Comparison: Best Rice Cooker For One Person (Updated | Oct 22nd)
Cooking perfect rice for one can be surprisingly challenging. Too often, standard rice cookers leave you with mountains of leftovers or undercooked grains. This comparison focuses on the best rice cookers specifically designed for single servings. We’ll explore compact models, multi-functional options, and those prioritizing ease of use and cleanup. We’ll consider factors like capacity, cooking functions, and features to help you find the ideal rice cooker to enjoy perfectly portioned rice every time, without the waste. Let’s find the right fit for your individual needs!
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
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Best for best overall:
DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer with Removable Nonstick Pot -
Best for best budget:
Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker (ARC-302NG) -
Best for ideal for singles:
Rice Cooker Small 1-1.5 Cups Uncooked(3 Cups Cooked) -
Best for effortless cooking:
Rice Robot Personal Rice Cooker -
Best for multi functional:
COMFEE' Compact Rice Cooker -
Best for fast cooking:
1.0L Mini Rice Cooker -
Best for simple operation:
Aroma Housewares Aroma 6-cup (cooked) 1.5 Qt. One Touch Rice Cooker -
Best for compact size:
Bear Mini Rice Cooker 2 Cups Uncooked -
Best for multifunctional cooker:
Narcissus 3.5-Cup Rice Cooker for 1-3 People -
Best for authentic design:
Iga no Takumi Instant Rice Pot Microwave Rice Cooker Clay Pot for One-Person Cooking Authentic Iga-Yaki Donabe – Perfect for Rice & Hot Pot (US Version)
Product Comparison: Best Rice Cooker For One Person
Best Overall
DASH Mini Rice Cooker Steamer with Removable Nonstick Pot, Keep Warm Function & Recipe Guide, One Half Quart, for Soups, Stews, Grains & Oatmeal – Black
DASH
- MORE THAN RICE: Oatmeal, stew, soup, quinoa, rice, and pasta. The 2-cup capacity allows for healthier portion control, or individual, quick and easy breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, or sides.
- QUICK plus EASY: Set it and forget it. Prep time is minutes (simply add water and your uncooked rice, pasta, or veggies), and press the cook button. Your steamed meal (or side) is ready in less than 20 minutes, with less clean up.
- KEEP WARM FUNCTION: Updated with a keep warm function and indicator light – never overheat or overcook ingredients again, making for a healthy, perfect meal each and every time. Removable pot with nonstick coating that releases foods easily.
- PORTABLE plus COMPACT: The Dash Rice Cooker is your MUST-HAVE for that first apartment, smaller kitchen, college dorm life, or camper/RV traveling. Plus, the fun color options will match any kitchen décor (add to your registry now.).
- INCLUDES: The 200-Watt Dash Mini Rice Cooker is backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty and includes a rice paddle, measuring cup, removable pot with PFOA-free nonstick coating, recipe book and recipe database access
Best Budget
Aroma Housewares 4-Cups (Cooked) / 1Qt. Rice & Grain Cooker (ARC-302NG), White
AROMA
- Perfectly prepares 2 to 4 cups of any variety of cooked rice
- Simple, one-touch operation with automatic Warm mode
- Easy-to-clean, nonstick removable inner pot
- Full-view tempered glass lid for easy monitoring as food cooks to monitor food as it cooks
- Great for soups, jambalaya, chili and so much more!
Ideal for Singles
Rice Cooker Small 1-1.5 Cups Uncooked(3 Cups Cooked), Mini Rice Cooker with Removable Nonstick Pot, One Touch&Keep Warm Function, Travel Rice Cooker for Soup Grain Oatmeal Veggie, White
Macook
- IDEAL FOR SINGLES – Macook 0.6L mini rice cooker can cook up to 1-3 cups of cooked white rice when use the standard 160ml measuring cup, perfect for singles. The portable size won’t take up too much space and this small rice cooker is your MUST-HAVE for first apartment, smaller kitchen, college dorm life, or camper/traveling.
- NOT JUST FOR RICE – The small rice cooker 1-3 cups also suitable for soup, oatmeal, pasta, veggie, stew and more. The small capacity allows for healthier portion control, or individual, quick and easy breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, or sides.
- QUICK & EASY – Easy to use with one button operation. Just spend a few minutes to prep your delicious meals then fill it in the pot, press the button to start cooking! Your steamed meal (or side) is ready in less than 25 minutes.
- AUTO KEEP WARM- When cooking is complete, the rice maker will enter the automatic keep-warm function. Never overheat or overcook ingredients again, making for a healthy, perfect meal each and every time.
- EASY TO CLEAN – The aluminum inner pot is treated with food-grade non-stick coating and prevents the sticking of cooked rice to the bottom. The inner pot features removable, portable, and easy to clean. You can soak it in water for 10 minutes before cleaning or wash it in the dishwasher conveniently.
