A multifunction rice cooker can earn its counter space by doing more than cooking rice. Depending on the model, it may steam food, slow-cook dishes, sauté ingredients, prepare porridge and other grains, and keep a meal warm. The “rice cooker” label can undersell what is essentially a compact multi-cooker.
What can you cook in a rice cooker besides rice?
There is no single standard feature set: programs vary by model. Current manufacturer examples show how far some rice cookers extend beyond plain white rice.
Grains, porridge, and oatmeal
Zojirushi’s global catalog lists a fuzzy-logic multifunction model with programs for white rice, brown rice, quinoa, congee, and steel-cut oatmeal. Its U.S. feature guide also lists porridge, quinoa, and steel-cut oatmeal settings, although the available programs depend on the particular cooker. Zojirushi Global product catalog and Zojirushi USA feature guide
Steaming
Some models can steam food, and Zojirushi says some include a steaming basket. Check whether a basket comes with the specific model and whether its steaming capacity suits what you plan to cook; the listed feature alone does not establish either detail. Zojirushi USA feature guide
#1 Best Overall
- Easy-to-use programmable digital controls complete with an automatic Keep Warm mode after each cycle
- An array of preset functions for every kind of meal: White Rice, Brown Rice, Steam, Flash Rice
- Steam meat, vegetables and more with the provided Steam Tray all while rice cooks below
- Perfectly prepares 2 to 8 cups of any variety of cooked rice or grains
- Sensor Logic Technology for delicious, fluffy rice and grains every time - automatically controls the internal temperature throughout the cooking cycle for optimal texture and flavor
Slow cooking and sautéing
Instant Pot’s 12-Cup Grain and Rice Multi-Cooker lists slow-cooked dishes and sautéed meals among its seven cooking functions. Its 20-Cup model lists both functions too. Instant Pot UK describes its rice cooker as also working as a steamer, slow cooker, and sauté pan. Instant Pot 12-Cup product page, Instant Pot 20-Cup product page, and Instant Pot UK product page
How do multifunction rice cookers compare?
These examples illustrate different approaches: Zojirushi’s listed programs emphasize rice and grain varieties, porridge, and oatmeal; Instant Pot’s listed functions include one-pot meal techniques such as sautéing and slow cooking.
Rank #2
- PFAS-FREE CERAMIC NONSTICK INTERIOR: GreenLife’s easy-to-clean ceramic nonstick delivers effortless release with quick cleanup.
- 6 CUPS COOKED RICE: Effortlessly cooks 6 cups of rice, doubling the raw rice amount, giving you plenty for family meals or larger gatherings.
- PRECISE COOKING: Accurate interior measuring lines guide you for the perfect water-to-rice ratio, ensuring consistent, delicious results every time.
- AUTO KEEP WARM: Automatically switches to ‘Keep Warm’ mode once your rice is cooked, ensuring your meal stays hot and ready until you're ready to serve.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Removable, dishwasher safe parts make cleaning a breeze, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal.
| Model or guide | Non-rice functions described | Other stated details |
|---|---|---|
| Zojirushi fuzzy-logic multifunction model, Global catalog | Congee, quinoa, steel-cut oatmeal, steam, and slow cook | Also lists white- and brown-rice programs. Capacity and warm duration are not stated in the cited catalog entry. Source |
| Zojirushi feature guide, USA | Steam, slow cook, porridge, cake, quinoa, and steel-cut oatmeal; some models include a steaming basket | The guide covers features across models rather than establishing that every cooker has every feature. Source |
| Instant Pot 12-Cup Grain and Rice Multi-Cooker | CarbReduce, slow-cooked dishes, sautéed meals, steaming, and keep warm | Seven cooking functions total; warming is listed for up to 10 hours. Source |
| Instant Pot 20-Cup Grain and Rice Multi-Cooker | Mixed grains, quinoa, slow-cooked dishes, sautéed meals, steaming, and keep warm | Nine cooking functions total; warming is listed for up to 10 hours. Source |
| Instant Pot UK rice cooker | Steaming, slow cooking, and sautéing | The UK product page says the pot, basket, and accessories are dishwasher safe. Confirm the care instructions for the exact model and market. Source |
Is a multifunction rice cooker worth it?
