7 Best Mini Rice Cookers For Brown Rice – Best Rice Cookers with Reviews [Latest]

Let the title of the article not befuddle you. This surely is an article about the best small rice cookers. And it definitely is about the best rice cookers for brown rice. But then, it is not limited to Brown Rice only. Carrying out the research and comparisons, I realized that most of these small rice cookers will certainly make it to the top of any list of technologically supreme and the most stylish small rice cookers, but here we specifically scrutinized these cookers for brown rice.

Why buy a mini rice cooker? Is it good?

As they say, to each their own. The reasons to buy a small rice cooker can be many. They may arise from space constraints to energy efficiency to dedicating an appliance for a particular dish. Nevertheless, what cannot be ignored is that a rice cooker is really convenient to use and hassle-free as they sit somewhere on the corner of your kitchen’s shelf performing its task silently while you cater to your other cooking activities.

Also, check our latest recommendation in the smart oven space: Breville BOV800XL – The Smart Oven by Breville

Why buy a small rice cooker specifically for brown rice?

To understand this, we will have to understand the nature of this rice. Brown Rice can be considered a not-so-glamorous distant cousin of White and/or Basmati Rice. But then, as fairy tales often tell you, in the end, it is the character that wins over glamour. The same goes for Brown Rice too, as this not-so-tasty and chewy form of rice has amazing nutritional values which ensure that when it comes to health, make no compromises. The key here is to cook this rice properly with proper water ratios and for the right amount of time. This brings the small rice cooker into the picture. Think of this magic fairy (small rice cooker) who transforms this humble girl (ordinary brown rice) into an attractive princess (healthy, nutritional, and tasty brown rice). Let’s find the right magic fairy for you.

But before we begin, you should definitely check the  6 Best Mini Rice Cooker: A Complete Buyer’s Guide for our other reviews and comparison on small rice cookers.

For more facts on Rice cookers check out this link.

Let’s begin.

Rice Cooker Summary- List of Best Rice Cookers For Brown Rice You Need to Consider 

The Small Rice Cookers for Brown Rice: One-line Review

#7  Instant Zest 8 Cup One Touch Rice Cooker, From the Makers of Instant Pot, Steamer, Cooks Rice, Grains, Quinoa and Oatmeal, No Pressure Cooking Functionality – This cooker is a quick-fix solution for your instant hunger pangs.

#6 Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Digital Cool-Touch Rice Grain Cooker and Food Steamer, Stainless, Silver, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked) – Super versatile kitchen cooker to own.

#5  Cuckoo CR-0351F Electric Heating Rice Cooker (Red), 7.80 x 8.90 x 11.50 – This cooker is a simply a smart option to buy.

#4  COMFEE' 5.2Qt Asian Style Programmable All-in-1 Multi Cooker, Rice Cooker, Slow Cooker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, Stewpot with 24 Hours Delay Timer and Auto Keep Warm Functions – This cooker gets almost everything done.

#3 Amazon Basics Multi-Functional Rice Cooker - 10-Cup Uncooked (20-Cup Cooked), Silver – The light-weight power-packed little cooker.

#2 Zojirushi NS-LHC05 Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer, Stainless Dark Brown – A brand synonymous with rice cooking.

#1 Toshiba Rice Cooker 6 Cups Uncooked (3L) with Fuzzy Logic and One-Touch Cooking, White – A  champion cooker at your door-step.

Top 7 Small Rice Cookers for cooking Brown Rice – Best rated

A rice cooker is a dedicated appliance that should find a way into any modern kitchen. Not only are they feature-packed with pre-set timers, but they also come in various sizes and designs which will fit into the requirement of any kitchen. Ease of maintenance, trouble-free cleaning, compact design, healthy cooking, and better energy utilization are some of the factors that are driving customers to shift to these modern must-have cookers in their kitchens.

With an entire gamut of options available in the small rice cookers arena, I have identified and rated those appliances which I deem are the top picks when it comes to cooking brown rice.

#7 Instant Zest 8 Cup Rice Cooker, Compact Cooker

This is more of an all-around performer when it comes to a small rice cooker. The brand in itself promotes this as a multi-faceted product that carries across different tasks including steaming. However, I place this small rice cooker on the list because it makes a very good choice for cooking your brown rice.

