For most Asian households, the rice cooker is a kitchen staple. They offer consistency and time-saving benefits and also tend to be relatively easy to use — simply add your ingredients to the pot and press a button.
However, rice cookers can vary from the very basic types that can cook simple rice to more high-tech options that feature multiple functions. They also vary in size and price, with both affordable options under $50 and more expensive ones priced upwards of $100.
Given the countless options of rice cookers in Singapore, which one should you get? Here, we’ve compiled a list of the most efficient and affordable rice cookers to help you narrow down your choices!
Rice Cookers For 1 – 3 Pax
For individuals, couples, or small families, a small and simple rice cooker is all you need. This is a more cost-efficient choice and makes the cooking process easier!
Smaller rice cookers typically cook faster than their larger counterparts. What’s more, they’re easier to handle and maintain and generally use less power.
1. Toyomi Mini Rice Cooker 0.6L RC616 ($54.90)
Features
Micro computerised technology
Eco-friendly
Safety-mark approved
Compact and light, this electric rice cooker will fit on any counter space. Its multifunctionality allows it to cook rice and steam food simultaneously. Also, the low pressure and full-sealed structure keeps your rice moist and nutritious for longer.
Additionally, it’s equipped with fuzzy logic, which enables the device to make small adjustments to cook the ideal rice. So, don’t worry about mushy rice even if you put in a bit too much water!
Specifications
• Dimensions: 19.0 x 19.0 x 22.0cm
• Capacity: 0.6L
• Weight: 1.82kg
• Voltage: 220 – 240V ~ 50/60Hz
• Power rating: 300W
• Colours: White
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
2. Philips Rice Cooker 0.7L HD3060 ($79.90)
Features
5 cooking functions
Safety-mark approved
Child lock for safety
This versatile device is a space-saving rice cooker that’s perfect for small families. It’s safety-mark approved and has a child lock to give parents of young children a peace of mind.
It comes with 5 major cooking functions and 6 different pre-set menus. It also uses a hydrating micro-pressure valve to optimise moisture retention to bring out the natural flavour of your food!
Specifications
• Dimensions: 39.5 x 30.0 x 24.5cm
• Capacity: 0.7L
• Weight: 2.83kg
• Voltage: 230V ~ 60Hz
• Power rating: 330W
• Colours: Black, blue
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Rice Cookers For 4 – 6 Pax
For an average-sized family, opting for a 1-litre model will be a good choice. You’ll be able to cook the perfect amount of rice each time and you won’t have to worry about any leftovers!
Rice cookers of this size often offer more functions than just cooking rice, which makes cooking for your family significantly easier as you won’t have to use multiple appliances!
3. Mistral Rice Cooker 1.0L MRC101 ($29)
Features
Automatic cooking
Automatic ‘keep warm’ function
Single switch control
For those who only need a rice cooker for its sole purpose to make rice, you can consider getting the Mistral Rice Cooker MRC101.
For under $30, you’ll be able to serve up enough rice for a medium-sized family to complement your other tasty home cooked dishes. Its ‘keep warm’ function will also ensure that no one comes home to cold and hardened rice after a long day.
Specifications
• Dimensions: 22.0 x 20.5 x 24.0cm
• Capacity: 1.0L
• Weight: 2.47kg
• Voltage: 220 – 240V ~ 50/60Hz
• Power rating: 400W
• Colour: Silver, white
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
4. PowerPac Rice Cooker With Steamer 1.0L PPRC64 ($32.90)
Features
Equipped with steamer
Single switch control
Safety-mark approved
Simple and fuss-free, this device makes enough rice to feed 4 to 6 people — and with its built-in automatic functions, you won’t have to worry about burnt rice!
On top of that, this rice cooker comes with a steamer which allows you to cook multiple dishes at once. It’s also designed in an old-school manner, which is easy to clean after you’re done cooking.
Specifications
• Dimensions: 24.0 x 24.0 x 25.7cm
• Capacity: 1.0L
• Weight: 2.5kg
• Voltage: 220 – 240V ~ 50/60Hz
• Power rating: 400W
• Colour: Silver, white
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
5. Zojirushi Rice Cooker 1.0L NH-SQ10 ($60.90)
Features
Single switch control
See-through glass lid
Safety-mark approved
Although this rice cooker only has one mode, it doesn’t just stop at cooking rice. There are a bunch of recipes to make steamed vegetables, eggs, fish and even desserts featured in its operating manual!
This rice cooker is also easy to operate and convenient to clean because of its simplistic design. Its handles and lid knob stay cool at all times, making it to be transported around.
