Whether you incorporate rice into the majority of your meals or simply make it for an occasional dish, using a rice cooker can save you time and increase your food quality. Making rice manually in a pot can lead to overcooked, mushy rice and burned pans. Finding a top-of-the-line rice cooker doesn’t have to be expensive, but it can be hard to figure out the best option for you and your household.
Luckily, our team of experts researched and compared countless models of rice cookers on the market and narrowed down the best of the best. We compared features like capacity, size and materials, all while making sure that these rice cookers have the best output and ease of use. Here are our recommendations for the best rice cookers in Canada for 2023.
Best 7 Rice Cookers for Canadians in 2023
- Best Overall: Black+Decker RC506C Rice Cooker
- Best for Cooking Rice and Breakfast: Hamilton Beach Rice and Cereal Cooker
- Best for Small Families: Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Rice Cooker
- Best for Individual Users: Aroma Housewares 4-Cup Rice Cooker
- Best Varied Menus: Zojirushi NC-ZCC10 Rice Cooker
- Best for Meal Planning One Pot Dishes: Tiger JBV-A18U-W Rice Cooker
- Best Budget-Friendly: Aroma Housewares Select Stainless Steel Rice Cooker
Why Did We Choose These Rice Cookers in Canada?
Each rice cooker on this list has a solid reason for earning a spot. Our recommendations stood out in different ways, highlighting specific perks that may benefit Canadians shopping for a rice cooker. To understand why we compiled this list the way we did, here are the reasons we picked the following as the best rice cookers in Canada.
We think that the best rice cooker in Canada is the Black+Decker RC506C Rice Cooker. With a generous capacity, this rice cooker also steams food and veggies and keeps it perfectly warm when done cooking without any sticking to the bowl.
If you want the best rice cooker in Canada to cook your lunch and breakfast, the Hamilton Beach Rice and Cereal Cooker is a solid choice. Its name, design, and predefined programs tell you everything you need to know.
The Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Rice Cooker is our top choice for small families in Canada. It cooks perfect rice each time and is made from one of the best rice cooker manufacturers on the market. With a 5.5-cup capacity, it’s ideal for small families or couples.
Our choice for the best rice cooker for individuals in Canada is the Aroma Housewares 4-Cup Rice Cooker. This rice cooker comes in a lovely pink colour and looks great in any kitchen, while its small capacity is ideal for those needing just a bowl of rice at a time.
Canadians looking to expand their rice cooker’s capability by cooking different foods will love the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Rice Cooker. As our choice for the best rice cooker for cooking a variety of food in Canada, we love how many different ways you can use this appliance.
The Tiger’s JBV-A18U-W Rice Cooker is the most satisfying option we identified for meal planning tasty and healthy one-pot dishes for busy Canadians with limited time in the kitchen.
Then we have the Black+Decker RC506 Rice Cooker. This is the best rice cooker we could find for Canadians on a tight budget who cook for more than one mouth.
For budget-conscious Canadians, the Aroma Housewares Select Stainless Steel Rice Cooker will be an excellent option. This mid-size capacity rice cooker has simple controls and is made from high-quality materials, all at a low price point.
Best Overall
Black+Decker RC506C Rice Cooker
- Type: Traditional
- Capacity: 6 Cups
- Size: 14 x 25.4 x 22.9 Centimeters
- Wattage: 700 Watts
- Material: Nonstick Metal, Glass
It's Great For:
- Budget-conscious Canadians
- Those with limited storage space
- Users with larger families
- Canadians who want to cook more than rice
For the best overall rice cooker in Canada, check out the Black+Decker RC506C Rice Cooker. This small profile rice cooker doesn’t take up a lot of space in the kitchen and still has a large capacity. This easy-to-use rice cooker has simple controls that everyone can easily handle and a modern look that won’t detract from other decor in the kitchen.
The Black+Decker RC506 has a 6-cup capacity, perfect for families and small gatherings. This rice cooker takes about 20-30 minutes to cook rice, leaving just enough time to cook accompanying food at the same time. Unique to this rice cooker is an included steamer basket, so you can also cook veggies and other items besides rice as well, making it more versatile than many other rice cookers on the market.
