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RICE is one of those foods it’s difficult to cook really well so adding one of the best rice cookers on the market to your culinary arsenal is definitely a good idea – bye-bye soggy porridge and hello fluffy, steamed rice.

The type you go for will depend on the size of your family and whether or not you’re into cooking – so if you are passionate about pressure cookers, mad about multi cookers and your slow cooker is always on the go, then you’re definitely going to want one of the super-duper high-tech versions.

However, if you’re more of a microwave maven and cooking means nothing more to you than a means to stay alive, then fret not, as we have something for you too.

Our roundup of the best rice cookers on the market will definitely give you food for thought and lots of options to choose from.

It’s the most expensive of the bunch but if you’re serious about rice, this futuristic-looking mini rice cooker has all the features you could ever need in one tiny package.

Ideal for one to three people, it has a 24-hour timer, a keep-warm function and it can be used to cook sushi rice, as well as other foods like porridge and even cake.

Settings: 7, preset timer: yes, keep warm function: yes, capacity: 0.63litre

SQ Professional Lustro Stainless Steel Rice Cooker , £19.99 from Amazon – buy here

With a generous 800ml capacity, this rice cooker is ideal for a dinner party as it can cook four cups of rice at once.

The glass lid means you can keep an eye on things as the rice cooks and there’s a keep warm function as well as a non-stick 0.8L removable bowl.

The cooker comes with a measuring cup and rice scoop, too.

Settings: 2, preset timer: no, keep warm function: yes, capacity: 0.8litre

If affordability is your main concern, this sleek black rice cooker gets great reviews, and is excellent value for the price.

It comes with all the usual accessories – a removable pot, toughened glass lid, measuring cup and spoon – and it makes perfect fluffy white and brown rice every time.

Settings: 2, preset timer: no, keep warm function: yes, capacity: 1.5litres

Fans of Italian food will appreciate the additional stir-free risotto-making functionality built into this innovative model.

The machine agitates the rice while simmering and then switches off as soon as the risotto is ready, for effortless cooking.

The sauté/sear setting lets you fry off the other ingredients first, for easy one-pot preparation.

You can also use the Risotto Plus for cooking white rice and brown rice, as well as for slow cooking, making this a versatile piece of kitchen kit.

Settings: 7, preset timer: no, keep warm function: yes, capacity: 3.7litres

The cheapest rice cooker on our list, this non-electric pot is designed to go in the microwave and is a great option if you aren’t keen on investing in another standalone kitchen appliance (or you just don't like cooking).

The cooker consists of a container, lid, pressure chamber tray and a spoon – all made from BPA-free plastic.

A simple, no-frills way to prepare rice, couscous and polenta.

Settings: 0, preset timer: no, keep warm function: no, capacity: 2.6litres

This 700-watt rice cooker is a reliable option and its generous 1.8-litre capacity means you can cook up to 10 portions of rice. Pop in the additional steamer tray and you can cook fish or vegetables at the same time.

Other useful features include an automatic keep-warm function, non-slip feet and a glass lid.

Settings: 2, preset timer: no, keep warm function: yes, capacity: 1.8litres

The red metal exterior of this rice cooker from German brand Klarstein will add a pop of colour to your kitchen counter.

Excellent for cooking all types of rice, as well as grains and semolina, this model is great for small households, though it’s also available in a larger 1.5-litre version.

One-button operation keeps things super simple and the cooker automatically switches to keep-warm mode when your rice is ready.

Settings: 2, preset timer: no, keep warm function: yes, capacity: 1litre

Steam and low pressure combine in the Judge rice cooker to produce perfect rice every time, no matter what the variety.

It features a keep warm option, automatic shut off, inside measurements for water, a cool-touch outer shell and a locking lid.

This is one of the bigger rice cookers on the market and is perfect for larger households.

Settings: 2, preset timer: no, keep warm function: yes, capacity: 1.8litres

A little goes a long way with the Lakeland 2 portion mini cooker.

It has a lift-out non-stick 500ml pan and is ideal for those who want easy rice at the touch of a button.

The timers mean you don't have to watch over the pan and with the included measuring cups, there's no need to work out the rice-to-water ratio.

A delay timer means you can slow cook your rice, or even wake up to fresh cooked rice if the fancy takes you!

Settings: 3, preset timer: yes, keep warm function: yes, capacity: 0.5litre

Cook up a storm of delicious rice every time with the Reishunger rice cooker.

Reishunger recommends the cooker is best used with white and whole grain rice, such as sushi, aromatic, jasmine and basmati rice.

It cooks up to six servings at once, has a non-stick coating and a steamer function.

One happy customer stated: 'If you're looking for a great rice cooker that just cooks rice, this has my husband's seal of approval and you can't get much higher praise than that.'

Settings: 2, preset timer: no, keep warm function: yes, capacity: 1.2litres

Prepare perfect rice the quick and easy way with the authentic Cuckoo rice cooker.

With its good looks this cooker looks great displayed in the kitchen, but it also packs a punch with its functionality - as well as simple one-touch operation and a keep warm cycle, the Cuckoo is ideal for cooking soups and stews as well.

The appliance has a non-stick removable inner pot and comes with a rice measuring cup and spatula.

Settings: 2, preset timer: no, keep warm function: yes, capacity: 0.54litres

Crockpot is well-known for its home cooking appliances and the Crockpot saute rice cooker is the latest addition to their line.

This cooker has a whopping 2.2L capacity so is perfect for larger family gatherings or dinner parties.