Add 1:1.25 cups water to rice ratio in this for achieving best results. With options to switch between the cooking of white rice, brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, and steaming, this cuts the task down effectively. Weighing a little over 6 pounds and with dimensions of 11.4 x 10.4 x 10.4 inches, this might be a little bulkier than our other choices.

Delay start and Keep warm options are also beneficial when it comes to lazy cooking. This one does come with a steamer basket even though the guide manual fails to furnish any detail on the same. This small brown rice cooker is a good addition to have in a kitchen where you are looking for fast, simple, and quick-fix solutions.

Recommended because:

• Aluminum components make it light-weight
• Affordable
• Multi-functional

On the Flip-Side:

• Occasional water bubbling overflow
• Lid and Gasket are not removable making it hard to clean
• Instruction manual not very helpful

# 6 Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker, Digital Rice Cooker

Brand Aroma is surely finding its way into modern households due to their versatile products that are priced aggressively. As the company policy goes, the brand wants to pack a punch by offering as many features at an as little price as possible. Keeping in sync with its philosophy, the brand has been selling Aroma Housewares in numbers due to its diverse functionalities. These include specialized functions for both brown and white rice. Once any of the rice is cooked in this small rice cooker, the keep warm function turns on automatically thereby removing the need for constant monitoring. Among the other features that enhance the value for such a product is the presence of a programmable 15-hour delay timer that delivers warm brown rice when needed on the go.

This digital rice cooker stands at 8.50 x 9.30 x 8.70 inches and weighs 4.2 pounds that makes this appliance one of the smallest and lightest from Aroma Housewares. Despite its small size, this mini rice cooker is suitable for performing intensive tasks.

Even though it comes as a cheaper alternative to any of the premium rice cookers, the outcome of any brown rice, here too, remains fluffy, right textured, and evenly cooked. This product is designed and built for durability, and the results after many months of usage continue to be satisfactory.

Recommended because:

• Versatile
• Handsome pricing
• Smart accessories offered
• Energy saver

On the Flip-Side:

• Some plastic components are flimsy
• Comparatively hard to clean

#5  Cuckoo Rice Cooker CR-0351F, Electric Heating Rice Cooker

The Cuckoo CR-0351 F Electric heating rice cooker pips its cousin CR-0655F Rice cooker marginally. Even though the latter offers 11-menu offers and 16 cooking methods, the CR-0351 F due to its metal construction and ‘Turbo’ cooking function beats its rival. This is one of the fastest rice heaters at this price in the market. This can be described as a ‘no frills’ rice cooker but it does best what it is made to do.

At 11.50 x 8.90 x 7.80 inches, this Cuckoo weight at 5 lbs. which makes it handy and portable. Performing at the wattage between 400-600, this small rice cooker is quite energy efficient.

Although brown rice will take a little more to cook than white rice, the texture and uniform cooking that this tiny rice cooker brings on the table, quite literally, is what puts this appliance on the list. This makes a perfect companion in the kitchen for a small family that wants carefree cooking in the simplest manner. This is also recommended for those souls who prefer solitude in the serenity of their houses in the middle of nowhere. Once you buy this, you don’t have to invest any mind or money in figuring out how to cook that brown rice again for a long time.

Recommended because:

• Compact
• Fast cooking option
• Easy to clean
• Good quality components used

On the Flip-Side:

• User manual not up to the standard
• Lacks multi-functional features

# 4 COMFEE’ 5.2Qt Programmable All-in-1 Multi Cooker, Rice Cooker

This rice cooker for brown rice may not exactly fall in the small rice cooker’s category but compact design, high portability, and the final outcome of cooking fluffy brown rice make this a strong contender to be on this list. Packed with 17 pre-set cooking programs, Comfee makes this product a versatile, multi-functional offering that is hard to ignore. The intelligent six-step cooking process yields the best results of delivering evenly cooked and nutrition-enriched food. The detachable steam valve and the interior design of the cooker preserves heat and delivers perfect rice each time.