Specifications
• Dimensions: 25.7 x 18.0 x 18.0cm
• Capacity: 1.0L
• Weight: 10.0kg
• Voltage: 220 – 230V
• Power rating: 530W
• Colour: White
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
6. TAT Rice Cooker 1.0L ($82.80)
Features
6 functions
Reduces sugar
Safety-mark approved
This rice cooker has a sleek built-in touchscreen panel that offers 6 preset functions. It also comes with a preset timer which allows you to schedule your cooking time 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility.
This rice cooker is great for the elderly, diabetic individuals, and those who want healthier diets in general. Its unique cooking process and automatic rinsing cycle ensures that rapidly digested starch is being effectively removed, reducing sugar and carbohydrates!
Specifications
• Dimensions: 22.0 x 24.0 x 21.5cm
• Capacity: 1.0L
• Weight: 2.38kg
• Voltage: 220V ~ 50/60Hz
• Colour: White
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
7. Tiger 4-in-1 Function Rice Cooker 1.0L JBV-S10S ($188+)
Features
4-in-1 rice cooker
Micro computerised technology
9 menu settings
For those who can’t afford to spend too much time preparing meals, Tiger’s 4-1 function rice cooker can help speed things up. With its “Tacook” synchronised cooking function, you’ll be able to make other dishes alongside your rice!
This device produces heat from the bottom, top and sides of the rice cooker to ensure evenly cooked rice. Plus, its micro computerised technology constantly adjusts the temperature, ensuring that the rice is cooked perfectly.
Specifications
• Dimensions: 270 x 353 x 214mm
• Capacity: 1.0L
• Weight: 2.9kg
• Voltage: 220 – 230V ~ 50/60Hz
• Power rating: 616W
• Colour: Beige
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
8. Cuckoo R06 Pressure Multi Cooker 1.08L ($499)
Features
9 cooking modes
X-wall diamond coating
Auto steam-sterilisation
Customised rice taste function
The Cuckoo R06 is a stylish pressure multi-cooker that comes with a customised rice taste function. It allows you to select your preferred taste and texture including chewy, fluffy and glutinous, so you can whip up a delicious meal that’ll suit your family’s preferences!
Furthermore, this appliance is equipped with a steam sterilisation function that uses hot vapour to sanitise your cooker.
Specifications
• Dimensions: 26.7 x 25.7 x 35.6cm
• Capacity: Up to 1.08L
• Weight: 5.5kg
• Voltage: 220V – 240V, 50Hz
• Power rating: 890W
• Colour: Black bronze
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
It’s a special coating technology that has extraordinary durability against pressure, high temperatures and elements of salt.
Rice Cookers For 7 – 8 Pax
These rice cookers are suitable for slightly bigger families with around 7 to 8 people. To feed that many mouths, you’d want to get a rice cooker that’s large enough — preferably one with at least 1.8-litre capacity.
The options we’ve listed below all have designs that consider both functionality and aesthetics. And there’s one for every price range, so don’t worry if you’re on a budget!
9. EuropAce 3D Heating Rice Cooker 1.8L ERJ 6181S ($34.90)
Features
3D heating
Automatic ‘keep warm’ function
Safety-mark approved
With its advanced 3D heating technology, this rice cooker is ideal for making rice, porridge and soup. Its automatic ‘keep warm’ function will also make sure that none of these comforting foods go cold so you can enjoy them whenever you want!
Additionally, its 5-layer non-stick coating makes for an easier cleaning process when washing the dishes.
Specifications
• Dimensions: 27.5 x 29.0 x 25.6cm
• Capacity: 1.8L
• Weight: 3.8kg
• Voltage: 220 – 240V ~ 50/60Hz
• Power rating: 750W
• Colour: Red
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
10. Panasonic Micom Rice Cooker 1.8L SR-DF181WSH ($79.90)
Features
Micro computerised technology
6 menu settings
Panasonic’s Micom rice cooker simplifies things for the most inexperienced of cooks. With its large one-touch button design, this rice cooker lets you control 6 menu settings with only 4 buttons. Its removable inner pan and non-stick surfaces also allow for easy clean-up.
Don’t be fooled by its unassuming and simplistic design though, as it’s equipped with advanced micro computerised technology which makes cooking the perfect rice possible for anyone!
