice cooker compared to the larger models doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t pay attention to the available options to make cooking easier and more efficient.
Some key features to look for in a small rice cooker are:
- Does it have a keep warm function
- Does it have a timer
- Does it have a delayed start
- Does it have settings for different rice and grains
- Does it have a steamer basket
- Does it have a see through top
- Is it nonstick & dishwasher safe
What can all of these features do for you?
Well, the keep warm function will keep your foods at the perfect temperature until you are ready to eat. Your foods will stay perfectly cooked when using this feature.
The timer will allow you to cook your foods for the perfect amount of time while the delayed start option will start your foods at the perfect time so that is cooked and ready when you are.
Many rice cookers have easy preset options that will cook different types of rice and grains with the touch of a button. This option takes the guesswork out of cooking different varieties of foods easily and perfectly.
The steamer basket is a great option that is given with many rice cookers. The steamer basket allows you to cook multiple varieties of foods at the same time so that you can make a complete meal at one time and with one appliance.
This may sound crazy but having a see through top is a great option because you can watch your foods as they are cooking to ensure that they are not burning or overcooking.
A nonstick insert that is dishwasher safe makes cleanup a breeze after you are done eating.
What Can You Expect From Each Review?
The reviews are broken down into 2 sections to make it easy to find the best small rice cooker that you need. The first 5 reviews will list the best small rice cookers with a 2 cup capacity. The second 5 reviews will have the best small rice cookers that will range from 3 cup capacity up to a 4 cup capacity.
With each review I will have the following information:
- Does it have a keep warm function
- Does it have a timer
- Does it have a delayed start
- Does it have settings for different rice and grains
- does it have a delayed start
- Does it have a steamer basket
- Does it have a see through top
- Is it nonstick & dishwasher safe
Let’s get into the best small rice cookers reviews and help you find the perfect one for your home.
Small Rice Cooker 2 Cup Capacity
The TLOG 2.5 cup mini rice cooker has all the features that you would expect from the larger rice cookers.
There are 4 preset options for cooking which are:
- Rice
- Brown Rice
- Soup
- Yogurt
There is also a preset for a delayed timer for 2 to 12 hours. This mini rice cooker will switch automatically to the warming feature that will stay on for up to 10 hours.
What Are The Features WIth This Mini Rice Cooker
Keep Warm: Yes
Delayed Start: Yes
Settings For Quick Cook: Yes 4
Steamer Basket: Yes
See Through Top: No
NonStick: Yes
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
The TLOG 2.5 cup mini rice cooker has the keep warm feature that will stay on for up to 10 hours. The delayed start can be programmed to start 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 hours later allowing your food to be done when you want.
There are 4 preset settings to cook white rice, brown rice, soups or yogurts.
The steamer basket sets on top of the rice cooker insert allowing for other foods such as fish, meats, veggies and beans to cook at the same time as your rice.
The rice cooking insert has premeasured lines on it showing you how much water is needed for either white or brown rice.
Both the rice insert and the steamer baskets are dishwasher safe for quick and easy cleanup after you're done.
This is a compact design that has a detachable power cord to store easily inside the rice cooker unit along with the insert and steam tray.
- Keep warm feature that runs up to 10 hours
- Delay start cooking up to 12 hours
- 4 preset cooking features
- Measurements right on the rice insert to show how much water is needed
- Steamer basket to cook other foods at the same time that your rice is cooking
- Both the rice insert and steamer basket are dishwasher safe
- This does not have a see through top to watch food as it cooks
The 2 cup Feekaa mini rice cooker has many of the features that the larger rice cookers offer in a compact size.
Not only will this 2 cup rice cooker make rice but it will also slow cook, steam, make soups and stews all with the press of a button.
There are 6 preset functions that you can choose from to cook foods perfectly and quickly.
- Rice
- Brown Rice
- Slow Cook
- Soup
- Stew
- Steam
Along with the preset functions to cook many food options it also has up to a 24 hour delayed timer to start the desired foods when you want. After the foods are done cooking the unit will automatically switch to the keep warm function, keeping foods at the perfect temperature without overcooking until it's time to eat.
Both the inner pot and the detachable lid are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup after use.
One thing that is not a great feature is that it does not automatically turn off. Most units will turn off automatically after a certain amount of time this one does not. You will have to manually shut the rice cooker off when you are done cooking.