- Package Includes: Rice cooker, rice spatula, measuring cup, power cord, User Manual
Effortless Cooking
Rice Robot Personal Rice Cooker, PFAS-free, Nonstick. 1 Quart Capacity, with Stainless Steel Steamer Tray, Measuring Cups, Recipe Book with 60 Recipes, and Serving Spoon, As Seen On TV
EMSON
- 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: Master rice dishes effortlessly with our intuitive design, making cooking as easy as 1-2-3.
- 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆: Equipped with click and cook technology, the Rice Robot mini rice cooker ensures perfectly cooked grains every time, eliminating worries of burning, overcooking, or undercooking.
- 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 No more guesswork! The Rice Robot automatically stops cooking when your rice is ready, simplifying the cooking process.
- 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆: With a 1-quart capacity, you can make multiple rice dishes to cater to your culinary needs, aided by two color coated measuring cups for precise ingredient measurement.
- 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 rice pot for easy cleanup! Say goodbye to tedious scrubbing with the Rice Robot's superior Ceramic non-stick surface and dishwasher-safe design, making cleanup a breeze.
- 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥: Perfect for apartments, dorm rooms, and RVs, this compact and portable rice cooker can be taken with you anywhere, adding elegance to any kitchen countertop.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝: Recipe Book with 60 Recipes, Nonstick 1 Qt. Inner Pot and Steamer Tray , Rice Measuring Cup, Water Measuring Cup, Serving Spoon, Manual
Multi Functional
COMFEE' Compact Rice Cooker, 6-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi Cooker, Slow Cooker, Steamer, Saute, and Warmer, 2 QT, 8 Cups Cooked(4 Cups Uncooked), Brown Rice, Quinoa and Oatmeal, 6 One-Touch Programs
COMFEE'
- Multifunctional – Use-6 digital cooking programs including white rice, brown rice, steam, slow cook, quinoa and oatmeal functions.
- Compact Capacity -8 cup cooked (2 Qt) capacity yields up to 8 cups of cooked rice. Its space saving design is perfect for preparing small meals or tasty sides.
- Effortless Operation – The Multi Use Programmable Rice Cooker is user friendly with digital panel & LED display, features 6 One-Touch Programs, automatically switches to keep warm for 12 hours and 12 hour delay timer is designed for flexible meal planning.
- Easy to Clean – Stainless steel external housing is easy to wipe clean. With the non-stick coating, the cleaning of the inner pot is like a breeze. The inner pot and all of the included accessories are dishwasher safe.
- Safety Features – Built-in Overheating Protection. Made of BPA-Free Food Grade Material. Cool touch handle ensures your safety when you open the cooker.
- Warranty from COMFEE' – This programmable electric rice cooker is made of BPA-free food grade material. UL certificate approved. COMFEE' will provide 1 year manufacturer warranty together with your purchase.
Fast Cooking
1.0L Mini Rice Cooker,WHITE TIGER Portable Travel Steamer Small,15 Minutes Fast Cooking, Removable Non-stick Pot, Keep Warm, Suitable For 1-2 People – For Cooking Soup, Rice, Stews & Oatmeal
WHITE TIGER
- FEATURES:15 minutes to finish cooking(coarse cereals may take longer to cook);1.0L Capacity,suitable for 1-2 people,suitable for a family of two and busy office workers,can save time for you.
- ALL in 1 Multi-cooker: A novice in the kitchen? It doesn’t matter. With this all-in-1 smart electric cooker,everyone can choose the most desired way to cook a big meal easily. Rice, soup,oatmeal,cake, yogurt,pasta or dessert.
- Keep Warm Function:This mini rice cooker has updated with a keep Warm function and indicator light,never overheat or overcook ingredients again,making for a healthy,perfect meal every time.
- UNIQUE DESIGN: The bottom of the rice cooker has a heat dissipation port ,so as to prevent the damage of the machine caused by the excessive temperature,so that the rice cooker has a longer service life;the inside of the rice cooker is a pot with non-stick coating,easy clean.
- Package Includes:Our 110V mini rice cooker is backed by a 365 Days manufacturer service and includes a rice paddle,rice spoon,measuring cup,removable pot with PFOA-free nonstick coating. 24hs Customer Service, any quesiton pls contact us anytime!
- Operate according to the instructions, adding the appropriate amount of water to your taste, and do not exceed the maximum level.
Simple Operation
Aroma Housewares Aroma 6-cup (cooked) 1.5 Qt. One Touch Rice Cooker, White (ARC-363NG), 6 cup cooked/ 3 cup uncook/ 1.5 Qt.
AROMA
- Perfectly prepares 2 to 6 cups of any variety of cooked rice
- Simple, one-touch operation with automatic Keep-Warm
- Great for soups, jambalaya, chili and so much more!