It may be a practical choice if you want one countertop appliance to handle rice plus a few recurring jobs, such as steaming vegetables, making porridge, or sautéing ingredients for a one-pot meal. The more useful question is not how many modes appear on the control panel, but whether the cooker’s non-rice functions match meals you actually make.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Micro computerized fuzzy logic technology. Capacity Up to 5.5 cups / 1.0 liter,Dimensions (W x D x H) 10-1/8 x 14 x 8-1/2 inches. The electrical rating is 120 volts / 610 watts
- Automatic keep warm, extended keep warm and reheating cycle
- Easy to clean clear coated stainless steel exterior, 2 delay time settings
- Interchangeable melody and beep signal
- Built in retractable power cord
Rank #4
- 5-1/2-cup computerized rice cooker and warmer with advanced Neuro Fuzzy logic technology. Wall mountable
- Multi-menu selections; automatic keep-warm, extended keep-warm, and reheat cycles. Electrical Rating - 120 volts / 680 watts
- Spherical, nonstick inner pan allows for uniform heating; LCD clock and timer; retractable cord
- Menu settings include white (regular/sushi, softer or harder), mixed, porridge, sweet, semi-brown, brown, rinse-free and quick cooking
- Measures approximately 14 by 8 by 9 inches; 1-year limited warranty, Dimensions (W x D x H) : 10-1/8 x 13 x 8-1/8 inches
Rank #3
- COOK MOUTH-WATERING & FLUFFY RICE EVERY SINGLE TIME without wasting your time over the pot! The Elite Gourmet ERC006SS professional rice cooker is here to help you cook up to 6 cups (3-cups uncooked) of your favorite jasmine, basmati or brown rice effortlessly! No more waiting for the water to boil, no more watching and guessing if the rice is cooked! Our innovative rice cooker will make your life easier and cooking for your family 100% hassle-free!
- WANT PERFECTLY COOKED RICE? JUST SET IT & FORGET IT! Sick and tired of undercooked or overcooked rice? The Elite Gourmet professional rice cooker will evenly cook your rice and then automatically switch to “Keep Warm” function, which will make sure that your delicious rice is fresh and warm for hours before serving! Take all the guesswork out of cooking your sushi or black rice and enjoy your favorite Indian or Chinese recipes effortlessly!
- STAINLESS STEEL INNER POT! Unlike flimsy aluminum pots, our rice cooker features a stainless steel cooking pot, which is more durable and practical! Save your precious time and effort, since our stainless steel inner pot is super-easy to clean and can endure any abuse without skipping a beat! And the best part? You can remove it and serve your yummy rice straight from the cooker!
- THE ALL-INCLUSIVE HOUSEWARMING GIFT IDEA for a hassle-free cooking experience! The cool-touch side handles will prevent accidents while the tempered-glass lid will allow you to check on your rice anytime! Plus, our rice cooker comes with 2 BONUS accessories: a handy measuring cup so you can stop guessing the right amount of rice and a convenient serving spatula! Spoil your rice-loving friends or family with the Elite Gourmet all-in-one rice cooker!
- PERFECT CAPACITY cooks up to 6 cups of cooked rice for the entire family and more! This rice cooker holds up to 3 cups of raw rice and 6 cups of cooked rice - enough for multiple servings.
- Choose a rice-focused programmable cooker if rice texture and a broad selection of grain or porridge menus matter most.
- Consider a broader multi-cooker if sautéing, slow cooking, and steaming would replace steps or appliances in your routine.
- Check the included basket and cleanup requirements if steaming is a deciding feature.
What to check before choosing one
- Steam setup: Confirm whether the basket is included and whether its capacity works for your portions.
- Slow-cook controls: Look for the temperature or program details you need; the cited product descriptions do not specify slow-cook temperatures.
- Sautéing: Verify that the model supports sautéing if you want to brown ingredients in the cooker before slow cooking.
- Menus: Match grain, porridge, and oatmeal programs to the foods you make rather than relying on a headline mode count.
- Warm duration: The cited Instant Pot 12-Cup and 20-Cup pages state up to 10 hours; do not assume that limit applies to other models.
- Capacity and cleanup: Check the model’s actual bowl capacity and care instructions. Instant Pot UK’s dishwasher-safe statement applies to the product described on that UK page, not automatically to every market or model.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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