Best rice cooker for basmati rice | Top 5 to cook long-grain to perfection

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated April 26, 2022

If you like to cook your rice with a Japanese rice cooker, you’re probably wondering what brands are worth buying if you plan to cook mainly basmati rice.

Basmati rice is a long-grain, aromatic rice that is popular in Indian and Pakistani cuisine.

But, basmati is not like white and brown rice. It has a light nutty flavor and a fluffy texture when cooked correctly.

To cook perfect basmati rice every time, you need the right equipment: a high-quality rice cooker.

In order to get the perfect light and fluffy textured basmati, you need a rice cooker like the Toshiba Rice Cooker with Fuzzy Logic which has a special long-grain rice setting.

There’s no such thing as a “basmati-only” rice cooker but you can use almost all rice cookers to cook basmati.

So, I’ve put together a list of the best rice cookers for basmati rice, considering various factors such as price, capacity, cooking time, and ease of use.

First, look at the options in the table then read the full reviews down below.

Best rice cooker for basmati rice	Images
Best overall rice cooker for basmati: Toshiba (3L) with Fuzzy Logic	(view more images)
Best budget rice cooker for basmati: Aroma Housewares 20 Cup	(view more images)
Best rice cooker for brown basmati rice: Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy	(view more images)
Best touch-screen rice cooker for basmati: CUCKOO CR-0675F 6-Cup Micom	(view more images)
Best induction rice cooker for basmati & best small: Buffalo White IH SMART COOKER	(view more images)

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Buying guide

White basmati rice takes less time to cook than brown long-grain basmati, for example. Therefore, you need a versatile rice cooker that can accommodate different cooking times.

Some rice cookers have a slow-cook function which is perfect for brown basmati.

Rice cooker size

Another important factor to consider is the capacity of the rice cooker.

Most rice cookers have a capacity of 1-2 liters, but if you have a large family or entertain often, you might need a 3-liter or even a 5-liter rice cooker.

You need to check how many cups of rice you can cook at once and then decide how much rice you need to fit your lifestyle.

Know that sometimes the manufacturer mentions the number of cooked cups of rice, and sometimes the number of uncooked cups of rice.

One cup of uncooked rice is about the same as one cup of cooked rice.

Cooking functions

Since basmati rice is long-grain rice, you should get a rice cooker with a “long-grain function.” This function will cook the rice for a longer time so that each grain is cooked evenly.

Some other functions to look out for are a “keep warm” function and a “delayed start” function.

The keep-warm function will keep your rice at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to serve it.

And the delayed start function allows you to set the rice cooker to start cooking at a later time, so your rice will be ready when you are.

Digital display

A digital display is not a necessity, but it can be helpful. It allows you to see how much time is left until your rice is done cooking.

Some digital displays also have a built-in clock so you can set the cooker to start cooking at a specific time.

Fuzzy logic

Fuzzy logic is a feature that is found in some higher-end rice cookers.

It adjusts the cooking time and temperature automatically, so you don’t have to worry about overcooking or undercooking your rice.

Find more great fuzzy logic rice cookers reviewed here

Bowl/pot

Some rice cooker bowls are made of stainless steel whereas some are made of aluminum. These all have a nonstick coating.

Stainless steel is more durable than aluminum, but it is also more expensive. If you’re on a budget, aluminum is a good option.

Just be aware that an aluminum inner pot is more likely to cause scorched rice because the non-stick coating can come off and chip off in time.

I personally prefer a stainless steel inner pot and have listed my favorite stainless steel inner pot rice cookers here.

The pot should have a nonstick coating so that the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom and burn. It should also be easy to clean.

Length of the power cord

Some other factors you might want to consider are the length of the power cord and the warranty.

For the power cord, you’ll want to make sure that it is long enough to reach an outlet. And for the warranty, you’ll want to make sure that it covers any defects or damages that might occur.

Accessories

Another factor to look for is whether the rice cooker comes with any accessories such as a measuring cup or serving spoon.

Some rice cookers also come with a steamer basket, which can be used to steam vegetables or fish.

Did you know you can also easily prepare baby food with a rice cooker? Here’s how

Best rice cookers for basmati rice reviewed

So now we know what makes a rice cooker great for preparing perfectly cooked and fluffy basmati rice.

Let’s dive into the individual reviews, so you can find the best one for you.

Best overall rice cooker for basmati: Toshiba (3L) with Fuzzy Logic

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• size: 3L/2.8 QT or 6 cups uncooked
• digital display: yes
• has a long-grain rice program
• fuzzy logic: yes
• inner pot material: stainless steel

This Toshiba rice cooker is our top pick because it has all the features you need to cook perfect basmati rice. It has a capacity of 3 liters, so it can accommodate a large family or group of friends.

