AROMA® Select Stainless® Rice Cooker - Best Compact & Budget-Friendly Cooker
An ideal mini solution, the Aroma 3-Cup Stainless Rice Cooker offers reliable, no-fuss rice cooking for one or two people at a remarkably low price.
- +Extremely affordable and compact footprint is perfect for small kitchens, dorms, or limited storage.
- +PFAS-free stainless steel inner pot is durable, dishwasher-safe, and avoids nonstick coating concerns.
- +Simple one-button operation makes it incredibly easy to use for basic white and brown rice.
- -Rice can stick to the stainless steel pot, requiring soaking or a dishwasher cycle for easy cleaning.
- -The keep-warm function can cause noticeable browning and drying at the bottom of the pot after 30+ minutes.
- -Lacks any presets or fuzzy logic, requiring users to manually adjust water ratios for perfect texture.
The Aroma Housewares 3-Cup Select Stainless Rice Cooker is the definitive solution for individuals, couples, or those with minimal kitchen space who still want the convenience of a dedicated rice cooker. Its greatest assets are its low cost and small size, making it an accessible and practical appliance without a significant commitment. The use of a stainless steel inner pot, as opposed to a nonstick coated one, addresses concerns about PFAS chemicals and is more durable against scratching. This pot is also dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup, though cooked rice does tend to adhere to it more than to nonstick surfaces. Operation could not be simpler: add rice and water, press the single button, and the cooker handles the rest, automatically switching to keep-warm when done. It produces respectable rice, particularly for its price point, performing better than many similarly priced mini cookers.
The sushi rice setting yields pleasantly sticky grains. However, it is a basic tool. There are no specialized settings or fuzzy logic to correct measurement errors, so achieving perfect texture may require some experimentation with water levels. The keep-warm function is useful but not gentle; leaving rice on warm for extended periods leads to significant browning and drying at the bottom. For its intended purpose—making small batches of rice quickly and cheaply—it excels. It is the best-performing model in the budget compact category, proving that good rice does not require a large appliance or a large budget.