Best rice cooker under $50?

Ever since living in Uni Dorms Rice Cookers have fascinated me
If that’s the route you decide to go, I would say the cheapest are probably found at Chinese Grocery Stores or Importers
Although the likes of Cdn Tire, The Bay, Bed Bath & Beyond, Amazon etc also sell them if you are looking to buy on line or watching for a sale

However, I don’t own one
Because I decided to not go the one function stand-alone appliance
Instead we bought an Electric Steamer, which also happens to make excellent rice
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/blac ... 1602p.html

But also does great steamed veggies, fish, eggs etc

We bought a basic one (like pictured) ... but you’ll also find fancier ones, and some multi levelled ones for sale as well

If I was setting up house today, I might indeed opt for an Instant Pot that multitasks and can replace several small kitchen appliances
(Kitchen Storage always being an ongoing battle)
How good it makes rice though ... don’t know
Hopefully someone else can comment on that

I just use a regular pot and the clock app in my phone. Seems to work well for me.

1:2 water, when it starts boiling turn the heat off, keep an eye on it for a few mins so the starchy liquid doesn't spill. Let it rest and absorb the water. I've tried lining the lid with a tea towel but doesn't really seem to make a difference for me . Of course, different types of grains will vary in cooking.

For a true set it and forget it, the appliances mentioned above work but I don't have space for that stuff haha. I usually make fragrant rice so I panfry meat or veggies before reusing the pot (with the oil/drippings/fond).

I have a Thai-made microwave rice cooker I picked up at a local asian store for <$10.

Instant Pot works. No worse than a traditional rice cooker.

coriolis wrote: ↑ I just use a regular pot and the clock app in my phone. Seems to work well for me.

Assuming regular white rice, this is what I'd do.
Either that or take the $50 and put it towards a pressure cooker.

1:2 water

That's a lot of water.
For jasmine I'm closer to 1.25:1 and even 1:1 by volume in a pressure cooker.

None of the 'Best' rice cookers are under $50.
I'm asian (Filipino) and rice is a staple.
I've had cheap rice cookers ever since living on my own. Cheap as in under $50, like Black & Decker ones you get at Walmart.
It wasn't until earlier this year that our $20 Black and decker rice cooker died after 3 years that my wife and I purchased a 'real' quality one.
We bought a Tiger brand rice cooker. It's a 3 or 4 cup. Set us back like $150. When you get to the 8-15 cup range you're looking at double to triple the price.
Now is it better than the Black and Decker one? I mean I guess so. It definitely cooks faster, I'm assuming because it has some kind of seal to it so almost like pressure cooking. Is it worth it? Only time will tell. At this point it's only been less than a year. I know many Filipino households have Tiger brand rice cookers that have lasted for years. So take that into account.

Also, if you do go with a Tiger brand rice cooker, go with the Japanese made ones. I guess it makes a difference. Well that's what the Chinese lady at Pacific mall said. Framed it like I got a deal or something.

Anyway, if you're like my family and eat rice at least twice a week then go for something that is good. But if you're just looking to have rice once and a while. Then go for something cheap.

I noticed today in our Walmart they are clearing out the Tiger rice makers for $80.

Beneful1 wrote: ↑ I noticed today in our Walmart they are clearing out the Tiger rice makers for $80.

Location: Sarnia?

yes. They may not be right in the appliance section where you think they would be, often times Walmart has extra appliances in another aisle 5 or 6 aisles away.

renoldman wrote: ↑ Location: Sarnia?

Go with the Insta Pot. We use our for cooking rice (amongst other things) and it does really well.

alexh9 wrote: ↑ Looking for a decent rice cooker under $50. What is out there? Size wise, it needs to make 6 cups uncooked rice.

I'm thinking of maybe splurging a little more and getting a 6 qt Instant Pot for $77, so I can also make other things as well. BUT, I'm not sure how the IP fares for cooking rice, since this is my top priority.

IP works well. If you have an electronic scale you can actually measure the exact amount of rice and water to get the same results every time, provided the humidity is the same. A fuzzy logic rice cooker can adjust for the amount of water it senses while IP cannot adjust for anything, but can do more than just rice. I would get the IP

I have both an Insta Pot and an electronic rice cooker (fuzzy logic kind Tfal) . I still tend to use the rice cooker because it's pretty much no fail and easier when it comes to making small quantities, up to 3 cups. I suppose too because it's smaller overall in size and easy to grab off the shelf than the IP.. However had I had the Instant Pot first I probably never would have bought the rice cooker.