The Best Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Pot and Why You Need One

My search for the best rice cooker with stainless steel pot years ago was unsuccessful until I came across the Aroma.  Everyone will have a different reason for wanting one, perhaps you are like me, and you have a pet parrot. If you have a parrot, you will need to change all of your nonstick cookware to stainless steel and nontoxic.

Whatever your reason for choosing a stainless steel rice cooker, we have found a few that are good. Whether you like to toast rice before cooking or just throw it in the rice cooker; it doesn’t matter. Finding the perfect method takes time, it all depends on your personal preference for how you like your rice.

We will review the best rice cookers with stainless steel pots and why you need them. It’s hard to find a rice cooker with a stainless steel inner pot since most of them seem to be nonstick. When looking for non-toxic cookware, you should consider a rice cooker with a stainless steel pot.

According to the Environmental Working Group, nonstick surfaces contain Teflon or PFOA, both of which link to cancer. By switching over to using a stainless steel rice cooker, you will be reducing your exposure to these unhealthy chemicals. A stainless steel pot also gives you more flexibility when it comes to cooking different types of meals. For example, you can use your stainless steel rice cooker to make steel-cut oats or even quinoa.

Since most stainless steel rice cookers with stainless steel inner pots are hard to find and sell out quickly, we will not waste your time listing 10 of them, only to have you try to buy them, and it’s not available. We will keep it simple and show you five great ideas for a rice cooker with stainless steel pot.

The best knife to cut tomatoes will allow you to get the prepping done faster, just like a rice cooker does for you. With a rice cooker, you can set it and forget it.

AT A GLANCE, check out our top picks for the best rice cookers with stainless steel inner pots.

The Top 5 Best Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Pot

#1 Aroma Housewares Stainless Rice Cooker – Stainless Steel Inner Pot – Best Mini Stainless Steel Rice Cooker

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AROMA® 6-Cup(cooked) / 1.3Qt. Select Stainless™ Rice Cooker, Stainless Steel Inner Pot (ARC-753SG)
  • COATING FREE INNER POT: The food-grade 304 stainless steel cooking pot is durable and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
  • ONE-TOUCH: Pour in up to 3 cups of uncooked rice, add water, and push down the lever to start. The one-touch, automated design is fool-proof. Just set it and forget it!
  • AUTOMATIC COOKING: This smart rice cooker detects when your rice is ready, so you don't even have to set a timer. Then, it automatically switches modes to keep your rice warm!
  • COMPACT SIZE: This powerful rice cooker is a must-have kitchen tool in a small package. The 6-cup capacity is perfect for rice, omelets, soups, oatmeal, pasta, and more.
  • COMPLETE SET: We include a bonus rice spatula and measuring cup, which are BPA-free. Plus, the spatula can be held in the handle for easy storage.

I have had this mini stainless steel rice cooker for six years. I will go over how it is holding up and what problems you may encounter with a mini rice cooker that’s stainless steel.

If you are looking for a small stainless steel rice cooker, I recommend the stainless steel rice cooker – 3 cups. It makes 6 cups of cooked rice.

In the six years that I’ve been using the rice cooker with stainless steel pot, it has indeed held up over time. There are a few downsides; some rice water spurts out the top while rice cooks; it will make your counter a mess with splattered rice water.

I found a simple solution: place a clean kitchen towel over the top of the mini stainless steel rice cooker. Doing so will catch all of the hot rice water, and you will not have a mess.

Even though the water comes out the top when it’s in cooking mode, I would still choose this as my number one pick for the best mini rice cooker with stainless steel pot. Expect some of the rice to stick; after all, this is not a non-stick rice pot.

Lastly, remember this is a small rice cooker. It’s good if you are cooking rice for 1-3 people but not more than that. If you are wondering how long do rice cookers take? Just know that they will streamline your cooking and allow you to “set it and forget it”.

