If you’ve ever juggled multiple pots while trying to cook rice, steam vegetables, or prepare soup, then you already know how valuable a multi-function rice cooker can be. These little machines aren’t just for rice anymore—they’ve evolved into all-in-one kitchen workhorses. I tested four popular models on Amazon, and here’s my honest review to help you choose the one that suits your needs best.
1. Aroma Housewares ARC-363NG – Simple, Compact, and Affordable
If you’re looking for something basic and budget-friendly that still gets the job done, the Aroma ARC-363NG is a fantastic option. This 6-cup (cooked) rice cooker is ideal for singles, couples, or small families. It features a straightforward “cook” and “warm” switch—no buttons, no fuss.
What I loved:
- Compact design that doesn’t hog counter space
- Keeps rice warm for hours without drying it out
- Comes with a steam tray for veggies or dumplings
What could be better:
- No digital features or settings
- Non-removable inner pot, so cleanup requires a bit more care
Great for minimalists or first-time rice cooker users who want function over flash.
- Perfectly prepares 2 to 6 cups of any variety of cooked rice
- Simple, one-touch operation with automatic Keep-Warm
- Great for soups, jambalaya, chili and so much more!
- Full-view tempered glass lid
2. Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD – A Small Machine That Does More
This is one of Aroma’s more advanced models, and it’s been a best-seller for good reason. The ARC-914SBD offers digital controls, preset functions (including White Rice, Brown Rice, and Steam), and a Delay Timer for planning ahead.
What stood out:
- Sleek stainless-steel design
- Versatile settings and programmable features
- Can steam meat or veggies while rice cooks
Not ideal for:
- Larger families (it cooks up to 8 cups of cooked rice)
- Anyone looking for a pressure-cooking function
This one’s perfect if you want the convenience of automation without going full “Instant Pot.”
- Easy-to-use programmable digital controls complete with an automatic Keep Warm mode after each cycle
- An array of preset functions for every kind of meal: White Rice, Brown Rice, Steam, Flash Rice
- Steam meat, vegetables and more with the provided Steam Tray all while rice cooks below
- Perfectly prepares 2 to 8 cups of any variety of cooked rice or grains
3. COMFEE’ 5.2Qt Rice Cooker – One-Touch Programs, Maximum Versatility
If you’re after a powerful all-in-one cooker that can handle everything from porridge to sautéed dishes, COMFEE’s 20-cup (cooked) model is the real MVP. It’s loaded with 11 preset programs and has an intuitive digital interface.
What impressed me:
- Sauté and slow cook functions expand your recipe range
- Large enough for big families or batch cooking
- Non-stick inner pot is easy to clean and dishwasher-safe
Things to consider:
- A bit bulky for small kitchens
- Learning curve with the many settings
Tip: It’s more than a rice cooker. Use it as a soup pot, a steamer, or even to bake a cake.
- Multifunctional – Use-6 digital cooking programs including white rice, brown rice, steam, slow cook, quinoa and oatmeal …
- Compact Capacity -8 cup cooked (2 Qt) capacity yields up to 8 cups of cooked rice. Its space saving design is perfect fo…
- Effortless Operation – The Multi Use Programmable Rice Cooker is user friendly with digital panel & LED display, feature…
- Easy to Clean – Stainless steel external housing is easy to wipe clean. With the non-stick coating, the cleaning of the …
4. BLACK+DECKER RC506 – Reliable and Surprisingly Versatile
Don’t let the simple appearance fool you—this rice cooker is a solid performer. The BLACK+DECKER RC506 handles up to 6 cups of cooked rice and includes a steaming basket, which makes it a nice budget-friendly multi-use cooker.
What works well:
- Indicator lights for “cook” and “warm” functions
- Includes measuring cup and spatula
- Easy to store and clean
Minor drawbacks:
- No digital controls or timers
- Small size might not suit large households
Overall, it’s a reliable little cooker that works beautifully for everyday meals without overcomplicating things.
- 16-CUP CAPACITY – The BLACK+DECKER 8 Cup Rice Cooker can cook up to 8 cups of uncooked rice which yields up to 16 cups o…
- STEAMING BASKET – The included steaming basket lets you make healthy meals with vegetables, fish, and more. Also include…
- REMOVABLE NONSTICK BOWL – The nonstick cooking bowl is completely removable for easy dishwasher cleanup; the tempered gl…
- AUTOMATIC KEEP WARM – The rice stays ready for serving! The unit automatically switches to the “keep warm” function afte…
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a busy home cook or just looking to simplify dinner prep, these multi-function rice cookers can seriously level up your kitchen game. Each one has its own strengths—so your choice really comes down to size, features, and how hands-off you want to be.
If you want a sleek, modern all-rounder, go for COMFEE. For something more compact and affordable, the Aroma ARC-363NG or BLACK+DECKER RC506 are solid picks.
No matter which one you choose, you’ll likely wonder how you ever managed without it.
Ready to upgrade your kitchen?
Click the links above (or below) to check availability and pricing on Amazon. Your future self (and your perfectly cooked rice) will thank you.