The Black+Decker RC506C Rice Cooker is powered at 700 watts, which is fairly powerful for a small appliance. It has a simple power-on button to start cooking the rice, and it automatically switches to a keep warm function when done cooking, so you will never have burnt or overcooked rice.
This rice cooker is lightweight, the interior is crafted with nonstick metal, and it comes with a heat-safe plastic exterior. The tempered glass lid keeps the rice perfectly cooked without letting out excess steam. There are no programmable features or timer functions, which can be a benefit to those who don’t want a lot of tech features and would prefer a simple design.
The Black+Decker RC506C comes in at a very budget-friendly cost and will be appealing to most Canadians. It comes in a white hue and has a serving scoop measuring spoon and a steamer basket included. All parts except the outer shell of the rice cooker are dishwasher safe, making clean-up quick and easy.
Key Features
- Easy-to-Use Interface. With a simple power button and warm function, this rice cooker is one of the easiest to use in Canada.
- Non-Stick Interior. You won’t need to worry about your rice becoming burned and sticking to the edges of the pot with this non-stick rice cooker bowl, which makes fluffy and perfectly cooked rice every time.
- Steamer Basket. Those who want to cook more than just rice can easily do so with the included steamer basket, which can quickly cook veggies.
- Dishwasher Safe. All of the parts, including the lid and non-stick rice bowl, are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
Our Expert’s Take
“This rice cooker is our favourite in Canada and is great for anyone looking for a versatile appliance that can cook more than rice, with simple-to-use controls and easy cleaning.”
Best for Cooking Rice and Breakfast
Hamilton Beach Rice & Hot Cereal Cooker
- Type: Programmable
- Capacity: 7 Cups
- Size: 27.3 x 27.3 x 28.1 Centimeters
- Wattage: 700 Watts
- Material: Stainless Steel
It's Great For:
- Cooking large quantities in small kitchens
- Canadians who want to save money on appliances
- Overnight meal planning
- Mixing it up in the kitchen
The Hamilton Beach Rice & Hot Cereal Cooker is a programmable kitchen appliance that bears all the trademarks of a Hamilton Beach product. It has a rugged stainless steel exterior despite not weighing a lot and has a classic black and stainless steel exterior design that should fit into any kitchen décor.
Users get a simple LCD control panel with six programs, an adjustable timer, and a startup delay feature. Although you can start and stop this rice cooker at any time, it will automatically swap to the keep-warm setting when your food is cooked. It’s a great option for Canadians who have a busy schedule.
Its 7-cup capacity makes it an interesting choice. You can get up to 14 cups of cooked rice in a single use with the right type of rice- not too fluffy. It should be enough for small and medium-sized families. However, thanks to its affordable price, we can see it as an excellent appliance for couples looking for deals. The capacity is sufficient to help prepare meals for dinner parties.
You can cook cereal, whole grains, and steamed vegetables in this Hamilton Beach rice cooker available in Canada. Although affordable and not loaded with features, it’s still a versatile addition to any small kitchen. Besides, the rounded design can be a big countertop space-saver.
The rice cooker comes with a rice rinser that doubles as the steam basket and detailed instructions for every cooking program to make things even easier.
Key Features
- Delayed Start Feature. You can easily have breakfast ready in the morning with this rice cooker’s 11-hour delayed start feature.
- Preprogrammed Options. Canadians worried about over or under-cooking will love the preprogrammed settings, which take the guesswork out of cooking different foods.
- Steam Basket. The included steam basket is perfect for cooking vegetables on nights when you don’t want rice.
- Extra Large Capacity. For large Canadian families, this Hamilton Beach rice cooker is an ideal option and can cook up to 14 cups of rice.
Our Expert’s Take
“We love the ability to delay starting this rice cooker and found it to be extremely useful for breakfast time, where you can have hot cereal waiting for you when you wake up.”
