Best Rice Cooker by Grain: White, Brown, Basmati, Sushi and More
Quick answer: Most rice cookers handle white, jasmine and basmati rice well. For brown rice, sushi rice and other grains, choose a cooker with a matching setting and fuzzy logic or induction heating. Good all-round picks are the Zojirushi NS-TSC10 (best quality), Tiger JBV-A10U-W (brown rice) and Aroma ARC-914SBD (best value).
Last updated: November 1, 2026. Capacities and features come from manufacturer and retailer listings. We have not tested these cookers ourselves.
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Rice type, water ratio and what to look for
| Rice type | Rice : water (stove) | Rice : water (rice cooker) | What to look for in a cooker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-grain white | 1 : 2 | 1 : 1 to 1 : 1.25 | Any cooker with a white rice setting |
| Jasmine | 1 : 1.5 | 1 : 1 to 1 : 1.25 | Fuzzy logic for soft, fragrant grains |
| Basmati | 1 : 1.5 | 1 : 1.25 to 1 : 1.5 | Rinse well, a cooker with a basmati or long-grain program helps |
| Sushi / short-grain | 1 : 1.25 | 1 : 1 to 1 : 1.1 | A sushi or short-grain setting, fuzzy logic or induction |
| Brown | 1 : 2 to 1 : 2.5 | 1 : 1.75 to 1 : 2 | A brown rice setting that cooks longer |
| Sticky (glutinous) | Steam, after soaking | ¾ to 1 cup per cup, soaked | Sweet or sticky rice setting, or white rice |
| Quinoa and other grains | 1 : 2 | 1 : 2 | A grain or multigrain setting |
These ratios are starting points. For exact amounts see our rice to water ratio guide.
White, jasmine and basmati rice
Any cooker with a white rice setting works. If you cook these every day, a fuzzy logic model such as the Zojirushi NS-TSC10 gives more consistent texture, while the Aroma ARC-914SBD is a good budget choice. Rinse the rice well, especially basmati. See how to cook white rice.
Brown rice
Brown rice needs a cooker with a dedicated brown setting, since the bran layer takes longer to soften. See our full guide to the best rice cooker for brown rice, with picks from Zojirushi, Tiger and CUCKOO.
Sushi and short-grain rice
Short-grain rice cooks stickier and needs less water. Look for a sushi or short-grain setting. Japanese brands such as Zojirushi and Tiger are known for these, and induction models such as the CUCKOO CRP-P1009SB give soft, plump rice.
Sticky (glutinous) rice
Sticky rice works in an ordinary rice cooker if you soak it first. See our guide to making sticky rice in a rice cooker.
Quinoa, oats and other grains
For grains other than rice, a cooker with a grain or multigrain program helps. The NutriBullet EveryGrain Cooker has presets for quinoa and oats. See how to cook quinoa in a rice cooker and oatmeal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best rice cooker for jasmine rice?
Any good cooker with a white rice setting works. A fuzzy logic model gives the most consistent soft texture.
Do I need a special rice cooker for basmati rice?
No. Rinse it well and use slightly more water than for jasmine. Some cookers have a basmati program.
Can I cook brown rice in any rice cooker?
Most can, but a brown rice setting gives softer, more even results.