Comparison: Best Pan For Rice (Updated | Oct 22nd)
Choosing the best pan for rice can significantly impact cooking results, affecting texture, flavor, and ease of preparation. From non-stick to stainless steel, cast iron, and specialized rice cookers, each option offers unique advantages. This comparison explores key features like heat distribution, durability, and versatility, helping you make an informed decision based on your cooking style and needs. Whether you prefer fluffy basmati, sticky sushi rice, or creamy risotto, finding the right pan ensures consistent, restaurant-quality results at home. Let’s break down the pros and cons to guide your selection.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
-
Best for premium build:
GreenPan Healthy Ceramic Nonstick -
Best for carb reduction:
GreenPan Carb Reducing Electric Rice Cooker -
Best for budget pick:
GreenLife Electric Rice Cooker -
Best for best value:
AROMA Digital Rice Cooker -
Best for best overall:
Zojirushi NW-QAC18 10-Cup Capacity Flat-Top Induction Cooker and Warmer with Custom Cooking Pan -
Best for stir-fry ready:
Wok -
Best for carb reduction:
GreenPan Carb Reducing Electric Rice Cooker -
Best for smart cooking:
GreenPan Rice Cooker -
Best for eco-friendly cook:
CAROTE Non Stick Frying Pan Skillet -
Best for versatile paella:
Machika Enamel Paella Pan | Paella Pan | Skillet for Paella and Rice Recipes | Perfect for Indoor & Outdoors | Easy Cleaning | Rust Proof Coating | 2 Servings | 10 inches |
Product Comparison: Best Pan For Rice
Premium build
GreenPan Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, 2QT Rice Grains and Soup Maker, Caldero Pot with Lid, PFAS-Free, Induction, Dishwasher Safe, Oven Safe, Smokey Blue
GreenPan
- GreenPan’s Thermolon healthy ceramic nonstick coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, so it won't release toxic fumes, even if it’s accidentally overheated
- This collection's diamond-reinforced coating is incredibly durable
- The lightweight forged aluminum body delivers remarkable control, plus it heats and cools faster than cast iron
- The unique shape optimizes air flow for maximum heat circulation and retention
- Oven safe up to 600˚F (lid up to 425˚F)
Carb reduction
GreenPan Carb Reducing Electric Rice Cooker, 4 Cups Uncooked/8 Cooked Rice, 10 Presets, LED Display, Healthier Meals, Delay Timer, PFAS-Free Ceramic Nonstick Removable Bowl, Cool Touch, Steam, Cream
GreenPan
- INCLUDES: Measuring cup, rice spatula, and carb reduction tray
- THERMOLON VOLT HEALTHY CERAMIC NONSTICK: This diamond-infused ceramic nonstick surface, specially designed for kitchen appliances and free of toxins: PFAS, PFOA, lead & cadmium.
- CARB REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY: Our innovative low carb mode separates excess carbs from rice and grains for healthier meals every time.
- 10 ONE-TOUCH PRESETS: White Rice, Brown Rice, Multigrain, Wild Rice, Low Carb White Rice, Low Carb Brown Rice, Barley, Quinoa, Beans, and Steel Cut Oats.
- SPACIOUS DESIGN: With it’s 8-cup capacity, you can transform up to 4 cups of uncooked rice & grains into massive meals.
- READY WHEN YOU ARE: The handy delay timer lets you plan up to 24 hours ahead while the keep warm function ensures your rice won’t get cold.
- VIBRANT LED DISPLAY: The easy-to-use presets make it simple to find your setting.
- EASY CLEANUP: The bowl pops out and rinses clean, plus it’s dishwasher safe.
Budget pick
GreenLife Electric Rice Cooker, 3-Cups Uncooked/6-Cups Cooked, Removable PFAS-Free Nonstick Pot, One-Switch Design, Auto Keep Warm, Small Space Saving, Rice Paddle, Soup, Grains, Oatmeal, 1.5 QT, Cream
GreenLife
- HEALTHY CERAMIC NONSTICK INTERIOR: GreenLife’s healthy and easy-to-clean ceramic nonstick is PFAS-free, derived from sand and 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.