Best for Small Families
Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Rice Cooker
- Type: Micom (Microcomputerized)
- Capacity: 5.5 Cups
- Size: 20.3 x 35.6 x 20.3 Centimeters
- Wattage: 610 Watts
- Material: Stainless Steel
It's Great For:
- Singles and couples
- Meal prepping and keeping food warm
- Simple maintenance and cleaning
- Canadian foodies who want menu variety
The Zojirushi NS-TSC10 is the best rice cooker for small families in Canada for many reasons. It has a midrange inner pot capacity of 5.5 cups, making it a solid choice for singles and couples. The cooker uses microcomputerized (Micom) Fuzzy Logic technology to deliver an array of programs and functions that puts it beyond the capabilities of a standard rice cooker.
You may appreciate the built-in retractable power cord and stainless steel exterior. These two features make it easy to clean and store. The appliance also has a thick cooking pan with superior heating properties and supports fast cooking.
Because it’s a Micom (Microcomputerized) rice cooker, the Zojirushi NS-TSC10 might be one of the best rice cookers available to Canadians with little to no cooking experience. The appliance comes with multiple cooking functions and programs for white, mixed, and sushi rice varieties, to name a few. It can steam ingredients, make porridge, and even bake.
Furthermore, the NS-TSC10 model features extended keep warm and reheating cycles and audio and visual indicators to let users know when their food is ready to eat.
The appliance comes with a special basket for steaming and a cake setting for all baking purposes to make things easier for novice Canadian rice cooker users. Its versatility, easy-to-read LCD control panel, and precise cooking make it a strong contender.
Key Features
- Delayed Start Function. The Zojirushi NS-TSC10 rice cooker comes with a delayed start option that includes two different timer settings.
- Keep Warm Cycle. Your food will always stay at the perfect temperature after cooking with its Extended keep-warm cycle and automatic reheating function.
- Extensive Settings. Cook far more than just rice with nine settings for baking, cooking and even different kinds of rice.
- Mid-Size Capacity. Perfect for small families or couples, this rice cooker has a 5.5-cup capacity.
Our Expert’s Take
“This rice cooker is ideal for any small Canadian family or couple, with a smaller capacity that makes the perfect amount of evenly cooked rice each time. ”
Best for Individuals
Aroma Houseware 4-Cup Rice Cooker
- Type: Traditional
- Capacity: 4 Cups
- Size: 17.8 x 17.8 x 22.9 Centimeters
- Wattage: 250 Watts
- Material: Tempered Glass
It's Great For:
- Canadians who live alone
- Those with limited storage
- Budget-conscious users
- Making side dishes
The Aroma Housewares 4-Cup Rice Cooker is our favourite rice cooker for individuals. This rice cooker has a small, 4-cup capacity, making it ideal for solo users or couples who want to cook a small amount of rice.
This rice cooker is very small and great for any Canadian with limited storage space. It comes in a charming pink colour and looks great sitting on a countertop. The interior has a non-stick pot, ensuring that even making 1 cup of rice won’t stick or burn within. The lid is made from tempered glass and keeps ric evenly cooked and steamed.
Powering this rice cooker is simple, with a touch of a button to cook. After cooking, the rice cooker uses an automatic warm feature to keep your food at a perfect temperature until you are ready to eat. Those interested in using their rice cooker for other foods will appreciate the vast amount you can do with this small appliance, and it even comes with a digital recipe book.
The Aroma Housewares 4-Cup Rice Cooker comes with a nonstick cooking pot, lid, spatula and measuring cup. Those on a limited budget will find that this rice cooker is extremely low-cost and a great value for what you get. It is the perfect option for those wanting a high-quality and compact rice cooker.
Key Features
- Compact Design. This rice cooker is meant to take up minimal space but still look great on a counter in a cheery pink colour.
- Automatic Warm Feature. After rice or other foods are done cooking, the appliance will turn on the automatic warm feature to keep temperatures perfect.
- Small Capacity. With a 4-cup capacity, this rice cooker is perfect for individuals or couples.
- Non-Stick Interior. The non-stick cooking pot ensures that rice will never burn or stick to the edges.
Our Expert’s Take
“We love this compact rice cooker that is ideally suited for solo users, as it makes perfect rice in small quantities and takes up limited space.”