- 6 preset options to make cooking a wide variety of foods easy
- Up to a 24 hour delayed start
- Automatically switches to warm when cooking is done
- Non stick insert bowl and detachable lid are dishwasher safe
- Does not automatically shut off even with top open. This needs to be manually shut off when done using
The Moosum 2 cup mini rice cooker has five preset functions to cook foods perfectly.
The 5 preset functions are:
- White rice
- Brown rice
- Oatmeal
- Soup
- Slow Cooker
The presets will cook whatever foods you put in for that mode perfectly without the worry of setting the cooking time.
When cooking is done the unit will automatically switch to the keep warm function and will remain on this setting for up to 12 hours. There is a timer when the keep warm function is in use to show how long it's been on.
The available 24 hour delay start allows the foods to start cooking when you want. Set the delay timer from 1 hour up to 24 hours making sure food is done when you want even if you aren't home to do it.
The Moosum 2 cup mini rice cooker has 3 heating elements ensuring even cooking from the top to the bottom. The three heating elements are on the bottom, top and middle of the unit base.
Both the non stick insert bowl and the removable top are dishwasher safe making clean up fast and easy.
- 5 preset functions to cook a variety of foods easily.
- Automatic switch to warm with a countdown up to 12 hours
- 24 hour delay timer to cook foods when you want
- Triple heating technology with heating elements on the top-bottom and middle of the base unit
- Dishwasher safe
- Does not have a steaming tray to cook multiple foods at once
- Does not have a see through top
The Chaceef 2 cup mini rice cooker has 6 preset cooking options to give it more versatility other than cooking only rice.
The 6 preset functions are:
- Brown Rice
- White Rice
- Porridge
- Soup
- Stew
- Cake
With the preset options you just put your ingredients in, press the button and the cooking will be done for you. After the food is finished it will automatically switch to the keep warm setting and stay on for up to 10 hours.
This mini rice cooker has a non stick inner bowl and a removable top for easy cleanup.
The four stage cooking feature ensures perfectly cooked foods with lots of flavor. The four stages of cooking are:
- Preheating and water absorption
- heating at a high temperature
- boiling and then simmering
- keep warm
The four stage cooking allows the foods to absorb the flavors of the liquids that you use while preserving the vitamins and minerals. Your rice will come out flavorful, light and fluffy.
What Are The Features WIth This Mini Rice Cooker
Keep Warm: Yes
Delayed Start: Yes
Settings For Quick Cook: Yes 6
Steamer Basket: No
See Through Top: No
NonStick: Yes
Dishwasher Safe: No
The Chaceef mini rice cooker has a keep warm setting that will automatically kick in after foods are done cooking. The keep warm function will run up to 12 hours.
There is a delayed start that can be programmed from 1-24 hours, making sure that your food is ready on your schedule.
There are 6 preset functions making cooking super easy and always perfect.
Both the non stick insert bowl and the detachable inner lid are easy to clean with soap and water. They are not dishwasher safe.
- 6 preset functions to make cooking fast and easy
- Delayed start up to 24 hours
- Keep warm function up to 10 hours
- Non stick inner bowl
- Detachable inner lid
- 4 stage cooking to seal in nutrients
- Not dishwasher safe
- Does not have a see through top
The Dash 2 cup rice cooker has a simple design with an easy on/off button and a keep warm function. Although it's a simpler design it can still be used for more than just rice.
This rice cooker has the ability to cook other recipes such as soups, stews, sauces and steamed veggies, meats and fish.
This is a manual 2 cup rice cooker which means you simply press the on button when the ingredients are in. It will cook automatically, rice takes about 20 minutes and when the foods done it will switch to the keep warm setting until you're ready to eat.
What Are The Features WIth This Mini Rice Cooker
Keep Warm: Yes
Delayed Start: No
Settings For Quick Cook: No
Steamer Basket: No
See Through Top: Yes
NonStick: Yes
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
This 2 cup rice cooker has an automatic keep warm function to keep foods at the perfect temperature without overcooking. The see through lid allows you to see your foods cooking making it easy to not burn the foods.
There is no delayed start or quick cook settings that some models come with, this is a simple rice cooker.
There isn't a steamer basket to cook 2 separate foods at one time.