- COMPACT SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: Ideal for smaller kitchens, this mini rice cooker's compact design fits easily on your countertop, without sacrificing capacity. Perfect for apartments and limited counter space
- SIMPLE ONE-TOUCH OPERATION: Choose between white or brown rice with just a press of a button, making cooking even easier with the simple flip of a switch.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Removable, dishwasher safe parts make cleaning a breeze, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal.
Best value
AROMA Digital Rice Cooker, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Grain Cooker, Multicooker, 2 Qt, Stainless Steel Exterior, ARC-914SBD
AROMA
- 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
- Item holds up to 2 to 8 cups of cooked rice. 8 cups is the cooked rice capacity. Rice must be cooked in the cup that comes along with this product.
- Steams meat and vegetables while rice cooks below
- Easy-to-use, programmable digital controls with automatic Keep-Warm and White Rice and Brown Rice functions
Best overall
Zojirushi NW-QAC18 10-Cup Capacity Flat-Top Induction Cooker and Warmer with Custom Cooking Pan, Double Nonstick Coating for Easy Clean-Up (Black)
Zojirushi
- High Heat and Fine Heat Adjustments: The Zojirushi NW-QAC18 10-Cup Capacity Induction Cooker generates high heat and offers precise heat adjustments, resulting in exceptionally fluffy rice
- Convenient Steam Function: The Zojirushi NW-QAC18 comes with a convenient steam function that includes an adjustable timer and a BPA-free steaming tray accessory, allowing you to steam various ingredients alongside your rice
- Double Nonstick Coating for Easy Clean-Up: The cooker features a double nonstick coating that makes cleaning a breeze. It prevents rice from sticking to the pan, saving you time and effort in the kitchen
- Multi-Menu Cooking Functions: The Zojirushi NW-QAC18 offers a wide range of cooking functions, including white, quick white, mixed, sushi/sweet, Jasmine, quick Jasmine, congee, brown, GABA brown, steel-cut oatmeal, quinoa, and steam
- Water Measure Lines and White Rice Measurements: For added convenience, the cooker includes water measure lines for all menus and lines specifically for 1/2 cup of white rice, making it easier to achieve the perfect rice consistency
Stir-fry ready
Wok, 13 Inch carbon steel woks & stir-fry pans nonstick, Pre-Seasoned 5.8QT Flat Bottom Chinese Wok Pan with lid, Carbon Steel Cookware, Compatible with All Cooktops
FGJ
- 【PRE-SEASON & NATURALLY NONSTICK】Crafted from premium carbon steel, our woks and stir-fry pans deliver exceptional performance. Once properly seasoned, the natural nonstick surface ensures smooth food release for hassle-free cooking. Pre-seasoned at over 1000°F through advanced nitrogen treatment, these pans offer remarkable strength, superior wear resistance, and excellent protection against corrosion.
- 【CLARITY IN CULINARY CREATIONS】 Take your cooking to the next level with our Wok with Glass Lid . Designed for chefs who demand precision, this wok features a clear glass lid that lets you effortlessly monitor your dishes without lifting it. Enjoy the thrill of watching your stir-fry sizzle and ensuring perfect results every time.
- 【VERSATILE & CONVENIENT】Crafted from premium black carbon steel, this wok offers exceptional durability and quick heat response,enabling swift adaptation to temperature fluctuations. . Its even heating and easy seasoning make it a kitchen essential. The wide, flat bottom ensures effortless tossing and flipping, while its versatility shines in stir-frying, frying, and boiling.
- 【COMPATIBLE WITH ALL STOVETOPS】 The flat bottom allows you to use this wok on just about any cooktop, from gas ranges to induction burners and also will do just fine on the grill or over an open fire.This carbon steel wok is suitable for induction, gas, electric, glass, ceramic and halogen stovetops.