Powered at 890 Watts, this smart cooker has a capacity of 5.2 Quarts and  dimensions of 13.9 x 10.8 x 10.5 inches. The ease with which this small rice cooker can be operated makes it an ideal choice for those on the move. Its elegant design adds to the features list that ensures that this product has many takers. This is one of the few small appliances that scores well when it comes to quality, quantity, safety, and service delivery.

Recommended because:

• Sleek design
• Removable air vent and inner lid
• Quality components and parts
• Easy to use

On the Flip-Side:

• Keeps auto-warm for less than 12 hours
• Higher power consumption

# 3 Amazon Basics Multi-Functional Rice Cooker

When an online retail giant like Amazon forays into the Kitchen Appliance Segment, rest assured they mean business. With a focus solely on simplicity and time-saving convenience, this multi-functional rice cooker gets the job done. Cooking brown rice isn’t exactly different from cooking any other rice but this tiny kitchen gadget, with its smart digital interface and dynamic options, ensures that you get the best results.

The digital rice cooker has dimensions of 15.47 x 11.3 x 10.08 inches, and the cooker weighs a little over 9 pounds. The bulkiness however is compensated by the fact that this can cook up to 10 cups of rice in one go.

What is satisfying of this rice cooker for brown rice is that not only it cooks the rice uniformly but it also makes a very good warming and re-heating device. Once cooked, the rice in this cooker stays warm for a period of at least 10 hours which can then be extended another 10-hour period subsequently. For those of you out there who are looking for an affordable, elegant, handy option in the world of rice cookers, this cute little Amazon Basics is the best for you.

Recommended because:

• Aluminum components
• Sturdy carry handle enhances portability
• Cost-effective
• Easy maintenance
• Ideal for cooking Brown Rice

On the Flip-Side:

• No detachable or retractable power cord
• No condensation drainage outlet
• The Instruction manual lacks details

#2 Zojirushi NS-LHC05XT Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer

For any of you out there who plan to move into a new household or for a small family who wishes to upgrade to a new compact rice cooker, look no further. The Zojirushi NS-LHC05XT Micom Rice Cooker is one of the most elegant and yet effective rice cooker options available in the market as of today. Designed and developed by a Japanese multinational manufacturer of Kitchen appliances, this rice cooker is any home cook’s delight. Making use of a triple-heater (bottom, top, and side) system, the heat generated in this cooker cooks the brown rice evenly throughout. As a result, you avoid your rice to end up being chewy or under cooked.

The super sleek and stylish Zojirushi is 11.88 x 9.13 x 7.5 inches in size. This size is pretty good for a small sized rice cooker considering it weighs only 6 lbs. An electric rating of 450 W makes this a powerful and yet efficient appliance.

The easily detachable and washable inner parts of the cooker make it cleaning friendly. Having been successfully tested at higher altitudes (thereby lower pressures) means that this little machine works wonders even in cold weather and in hilly regions. All-in-all, for a small family that is looking at a robust and elegant brown rice cooker which will last long, look no further.

Recommended because:

• Designed using top-quality material
• Even-Heat Distribution
• Has GABA Brown Rice and Jasmine Rice Settings
• Long-lasting and less maintenance needed
• Retractable power cord

On the Flip-Side:

• On the expensive side
• Capacity could have been more

# 1 Toshiba TRCS01 Rice Cooker

When does one buy this small rice cooker for brown rice? When you need pre-set functions to cook brown or white rice, oatmeals, multi-grains, quinoa, porridge; when you need quick cooking functions that speed up the cooking process; when you need a programmable delay timer with different settings; when you want easy displays and control buttons; when you want a range of accessories that are offered in a fantastic package. If you need one of the aforementioned or all the features described, you know you are at the right link.

Another one of the bigger small-rice cookers, this 16 x 12 x 9.9 inched rice cooker weighs a tad bit over 9 pounds. The added weight is evenly distributed and adds to the sturdiness of the design.

Coming from the house of a renowned Japanese brand that has stood the test of time, Toshiba cooker enjoys an amazing international market presence and this is no mean feat. This has been made possible by the brand’s uncompromising vision for top quality and durability which reflects in all the products that are manufactured under this umbrella, like this cooker. The Toshiba TRCS01 cooker falls in line with the brand’s philosophy and offers some amazing features that make it worth your money.