- Full-view tempered glass lid
- Easy-to-clean, nonstick removable inner pot
- Includes Rice Measuring Cup and Serving Spatula
Compact Size
Bear Mini Rice Cooker 2 Cups Uncooked, 1.2L Portable Non-Stick Small Travel Rice Cooker, BPA Free, One Button to Cook and Keep Warm Function, Blue
Bar
- 【Effortless Cooking】Master rice dishes effortlessly with our user-friendly design, making cooking as easy as 1-2-3. This rice cooker is a great choice to replace your stove, instant rice or your old traditional rice cooker
- 【Small Rice Cooker 2 Cup】Can cook up to 2 cups of uncooked white rice, perfect for 1-2 people. The compact size won't take up too much space, a MUST-HAVE for first apartments, smaller kitchens, college dorms, or for those who travel in RVs or campers. 👉NOTE: 1*BEAR MEASURING CUP=150ML. In order to avoid overleaking, please use Bear measuring cup to guide the capacity of the rice, and the scale on the inner pot to guide how much water should be put
- 【Quick plus Easy】One-button to cook, your rice is ready in 25 minutes. With a keep warm function and indicator light – never overheat or overcook ingredients again, making for a healthy, perfect meal every time
- 【Cleaning is a Breeze】With a removable non-stick inner pot and a detachable inner lid, cleaning this rice cooker is very easy. The use of an extended steam port can effectively control the overflow of the rice cooker, making it safer to use and keep your desk clean
- 【What You Get】Small rice cooker, rice paddle, measuring cup, user manual, all-day customer service, worry-free 365-Day warranty, and lifetime technical support
Multifunctional Cooker
Narcissus 3.5-Cup Rice Cooker for 1-3 People, Multifunctional for Rice, Oatmeal, Quinoa – Slow Cook, Steam, Cook Rice & Steam Dish Together, White
Narcissus
- Suitable for 1-3 People – 1.8L Narcissus small rice cookers fit 3.5 cups uncooked(7 cups cooked). This mini rice cooker can feed 1-3 people. Its compact size (9.4*7.8*7.4 inch) is ideal for small spaces in your kitchen. Each rice cooker comes with a steam tray, a measuring cup, and a serving spatula.
- Multifunctional Rice Cooker – Besides basic cooking for white/brown rice, oatmeal, and quinoa, this 3.5 cup rice cooker also features slow cook and steam functions. With the extra function, you can make additional dishes for your dinner. This rice cooker can create soups, stews, steamed dishes, and hot pots. Rice cooking and dish steaming can occur at the same time.
- Auto Warm & Delay Start – No matter which functions you select, the small rice cooker will automatically switch to auto-warm mode after cooking, keeping your meal warm for up to 12 hours once cooked. If you select the delay start function, the cooker will automatically start working 8 hours later, so you can prepare breakfast or dinner before bed or work.
- Creates Delicious Rice – Narcissus small rice cookers include five layers of a thickened, curved pot, increasing the heating area of rice. This characteristic helps rice heat evenly, creating delicious rice every time. Note: this cooking pot is dishwasher friendly.
- Smart System for Cooking – The 3.5 cup rice cooker uses an accurate smart system to make a delicious meal every time. Simply add water to the corresponding tick marks after putting any grain into the pot. No matter which functions you select, the machine will auto-switch to the 12-hour warming mode after mission completed.
- Narcissus Promise – We always offer all customers 12 months of free new item replacement or refund service, and 24 months of after-sales service, so please contact us if there is any quality issues.
Authentic Design
Iga no Takumi Instant Rice Pot Microwave Rice Cooker Clay Pot for One-Person Cooking Authentic Iga-Yaki Donabe – Perfect for Rice & Hot Pot (US Version)
伊賀ノ匠
- AUTHENTIC DESIGN: Traditional Iga-Yaki ceramic construction with porous clay that naturally regulates moisture and retains heat for perfect rice texture
- QUICK COOKING: Achieves delicious clay pot rice in just 10 minutes using your microwave, with built-in water level markers for precise measurements
- PERFECT PORTIONS: Specially designed for cooking small servings of 0.5 to 1 cup of rice, ensuring even cooking and ideal texture for single portions
- DUAL FUNCTIONALITY: Doubles as a rice storage container and reheating bowl, maintaining moisture and flavor when refrigerated and reheated
- EASY MAINTENANCE: Simple two-piece design with smooth, rounded interior makes cleanup effortless, ideal for daily use in compact kitchens
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
What size rice cooker is best for one person?
A rice cooker that cooks 1-3 cups of uncooked rice is generally ideal for a single person.
What features should I look for in a small rice cooker?
Consider features like a non-stick pot, keep-warm function, and compact size for easy storage.
Are mini rice cookers good for more than just rice?
Yes, many mini rice cookers can also steam vegetables, cook oatmeal, or even slow cook meals.
Is a stainless steel inner pot better than a non-stick pot?
Stainless steel is durable and doesn't have non-stick coatings, while non-stick pots are easier to clean. It depends on your preference.
How do I clean a small rice cooker?
Most have removable, dishwasher-safe inner pots. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.
Can I use a microwave rice cooker?
Yes, microwave rice cookers are a convenient option for single servings and quick cooking.
What does 'PFAS-free' mean in a rice cooker?
It means the non-stick coating doesn't contain potentially harmful 'forever chemicals'. It's a safer option.