It also has fuzzy logic, which means that it will automatically adjust the cooking time and temperature. And it comes with a steamer basket, so you can steam vegetables or fish while the rice is cooking.

This rice cooker has 7 different cooking settings and since it has a long-grain rice setting, it’s perfect for making basmati rice.

It also has a keep-warm function and a delayed start function, so your rice will be ready when you are.

And if you need to see how much time is left until the rice is done cooking, there’s a digital display that shows you how much time is remaining.

The only downside to this rice cooker is that it doesn’t have a slow-cook function. But other than that, it’s the perfect choice for cooking basmati rice.

Toshiba rice cookers are some of the most popular. They’re often compared to other Japanese devices like Zojirushi and Tiger rice cookers but Toshiba has an advantage because it has a very sturdy and durable nonstick cooking bowl.

People who own Zojirushi rice cookers are complaining that the bowl chips and scratches but the Toshiba lasts for many years and doesn’t chip. The Toshiba bowl is also heavier and sturdier.

It’s easy to clean and truly nonstick so your basmati rice has the perfect texture without being too mushy.

This rice cooker is also cheaper than Zojirushi and does an excellent job cooking rice grains other than your typical white rice.

Check the latest prices here

Best budget rice cooker for basmati: Aroma Housewares 20 Cup

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• size: 5 QT or 10 cups uncooked
• digital display: yes
• no long-grain rice program
• fuzzy logic: no
• has a slow cook function
• inner pot material: aluminum

The Aroma Housewares 20 Cup Cooked Digital rice cooker is the best budget rice cooker.

This is the kind of rice cooker that you can use to cook pretty much any type of rice and grain and it’s the multi-cooker you need in your kitchen.

Aroma is a budget brand but it does a really good job making the best light and fluffy basmati rice on the white rice setting.

Although this rice cooker doesn’t have a long-grain rice setting, it can still cook the basmati well.

It has a capacity of 10 cups (uncooked) and 20 (cooked), so it’s perfect for small families or couples.

It also has a slow-cook function, so you can use it to cook brown basmati rice. And it comes with a steamer basket, so you can steam vegetables or fish while the rice is cooking.

This is actually a multi-cooker so it’s very versatile for cooking all kinds of rice. You can even use the regular white rice cooking function to cook the basmati.

The only downside to this rice cooker is that it doesn’t have a fuzzy logic function. But other than that, it’s a great choice for those on a budget.

The Aroma rice cooker is often compared to the Instant Pot but it’s a better choice for cooking rice.

The Instant Pot is great for cooking other things like stews and soups but it doesn’t do as good of a job with rice.

However, the Aroma is a good large rice cooker and it has a nonstick pot so it’s a good product even though it’s not a popular Japanese rice cooker brand.

Check the latest prices here

Toshiba rice cooker vs Aroma budget rice cooker

The Toshiba rice cooker is the better choice if you’re looking for a durable and reliable rice cooker that will cook perfect basmati rice. It has a capacity of 3 liters and it comes with a steamer basket.

It also has fuzzy logic, which means that it will automatically adjust the cooking time and temperature. And it has a keep-warm function and a delayed start function.

The only downside to the Toshiba rice cooker is that it doesn’t have a slow-cook function. However, its cooking pot is much better than the Aroma rice cooker’s because it doesn’t chip at all.

The Aroma rice cooker is the better choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option.

It has a capacity of 10 cups (uncooked) and 20 cups (cooked). It also has a slow-cook function and it comes with a steamer basket.

So, if you need to cook for a large family or like to meal-prep in large batches, you can cook a lot more basmati with the Aroma cooker.

The only downside to the Aroma rice cooker is that it doesn’t have fuzzy logic. This feature can make a difference when you cook rice other than white rice and can help ensure your basmati comes out great.

So, which one should you choose? If you’re looking for the best possible rice cooker, go with the Toshiba. But if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, go with the Aroma.

Best rice cooker for brown basmati rice: Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy

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• size: 5.5 cups uncooked
• digital display: yes
• has a long-grain rice program
• fuzzy logic: yes
• inner pot material: stainless steel

Do you prefer brown basmati rice over the white variety?

If so, you’ll want to get the best rice cooker for basmati rice that can cook it perfectly. The Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker is our top pick because it does an excellent job of cooking brown basmati rice.