Aroma rice cooker with stainless steel inner pot and glass lid
Aroma stainless rice cooker with glass lid

What We Like

  • It makes 6 cups of cooked rice, even though it is a mini stainless steel rice cooker.
  • Compact size, this rice cooker with stainless steel pot will fit on the smallest counter.
  • Versatility, you can cook many other things besides rice.
  • It holds up over time; I have had it for six years and never had a problem.
  • Stainless steel pot. The reason I purchased this one was that I wanted a non-toxic rice cooker with stainless steel pot.
  • One-touch button, just put the rice in and let this mini stainless steel rice cooker do all the work.

What We Don’t Like

  • Rice water spews out the top when it is in cooking mode.
  • If you put the 3 cups of dry rice in, it may leak and spill over the sides while cooking. (I usually only put 2 cups of dry rice – max)
  • You have to keep a dish towel over this rice cooker with stainless steel pot, while the rice is cooking. Otherwise, it will spurt rice water all over your counter and wall.
  • Once the rice cooker with stainless steel pot finishes cooking the rice, it doesn’t automatically shut off. The mini stainless steel rice cooker will stay in the warm position, and you must unplug it to turn it off.

#2 Elite Gourmet Electric Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Inner Pot 

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Elite Gourmet ERC-2010 Electric Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Inner Pot Makes Soups, Stews, Grains, Cereals, Keep Warm Feature, 10 Cups Cooked, White
  • COOK MOUTH-WATERING & FLUFFY RICE EVERY SINGLE TIME without wasting your time over the pot! The Elite Cuisine ERC-2010 pro rice cooker is here to help you cook up to 10 cups (5-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 Cuisine 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!
  • COATING FREE STAINLESS STEEL INNER POT! Unlike flimsy aluminum pots, our rice cooker features a surgical-grade 304 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 Cuisine all-in-one rice cooker!
  • LARGE CAPACITY cooks up to 10 cups of cooked rice for the entire family and more! This rice cooker holds up to 5 cups of raw rice and 10 cups of cooked rice - enough for multiple servings.

Since this one holds more rice than the Aroma mini stainless steel rice cooker, you may have better luck with the water not bubbling out the top. The glass lid with the steam vent is a nice feature that both the Aroma and this Elite Gourmet have.

It’s a great stainless steel inner pot rice cooker that won’t take too much counter space. You can make enough rice for 4-6 people with this excellent non-toxic rice cooker.

Just like the Aroma, this one will also stay in the “keep warm” mode after you cook your rice. You will need to unplug it to turn it off. You also have to put a kitchen towel over the top while it’s cooking for this pot. Doing this one simple trick will prevent the rice cooker from making a mess all over the counter.

Most stainless steel rice cookers will have a small but manageable amount of sticking. To minimize the rice sticking to the bottom, make sure you use the right amount of water (not too little). 

If your rice does stick, just soak it in water, then use the wooden spatula to scrape and release the rice.

What We Like

  • The inner cooking pot has surgical-grade 304 stainless steel.
  • The pot holds 10 cups of cooked rice.
  • The handles do not get hot so that you can move the entire pot of cooked rice.
  • Versatile cookware appliance. (You can cook rice, quinoa, stews, and even scramble eggs)

What We Don’t Like

  • You must unplug the rice cooker with stainless steel pot in order to turn it off, however it does stay in the “keep warm” mode.
  • If you put the full 5 cups of dry rice in this rice cooker with stainless steel pot the water will spurt out the top causing a mess on your counter.
  • Although the manufacturer says it is pure stainless steel, some users claim the silver coating chips off.

#3 OYAMA Stainless 16-Cup (Cooked) (8-Cup UNCOOKED) Rice Cooker, Stainless Steel Inner Pot

OYAMA Stainless 16-Cup (Cooked) (8-Cup UNCOOKED) Rice Cooker, Stainless Steel Inner Pot, Stainless Steamer Tray (CNS-A15U)
  • All Stainless Steel Cooking pot and steamer tray (304 Grade)
  • Steamer tray is free and included with purchase
  • 8 cups uncooked rice
  • Lid is glass for "looking while cooking"!
  • Steamer tray can be used to steam any number of foods while also cooking rice, 120V

The Oyama Stainless 16-Cup Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Pot is one of the best rice cookers for cooking perfect rice without burning. The stainless steel cookware contains surgical grade 304-grade stainless steel, which is non-reactive and will not leave any strange odors or flavors in your food.