Best for Varied Menus
Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Rice Cooker
- Type: Micom (Microcomputerized)
- Capacity: 10 Cups
- Size: 20.6 x 33 x 25.7 Centimeters
- Wattage: 680 Watts
- Material: Stainless Steel
It's Great For:
- Couples and small families
- Wide range of programs and settings
- Extensive meal preparing
- Those who want an easy to clean appliance
The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 is our top pick for a rice cooker that can handle more than just rice. This unique rice cooker can handle a variety of meal preparation and is one of the most technologically advanced rice cookers on the market. This rice cooker can make up to 5.5 cups of rice, which is best suited for couples, individuals or even small families.
This top-of-the-line rice cooker has internal micro computerized (Micom) Fuzzy Logic technology, which has extensive programs and features to cook countless foods. Not only can you cook rice with a touch of a button and even let the rice cooker know the correct variety for perfectly even cooking, but you can also steam, bake and make all meals of the day with this appliance. It comes with a steam basket, two measuring scoops and a serving spoon.
The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 is incredibly easy to care for, as the exterior can be wiped down, and the non-stick interior is easily rinsed. While this rice cooker is not large, those with limited storage space will appreciate the ability to wall mount it if desired. There are multiple program options, and the timer has an audible beep to let you know when your food is ready.
Those wanting to try new food and have limited time to cook them will love this rice cooker. It’s easy-to-read LCD screen is intuitive and can be controlled even by those who aren’t as tech-savvy. Overall, this rice cooker will appeal to most Canadians who want a high-quality appliance that will last throughout the years and can do far more than just cook rice.
Key Features
- Wall Mount Option. Those with limited storage will love the ability to wall mount this rice cooker, a feature that is not often found.
- LCD Display. The easy-to-read LCD screen controls all the functions and features and is very user friendly.
- Varied Cooking Features. Cook more than rice with its extensive settings, delayed start and timer functions.
- Mid-Size Capacity. The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 has the capacity to cook 5.5 cups of rice, which is perfect for small families, couples or individuals.
Our Expert’s Take
“This rice cooker has more options for cooking food other than rice than any other rice cooker on the market, and its convenient portability and wall mount options help make it stand out.”
Best for Meal Planning One Pot Dishes
Tiger JBV-A18U-W Rice Cooker
- Type: Micom (Microcomputerized)
- Capacity: 10 Cups
- Size: 30.2 x 38.4 x 25.4 Centimeters
- Wattage: 672 Watts
- Material: Plastic
It's Great For:
- Large families
- Beginner home cooks
- Large Canadian kitchens with ample countertop space
- Cooking complete dishes
The plastic Tiger JBV-A18U-W rice cooker may seem like an ordinary kitchen appliance to the untrained eye. But this white rice cooker available to Canadians is more than a light, heavy-duty device, ready to cook hefty rice portions.
The JBV-A18U-W can cook rice and protein simultaneously thanks to the Synchro-Cooking function. Families with limited time to spare and inexperienced home cooks can use this feature for cooking entire main dishes and keeping them warm for hours.
The cooking menu has four key settings – plain rice, brown rice, Synchro-Cooking, and slow cooking. The latter two programs are fantastic in a kitchen without a pressure cooker or Instapot, especially when cooking for a large family. It eliminates the guesswork and enables Canadian families to throw in the ingredients, start the appliance and go about their day until everything is done.
The inner pot has a non-stick coating to make the deal even sweeter. It’s easy to clean and makes it hard to burn anything. In addition, users get a non-stick spatula, a measuring cup, a cooking plate, and a helpful cookbook created for the Synchron-Cooking function.
Although this rice cooker for Canadians isn’t as feature-loaded as similar Micron rice cookers, it caters to large families. It delivers beyond the capabilities of your average electric or stovetop rice cooker.
Key Features
- Syncro-Cooking Function. Users can cook more than one item at a time, cooking simultaneously, and it includes a unique plate to cook rice independently.
- Slow Cook Option. Canadians seeking to use this rice cooker as a slow cooker will find that it effectively can handle slow cooking, even tough meats.
