When it comes to whipping up a quick and tasty meal, nothing beats a rice cooker, especially for those who live alone. Imagine the aroma of perfectly steamed rice filling your kitchen, while you kick back and relax without a worry in the world. If you’re on the hunt for the best small electric rice cooker for one, you’ve landed in the right spot. Let’s look at some small rice cookers that make cooking rice for one person quick and easy.
Why Choose A Small Rice Cooker?
Small electric rice cookers are great for solo diners. They save space, energy, and time. Plus, they’re perfect for cooking just the right amount of rice without waste. Picture this: no more sticky leftovers stashed in the fridge. Instead, each meal is fresh and delicious, just like eating at a restaurant.
Top Picks For Small Electric Rice Cookers
I will now share my top picks for small rice cookers, although there are probably more mini rice cookers that could also be worth looking at. However, I could not find a mini rice cooker with a steamer tray for steaming vegetables. I suspect that small rice cookers are not really suited to steaming vegetables in a tray, because they simply do not have enough cooking capacity available.
Dash 2-Cup Mini Rice Cooker
The Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 is a mini rice cooker with a 2-cup cooked rice capacity (1 cup of dry rice) that is a compact size for a tiny kitchen, college dorm, camper or RV.
This electric mini rice cooker catches the eye because it is available in a few colors such as aqua, black, pink, red, white and more. It has a glass lid, cool touch handles, a removable pot with a PFOA-free nonstick coating and a single button for cook/warm. Although, do not leave the rice in the pot on the keep warm function for too long, or it might get crusty.
The Dash mini rice cooker does not have a power on/off button, therefore you have to unplug it to turn it off. The power cord is not detachable.
The Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 is a mini rice cooker with a 2-cup capacity, that is one cup of uncooked rice or two cups of cooked rice. Always use the included measuring scoop for measuring rice and not a standard measuring cup. The included rice cup size is less than 8 oz.
The process of cooking rice with the Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 is easy: add water, add rice and press the cook button. The rice cooker was updated with a keep warm function to keep the cooked rice warm.
A rice paddle, measuring cup and a recipe book are included with this electric mini rice cooker. The recipe book has recipes for making other things besides rice such as quinoa, mac and cheese and chicken noodle soup.
The Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 cooks rice, but measure the water carefully because it tends to produce sticky rice instead of loose and fluffy rice. You might have to reduce the water in order to get rice that is not mushy. Furthermore, rinsing the uncooked rice before you add it into the pot might also reduce the stickiness in addition to reducing the amount of starchy bubbles.
If you like the smell of oatmeal in the morning, then you can use this mini rice cooker to cook oatmeal. You might have to experiment a little with the basic recipe in order to get the results you want depending on which type of oats you prefer such as steel cut oats or quick cooking oatmeal.
Overall, the Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 is recommended for a single person or a college kid. The cooking pot and lid are removable, so it is very easy to clean. The rice might bubble during cooking, so always rinse the rice grains. This mini rice cooker takes up very little space and is quite cute, cheap and easy to use (check price on Amazon – paid link).
Black+Decker 3-Cup Rice Cooker
The Black+Decker RC503 is a compact but popular rice cooker for singles or couples. It can prepare as little as 1 cup of cooked rice or as much as 3 cups of cooked rice in less than 30 minutes. Do not try to cook more than 1.5 measuring cups of uncooked rice (3 cups cooked) in this small rice cooker because it might overflow and make a mess.
The Black+Decker RC503 is a small electric rice cooker with only two functions: either cook or keep warm. The rice cooker automatically switches back to keep warm when the rice has been cooked.
The Black+Decker RC503 has a removable nonstick cooking bowl and a clear glass lid with a steam vent. Great for keeping an eye on the contents of the pot. The lid has a small built-in holder so that it can be hooked into one of the handles.
So, what is included with the Black+Decker RC503? This 3-cup cooked rice cooker is shipped with only two accessories: a measuring cup and a spoon. It does not have a steamer basket, so you will not be able to steam veggies with this small electric rice cooker. The nonstick cooking pot is removable, and it seems like it is safe to clean this pot in the dishwasher.
There might be other small rice cookers with glass lids, but the Black+Decker RC503 is probably one of the cheapest and most popular 3-cup cooked rice cookers available for online purchase. Get yours today on Amazon (paid link).
Aroma Housewares 4-Cup Rice Cooker
If you are looking for a small rice cooker that can still prepare up to 4 cups of cooked rice, then the Aroma Housewares ARC-302NG is a good option.
Similar to other small rice cookers, it has a single switch that moves between cooking rice and keeping the cooked rice warm. Thus, it does not have a power button, so you have to unplug it from the outlet to turn it off.
This 4-cup rice cooker has a nonstick cooking pot and a tempered glass lid. A rice measuring cup and a serving spatula are included, but it does not have a steamer basket. It is simply too small to have a steamer basket.
In brief, the Aroma Housewares ARC-302NG is a small but easy to use 4-cup cooked rice cooker that should be great for making rice for one or two people. Click here for current price on Amazon (paid link).
Features To Look For In Small Rice Cookers
When selecting the ideal small electric rice cooker, there are several essential features to consider that can significantly enhance your cooking experience and overall satisfaction.
Capacity
Selecting the right capacity is crucial in ensuring that your rice cooker meets your specific needs. For individuals or couples, a rice cooker with a capacity of 2 to 3 cups of cooked rice is typically sufficient, allowing for the preparation of meals without excess. This size is not only convenient for single servings but also helps minimize food waste and ensures that you can easily manage portion control in your diet.
Versatility
The versatility of a rice cooker can greatly expand your culinary repertoire. While the primary function of these appliances is to cook rice, many modern models offer additional features that enable you to prepare a variety of dishes. Functions such as steaming vegetables, cooking soups, or even slow cooking stews can transform your rice cooker into a multi-functional kitchen tool. However, most small mini rice cookers only have a single switch for cooking and warming rice, and no space available for a vegetable steaming tray.
Ease Of Use
User-friendly design is another key aspect to consider when evaluating small rice cookers. Look for models with intuitive controls that simplify the cooking process, allowing you to focus more on enjoying your meals rather than fussing with complicated settings. Additionally, features that facilitate easy cleanup, such as removable non-stick pots, are invaluable. These pots not only help prevent food from sticking but also make washing up fast and easy, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meals and less time cleaning pots.
Portability
For those who are frequently on the move, whether for travel, work, or college, the portability of your rice cooker can be a game-changer. Lightweight models are particularly advantageous, making it easy to transport your cooker without adding excessive bulk to your luggage. This feature is especially beneficial for individuals who want to maintain a healthy diet on the go, as you can prepare fresh meals wherever you are, whether it’s in a dormitory, an apartment, or even in a hotel room.
In summary, when searching for the best small electric rice cooker, prioritize capacity, versatility, ease of use, and portability to ensure you choose a model that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle while enhancing your cooking capabilities.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a small electric rice cooker is a step toward hassle-free cooking. With these options, you can enjoy delicious, fresh rice and more with minimal effort. Say goodbye to stale leftovers and hello to delightful meals prepared just for you. Whether you opt for Dash’s adorable colors, or Black+Decker’s popularity, your cooking game is sure to level up.