There are few things as convenient as using a microwave to make food. If you’ve ever dreaded preparing a meal after a long day of work or study, chances are you decided to rather use your microwave. It’s just so much simpler.
But in most cases, the microwave is only good for microwave dinners and food that has been prepared in advance. Fortunately, there are rice cookers that can be used to prepare rice, which can be the foundation of a delicious meal, in a jiffy.
Don’t have time to read? Here are our top picks and why we picked them:
| Rice Cooker Name | Why We Picked It |
| Progressive Microwaveable Rice and Pasta Cooker | Easy to clean and use |
| Joseph Joseph 45002 M-Cuisine Microwave Rice Cooker | Good rice capacity |
| Lekue Microwave Rice, Grain & Quinoa Cooker | Cooks fast |
| Progressive International Microwave Rice Cooker | Easy to use |
| Pampered Chef Rice Cooker Plus | Big capacity |
| Tupperware Rice Cooker | Easy to use and clean |
| Handy Gourmet Eco-Friendly Microwave Pressure Cooker | Extra accessories included |
| Home & Appliances Rice Cooker | Comes with useful accessories |
| Home-X – Microwave Rice Cooker | Ideal for beginners |
| Sistema Microwave Collection Rice Cooker | Durable materials and design |
| Pampered Chef 1 Quart Micro Cooker | Ideal for students |
Best Microwave Rice Cooker: Our Top Picks
Progressive Microwaveable Rice and Pasta Cooker
This is a rice cooker set that is perfect for anyone just starting off on their own or looking to expand what they have in their kitchen. It’s a 17-piece set made specifically for cooking rice in the microwave and can reheat rice perfectly as well. It is completely BPA-free as well, and can easily take the title of best microwave rice cooker because it’s so affordable.
You’ll be able to prevent any messes and spills with the easy-lock lid that works great at sealing the rice in. What’s more, it has a massive capacity of 12 cups of rice, so you can easily make enough rice for a few meals, or one big meal if you’re entertaining.
This is a versatile microwave rice cooker that can also prepare pasta thanks to its pasta insert. You can cook spaghetti, noodles, and macaroni with ease. The vegetable steamer insert also allows you to make delicious and healthy vegetables.
You also get six measuring cups, a pasta measurer, four measuring spoons, the locking lid, and a rice paddle included — you’ve got everything you need to get started with cooking rice like a true pro.
Unfortunately, though, this rice cooker doesn’t appear to be good for cooking instant rice.
Pros
- Versatile cooking
- Affordable
- Easy to clean and use
- 12 cup capacity
- Massive 17-set
- BPA-free
Cons
- Seems unsuitable for instant rice
Joseph Joseph 45002 M-Cuisine Microwave Rice Cooker
You will find this microwave rice cooker on any list of the best options because it’s very popular and comes highly recommended. You get a range of items with the rice cooker that makes it easy to cook rice easily and without much fuss. This includes a measuring cup, colander, cooking chamber, lid, and rice paddle.
The design makes cooking fluffy rice a breeze with the rice paddle that sticks over the edges of the cooking chamber. That means you can lift it from your microwave safely and easily. The ease of use of this rice cooker is really superb.
This is a small cooker but it still has an impressive capacity of 2 liters, so you can easily get between six and seven cups of cooked rice. Cleaning it is pretty straightforward because it’s dishwasher-safe.
However, despite being rather expensive in comparison with other microwave rice cookers, this isn’t a versatile product. You should not attempt to cook anything but rice in it.
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Good rice capacity
- Comes with nice accessories
- Cleaning is easy
- Effective locking of lid
Cons
- Bit expensive
- Doesn’t appear to be versatile
Lekue Microwave Rice, Grain & Quinoa Cooker
If you’re looking for a simple, compact, and good-looking rice cooker, you’ll love this little guy. In addition to having a beautiful design, this microwave rice cooker is also rather versatile.
You can cook fluffy rice that can compete with the rice you get from traditional rice cookers. It’s also able to cook other grains like oatmeal and quinoa perfectly. It’s easy to clean because it’s dishwasher-safe as well.
The design of the base — two molded walls with an air gap — allows for safe handling. You will be able to handle the cooker even if the contents are very hot because of the shelf that the silicone lid sits on.