- Large Capacity. Perfect for large families or gatherings, this Tiger rice cooker can accommodate 10 cups of rice.
- Temperature Monitoring. You can actively monitor the temperatures of anything you are cooking.
Our Expert’s Take
“Cooking dinner is a breeze with this rice cooker, which we love for the ability to cook an entire meal in separate sections within the rice cooker, saving tons of time for busy families.”
Best Budget-Friendly
Aroma Housewares Select Stainless Steel Rice Cooker
- Type: Professional
- Capacity: 6 Cups
- Size: 21 x 26 x 20 Centimeters
- Wattage: 500 Watts
- Material: Stainless Steel, Glass
It's Great For:
- Cooking more than just rice
- Budget-conscious Canadians
- Couples and individuals
- Easy cleaning
With so many different kitchen appliances in most Canadian households, costs can add up, which can be a deterrent for some. Luckily, the Aroma Housewares Select Stainless Steel Rice Cooker is a budget-friendly option that won’t break the bank.
The exterior of the rice cooker is made from stainless steel, which won’t corrode or rust over time and won’t crack if accidentally dropped. The lid is made from tempered glass, which helps evenly steam rice and keep the temperature perfect while cooking.
For those who want to cook more than rice in this appliance there is an ability to cook one-pot meals with ease. The Aroma Houseware Select Stainless Steel Rice Cooker can help you prepare soups, pasta, oatmeal and more without the need for a stove and other cooking devices.
The rice cooker can hold up to 1.2 quarts or 6 cups of rice, which takes about 20-30 minutes to prepare. The power option is very easy to use, with no complicated interface. Simply turn on the rice cooker, let it cook to completion, then the automated warmer takes over to keep the rice or other food at the perfect temperature.
Canadians seeking a high-quality but simple-to-use rice cooker will love this option, which is incredibly budget-friendly. All the parts are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, and the rice cooker’s compact profile won’t take up valuable space on the counter.
Key Features
- User-Friendly Power Option. This rice cooker features a simple on/off switch and warm mode.
- One-Pot Functionality. Cook more than just rice in this small Aroma Housewares rice cooker, which can prepare pasta, soups and more.
- Budget-Friendly. Canadians who need a low-cost option will love the affordability of this appliance, which is excellent value for its money.
- Compact Design. As a small, 6-cup rice cooker, this model won’t take up a lot of counter space and can easily be tucked away in a cabinet when not in use.
Our Expert’s Take
“This rice cooker had great functionality and made more than just rice with a touch of a button. Budget-conscious Canadians will love the lower price point it sells at.”
Comparing the Best Rice Cookers for Canadians
| Category | Rice Cooker | Type | Capacity | Size | Wattage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Black+Decker RC506C Rice Cooker | Traditional | 6 Cups | 14 x 25.4 x 22.9 Centimeters | 700 Watts |
| Best for Cooking Rice and Breakfast | Hamilton Beach Rice & Hot Cereal Cooker | Programmable | 7 Cups | 27.3 x 27.3 x 28.1 Centimeters | 700 Watts |
| Best for Small Families | Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Rice Cooker | Micom (Microcomputerized) | 5.5 Cups | 20.3 x 35.6 x 20.3 Centimeters | 610 Watts |
| Best for Individuals | Aroma Houseware 4-Cup Rice Cooker | Traditional | 4 Cups | 17.8 x 17.8 x 22.9 Centimeters | 250 Watts |
| Best for Varied Menus | Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Rice Cooker | Micom (Microcomputerized) | 10 Cups | 20.6 x 33 x 25.7 Centimeters | 680 Watts |
| Best for Meal Planning One Pot Dishes | Tiger JBV-A18U-W Rice Cooker | Micom (Microcomputerized) | 10 Cups | 30.2 x 38.4 x 25.4 Centimeters | 672 Watts |
| Best Budget-Friendly | Aroma Housewares Select Stainless Steel Rice Cooker | Professional | 6 Cups | 21 x 26 x 20 Centimeters | 500 Watts |
How We Selected These Rice Cookers in Canada
Our main mission hasn’t changed in years. We strive to stay on top of household trends and appliances that enhance the quality of life, save people time and money, and can help Canadians cook tastier and healthier foods.
