Set-and-forget cooker that makes even, fluffy rice and steams sides while a ceramic-coated pot keeps cleanup simple.
We may earn a small referral fee
You want rice that comes out consistent and fluffy, with a ceramic inner pot you feel good using every week. These are the ceramic rice cookers worth your counter space, from simple one-touch models to smarter, more flexible options.
In-depth Reviews
GreenPan Bistro Rice Cooker & Steamer
- Even cooking with reliable texture
- Ceramic pot releases rice easily after resting
- Steam function is practical for simple sides
- Ceramic coating needs gentle tools and cleaning to stay slick
- Not the fastest option for last-minute rice
Aroma Housewares Digital Rice Cooker & Food Steamer (Ceramic-Coated Pot)
- Reliable everyday white rice with minimal fuss
- Easy cleanup when treated gently
- Steaming is convenient for weeknight meals
- Brown rice results can vary by grain and water ratio
- Lid and vent parts need regular rinsing to prevent odor buildup
COMFEE’ 6-in-1 Multi Cooker Rice Cooker (Ceramic-Coated Inner Pot)
- More versatile than a basic rice cooker
- Handles one-pot meals better than most rice-only models
- Ceramic-coated pot makes cleanup easier after starchy foods
- More settings means more trial-and-error at first
- Not as compact as simpler rice cookers
VitaClay Rice N Slow Cooker (Clay Pot Style)
- Distinctive clay-pot style texture and aroma
- Great for rice plus gentle simmering and slow cooking
- No metal nonstick coating to baby
- Clay pot requires careful handling and gradual temperature changes
- Less forgiving if you are rushing or frequently changing recipes
GreenLife Rice Cooker & Steamer (Ceramic Nonstick Pot)
- Straightforward operation for daily rice
- Ceramic pot cleans up quickly with mild soap
- Good texture on common white rice varieties
- Less control for specialty grains compared with smarter cookers
- Coating longevity depends on gentle utensils and cleaning
Buying Guide
What We Wish We Knew Before Buying a Ceramic Rice Cooker
Ceramic-coated is not the same as solid ceramic. Most shoppers want a ceramic-coated inner pot because it is easy to clean and avoids traditional nonstick coatings. If you are chasing that classic clay-pot aroma and slightly crisp edge, you want a true clay or ceramic pot model and the care routine that comes with it.
Your habits decide how long the coating lasts. Ceramic coatings hold up best with silicone or wooden utensils, a quick rinse after dinner, and a soft sponge. The fastest way to shorten coating life is scraping stuck starch with a metal fork or letting rice dry hard overnight, then scrubbing aggressively.
Small tweaks can fix “bad rice” faster than a new cooker. Rinse rice, measure water consistently, and always rest on warm before fluffing. If rice is still sticking, add a touch more water and stop opening the lid mid-cook, since heat and steam loss can throw off the final texture.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
Final verdict: The GreenPan Bistro Rice Cooker & Steamer is our top pick because it nails the basics, cooks evenly, and makes cleanup genuinely easy with a ceramic-coated pot. If you want a more traditional, clay-pot style result, VitaClay Rice N Slow Cooker is the most distinctive upgrade.
See also
If you are deciding between a dedicated rice cooker and a pressure multicooker, start with our Instant Pot Duo Plus review for a realistic family-use perspective.
- Kitchen gadgets that truly earn their spot on the counter
- Everyday kitchen accessories that make cooking smoother
- The core kitchen tools most home cooks reach for daily
- Kitchen scales for better portions, baking, and meal prep
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
What does “ceramic rice cooker” actually mean?
Most “ceramic” rice cookers use a ceramic-coated inner pot, meaning a metal pot with a ceramic nonstick coating. A smaller number use a true ceramic or clay pot, which can behave more like traditional clay-pot cooking and often takes a little more time to heat and cool. If your main goal is easier cleanup and avoiding traditional PTFE nonstick, ceramic-coated is typically the most straightforward option. If you want a more traditional texture with deeper browning around the edges, a clay pot style cooker is the more distinctive choice.
Is ceramic better than regular nonstick for rice?
Ceramic coatings can be a good fit for rice because they release starch well when the coating is in good shape, and they are often paired with gentler cooking profiles. The trade-off is durability: ceramic coatings can lose slipperiness over time if you use metal utensils, abrasive scrubbers, or frequent high heat. A traditional nonstick pot can last longer for some households, but many shoppers prefer ceramic for peace of mind and simpler care rules. Your best bet is choosing a cooker that cooks evenly first, then protecting the pot with soft tools and mild cleaning.
How do I keep a ceramic inner pot from sticking?
Rinse rice until the water runs mostly clear, then use the water line marks (or a consistent ratio) and let the rice rest on warm for a few minutes before fluffing. That short rest helps moisture redistribute so the bottom releases more easily. Use a silicone or wooden paddle, not a metal spoon, and avoid scraping the pot while it is still very hot. If you regularly cook very starchy varieties, a quick wipe of neutral oil on the bottom can help without changing flavor.
Do ceramic rice cookers cook brown rice well?
They can, but the “brain” matters more than the coating. Look for a cooker with a brown rice setting or logic that adjusts for longer cook times, and expect brown rice to benefit from an extra rest on warm before serving. If your brown rice sometimes turns out chewy, try slightly more water and a longer soak (even 20 to 30 minutes) before starting. If brown rice is your everyday grain, prioritize the model that is most consistent on brown rice, not the one with the most modes.
Can I cook oats, quinoa, or steam vegetables in a ceramic rice cooker?
Yes, many ceramic rice cookers handle small grains and oatmeal well because the pot releases starchy foods more easily than bare metal. Quinoa is usually straightforward, but you may want to rinse it thoroughly and use a shorter rest so it does not clump. For steaming, use the included tray if available and start with simple timing: softer vegetables can overcook quickly in the moist environment. If you plan to do a lot of one-pot meals, choose a cooker with a dependable keep-warm behavior and easy-to-clean lid parts, since that is where odors and residue tend to build up.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on our site.