This rice cooker has a capacity of 5.5 cups (uncooked) and 11 cups (cooked), so it’s perfect for small families or couples.

It also has fuzzy logic, which means that it will automatically adjust the cooking time and temperature. This is perfect for those who want perfectly cooked rice every time.

I know that cooking basmati rice can be hit or miss with basic rice cookers but this one doesn’t make it mushy.

The digital display is easy to read and the buttons are straightforward. The Neuro Fuzzy also has a keep-warm function, so your rice will stay warm for up to 12 hours.

This rice cooker comes with a measuring cup, a spatula, and a user manual.

What I also like is that it has a retractable cord so you don’t have cables lying around the kitchen.

My only concern is that the cooking bowl, although nonstick, does start to chip after you use it. It’s quite unfortunate and that’s why this Zojirushi rice cooker isn’t quite as good as the Toshiba one.

All in all, the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker is the best rice cooker for basmati rice. If you’re looking for a quality rice cooker that will perfectly cook your brown basmati rice, then this is the one for you.

Check prices and availability here

Best touch-screen rice cooker for basmati: CUCKOO CR-0675F 6-Cup Micom

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• size: 6 cups uncooked
• digital display: yes, touch-screen
• has a long-grain rice program
• fuzzy logic: no
• inner pot material: stainless steel

If you prefer modern high-tech rice cookers, this Cuckoo Korean micom rice cooker touch screen device is one of the best value buys.

It has 3 rice texture cooking options so you can make sticky rice, savory rice, or soft, depending on how you want the basmati to be.

With this rice cooker, you don’t end up with burnt rice at the bottom and crusty rice on the edges of the pot.

The CUCKOO CR-0675F can make 6 cups of uncooked rice (which is 12 cups cooked), and it’s also one of the fastest cookers on the market.

According to the user manual, it only takes 30 minutes to make a batch of rice but honestly, it will take about 45 minutes to cook basmati rice.

However, it’s more important to get the perfect texture than speed since basmati rice should be light and fluffy.

The pot is also non-stick and has a detachable lid for easy cleaning.

The only thing I don’t like about this rice cooker is that the touch screen is a fingerprint magnet. But other than that, it’s one of the best rice cookers on the market.

This machine is very user-friendly with its touch screen display, and it also has a detachable power cord.

The cooking pot is also non-stick and has a steam vent to prevent overcooking or exploding.

It comes with a measuring cup, a serving spatula, and an English user manual. The only thing I don’t like about this cooker is that it doesn’t have a keep-warm function.

Users are saying this rice cooker is excellent for multi-grain cooking and it makes the best-textured basmati and jasmine rice.

It’s also very easy to clean, which is always a bonus.

If you want a touch-screen rice cooker that cooks basmati rice perfectly, then the CUCKOO CR-0675F is the one for you.

Check the latest prices here

Zojirushi vs Cuckoo

Zojirushi rice cookers are famous because they use fuzzy logic and claim to cook the perfect rice texture every time. This is true and this product is a high-quality rice cooker.

I prefer it for cooking the brown basmati which is notoriously hard to get right. It also has a keep-warm function which is very handy. The downside is that it’s more expensive and the pot chips easily.

The Cuckoo CR-0675F rice cooker is excellent for those who want a touch-screen machine that cooks basmati rice perfectly.

I like that it comes with different texture settings and it’s very user-friendly. The pot is also non-stick and has a steam vent. The only downside is that it doesn’t have a keep-warm function.

So, which one should you buy?

If you want the best rice cooker for basmati rice and are willing to pay a bit more, go for the Zojirushi. If you want a touch-screen machine that’s more affordable, go for the Cuckoo.

Don’t like all the high tech? Then have a look at the best saucepans for perfectly cooked rice (+ top 5 helpful non-stick tools)

Best induction rice cooker for basmati & best small: Buffalo White IH SMART COOKER

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• size: 5 cups uncooked / 1 Litre
• digital display: yes
• induction heating
• fuzzy logic: no
• inner pot material: stainless steel

If you want delicious rice, you can try induction rice cookers because they use induction heating to evenly cook the rice. The result is always fluffy and never burnt.

Most people use induction rice cookers to cook all kinds of long-grain white rice and well as brown rice.

The Buffalo White IH Smart Cooker is one of the best induction rice cookers on the market because it’s very user-friendly and makes perfect basmati rice every time.

It has a 3D heating system that evenly distributes heat so that the rice is cooked perfectly. It also has a keep-warm function so that your rice stays warm for up to 12 hours.

This is a smaller rice cooker so I recommend it for singles and couples who want quick rice and the modern design Buffalo is known for.