The non stick bowl cooking insert and the see through top are both dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
- Simple on/off switch will automatically cook foods without having to set it
- Automatic keep warm function switches on after cooking is complete
- See through top allows you to watch as food is cooking
- Both the non stick bowl insert and glass lid are dishwasher safe
- Does not have a steamer basket to cook 2 separate foods at one time
- Does not have a delayed start
- Does not have quick cook settings
Best Small Rice Cooker Reviews 3-4 Cup Capacity
The Zojirushi 3 cup mini rice cooker has 9 preset functions to cook foods perfectly with the touch of a button. The 9 preset functions are:
- White rice
- Mixed rice
- Brown rice
- Gaba brown rice
- Long grain rice
- Steel cut oats
- Quick cook
- Keep warm
- Reheat
This small rice cooker has fuzzy logic technology that automatically senses what is cooking and can adjust cooking time to perfectly cook foods. Along with the fuzzy logic cooking technology it has 3 heating elements on the lid, the middle and bottom of the base unit.
There is a delay timer to start cooking when you're not around and will have foods done when you want them. When the foods are done cooking it will automatically switch to the keep warm setting so foods are at the perfect temperature when it's time to eat.
There is also a quick cook option that will cook foods quicker at a higher heat. The reheat option will warm up foods without overcooking them.
When cooking either with the preset functions or if setting your own times for cooking, there is an option of adding or removing cooking time while cooking.
Both the nonstick bowl and removable lid are hand wash only.
- 9 preset functions to automatically cook foods perfectly
- Fuzzy logic technology automatically senses foods that are cooking and adjusts times accordingly
- 3 heating elements ensure complete heating and cooking
- A delay timer to start foods cooking when you want
- Automatically switches to keep warm setting
- Add or remove cooking time even when in use
- Retractable power cord for easy storage
- Does not have a steamer basket
- Does not have see through top
The Toshiba 3 cup small rice cooker has 8 preset functions to cook a variety of foods with ease. The 8 preset functions are:
- White rice
- Brown rice
- Mixed grain rice
- Porridge
- Oatmeal
- Cake
- Eggs
- Slow cook
Along with the 8 preset functions this small rice cooker also has an automatic keep warm function and a reheat function.
This mini rice cooker has fuzzy logic technology which senses the moisture in foods while they are cooking and will automatically adjust both the temperature and time that the foods are cooking so they are perfect.
When foods are done cooking this unit will automatically switch to the keep warm setting keeping foods at the perfect temperature until it's time to eat.
This comes with delayed start function that can be programmed from one hour up to 24 hours to start cooking foods even if you're not home to start it.
Both the nonstick bowl insert and the removable lid are not dishwasher safe, they need to be hand washed.
The Toshiba small rice cooker offers many of the same features as the more expensive Zojirushi, which is reviewed above but at almost half the price.
- Has 8 preset functions to cook rice, grains and other foods easily
- Offers a slow cooking mode for soups, stews and sauces
- Has an automatic keep warm function
- Offers a reheat option
- Fuzzy logic cooking automatically senses the moisture in foods and adjusts temperatures and times accordingly to cook foods perfectly
- Up to a 24 hour delay start
- Removable lid for easy cleaning
- This unit is not dishwasher safe
- This does not have a see through top
The Yum Asia Panda 3.5 cup small rice cooker offers a unique 7 phase cooking system. The 7 phases are:
- Preheat
- Absorb water
- Heat curve
- Boiling
- Steam
- Cool down
- Keep warm
The 7 phase cooking ensures that the nutrients, flavor and moisture are perfect in the finished rice. Along with the 7 phase cooking this unit has fuzzy logic technology that senses the moisture in the cooking foods and will automatically adjust both the time and temperature to cook perfectly.
This rice cooker offers 7 preset functions to make cooking a variety of foods easy and convenient. The 7 preset functions are:
- Long grain rice
- Short grain rice (sushi rice)
- Brown rice
- Porridge
- Cake
- Slow cook
- Steam
Along with the 7 preset options this unit offers a quick cook option which will cook white rice faster without losing the perfect texture and fluffiness.
The Yum Asia Panda will automatically switch to the keep warm function when food is done and will remain on up to 24 hours.
The offered delayed start can be set to start cooking foods up to 24 hours later, ensuring foods are done when it's time to eat.
There is also an included steamer basket allowing for other foods to be cooked at the same time as the rice such as, meats, fish and veggies to make a complete meal at the same time.
This small rice cooker is not dishwasher safe but it does have a removable top lid to make cleaning easy.
