6 Best Rice Cookers Under $100 to Buy in 2026

For those navigating limited kitchen space but demanding versatility, the Aroma ARC-914SBD emerges as a compelling digital option. Its user-friendly programmable controls, featuring dedicated settings for White Rice, Brown Rice, and Flash Rice, take the guesswork out of cooking. The integrated Steam function, allowing you to prepare proteins or vegetables simultaneously above the cooking grains, is a major time-saving advantage for busy individuals or small families. This model aims to solve the common pain point of needing multiple appliances by combining several functions into one sleek unit.

Performance-wise, the Aroma ARC-914SBD leverages Sensor Logic Technology to automatically manage internal temperature, promising consistently fluffy results for up to 8 cups of cooked rice. Its 2-quart capacity is well-suited for preparing sides or modest main dishes. While it handles standard rice and steaming tasks with ease, the ‘Flash Rice’ function is a standout for significantly reducing cook time when you’re in a hurry. It’s a reliable performer for its size, though complex multi-grain blends might require slight adjustments compared to dedicated high-end models.

Positioned as a strong digital contender for small kitchens, this Aroma offers more programming flexibility than basic one-touch cookers like the Aroma ARC-747-1NGR. While it doesn’t boast the extensive multi-cooker modes or Fuzzy Logic precision of the Toshiba B091TW6ND5, its balance of features and compact size makes it ideal for individuals or couples needing a digital upgrade without sacrificing counter space. It provides greater cooking control compared to the ultra-simple Dash B07G5WJBQN at a similar overall value proposition.

The Comfee’ B0987JNH24 stands out as a highly versatile 6-in-1 appliance packed into a compact form factor. Beyond standard rice cooking (white and brown), it impressively includes functions for steaming, slow cooking, sautéing, and oatmeal/quinoa, making it a true multi-tasker for smaller households. Its intuitive digital panel with six one-touch programs simplifies operation, directly addressing the desire for convenience in meal preparation. The stainless steel exterior adds a touch of durability and easy cleaning, appealing to users who value both form and function.

In testing, the Comfee’ B0987JNH24 handles its core functions capably. The 2-quart capacity, yielding up to 8 cups of cooked rice, is suitable for small family meals or side dishes. Its slow cook and sauté functions add significant utility not typically found in basic rice cookers, allowing for simple stews or searing ingredients before cooking. The 12-hour delay timer provides excellent flexibility for meal planning. While its rice cooking is reliable, it lacks the advanced sensor technology found in higher-end models like the Toshiba B091TW6ND5, meaning results might vary slightly depending on the rice type.

Comparing it to the Aroma ARC-914SBD, the Comfee’ B0987JNH24 offers more multi-cooker functions (slow cook, sauté) at a very similar capacity and digital interface. It provides significantly more program options than the simple Aroma ARC-747-1NGR. For users prioritizing a wider range of cooking methods beyond just rice and steaming in a compact digital unit, the Comfee’ offers a compelling feature set that provides excellent value relative to its capabilities.

For the individual diner or those with extremely limited counter space, the Dash B07G5WJBQN is a delightfully simple and ultra-compact solution. Its minimalist design and single-button operation make it incredibly approachable, perfect for dorm rooms, small apartments, or RVs. While its primary function is cooking rice, its ability to handle oatmeal, pasta, and even small portions of soup or stew makes it surprisingly versatile for its size. This cooker is designed to tackle the challenge of preparing single servings quickly and without fuss.

Operating the Dash B07G5WJBQN couldn’t be easier: add ingredients, water, and press cook. It automatically switches to a Keep Warm function once cooking is complete, preventing burning and ensuring your single serving is ready when you are. The tiny 2-cup cooked capacity (half quart) is its defining characteristic, ideal for strict portion control or solo meals. Its performance is straightforward and reliable for simple grains, though it lacks the precision or multi-functionality for complex dishes or larger batches. It’s a quick and efficient tool for basic needs.

When placed alongside other small cookers like the Aroma ARC-393NG (6-cup cooked), the Dash B07G5WJBQN is notably smaller, focusing purely on single-serving convenience. It’s far simpler than the digital Toshiba B091TW6ND5 with its Fuzzy Logic and multiple programs. The Dash is the ultimate in portability and simplicity, trading off capacity and advanced features for its tiny footprint and effortless operation, representing a value proposition focused purely on individual, quick use.