- 【USE AND CARE】 Please refer to the user manual before use. Clean the wok in time after use and keep it dry to prevent the wok from rusting. It is best to apply cooking oil after cleaning.Season the wok is still required and over time, additional seasoning should make the surface even more nonstick than it already is.The wok is NOT dishwasher!Wash the wok by hand with warm water,and dry out.
Carb reduction
GreenPan Carb Reducing Electric Rice Cooker, 4 Cups Uncooked/8 Cooked Rice, 10 Presets, LED Display, Healthier Meals, Delay Timer, PFAS-Free Ceramic Nonstick Removable Bowl, Cool Touch, Steam, Graphite
GreenPan
- INCLUDES: Measuring cup, rice spatula, and carb reduction tray
- THERMOLON VOLT HEALTHY CERAMIC NONSTICK: This diamond-infused ceramic nonstick surface, specially designed for kitchen appliances and free of toxins: PFAS, PFOA, lead & cadmium.
- CARB REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY: Our innovative low carb mode separates excess carbs from rice and grains for healthier meals every time.
- 10 ONE-TOUCH PRESETS: White Rice, Brown Rice, Multigrain, Wild Rice, Low Carb White Rice, Low Carb Brown Rice, Barley, Quinoa, Beans, and Steel Cut Oats.
- SPACIOUS DESIGN: With it’s 8-cup capacity, you can transform up to 4 cups of uncooked rice & grains into massive meals.
- READY WHEN YOU ARE: The handy delay timer lets you plan up to 24 hours ahead while the keep warm function ensures your rice won’t get cold.
- VIBRANT LED DISPLAY: The easy-to-use presets make it simple to find your setting.
- EASY CLEANUP: The bowl pops out and rinses clean, plus it’s dishwasher safe.
Smart cooking
GreenPan Rice Cooker, 8 Cups Cooked (4 Uncooked), Low-Carb & Soup Mode,10 ONE-TOUCH Cooking Presets, PFAS-Free Ceramic Steamer Basket, Fuzzy Logic, Auto Keep Warm, Oats, 24HR Delay Timer, Mint Green
GreenPan
- FUZZY LOGIC TECHNOLOGY: Automatically adjusts cooking time and temperature based on the type and amount of rice or grains, delivering perfect results without the guesswork.
- 8-CUP COOKED CAPACITY: Delivers up to 8 cups of cooked rice (4 cups uncooked), making it easy to prepare multiple portions for lunches, dinners, or bulk meal prep in one cycle.
- LOW-CARB COOKING FUNCTION: Low-carb mode reduces total carbohydrate content by up to 33% by removing excess starch during cooking—ideal for health-conscious lifestyles.
- 10 ONE-TOUCH COOKING PRESETS: Cook a variety of meals with settings for White Rice, Brown Rice, Multigrain, Wild Rice, Low-Carb White, Low-Carb Brown, Quinoa, Beans, Steel-Cut Oats, and Soup.
- BUILT-IN SOUP MODE: Go beyond rice with rich, satisfying soups and stews. From savory broths to hearty classics like miso or chicken noodle, this preset maintains ideal simmering for effortless, one-pot results.
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: Comes complete with a measuring cup, rice spatula, and carb reduction tray—everything you need to start cooking smarter.
- INCLUDES STEAMER INSERT: Steam vegetables, fish, or dumplings above while rice or grains cook below— one compact device that replaces multiple appliances on your counter.
- HEALTHY CERAMIC NONSTICK COATING: Thermolon Volt diamond-infused ceramic surface is PFAS-free and made without lead, cadmium, or PFOA—offering safe, non-toxic cooking and easy cleanup.
