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Eating out got too expensive? Make your own sushi!
Eating out and having food delivered has become considerably more expensive. Did you know that you can save up to 80% of your costs if you make your own sushi?
The 10 best rice cookers for the perfect sushi rice in 2025
Making sushi doesn’t start with the fish or the nori – it starts with the rice. A good rice cooker is every sushi chef’s secret weapon, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook. I found this out very quickly when I started making sushi a long time ago. But which rice cooker should you buy to get that perfect sushi rice? There are so many on the market that you quickly lose sight of the forest for the trees. That’s why I’ve already done all the homework for you and give you my Top 10 best rice cookers here. Let’s roll!
Contents of this article:
Why a good rice cooker is crucial for sushi
I ask every sushi workshop, “Who has a rice cooker at home?” Always only a few fingers go up. A crying shame, because with a good rice cooker your sushi rice will be perfect, after all!
After all, making sushi rice is precision work. The right amount of moisture, a constant temperature and even cooking create that perfect sticky texture that sushi is known for. A good rice cooker:
- Prevents the rice from becoming too dry or mushy
- Keeps rice warm without letting it dry out
- makes the process hassle-free: one press of a button, and done
Especially with sushi rice, which requires a specific texture and temperature, a standard pan simply won’t do. Because unlike pans on the stove, which can lead to soggy or burnt rice (oops!), these modern marvels with advanced technology such as fuzzy logic, induction heating and pressure cooking ensure perfect texture, time after time.
Imagine shiny grains that stay together in a roll, yet melt separately in your mouth – pure sushi magic! Plus, a rice cooker gives you the freedom to focus on cutting your fish and other ingredients without fear of your rice failing or your pan of water boiling over.
What do you look for when buying a rice cooker for sushi?
There are so many different rice cookers and also various brands on the market. But what do you look for when buying the best rice cooker for your budget? I’ll take you through my list:
- Sushi rice perfection: Models with special sushi rice settings or proven success with short-grain Japanese rice (such as Koshihikari or Tamaki Gold).
- Smart technology: Fuzzy logic, induction heating or pressure cooking for foolproof results, even if your measurements are slightly off.
- Size for everyone: Compact 3-cup models for small families and 8-10-cup giants for elaborate sushi dinners, catering or for teaching School of Sushi workshops 😉
- Easy to use: Simple controls, timer function so you can get everything ready already, clear waterline markings in the pan and non-stick pans that are so clean.
- Warm function: When the rice is ready, a good rice cooker will keep your rice at the perfect serving temperature.
- Durability and trust: Top brands such as Zojirushi, Cuckoo, Yum Asia and Tiger, backed by rave reviews from users on the Internet.
I begin my list with, how could it be otherwise, a model from the well-known Japanese brand Zojirushi, the Neuro Fuzzy NS-ZCC10.
The Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy is like having a sushi chef in your kitchen, with fuzzy logic that adjusts cooking times and temperatures for flawless, shiny rice. The sushi rice setting delivers fantastic, clear grains that make nigiri sing and keep rolls firm. Amazon reviewers (over 4,000!) wax lyrical about its consistency, with one calling it “the Rolls-Royce of rice cookers.” And I fully concur with that.
Top features: 5.5-cup capacity (perfect for 2-6 people), non-stick inner pan, automatic heat function (up to 12 hours), delay timer for meal planning and a melody to indicate the rice is ready (so cute!). The spherical heating system ensures that each grain cooks evenly.
Perfect for: Home cooks who want professional sushi rice for dinner parties.
Price: 190-210
Order now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4d6eDMB
At my friend Janny Man’s famous Asian Fusion restaurant “The Mandarin,” they swear by rice cookers from the Korean brand Cuckoo. Always perfect rice and never breaks down. Model CRP-P1009SW is a powerhouse that produces restaurant-quality sushi rice in just 25 minutes. The 10-cup capacity is ideal for hosting sushi dinners for many friends or family. The pressure system perfectly retains moisture for delicious plump grains. This rice cooker is both fast and versatile.
Top features: 10-cup capacity, 12 menu options (including sushi rice), voice guidance (in English!), Fuzzy Logic technology, removable inner lid for easy cleaning and sleek design.
Perfect for: Caterers and large families or people with a large group of sociable friends who want to make large quantities of sushi for dinner parties.
Price: 270-290
Order now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jsIPnm
Wow, this rice cooker changes everything! The Zojirushi NP-HCC10 uses induction heating to control temperatures with laser precision, and delivers resilient, shiny sushi rice that looks like it came straight out of a sushi bar in Tokyo. The countdown timer and sleek design make it a joy to use, and the sushi setting is perfect for Koshihikari rice.
Top features: 5.5-cup capacity, 9 cooking modes (including sushi and quick cooking), extended warming function (up to 24 hours), detachable cord and triple heating for even cooking.
Perfect for: Technology-loving sushi fans who want premium results and a modern kitchen atmosphere.
Price: 300-320
Order now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RBb478
Budget-friendly and brilliant, this Aroma rice cooker is your ticket to success with sushi rice without raiding your wallet! It’s super simple to use and partly why it’s loved by many first-time rice cookers. Its compact size and 4.5-star rating of over 60,000 (!) positive Amazon reviews make it a crowd pleaser for beginners. And I can’t argue with that. An excellent rice cooker for the starting home cook on a small budget.
Top features: 4-cup capacity, one-touch digital controls, steam tray for vegetables, dishwasher-safe non-stick pan and a 15-hour delay timer.