Although the capacity of this microwave rice cooker isn’t very impressive in comparison to others on our list (four cups of cooked rice), its plastic is BPA-free and the lid is made of 100% silicone. It’s able to cook four cups of rice in about 12 minutes, which is nice if you’re in a hurry.
Pros
- Easy and safe use
- Compact
- Versatile cooking
- Cooks fast
- Dishwasher-safe
- Attractive design
- BPA-free
Cons
- Small capacity
Progressive International Microwave Rice Cooker
Here we have one of the best microwave rice cookers for versatility and fast cooking. You can cook rice as well as oatmeal, soups, quinoa, and more quickly and perfectly. It’s a BPA-free set that comes with a measuring cup, bowl, rice spoon, nesting shelf insert, and lid that seals well.
The shelf insert means you don’t have to worry about liquids overflowing and you’ll have nice fluffy rice. With a capacity of six cups of rice, you can see why this rice cooker is one of the more popular on our list — it’s able to cook enough for a small family in little time.
Once you have finished eating your perfectly cooked rice, cleanup is easy because this product is top-rack dishwasher-safe. However, since this microwave rice cooker doesn’t have any handles, it is a bit difficult to handle and you’ll need oven mitts to ensure you don’t burn your hands.
Pros
- Cooks fast
- Easy to use
- Dishwasher-safe
- BPA-free
- Versatile cooking
Cons
- No handles- can be difficult to handle
Pampered Chef Rice Cooker Plus
This is one of the more expensive microwave rice cookers on our list, and as the name suggests, will make you feel like a pampered chef. Although the aesthetics of this cooker is simplistic, it’s still a beautiful and modern addition to any kitchen.
Despite being a microwave rice cooker, it’s big enough to make rice for the whole family. The capacity of nine rice cups means you can make a complete meal and maybe even have leftovers.
A double lid ensures there are no messy spills and you will have perfectly fluffy rice every time. Microwaved cooked rice doesn’t have to taste inferior, and this cooker proves that.
None of the rice you prepare in this cooking pot will stick, so you’ll have a breeze cleaning it after cooking. It’s also dishwasher-safe.
You’re not limited to cooking only rice, this is a versatile microwave rice cooker that can also prepare vegetables, stews, and soups. What’s more, you can warm food with it easily, and reheating rice isn’t a problem.
Pros
- Versatile cooking
- Big capacity
- Dishwasher-safe
- Double lid
- Attractive design
Cons
- Expensive
Tupperware Rice Cooker
If you want the best microwave rice cooker, you should be prepared to dig a little deeper into your pockets. Fortunately, with this cooker, you don’t have to dig too deep. While it’s not the most affordable option on our list, it’s also not the most expensive and is a great choice for cooking rice perfectly every time.
The dual lid can collect the steam and then channel it back into the base, which makes cooking a bit faster. It also prevents your rice from drying out, so it comes out puffy and delicious.
With line marks to indicate how much water you need to pour, using this microwave rice cooker is easy and straightforward. The handles fold downwards and ensure that the lid is tight and secure while also giving you a comfortable grip.
The capacity of 12 cups of rice means you’ll be able to cook rice for your family and even have some leftovers.
Pros
- Easy to use and clean
- Good rice capacity
- Attractive
- Dual lid ensures steam is channeled back inside
Cons
- Bit pricey
Handy Gourmet Eco-Friendly Microwave Pressure Cooker
If you’re searching for a microwave rice cooker that makes perfectly cooked rice while also being a microwave pressure cooker, you will love this product from Handy Gourmet. While being so versatile, it’s also good-looking and surprisingly affordable, adding to its appeal.
You can easily prepare rice, pasta, vegetables, and even chicken in this non-toxic BPA-free microwave pressure cooker. The materials used to make this cooker also help to ensure it doesn’t become overly hot even after spending many minutes inside the microwave.
You can make about 10 cups of cooked rice with this microwave rice cooker, making it ideal for medium-sized families. You get a handy measuring cup, spatula, and a recipe booklet upon purchase.
Cleanups are uncomplicated and easy, but you may have to double-check the size of your microwave before buying the cooker. It might be a bit too big for smaller microwave models.