We only give recommendations based on in-depth evaluations, rigorous data collection, and comparisons. Every product is analyzed based on numerous considerations regarding build quality, performance, perks, and how each caters to our fellow Canadian consumers. Once we have enough information to determine a product’s quality, we will send you our recommendations.
When creating our list of the best rice cookers in Canada, we looked at a few key indicators.
- Type. Not all Canadians need the same kind of rice cooker. Each type serves a specific purpose or could add more flexibility to the kitchen.
- Pot. The cooking pot’s quality often dictates the end product’s quality. If you don’t have the best rice cooker inner pot, having the best appliance won’t save your rice and maximize its flavour.
- Capacity. The capacity is a key indicator of whether you may pay for more than you need. Unless cooking for a big family, smaller rice cookers can cook your favourite carbs just as well as a larger appliance in the average Canadian household.
- Functions. Some functions are must-haves for quality of life and getting the best flavour and value for your money. And depending on how much flexibility you want, sometimes a long list of functions and programs could be the only viable solution for your kitchen.
Why Use a Rice Cooker in Canada?
There are many YouTube videos on how to make fluffy rice in a pot or creamy risotto in a saucepan. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to do without enough practice. You need the right pot, the best pan, and plenty of trial-and-error to avoid burning or undercooking your rice.
Can you give up rice and not worry about it? Rice is a healthy source of carbs, and as Canadians, we need our carbs during the winter. The solution to perfect rice and less hassle is to use a rice cooker.
Using a rice cooker in Canada ensures you don’t have to worry about not having a good portion of carbs to go with your protein. There’s no guesswork, no stirring, and no time or ingredients wasted.
Besides, a rice cooker can be more versatile than you think and can cook other hearty Canadian one-pot dishes.
How to Choose a Rice Cooker for Canadians
If you decide to ditch the saucepans and pots to make perfect rice every time, you need to find the best option. Rice cookers may seem like simple appliances designed for a single purpose, but they’re more complex than many believe. Understanding the dos and don’ts of buying a rice cooker in Canada will spare you from bad experiences, especially as a first-time user.
Type
Rice cookers help cook rice efficiently, but that doesn’t mean all machines are equal in functionality and performance. And not all Canadians need or want the same type of rice cooker.
Choosing a rice cooker for a Canadian family requires understanding how these appliances work and what they can do.
For example, traditional rice cookers are as straightforward as they come. They’re cheap and do a decent job of evenly cooking rice but lack bells and whistles.
Jar-o-mat rice cookers come with extra heating elements that ensure proper cooking on all sides and minimize the risk of burning. These might be the best for you if you want fluffy rice every time.
An induction rice cooker is an interesting alternative. It can cook rice fast and uniformly, using electromagnets to heat the inner pot. But unless you’re a bodybuilder or someone going through pounds of rice weekly, you may not need the best rice cooker in Canada using induction technology.
Microcomputing (Micom) rice cookers are arguably the most versatile. These can be the best rice cookers for Canadians who want to cook more than rice. A multi-function rice cooker can switch temperatures based on recipes, detect measurements, and perfectly cook more ingredients.
Power
Every appliance comes with a wattage rating, including rice cookers. But how much power do Canadian rice cooker users need to cook their rice?
Rice is easy to burn. While a high wattage rating can indicate faster heating and a quicker cooking process, that’s not necessarily the best thing. Besides, maybe you’re more environmentally conscious and don’t want appliances that consume too much.
In that case, the power and wattage ratings could help you decide which rice cooker in Canada best fits your kitchen.
Capacity
Every appliance that cooks food, rice cookers included, has different capacities. Knowing how much food you can cook in one go is essential. A rice cooker for Canadian families should have at least a 6-cup capacity. Some may prefer to make even more than 10 cups simultaneously.
However, if you live alone or are a young Canadian couple looking for a rice cooker, 3 to 5 cups are enough for the inner pot.