Perfect for: New sushi makers or students in my School of Sushi online courses 😉
Price: 30-40
Order now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/42r20Ia
Small but powerful, the Yum Asia Panda Mini is cute and strong! I love this brand and for good reason. The fuzzy logic and ceramic-coated pan create sushi rice with a dreamy texture, perfect for solo sushi nights or small households. The size is nice and compact the vibrant LED display looks kindly at you while the rice cooker does its job. More than fine rice cooker in other words!
Top features: 3.5-cup capacity, 7 rice settings (including short-grain white), steam tray, 24-hour keep-warm function and a 10-minute rapid cook mode.
Perfect for: couples who want to make delicious sushi together at home.
Price: 100-120
Order now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jtmMgi
Tiger’s JKT-D10U is a sushi rice superstar that rivals Zojirushi’s best rice cookers! Its induction heating and sushi rice setting produce plump, chewy grains that make every roll a masterpiece. With a 4.7-star rating, it is a hit with many users because of its durability and sleek black-and-silver appearance.
Top features: 5.5-cup capacity, 11 cooking modes, tacook plate for simultaneous steaming and a ceramic-coated inner pan for easy cleaning.
Perfect for: Lovers of Japanese cuisine who want versatility for sushi, side dishes with miso soup and more.
Price: 240-260
Order now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4iwMmj2
Simple, affordable and oh so reliable, this Zojirushi classic is perfect for minimalists who love great sushi rice without the bells and whistles. The 3-cup size is ideal for small spaces, and the one-button controls are foolproof. This small rice cooker is truly a “workhorse” for consistent results.
Top features: 3-cup capacity, see-through glass lid, stay-cool handles and a simple on/off switch.
Perfect for: Students, couples and anyone starting my sushi classes 😉
Price: 50-60
Order now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/448CKrt
Innovation alert and an odd duck in this list! This KitchenAid rice cooker is a dream for sushi makers, with a built-in scale and water tank that automatically adjusts water for perfect rice every time. The sushi rice setting is a gamechanger, and the touchscreen is so user-friendly you’ll be grinning from ear to ear.
Top features: 8-cup cooked capacity, 21 grain settings, Guided Chef Mode for step-by-step prompts and a removable non-stick pan.
Perfect for: Busy sushi chefs who want convenience while preparing sashimi or wasabi.
Price: 290-310
Order now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GC4hYk
Big, bold and brilliant, this Russell Hobbs kettle is your choice for sushi parties or catering! The 10-cup capacity can handle large quantities and “what you see is what you get. No complicated technology to be found in this rice cooker. It is pure and simple rice cooking.
Top features: 10-cup boiling capacity, keep-warm function, glass lid and a steam tray for gyoza or vegetables.
Perfect for: Large families or caterers on a small budget.
Price: 30-40
Order now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/42v99r0
Last, but not least. My own favorite rice cooker. The Yum Asia Bamboo! In all my trainings, workshops and dinners with friends, I use this amazing rice cooker and after all these years, I still have perfect sushi rice every time.
The Yum Asia Bamboo uses 3D induction heating and an AI microprocessor to create sushi rice that is pure perfection. The ceramic pan and stylish finish make it a picture in the kitchen. It comes in three different colors. The black one is my personal choice.
Top features: 8-cup cooked capacity, 7 rice settings (including sushi), 24-hour delay timer and low-maintenance design.
Perfect for: me!
Price: 220-240
Order now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4lHLL0Z
Ready to make sushi?
Ready to make sushi rice that steals the show? If so, here are some great tips for you before you get started:
- Choose Premium Rice: Go for short-grain Japanese rice like Koshihikari, Nishiki or Tamaki Gold for authentic texture. Check out my favorites here.
- Rinse: Wash rice 4-8 times in cold water, gently swirling your fingers through the water until the water runs clear. This actually removes excess starch.
- Proper amount of water: Use your rice cooker’s water line indicators or the finger method (water to first knuckle above flat rice). For most cookers, a 1:1.1 rice-to-water ratio works perfectly.
- Choose the Sushi setting: If your cooker has a sushi rice mode, use that! Otherwise, the white rice setting is a safe choice.
- Relax: Let rice stand for 10-15 minutes after cooking to absorb steam and set the texture.
- Season to taste: Transfer rice to a wooden hangiri (or wide bowl) and gently fold in sushi vinegar (2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt per 2 cups cooked rice). Fan the rice while mixing for a glossy finish.
- Cool: Let rice cool to room temperature before shaping – hot rice makes mushy rolls!
- Wet tea towel: If not using immediately, cover with a damp cloth to keep rice moist for up to 4 hours.
Sign up now for my free 8-part online course and then learn all about cooking sushi rice perfectly!
My top choice:
I am totally in love with the Yum Asia Bamboobut also on the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy NS-ZCC10 – both are the ultimate sushi rice makers, combining precision and convenience for stunning results every time (just ask friends!).
Do you have a limited budget? The Aroma ARC-914SBD is an absolute bargain, and proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to roll great maki. Whichever rice cooker you choose from my list above, they will 100% ensure that your sushi rice, and therefore your sushi, tastes much better.
So, what are you waiting for? Order your rice cooker on Amazon, sign up with me for a School of Sushi course, and let’s make blissful sushi together!
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary. Check Amazon for the latest deals and discounts.
Hi, I'm Rik!
Sushi chef and founder of the School of Sushi. Making your own sushi is easier and more fun than you think! Through workshops and online courses, I’ll show you how to roll delicious sushi for your friends & family. Ready to roll?
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