This machine comes with a measuring cup and serving spatula, and it’s very easy to clean.

The only thing I don’t like about this cooker is that it’s a bit more expensive than a basic rice cooker. However, you’ll notice it’s really good at cooking basmati and it also keeps rice warm for longer.

Using this Buffalo rice cooker makes the cooking process very simple. You don’t need to worry about the water to rice ratio or whether the rice is going to be overcooked or burnt.

This machine does all the work for you so that you can enjoy perfectly cooked basmati rice every time.

People compare the cuckoo rice cooker and this Buffalo one and the main difference is the induction system. The cuckoo one doesn’t have it.

The consensus is that if you want the best basmati rice and have a bigger budget, go for the Buffalo White IH Smart Cooker because it uses induction heating to evenly cook the rice. The result is always fluffy and never burnt.

Besides, you can cook so many other foods too and the rice cooked is always tasty.

Check the latest prices here

FAQs

What are the benefits of cooking basmati rice in a rice cooker?

Cooking basmati rice in a rice cooker is different than cooking other types of rice because basmati rice is more delicate and requires more care.

Basmati rice cookers are designed to cook the rice more slowly and at a lower temperature to prevent the rice from overcooking or becoming mushy.

How do you cook basmati rice in a rice cooker?

Making perfect basmati rice can be a challenge. The pot you use, the water-to-rice ratio, and the cooking time all play a part in whether your end result is fluffy or gummy.

Rice cookers take the guesswork out of cooking basmati rice.

You simply add the rice and water to the pot, set it to cook, and wait for perfectly cooked basmati rice to emerge.

No more worrying about whether you added too much or too little water, or whether the pot you’re using is the right size.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a rice cooker for basmati rice.

First, make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate the amount of rice you want to cook. Basmati rice expands as it cooks, so you’ll need a pot that’s big enough to allow for this expansion.

Second, consider how easy the rice cooker is to use. Some models have complex settings and buttons, while others are very simple to operate.

Choose the model that’s right for your cooking needs.

How much water do you put in a rice cooker for basmati rice?

The ratio is different than white rice. For basmati rice, add 1.5 cups of water for every 1 cup of uncooked basmati rice.

This is the best ratio to use for most rice cookers unless yours has special instructions.

How do I cook basmati rice in a Zojirushi rice cooker?

Put the washed basmati rice in a bowl, cover with cold water, and let sit for 30 minutes.

Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt per cup of rice. Rice and its soaking liquid can now be transferred to an electric Zojirushi rice cooker, where they can be cooked as normal using a setting for regular white rice.

How long to cook basmati rice in a rice cooker?

Most rice cookers will have a setting for cooking basmati rice labeled as “long-grain” rice. This usually takes between 30-45 minutes depending on the rice cooker model.

If your model doesn’t have a specific setting, you can cook the rice on the “white rice” setting.

Cooking times can vary depending on the model of the rice cooker, but most basmati rice will be done cooking in 20-30 on the white rice setting.

Do you need to soak basmati rice before cooking?

No, it’s not necessary to soak basmati rice before cooking but I highly recommend it. Soaking the rice helps to soften it and makes it cook more evenly.

If you don’t have time to soak the rice, you can still cook it without soaking it. Just be aware that it might not turn out as fluffy and light as if you had soaked it first.

Why is my basmati rice mushy?

There are a few reasons why your basmati rice might be mushy.

First, make sure you’re using the correct ratio of water to rice. Too much water will result in mushy rice.

Second, check the cooking instructions for your particular rice cooker model. Some models require a longer cooking time than others.

If you’re still having trouble, try soaking the rice before cooking it. This will help to soften the rice and prevent it from becoming mushy.

How do I know when my basmati rice is done?

The best way to tell if your basmati rice is done is to taste it. It should be tender and cooked through but not mushy.

If you’re using a rice cooker, most models have a timer that will let you know when the rice is done cooking.

You can also check the texture of the rice. It should be tender and cooked through but not mushy.

Takeaway

Some rice cookers are designed specifically for cooking basmati rice, and they take the guesswork out of making perfect basmati rice.

The Toshiba Rice Cooker with Fuzzy Logic has fuzzy logic which automatically adjusts the cooking settings so the basmati rice takes on the perfect texture.

In general, you should look for rice cookers with a long grain rice cooking setting because this is better suited for cooking basmati.

Also check out my Black and Decker 3 Cup Rice Cooker Review

Check out our new cookbook

Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

Try it out for free with Kindle Unlimited:

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.