Naturally, getting a rice cooker capacity slightly higher than your maximum estimate is okay. You can make as little as you want, but you can’t increase the capacity. Make sure to consider the other functions the rice cooker performs when looking at the capacity. If you want to steam vegetables in the rice cooker, for example, you’ll want to look for an option with a slightly larger capacity than you might think you need.
Durability
A rice cooker’s outer shell plays a big part in its overall durability. A stainless steel appliance can easily make the list of the best rice cookers in Canada. Stainless steel is easy to maintain, doesn’t rust, and can help minimize the amount of radiant heat.
That said, a thick plastic housing isn’t necessarily bad. It can help you save money and still performs similarly to the best rice cooker in Canada. You can invest the money you save in other appliances.
But a stainless steel rice cooker is preferable in most cases. It’s slightly safer to use because it may not overheat as much as a plastic one.
Programs and Functions
Some rice cookers available in Canada come with must-have features, and others have too many bells and whistles. Here are some ideas of what you might see on a rice cooker in Canada.
- Steaming
- Reheating
- Delayed start
- Express cooking
- Sushi, brown, wild rice, and other predefined programs
- Dual cooking
A warm function or a reheating program can offer many advantages, especially if you want your meal ready when you get home. But steam functions aren’t for everyone. It can be an expensive and unnecessary feature for someone who doesn’t want to steam meat or vegetables or already has a similar appliance.
If you’re a foodie and love to experiment, white rice is probably one of the many types you cook. A rice cooker with separate programs for brown rice, black rice, sushi rice, wild rice, and other varieties might be more appropriate for your kitchen.
Express rice cooking is a nice option to have. But a low-end rice cooker could burn or undercook the rice.
Dual or synchronous cooking is an exciting option found in the best rice cookers in Canada. These features are available in entry-level and high-end rice cookers. They might be worth a few extra dollars because they make rice cookers more versatile.
With a proper design, a dual-cooking feature allows you to separate the rice at the bottom of the pot from other ingredients. You can put those on a plate or tray and steam them at an even temperature. This is a great way to cook fish, vegetables, soya chunks, and other ingredients without altering the taste or consistency of the rice.
Balancing rice cooker features and programs based on your priorities and favourite Canadian rice dishes is important.
Inner Pot Material
The appliance itself doesn’t have to be the best on the market. But a poor quality inner pot can make rice cookers available in Canada yield disappointing results.
Ideally, a rice cooker in Canada will have a dishwasher-safe pot made from durable materials. Both stainless steel and ceramic pots can do an excellent job. However, a non-stick inner pot makes cooking rice and cleaning the pot even easier.
It’s important to understand that some rice cookers available to Canadians feature proprietary material lining compositions that give their inner pots extra “oomph.” Every rice cooker manufacturer can claim they make the best pot. But you should still look at the materials list to determine if it’s a good combination for you.
For example, a blend of mainly stainless steel layers can cook rice unevenly or eventually succumb to rust.
Lid Quality and Materials
A rice cooker is only as good as its lid. The rice can cook unevenly if the cover doesn’t maintain the temperature and keep the steam inside the pot.
Unsealed lids are great if you want to save money as a Canadian rice cooker user. But they can be messy and eliminate too much steam during the rice cooking process.
Sealed leads are harder to clean and pricier but preserve the optimum temperature during and after the cooking process. These are preferred when cooking a one-pot rice meal overnight or while you’re at work.
Additional Factors
With the basics down, it’s time to check out some additional features that may influence your decision. The following factors can make a difference when choosing a rice cooker, so keep them in mind as you shop.
- Brand. Some brands consistently create high-quality rice cookers available to Canadians. Others make cheaper appliances, while some excel at specific types of rice cookers. Comparing brands and manufacturers can give you a better idea of what machine to buy.
- Warranty. If you plan to use a rice cooker in Canada more like a commercial appliance instead of a residential one, a better warranty policy could be an attractive perk. Heavy use causes wear and tear and may require more frequent repairs. Make sure to check the warranty policy on your rice cooker thoroughly. Some are void with commercial use, so it’s best to be prepared.