This 8 cup rice cooker is great for people who don’t want to use an appliance with a non-stick coating because it will not react negatively to acidic foods, stay rust-free, tarnish-free, or peel or pit.

A simple one-touch button on the rice cooker with stainless steel pot allows it to operate in an automatic keep-warm mode to keep the rice warm after cooking.

You can use this pot when cooking rice, steaming vegetables, and even dumplings. It will handle each task quickly and efficiently, so you’ll have delicious rice for days to come.

What We Like

  • The inner cooking pot has surgical-grade 304 stainless steel.
  • It will make up to 16 cups of cooked rice.
  • It comes with a steamer tray.

What We Don’t Like

  • Not ideal for a kitchen with no counter space.
  • The model does not last long, more than eight years.
  • It’s only compatible with a 110 V outlet.

#4 The Best 20 Cup Stainless Steel Rice Cooker

IMUSA USA GAU-00023 Electric 20 Cup Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Pot

IMUSA USA GAU-00023 Electric Rice Cooker with Steam Tray 10-Cup Uncooked Rice (20-Cup Cooked Rice), Stainless Steel
  • 10-cup Capacity of Uncooked Rice Prepares 20 cup Cooked Rice
  • Tempered Glass Lid For Easy Monitoring with Removable Steamer Insert For Steaming Foods
  • Detachable Non Stick Inner Pot
  • Spoon & Measuring Cup Included
  • Ideal for Cooking Rice and Steamed Vegetables

We love the fact that this 20 cup stainless steel rice cooker is such a great price, and it will make planning a meal for a big holiday gathering so much easier. The outside is also stainless steel, which makes it look nice on your counter.

The rice cooker with stainless steel pot is made up of surgical grade 304 stainless steel, which adds to the durability and performance of this appliance. It also has a warming mode that will keep your rice nice and warm for hours. The inner pot is not non-stick, so you must prepare ahead when cooking rice in this 20 cup stainless steel rice cooker.

Who wants to run out of rice when you have guests over? Using a larger rice cooker will allow you to comfort and make this part of meal planning easier. A rice cooker with a stainless steel pot will make life easier.

What We Like

  • The inner cooking pot has surgical-grade 304 stainless steel.
  • This rice cooker with stainless steel pot will make up to 16 cups of cooked rice.
  • Comes with a steamer tray.

What We Don’t Like

  • It spits out rice water while it’s cooking. (put a towel over it, to solve this issue)

#5 Tatung- 22 cup Stainless Steel Rice Cooker (11 cups of uncooked)

Tatung - TAC-11KN(UL) - 11 Cup Multi-Functional Stainless Steel Rice Cooker - Silver
  • A multi-functional rice cooker and steamer that is great for preparing hot fluffy rice, steaming veggies and seafood, anda variety of other dishes.
  • This easy-to-use one step rice cooker makes up to 11 cups of uncooked rice (22 cups cooked rice). This is enough rice to serve large families or social gatherings.
  • Durable 18/8 (food grade 304) stainless steel inner pot and outer pot, it's easy to clean and retains its luster over time. The indirect heating technology heats and steams the entire pot, so dishes are tastier and are cooked evenly.
  • The cooker features a “Keep Warm On/Off” switch. With the keep warm switch ON, your dish will automatically keep warm after the cooker finishes cooking. Accessories include steam plate, inner pot lid, rice spatula, and measuring cup.
  • Cooked has four distinct modes. Braise mode which is ideal for lightly frying food. Steam Mode which is made possible by the outer pot that you can fill with water. You can also use this pot feature for cooking rice as well. The fourth mode is the stew mode. The stew mode is great for preparing soups and stew during cold weather months.

After considering many options, you may finally choose the Tatung-22 cup Stainless Steel Rice Cooker if you have a large gathering or a large family. This stainless steel rice cooker is a 22 cup rice cooker; just put 11 cups of uncooked rice into this superb machine.