Eco-friendly cook
CAROTE Non Stick Frying Pan Skillet, Nonstick Granite Fry Pan with Glass Lid, Egg Pan Omelet Pans, Stone Cookware Chef's Pan, PFOA Free (Classic Granite, 10-Inch)
CAROTE
- Eco-friendly Granite Nonstick Material: Nonstick granite material. Less oil needed & less smoke released, our frying pan provides your daily cooking always safer and healthier. Excellent non stick performance keeps food sliding smoothly along the surface for easy clean.
- Heat Up Quickly and Evenly: The induction frying pan adopts large magnetized base and provides a larger heating area, which allow to distribute heat quickly and evenly resulting in no hot spots. Suitable for gas, electric, ceramic, glass, halogen and induction hobs. With extended bottom design, our cookware heats up faster compared with the traditional skillet pan.
- An Frequently-used Cooking Pan: Our nonstick frying pan can be used for any cooking needs : egg pan/ omelet pan/ grill pan … a perfect fry pan is the best cooking partner for you, with heavy gauge and extra long-lasting die-cast construction, makes the skillet pan break resistant, anti-warping and chip-resistant.
- Heat-resistant Handle: All-in-one design, no rivets and installation-free, avoids rust and easy to clean. Bakelite handle is comfortable to grip and stay cool while cooking and prevent handle burning and discoloring. The sturdy handle aids in lifting, and provides a hole for hanging when not in use.
- SERVICE & GUARANTEE: CAROTE has over 25 years experiences in non-stick cookware, in case you receive defect or damaged frying pan by shipping, please feel free to contact us, we will address your concern within 24 hours and all cookware is guaranteed to get 100% refund or new replacement.
Versatile paella
Machika Enamel Paella Pan | Paella Pan | Skillet for Paella and Rice Recipes | Perfect for Indoor & Outdoors | Easy Cleaning | Rust Proof Coating | 2 Servings | 10 inches |
Machika
- 1.🥘ENAMEL PAELLA PAN WITH RUST PROOF COATING – This Valencian Enameled Paella Pan is made of steel, designed with thick metal with enamel coating, making it a durable, sturdy, rust-proof, and eye-catching pan. It's ideal for preparing up to 2 servings of your favorite Mediterranean recipes.
- 🔥ENJOY GREAT HEAT CONDUCTIVITY – The steel pan offers great heat conduction, allowing all your dishes to be cooked evenly . It has been designed with a flat and wide shape to cook Valencian paella & other rice recipes effectively. Not dishwasher safe.
- 🍤COOK AND SHARE YOUR FAVORITE DISHES – Cook delicious rice, meat, vegetarian, seafood recipes, and more with this enameled steel skillet by Machika. Enjoy up to 2 servings. Perfect for indoor and outdoor activities such as camping or even a romantic dinner at your house.
- 🍳USE IT IN MULTIPLE COOKING EQUIPMENT – Our ceramic pan is suitable for use with various cooking equipment, including conventional stove-tops, grills, paella burners, open fire, and domestic ovens. You can use it on any stove that fits the base of the pan. Non-suitable for induction stoves.
- 🧽EASY TO MANTAIN – Thanks to its beautiful enamel finishes, the oven-safe skillet is super easy to clean after use. Simply wash it with a soft sponge and let it air dry. Then, store it safely next to all your cookware.
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.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Which pan is best for small portions?
GreenLife Electric Rice Cooker (3-cups uncooked) suits small portions.
Which option has the largest capacity?
Zojirushi NW-QAC18 holds up to 10 cups cooked rice.
Are there non-electric rice pan options?
Wok (13-inch carbon steel) and CAROTE Non Stick Frying Pan are non-electric choices.
Which pan is ideal for specialty rice dishes?
Machika Enamel Paella Pan is designed for paella and rice recipes.
Do any pans have low-carb cooking modes?
GreenPan Carb Reducing Electric Rice Cookers and GreenPan Rice Cooker include low-carb modes.
Which is the most durable material?
Zojirushi's induction cooker and carbon steel wok offer long-lasting durability.
Are there options with steaming functions?
AROMA Digital Rice Cooker includes a built-in steamer accessory.