Pros
- Easy to use and clean
- Very versatile cooking
- BPA-free and non-toxic
- Extra accessories included
- Good capacity
Cons
- May be too big for some microwaves
Home & Appliances Rice Cooker
If you’re not interested in a big microwave rice cooker and need something compact and small, this is just what you’re looking for. This sleek and beautiful microwave rice cooker has a capacity of only two cups of rice but is still great at cooking perfect rice.
You get a measuring cup and a paddle with the cooker, all of which are made from heat-resistant polypropylene and traditional white charcoal. You can rest assured the product is made from BPA-free materials and is safe to use.
You’ll find the lid is multi-purpose and can be used to strain your rice when you rinse it while also being able to prevent spills during cooking. The cooker’s clips ensure that the lid fits securely and is locked. Because it’s dishwasher-safe, this microwave rice cooker is very easy to clean.
The only noticeable drawback of this little microwave rice cooker is that the manual is only available in Japanese, and finding English instructions can be difficult. With that said, you should be able to figure out the best way to use it without too much effort or trouble.
Pros
- Perfect for making small servings
- Affordable
- Comes with useful accessories
- Multi-purpose lid
- Easy to clean
- BPA-free
- Durable and sturdy design
Cons
- Japanese manual with no English guidelines
Home-X – Microwave Rice Cooker
This BPA-free, sturdy, and durable microwave rice cooker is the perfect choice for anyone just starting with rice cooking and wanting something that is easy to use. Getting the right water-to-rice ratio can be difficult if you’re not used to making rice, and this cooker makes it less stressful.
The directions that come with the cooker will guide you to make perfect rice in just 15 minutes. Its pressure chamber steams the rice the same way a traditional rice cooker does, giving you fluffy rice that you can show off with.
You’re guaranteed splatter-free cooking thanks to the locking clips that are secured with ease and keep the lid down tightly. Although this is a good microwave rice cooker for beginners, it doesn’t hold back and has a capacity of 10 cups of rice.
As a little bonus, you get a rice spoon that can be washed along with the cooker in the dishwasher when you’re done. The cooker doesn’t have lids so be careful and always use oven mitts to avoid getting hurt.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Good rice capacity
- BPA-free
- Steam vents for even cooking
- Affordable
- Ideal for beginners
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- No handles
Sistema Microwave Collection Rice Cooker
The appearance of this rice cooker can be quite deceiving — it looks like a simple lunchbox but is able to make perfect fluffy rice every time. It has an impressive capacity of 13 cups of rice, which means you’ll be able to cook enough rice for the whole family.
The inner steamer basket stays cool even after the food has been cooked fully, so you can touch it without the risk of getting hurt. The lid’s locks are high-quality and stay securely in place to ensure a mess-free cooking process.
Versatile cooking is easy with this rice cooker; you can prepare anything from rice to vegetables, meat, and fish in less than the time it would take on the stove. Cleanups are also easy because the cooker is dishwasher-safe. It’s made from phthalate-free and BPA-free materials for your safety.
Pros
- Easy to clean and use
- BPA-free
- Versatile cooking
- Durable materials and design
- Impressive capacity
- Secure lid
- Stays cool to the touch
Cons
- May be too big for smaller families
Pampered Chef 1 Quart Micro Cooker
Last, but certainly not least, on our list is another Pampered Chef rice cooker. This is a micro cooker, so it’s not made for big families or people who like to eat lots of rice in one sitting. It has a capacity of four cups of rice, so it is ideal for a single person or student hoping to make enough food for the day.
The design of this little rice cooker ensures consistent water draining so your rice will never be soggy. The cooker’s pot is also designed to make pouring easier, which means you can prepare soups and dish them up with ease.
You can prepare rice as well as steamed vegetables in this cooker, and it’s fairly easy to clean as well. Although this is a great rice cooker, it’s a bit expensive given how small and limited it is.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Ideal for students
- Consistent water draining
- Can steam vegetables and soups too
Cons
- Bit expensive for its size
What Are Microwave Rice Cookers?
A microwave rice cooker is a specially-made plastic container that can cook rice in the microwave. You can make perfectly cooked rice in about half the time it would have taken normally.
Some microwave rice cookers can also prepare quinoa, couscous, and polenta. The really fancy ones are able to steam veggies, pasta, and more.
If you’re looking to buy a microwave rice cooker but don’t know which one of the many available options to choose from, this article will save you a lot of time. We’ll discuss the best microwave rice cookers and explain what features are important in separating good microwave rice cookers from mediocre ones.
