(checked 2026-10-10)
An affordable, fast microcomputer cooker that Bon Appétit's tasters liked, but it is very basic (no timer or alarm), and Wirecutter found condensation dripping into the rice.
Top complaints
- Condensation drips into rice
Wirecutter says the lid isn't removable and lacks a working drain hole, so puddles of condensation spill into the rice when you open it.
Source: Wirecutter - Bare-bones controls
Bon Appétit says it has no alarm, timer or digital interface, and fewer settings than fancier models.
Source: Bon Appétit - Some units fail within a year
Amazon's summary says durability is mixed, with some units breaking within ten months. Owners also disagree on size, with some finding it too large for two people.
What owners love
- Consistently good rice for the price
Bon Appétit's blind tasters picked it over several more expensive models. Amazon shoppers praise fluffy rice and soft brown rice.
- Fast
Wirecutter timed white rice at under 30 minutes, and Amazon owners say it cooks faster than other models.
- Easy to use and clean
Bon Appétit says it's easy to clean, and Amazon owners praise its ease of use and cleaning and its keep-warm.
- You want a delay timer or done alarm
- You hate condensation dripping into rice
- You want the plumpest grains
- Affordable step up from a one-button cooker
- Cooking rice and a steamed dish together
- Fast white rice
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Bon Appétit: Former budget pick that still makes consistently great rice, but it has no timer, alarm or digital interface, and the Hamilton Beach now edges it out at about half the price.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not a pick: speedy, but the grains could be plumper and condensation spills into the rice from the non-removable lid.