Recommended because:

• Multi-functional cooker
• Smart additional features
• 24 hours auto keep warm feature
• Wide range of accessories on offer
• Easy mobility

On the Flip-Side:

• On the expensive side
• Speed cooking function not ideal for brown rice

Click to check if this product makes it to this  list: Best Korean Rice Cooker: 6 Expert Recommendations

Cooker Buyer’s Guide: best mini rice cooker for brown rice

Ease and convenience are the prime factors that make all the difference when it comes to a mini rice cooker. Targeted towards single users and small families, the main objective of these rice cookers is to cook your healthy alternatives without any fuss. Thus, watch out for these key parameters which will make all the difference when it comes to selecting the best rice cooker for you.

Quality of the Inner Material of Cooker: The rice cooker’s internal pot coating does not need to be peeled or scraped to reveal the underlying metal container. Stainless steel, ceramic, aluminium, or a non-stick PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) surface are all options for the inside pot material of cooker.

Capacity: This will help you decide which mini rice cooker will suit your family. As a special tip, always buy a cooker with a little more capacity than you need because you never know when your friends come to crash at your place.

Ease of Use: This takes into consideration a lot of factors that include a friendly interface, smooth cleaning options, hassle-free maintenance, and sturdy design. Choose a cooker that offers you all the above without burning a hole in your pockets. If you want a cooker that is easy to clean, the inside pot material is also important to consider. 100% ceramic provides an easy-to-clean surface, which is made even easier if you soak the cooker first.

Cleanup is a breeze with a cooker with nonstick surfaces. However, keep in mind that the nonstick surface will eventually wear away, leaving you with aluminium, which isn’t easy to clean.

Multi-Function: True, that here we are discussing the best rice cookers for brown rice, something quite specific. But, it is also true that as humans we are always on the lookout for that extra function or feature that can win us the bragging rights over the next-door neighbor. A ‘keep warm’ option or the ability to programme cooking times for meal preparation are two examples of useful features that you may want in your cooker. Many multi-functional rice cookers include a modern feature that improves rice flavour and nutritional value.

Price: Needless to say that this is one of the key factors that restrict or amplifies our choice. Naturally, price is another significant consideration when choosing the best rice cooker for brown rice. A multi-functional programmable appliance may cost a few dollars more than a regular rice cooker, and prices range from under a hundred to several hundred dollars. You’ll have to consider the advantages of spending a few extra dollars. Finding the right balance between the right price point and functionalities will help you decide this.

Portability: The main reason beyond capacity that helps you narrow down on the mini rice cookers is their portability factor. Even though they may never move from that kitchen shelf of yours, the mini rice cookers’ ability to be taken anywhere with ease makes it a winner all the way.

Before getting to the bottom line, perhaps you would want to check out the 8 Best Stainless Steel Juicers With Reviews [Updated]

FAQs – best small rice cooker

1. Is it possible to cook only one cup of rice in my mini cooker?

Answer: The answer is Yes. You can cook that capacity in your mini rice cooker. However, try not to go below that amount as it may upset the balance between rice and water and you may miss out on the ideal texture.

2. Do I have to monitor my rice once it is cooked and is in the keep warm mode?

Answer: In most of the modern mini rice cookers, the functions shift to keep warm once the rice is cooked. Unless specified you don’t have to monitor the rice once cooked and these appliances have passed several safety checks and so you can rest assured.

3. Is there a quick cook function available in mini rice cookers?

Answer: Not all the mini rice cookers offer this functionality. In some of the upcoming models, some companies have incorporated this feature. If this is a make-or-break deal then please check our listings and go for those cookers which offer this feature.

How about taking a fun Rice Cooker Quiz?

Conclusion – best rice cooker

Since all these top brands offer a wide variety of distinguished features and the requirement of the customers is also varied, therefore it is a real tough task to shortlist only one mini rice cooker that is ideal for cooking brown rice. However, we at Sprout and Press (SAP) are working towards making your kitchen appliances choice simpler by offering you a fair and genuine review and comparison on the latest products. This will definitely help you narrow down your selection and guide you to the right kind of product.

Recommended for you:  7 Best Commercial Dishwasher for Home Use: Reviews and Features