Considerations for Microwave Rice Cookers
There are a few things to keep in mind when you browse through microwave rice cookers.
The Size of Your Microwave
How big is your microwave? Will the rice cooker you’re hoping to buy fit inside? It’s important that your rice cooker fits in your microwave perfectly. If it doesn’t, the rice won’t be cooked evenly and you’ll have gross food instead of perfectly cooked rice.
What Food Do You Want to Make?
You can’t expect a microwave rice cooker to be able to cook a three-course meal, but there are some that can cook a decent amount of food. Try to find out as much as you can about what the cooker is able to do before buying it and ending up disappointed.
Bisphenol A
Bisphenol A, commonly referred to as BPA, is a chemical that has been used to make plastics since the 1950s, such as water bottles and containers. According to research, this chemical can seep into food and beverages from these containers.
That’s a problem because BPA can lead to many health issues like negative effects on the prostate gland and brain of fetuses and children. There are other health risks associated with BPA, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
If that’s a concern for you, look for a microwave rice cooker that is BPA-free.
Ease of Cleaning
You will find that most microwave rice cookers are dishwasher-safe. That means cleaning will be a lot simpler than with a traditional rice cooker. However, not all of them can be washed in the dishwasher, so make sure you double-check before putting them in there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the best microwave rice cooker, and their answers. You’ll certainly find the answers you need here.
Can I Microwave a Rice Cooker?
There are two kinds of rice cookers — those that are plugged in and use electricity, and those made for use in the microwave. You can safely use a microwave rice cooker in the microwave, as the name suggests. You should never try to put an electric rice cooker in your microwave, even if you can remove the power cord.
Which Brand of Rice Cooker Is Best?
This depends completely on you and what you prefer and want from your rice cooker. The microwave rice cookers that made our list are the best of the best, and you’ll have a good time making rice with them.
Can You Cook Pasta in a Microwave Rice Cooker?
It is possible, but the pasta must be thin, and you cannot cook a large amount. It’s best to make sure your microwave rice cooker can actually cook pasta, or you might end up with undercooked and soggy food.
Are Plastic Microwave Rice Cookers Safe?
Yes, these rice cookers were made to be able to handle the heat of a microwave and won’t get damaged.
How Do You Cook Rice in a Microwave Rice Cooker?
You may think that cooking rice in a microwave rice cooker is the same as it would be in an electric rice cooker, but it’s not. Microwaves behave differently, so the process is different.
You must get the water-to-rice ratio right, and know the best heat setting. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on making rice in your microwave rice cooker:
Step One
Wash your rice and rub it together to get rid of any dirt and starch. Once the water is murky, drain the rice and pour in clean water. Repeat until you’re satisfied that your rice is clean.
Step Two
Pour the right amount of water into the microwave rice cooker. This depends on the capacity of your cooker and how much rice you’re planning to cook. Typically, you’ll use 1.5 cups of water for 1 cup of rice, 4.5 to 5 cups of water for 3 cups of rice, and 6.5 to 7 cups of water for 5 cups of rice.
Step Three
Make sure your cooker’s lid is tightly secured and put it in your microwave on high heat. Your rice cooker should have a manual indicating how long you need to microwave the rice.
Step Four
Once the rice is cooked, let it stand for five minutes to cool off. Fluff with a fork and serve as you desire.
Is a Microwave Rice Cooker Worth It?
If you want to save time but still eat yummy rice, yes, a microwave rice cooker is worth it. However, most of them don’t have the ability to cook large amounts of rice. If you have a big family or have to prepare a lot of rice at once, you’re better off with an electric rice cooker.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Rice in a Microwave Cooker?
This depends on the microwave rice cooker and the amount of rice you’re cooking. In general, you will cook white rice for anything between 10 and 20 minutes, and brown rice should be cooked between 18 and 20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – a guide to the best microwave rice cooker for you and your family. Now you just need to choose which one is best and you can make perfectly cooked rice that will surprise everyone who finds out it was made in a microwave. Our top pick has to be the Progressive Microwaveable Rice and Pasta Cooker because it is a complete set with everything you could need. It’s also affordable, easy to clean, and BPA-free, despite being rather unsuitable for instant rice.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