Stepping up the game for mini rice cookers, the Toshiba B091TW6ND5 brings advanced Fuzzy Logic technology to a compact form factor, promising perfectly cooked rice every time. This isn’t just a basic cooker; it features eight dedicated cooking functions, including specific settings for White Rice, Brown Rice, Mixed Grain, Slow Cook, Porridge, and even Cake. It’s designed for users who need consistent, high-quality results and greater versatility in a small package, addressing the desire for precision without needing a large appliance.

The performance of the Toshiba B091TW6ND5 is where it truly shines for its size class. The Fuzzy Logic system intelligently adjusts cooking time and temperature based on the rice type and quantity, resulting in exceptionally fluffy and evenly cooked grains. Its 6-cup cooked capacity is suitable for individuals or small families. Beyond rice, the slow cook and porridge functions perform well, adding genuine utility. The 24-hour delay timer is a premium feature allowing for significant meal planning flexibility. While powerful for its size, the non-stick pot requires hand washing, unlike some dishwasher-safe competitors.

Compared to simpler mini cookers like the Dash B07G5WJBQN or Aroma ARC-393NG, the Toshiba B091TW6ND5 offers a significant leap in technology and functionality. It provides more precise cooking than the Aroma ARC-914SBD, albeit in a smaller capacity. For those who prioritize superior rice texture and a wider range of cooking programs in a mini size, the Toshiba justifies its position by offering advanced features and performance that punch well above its weight, representing a strong value for quality-focused users.

The Aroma ARC-393NG is designed for effortless cooking catering specifically to individuals or small households. Its core appeal lies in its ultimate simplicity: a single button initiates the cooking process. This cooker focuses on getting the basics right – perfectly preparing up to 6 cups of cooked rice – and automatically transitions to a Keep Warm mode. It’s a straightforward appliance that directly addresses the need for a reliable, no-fuss solution for smaller batches, eliminating complexity from the cooking process.

Performance on the Aroma ARC-393NG is exactly what you’d expect from a one-touch cooker: dependable for white rice and grains that cook using a standard method. Its 1.5-quart capacity is well-suited for preparing side dishes for a couple or a single meal with leftovers. The non-stick pot makes cleaning relatively easy. While it lacks the multiple programs of digital models or the precision of Fuzzy Logic, its strength is its consistent, straightforward operation for its intended purpose. It’s a workhorse for simple tasks but won’t handle complex recipes.

Positioned slightly larger than the ultra-mini Dash B07G5WJBQN (2-cup cooked), the Aroma ARC-393NG offers a bit more capacity while maintaining the same one-touch simplicity. It’s significantly less featured than the Toshiba B091TW6ND5 or the digital Aroma ARC-914SBD, lacking delay timers or multiple cooking modes. This Aroma model is best suited for users who want a basic, reliable rice cooker for small quantities without any extra bells and whistles, offering a very budget-friendly entry point into electric rice cooking.

For those needing to feed a crowd or simply wanting ample leftovers, the Aroma ARC-747-1NGR is a classic, high-capacity workhorse. Its generous 14-cup cooked capacity makes it ideal for larger families, entertaining, or batch cooking. The operation couldn’t be simpler: a single lever initiates cooking, and it automatically switches to a Keep Warm mode when done. This cooker excels at its core function – producing large quantities of rice with minimal user input, solving the problem of cooking for many without complex controls.

Performance of the Aroma ARC-747-1NGR is reliable for basic white rice in larger batches. The included steam tray adds useful functionality, allowing you to steam vegetables or proteins simultaneously above the rice. The nonstick pot and accessories are dishwasher-safe, a significant convenience for larger units. While it consistently delivers cooked rice, it lacks the precision of digital controls or Fuzzy Logic found in smaller models like the Toshiba B091TW6ND5, meaning results might be less consistent with different grain types or smaller quantities. Its strength lies in its capacity and ease of cleaning.

Compared to smaller digital models like the Aroma ARC-914SBD or Comfee’ B0987JNH24, the Aroma ARC-747-1NGR offers significantly more capacity but sacrifices programmable features and versatility (like slow cooking or sautéing). It provides a much larger cooking volume than any of the mini cookers (Dash, Toshiba, Aroma ARC-393NG). This model is the go-to choice for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing sheer volume and straightforward operation over advanced features or cooking modes, offering immense capacity for its value.