The saute function is suitable for exotic paellas and risottos, while the auto-keep warm function means your rice stays ready to eat for up to 60 minutes. Great for cooking white rice, paella, risotto, and rice or oat-based desserts. Delish!

Settings: 3, preset timer: no, keep warm function: yes, capacity: 2.2litres

We've rounded up all of the information you could possibly want to know about the best rice cookers available, so you can choose your perfect appliance with confidence.

A rice cooker is a small kitchen appliance with a built-in thermostat that is designed to boil or steam rice automatically. The best rice cookers have several functions as well as a basic cook option. These can include warming, slow cook, steaming and risotto functions.

Many come with measuring cups so you always add the correct amount of water for perfectly fluffy rice. No need to watch the pan or refill with water.

Rice cookers are available with different capacities, from two servings for singles or couples, up to 10 or 12 servings for  large families and dinner parties. Some can also steam fish or vegetables while others are great for sushi, risotto and paella.

While each brand will have its own instruction manual specific to the model in question, there are a number of basics that work with any rice cooker.

First of all, make sure you rinse the rice to remove excess starch before adding it to your cooker. Next, either add water to the cooking pan with the measuring cup included, or add water to the indicated fill level inside the pan, depending on your model of cooker.

Close the lid, select your cooking programme if your appliance offers that option, and switch on. The rice cooks and is ready in around 15-20 minutes. Your cooker will automatically move to keep warm mode when its contents are cooked.

Rice cookers work automatically and your rice will never boil dry or burn. The water is absorbed into the rice until it becomes tender, but unlike a normal pan, it is self-regulating so you don't need to watch it, leaving you free to do something else.

It depends on the amount and type of rice you're cooking, as well as on the size of your appliance.

Cooking white rice is quickest - around 15 minutes. Brown rice takes longer (as it does when you cook it the traditional way, on the hob).

If your rice cooker is small and you're cooking one or two portions, then the time it takes from switch-on to dinner-ready will be less than if you're cooking for a party of 10.

Generally speaking, average cooking time is in the region of 25 minutes.

You can cook rice in a slow cooker, no problem. Coat the inside of your cooker with olive oil to help prevent the rice sticking as it cooks, then after that the basic steps are the same.

So you need to rinse the rice to remove excess starch, add it to your slow cooker, add water and add salt.

Set your slow cooker to high and set the timer for 2 hours (or check after around 2 hours if your model doesn’t have a built-in timer). If it’s not yet done to your liking then leave it for longer. Stir occasionally to help stop the rice sticking to the base and sides of the cooker.

You certainly can. With the right method you can cook perfect pasta.

First, add water and a dash of salt to the pan – you will need more water than you would use for cooking rice. Close the lid and switch on, then when the water is boiling, add your pasta.

As it cooks remember to keep any eye on the time, as pasta is quicker to cook than rice.

If you like maximum taste and texture with minimum effort, the short answer is yes.

Using a rice cooker ensures the end result is fluffy and perfectly cooked. You don't have to worry about overcooked, burned or undercooked rice - and you don't have to keep an eye on it while it's cooking either.

There's a variety of cookers on the market, from budget rice cookers to pro versions so you're sure to find something to suit.

If you eat rice frequently, or you enjoy different types of rice dishes, such as sushi, risottos and paella, then a rice cooker can be a great addition to your kitchen.

Standalone electric rice cookers obviously cannot be washed in a dishwasher. However, many models have removeable inner bowls or pans and these are often dishwasher-safe, though read the instructions for your particular appliance to check first!

Clean the outer unit with a damp cloth only and avoid getting water into the electrics, plug or power cable.

Microwave rice cookers are generally dishwasher-safe, but again check before washing.

Whether you prefer to shop online or on the high street, there are many places that sell rice cookers.

Internet retailers such as Amazon have a great range of rice cookers. Argos, Lakeland, Robert Dyas and John Lewis are always good bets. Other possibilities include Very, Wayfair and Currys.

You can also take a look at Sun Vouchers to see if you can score a discount.

The best rice cooker for you depends on your needs. Are you cooking for yourself, for a partner as well, for a family, for a bunch of friends?

Will a basic model suit you are do you want an appliance that creates perfect risotto or paella? Do you host dinner parties every week, or is the ping of the microwave your timer of choice?

There are rice cookers to suit all budgets so a bit of thought before buying means you will end up with the best rice cooker for your needs.

Microwave versions cost a few pounds, even basic automatic cookers are not expensive - one of the cookers featured in our roundup costs under £20.

If you're looking for extra functions and considering a high-tech cooker, then the price rises accordingly. Expect to pay around £50 for a mid-range model, and over £100 for a high-end appliance.

The most advance rice cookers use fuzzy logic to work out optimal cooking times and can make automatic adjustments for best results. They may also feature programmes for cooking other foods.

There are some great brands of rice cookers on the market and it is best to research the type you will need.

We found some by classic brands such as Russell Hobbs, Lakeland, Cookworks and Crockpot while there are many other individual online brands like Klarstein, Judge and SQ.

There are a few basics to look for when purchasing a rice cooker.

Easy-to-use controls are a must. Also, check the cooker has a removeable and non-stick pan base, which means rice will not stick to the bottom and the pan will be easier to clean.

A keep warm setting is a great addition if you want to serve perfectly cooked rice at the right temperature. Some models also have a quick cook function for when you're super hungry and just cannot wait.

Other great settings include a reheat cycle, slow cook programme, and texture settings for super soft, or slightly firmer grains.

Your microwave rice cooker will have instructions with it, but in a nutshell you:

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