- 7 phase cooking keeping all the nutrients and natural flavors locked into the finished foods
- 7 preset functions to cook foods easily
- Quick cook function cooks white rice quicker
- Fuzzy logic technology senses moisture in cooking foods and automatically adjusts temperature and cooking time
- Automatic keep warm function
- 24 hour delayed start
- Steamer basket to cook meats, fish or veggies at the same time for a complete meal
- This is not dishwasher safe
- Does not have a see through lid
The Aroma Houswares 4 cup small rice cooker has 7 preset functions to make cooking quick and easy. The 7 preset functions are:
- White Rice
- Brown Rice
- Quinoa
- Oatmeal
- Slow Cook
- Saute' Then Simmer
- Quick RIce
Along with the 7 preset functions there is also a delay timer that can be set up to 15 hours and an automatic switch to a keep warm function when foods are done cooking.
The saute' and simmer feature is great for adding veggies, herbs and spices to the rice and grains before cooking. This will add lots of flavor to the finished foods without using separate pans.
The saute' and simmer function works in these steps:
- Press the saute' and simmer button after adding what you want to saute' and it will heat to the highest heat.
- After the desired tenderness and flavor is reached add the liquid of choice. This will automatically switch to a simmer mode
- Close the lid and it will automatically switch to warm after foods are done
With the saute' and simmer function you can also add your rinsed rice to the pot after the simmering is finished and set press the button for the type of rice or grains you're cooking to incorporate all the flavors together.
This comes with a steamer basket as well allowing other foods such as meats, fish and veggies to cook at the same time as the grains and rice.
The quick rice functions works best with the simple white rice but can be used for other types such as brown rice but the cooking time may need to be adjusted for a fluffy texture.
This model does have sensor logic technology that tracks the moisture of the foods cooking and automatically adjusts the time and temperatures to ensure foods aren't over or under cooked.
This model does not have a removable lid for easy cleaning and is not dishwasher safe.
- Has 7 preset functions for making multiple foods
- The saute' and simmer feature makes it easy to add veggies and spices to foods for extra flavor
- Comes with a steamer basket to cook other foods at the same time as the rice and grains
- Has an automatic keep warm function
- There is a delayed timer up to15 hours
- Quick cook function cooks rice and grains quicker
- Has sensor logic technology that automatically adjusts time and temperature while foods are cooking
- This is not dishwasher safe
- The top is not removable for easy cleaning
- There is not a see through window
The GreenLife 4 cup small rice cooker has 4 available presets to make cooking simple. The 4 preset options are:
- White rice
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Steel Cut Oats
Along with the preset options there is also a delayed timer to start foods for up to 24 hours later. This is a great feature for busy lifestyles ensuring foods are done when you want.
When foods are done cooking the rice cooker will switch to the warm setting and remain on up to 24 hours before automatically shutting off.
This offers fuzzy logic technology which automatically detects the moisture in the foods that are cooking and will adjust the heat and time settings ensuring perfectly cooked foods.
The GreenLeaf rice cooker insert is made with sand keeping it free of synthetic materials and making it PFAS & PFOA free.
This small rice cooker is dishwasher safe making cleanup easy after use.
This comes in 9 fun colors to match anyone's kitchen as well.
- Has 4 preset cooking options
- Has fuzzy logic cooking technology
- Has a keep warm setting for up to 24 hours
- Automatically shuts off after 24 hours
- Free of synthetic materials
- Comes in 9 fun colors
- Dishwasher safe
- Does not come with a steamer tray
- Does not have a see through lid
In Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed the above small rice cooker reviews. As you can see with all the reviews many mini or small rice cookers offer many of the same features as the larger ones. A rice cooker can be used for so much more than just rice and is a real benefit to have in the kitchen.
I use my rice cookers at least 3 times a week for not only rice but for slow cooked stews, soups, steamed fish, potatoes and veggies. I personally love the benefits of a healthy meal and the ease of making the fresh healthy meals. I have 2 rice cookers, one mini and one large, I chose both with the steamer baskets. The steamer baskets are a must if you want to make a whole meal with one appliance.
Just like a slow cooker a rice cooker doesn’t heat up the kitchen on those hot days and everything can be put into it, set for a delayed start, walk away and come home to a healthy home cooked meal.
If you have any questions or comments you’d like to share please leave them below! Thanks again for visiting Device Gourmet, have a great day 🙂
