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Best Budget Pick

Aroma Select Stainless Rice & Grain Cooker/Steamer

Under $50 and it outperformed several higher-end models in Wirecutter's tests. The stainless steel pot is a standout feature at this price, avoiding non-stick coating concerns.

$30-$50
Pros
  • Stainless steel pot avoids non-stick coating degradation concerns
  • 14-cup capacity handles large batches
  • Reliably made good jasmine, sushi, and brown rice in Wirecutter testing
  • Under $50 — best value for the performance delivered
Cons
  • Grains not as tender or light as Zojirushi or Cuckoo results
  • Fewer cooking modes and less precise control than premium models
  • Build quality won't match buy-it-for-life Japanese brands
Why we recommend it

For beginners or anyone who doesn't want to spend $150 on a rice cooker, Aroma punches well above its weight — Wirecutter found it beat pricier competitors in blind testing.

Wirecutter

These under-$50 cookers reliably made better rice than some of the higher-end models we tested.