There may be some sticking with a 20 cup stainless steel rice cooker, but this is normal. However, it will loosen easily with a wooden rice paddle.

When I worked in the kitchen at a busy Japanese restaurant, we always kept 2-3 rice cookers going at any given time. It also has some features that are nice to have while cooking rice.

The Tatung- 22 Cup Stainless Steel Rice Cooker has an auto keep-warm mode that automatically keeps the food warm after cooking without using any additional electricity. The Tatung 22 cup rice cooker saves you time because you don’t have to worry about keeping the food warm after it cooks.

This product also has a steam function that allows you to cook vegetables simultaneously as rice in the same pot, making your meal healthy and filling.

What We Like

  • It has an 18/8 stainless steel inner pot.
  • It is excellent for a large family or holiday meal.
  • The 22 cup stainless steel rice cooker is versatile, and it can steam dumplings and cook rice.
  • The lid is also stainless steel.

What We Don’t Like

  • Some people report that the stainless steel rice cooker broke down after a few uses.
  • There is only a one year warranty.

Electric rice cooker with stainless steel inner pot isolated on white
Electric rice cooker isolated on a white background

What Is A  Rice Cooker with a Stainless Steel Inner Pot And Why You Need One

A stainless steel rice cooker isn’t an absolute necessity. Sure it’s true that you can use regular

stainless steel cookware vs a ceramic pot on the stovetop to cook rice.  Nevertheless, you might find yourself wishing that you had a dedicated rice cooker. Firstly, A stainless steel rice cooker is great for those people who are worried about toxic cookware.

Stainless steel cookware is a great non-toxic alternative. Secondly, you can cook rice without using a burner on your stove. If you are planning a big meal, then a rice cooker is a must.

The Different Types of Stainless Steel Rice Cookers

  • A Stainless steel rice cooker with a stainless steel inner pot
  • A plastic rice cooker with a stainless steel inner pot
  • Mini stainless steel rice cooker (under 5 cups of cooked rice)
  • Large stainless steel rice cooker (more than 10 cups of cooked rice)

5 Benefits Of Using A Rice Cooker With Stainless Steel Pot

1. Convenience – You don’t need a stovetop to cook the rice. Easier to avoid hard crunchy rice with a rice cooker.

2. You Can Use The Pot For Cooking Other Foods – Cook lentils, Quinoa, or soups.

3. Easy To Clean – A stainless steel rice cooker is not as easy to clean as a nonstick one, but it’s still is an easy kitchen appliance to easy.

4. Toxin-Free Cookware, Reliable And Durable – Stainless steel is one of those kitchen cookware materials that can last a lifetime. More importantly, a rice cooker with a stainless steel pot is less likely to get scratched and more likely to last for years.

5. Price Is Affordable And Worth It – My mini stainless steel rice cooker has been going on for six years, which in all reality, I did not expect to last that long.

5 Things To Look For In A Great Stainless Steel Rice Cooker 

  • Size – how much counter space do you have? Are you planning on keeping the stainless steel rice cooker out on the counter when not in use?
  • Steamer basket – do you want the rice cooker also to be able to steam vegetables or dumplings?
  • See-through lid – do you prefer a see-through glass lid?
  • Locking lid – Most stainless rice cookers do not have a locking lid, which means rice water bubbles out the top.
  • Do you want it to turn off on its own?

Conclusion For the Best Rice Cooker With Stainless Steel Inner Pot

It’s not uncommon to think that a rice cooker with stainless steel pot is just an appliance and it doesn’t matter what type of pot you use. However, there are many benefits to having a stainless steel inner pot: quality, versatility, toxin-free cookware, and durability.

If this sounds like the perfect option for your needs, look no further than our list of 5 things to look out for when choosing one!

We hope this article has helped you make the best decision possible about how to choose which rice cooker with a stainless steel pot will work best in your kitchen or restaurant. Last but not least always make sure you use rice storage containers, so you don’t get a pest problem.