Specifications
• Dimensions: 37.8 x 27.8 x 27.2cm
• Capacity: 1.8L
• Weight: 5.7kg
• Power rating: 750W
• Colour: White
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
11. Zojirushi Micom Fuzzy Logic Rice Cooker 1.8L NS-ZAQ18 ($255)
Features
Micro computerised technology
8 menu settings
Spherical inner cooking pan
Outside of the usual menu settings that many rice cookers offer, this high-tech device has more unique presets such as one for sushi rice. Its convenient reheating function also proves to be useful, especially when you’re rushing for time.
Additionally, it comes with a spherical cooking pan that allows effective convection of heat within the rice cooker. This means that you won’t have to worry about unevenly cooked rice!
Specifications
• Dimensions: 40.0 x 33.0 x 28.0cm
• Capacity: 1.8L
• Weight: 3.8kg
• Voltage: 220 – 230V
• Power rating: 950 – 1000W
• Colour: White
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Rice Cookers For More Than 8 Pax
Looking for a rice cooker that you can bring to a party or family gatherings? Ranging from 2 to 3 litre capacities, these rice cookers listed will definitely be big enough to cook sufficient rice for everyone.
Most of them also offer various menu settings in case you want to amp up the party with a more exciting dish! And once you’re done, they can be easily taken apart and cleaned.
12. BEAR Rice Cooker 2.0L DFB-B20A1 ($49.90)
Features
Micro computerised technology
8 menu settings
Detachable lid
Safety-mark approved
Using its intelligent temperature control and built-in NTC temperature sensor, this rice cooker will ensure that every grain of rice is cooked to perfection. It doesn’t stop there though, as it comes with 8 menu settings so you can enjoy something different everyday.
This compact device also has a 24-hour preset timer, making it extremely time efficient. And for fuss-free cleaning, there’s a detachable lid and removable insulation cover!
Specifications
• Dimensions: 18.8 x 18.8 x 10.4cm
• Capacity: 2.0L
• Weight: 2.9kg
• Voltage: 220V ~ 50Hz
• Power rating: 350W
• Colour: Beige
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
13. Xiaomi Mijia IH Rice Cooker 3.0L ($119.90)
Features
Electromagnetic heating technology
Can be controlled via an app
Safety-mark approved
This Xiaomi Mijia IH Rice Cooker is the ultimate kitchen appliance. It’s a high-tech machine that offers an easy-to-use LED panel. And if that isn’t enough, you can control it using your phone so you can come home to a piping hot meal!
Additionally, it’s equipped with electromagnetic heating technology, ensuring that heat and temperature inside the appliance remains constant for more evenly cooked rice.
Specifications
• Dimensions: 30.0 x 25.0 x 25.0cm
• Capacity: 3.0L
• Weight: 5.0kg
• Voltage: 240V ~ 50Hz
• Power rating: 500W
• Colour: White
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
FAQs About Buying A Rice Cooker In Singapore
What should I look for when buying a rice cooker?
1. Type of rice cooker
There are many different types of rice cookers in Singapore for you to choose from. The main ones include the traditional rice cookers, micro-computerised ones, and jar-type ones.
Here are the main pros and cons of each type:
| Type of rice cooker | Pros | Cons |
| Traditional |
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| Micro computerised |
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| Jar-type |
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2. Cost
For those on a budget, you can get a standard rice cooker that offers the basic functions of cooking rice and keeping it warm at minimal costs.
However, if cost isn’t a huge concern, a high-end rice cooker is definitely a worthwhile investment. Most of these are extremely versatile and can be used to make a variety of tasty dishes, all while saving you time spent in the kitchen.
3. Size and capacity
It’s important that you consider how many people you’re feeding and how much rice they eat.
You don’t want to end up with a rice cooker that’s too small as it’s a waste of time to cook multiple batches. On the other hand, it’s not ideal to get one that’s too large as it’s not cost-efficient to cook small amounts of rice in them.
What rice cooker size should I buy?
You should consider how many people you’re feeding and how much they eat. As a rule of thumb, we’ve listed the recommended capacity of rice cookers for families of different sizes.
| Number of people | Capacity |
| 1 - 3 | 1.0L or lower |
| 4 - 6 | 1.5L or lower |
| 7 - 8 | Around 1.8L |
| More than 8 | 1.8L or higher |
Aside from rice, what can I cook using a rice cooker?
While most rice cookers can make simple dishes like porridge or even steamed vegetables and fish, the most high-end of rice cookers often offer functions like baking and pressure-cooking.
Getting a rice cooker that has these functions can allow you to make foods like cake or savoury dishes — something most people wouldn’t even think about using a rice cooker to make!