- User Reviews. Don’t be afraid to look at what other people say about a rice cooker. Many Canadians probably want the same thing you want. Finding like-minded buyers and reading about their experiences can help you make a faster and more informed decision.
Dimensions
Here’s an interesting fact about rice cookers available in stores across the Great White North and rice cookers in general. The size of the appliance isn’t always proportional to its capacity.
You might not need the biggest rice cooker in Canada to make up to 10 cups of rice or more per use. Besides, you should try to get a rice cooker that easily fits your countertop and won’t be difficult to store or clean.
How to Safely Use a Rice Cooker in Canada
Rice cookers for Canadians are generally safe to use if you follow a few simple rules and ensure you use an appliance compatible with your wall socket.
- Avoid placing the rice cooker under shelves and curtains. Escaping steam can damage objects in your kitchen or create condensation. The condensation can cause water to drip onto the rice cooker or reach the wall outlet.
- Don’t exceed the recommended water-to-rice ratios. Overflowing the inner pot with either rice or water can cause spilling, undercooking, and more severe problems when using the steam function.
- Avoid developing an overreliance on the keep-warm feature. Even if designed to maintain food at an optimum temperature to avoid spoiling, leaving the rice cooker unattended for too long isn’t a good idea.
- Don’t clean or move the rice cooker until after unplugging the appliance. Likewise, use oven mitts if your rice cooker doesn’t come with always-cool handles.
- Always check if the lid and pot are dishwasher-safe. Cleaning the appliance itself should be easy enough with a damp cloth when unplugged.
- Don’t use the rice cooker if you hear buzzing or crackling sounds or if it heats up more than usual. Try plugging it into a different outlet. If the problems persist, use your warranty and send it for repairs.
- Although rice cooker bowls are made to withstand high temperatures and can take some abuse, it’s best to avoid using the inner pot as a food storage container. Let it cool naturally before washing it, and transfer the remaining food to other containers. You’ll get a better seal for your food and spare the pot from unnecessary abrupt temperature changes contributing to wear.
Make sure to thoroughly read the user manual for your rice cooker. It’s important to follow these guidelines to ensure that you are safely using your rice cooker. Failure to follow these guidelines can damage your rice cooker and may even lead to injury, so getting it right is extremely important.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the inner pot material. Scratched stainless steel rice cooker pots are unlikely to ruin the quality of the food. However, scratched aluminum inner pots could alter the taste if you add acidic ingredients.
When buying a rice cooker in Canada, stainless steel is always superior to aluminum as a cooking bowl material. Stainless steel doesn’t leech into food and is non-reactive to salty and acidic ingredients. Although many aluminum cookers respect the highest safety standards, stainless steel remains the safer choice.
Rice cookers have many features, and a non-stick cooking surface is one that all of them boast. Whether you purchase a small, no-frills rice cooker or one with many bells and whistles, the inside cooking pot will be non-stick and ensure evenly cooked rice. To keep the surface of the interior non-stick, never use a harsh scrubbing brush or sponge when cleaning.
Most rice cookers come in a capacity of 4 to 20 cups, which is a significant difference. For individuals and couples, a smaller capacity rice might make the most sense and take up less space than bigger options. For Canadians who throw parties or have large families, a large-capacity rice cooker will be the smarter choice.
While rice cookers are made to cook perfectly steamed rice at an ideal temperature, they can also cook many other foods. Each rice cooker will have different capabilities for cooking other foods, but many can cook pastas, coups, hot cereals, one-pot meals and more. The best rice cookers often come with a recipe book, which can tell you exactly what the rice cooker is capable of cooking and give you plenty of meal ideas.
To keep your rice cooker in the best possible shape, it is essential to always carefully clean your rice cooker after use. A properly cared-for rice cooker will extend its lifespan, so make sure to keep it away from extreme heat and standing water. To clean, wipe down the outside of the rice cooker to remove any stuck rice or spills. The inside of your rice cooker can often be washed in the dishwasher, as well as the lid- but check with the included instructions to be sure.
