Best Rice Cookers Under $50 – Budget Picks for 2025
Cooking perfect rice doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or just need a reliable way to make fluffy white rice, today’s budget rice cookers get the job done with ease. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best rice cookers you can get in 2025 for under $50. These compact, efficient appliances offer key features like one-touch operation, automatic keep-warm modes, and even built-in steamers – all without breaking your budget.
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Aroma Housewares ARC-743-1NGB
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.6/5 – Best Overall Under $50
Overview:
The Aroma ARC-743-1NGB is one of the most popular budget rice cookers on the market — and for good reason. With a 6-cup cooked rice capacity, it’s the perfect size for couples or small families. It features one-touch operation, a keep-warm function, and even comes with a steamer tray for veggies or proteins. For under $30, it delivers reliability, simplicity, and surprising versatility.
Why We Like It:
- One-touch cooking and automatic keep-warm
- Comes with steamer tray for multi-tasking
- Compact size fits easily in any kitchen
- Very easy to clean
✅ Key Specs
- Capacity: 6 cups (cooked)
- Power: 300 watts
- Functions: Cook, steam, keep warm
- Includes: Nonstick inner pot, steam tray, rice spatula, measuring cup
👍 Pros
- Great value for the price
- Easy setup and foolproof operation
- Lightweight and compact
- Can steam and cook rice at the same time
👎 Cons
- Lacks advanced cooking modes
- No timer or delay start
- Steamer tray is small
BLACK+DECKER RC506
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5/5 – Best for Simple Everyday Use
Overview:
The BLACK+DECKER RC506 is a solid, no-nonsense rice cooker that delivers consistent results. With a 6-cup cooked capacity, it’s a great fit for small households. It offers automatic keep-warm, a dishwasher-safe nonstick bowl, and a glass lid so you can monitor progress. If you want a dependable rice cooker without bells and whistles, this one fits the bill.
Why We Like It:
- Simple one-button operation
- Transparent glass lid for visibility
- Automatically switches to keep-warm
- Easy cleanup with nonstick inner pot
✅ Key Specs
- Capacity: 6 cups (cooked)
- Power: 300 watts
- Functions: Cook, keep warm
- Includes: Measuring cup, rice paddle, glass lid
👍 Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Cooks rice evenly without burning
- Budget-friendly and beginner-friendly
- Great for rice, quinoa, and couscous
👎 Cons
- No steaming feature
- Inner pot feels thin compared to others
- Can sputter if overfilled
Dash Mini Rice Cooker
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5/5 – Best for Small Portions & Travel
Overview:
The Dash Mini is perfect for solo cooks, students, or anyone with very limited counter space. With a 2-cup cooked capacity, it’s ideal for quick meals like rice, oatmeal, or even mac and cheese. It features a compact footprint, cute design, and comes in multiple colors. If you want a portable and easy-to-store rice cooker, this one’s a winner.
Why We Like It:
- Ultra-compact and lightweight
- Perfect for dorms, RVs, or travel
- Comes in several fun colors
- Very beginner-friendly
✅ Key Specs
- Capacity: 2 cups (cooked)
- Power: 200 watts
- Functions: Cook, keep warm
- Includes: Mixing paddle, measuring cup, recipe booklet
👍 Pros
- Extremely compact – fits anywhere
- Great for quick single servings
- Nonstick pot is easy to clean
- Auto shut-off and keep-warm included
👎 Cons
- Only suited for 1–2 servings
- No steaming function
- Can bubble over if overfilled
IMUSA USA GAU-00011
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.4/5 – Best Ultra-Budget Option
Overview:
The IMUSA GAU-00011 is a no-frills, compact rice cooker that gets the job done for the lowest price on this list. With a 3-cup cooked capacity, it’s great for small kitchens, singles, or quick side dishes. It features simple one-touch operation and a nonstick inner pot, and it’s one of the most affordable models available from a trusted kitchen brand.
Why We Like It:
- Super budget-friendly
- Nonstick pot for easy cleanup
- Small and lightweight
- Great for white or jasmine riceost meals
✅ Key Specs
- Capacity: 3 cups (cooked)
- Power: 300 watts
- Functions: Cook, keep warm
- Includes: Glass lid, rice spoon, measuring cup
👍 Pros
- Takes up very little space
- Simple operation for beginners
- Heats up quickly
- Easy to store
👎 Cons
- No steamer tray or extras
- Not ideal for sticky rice or larger batches
- Exterior can get hot
Oster 6-Cup Rice Cooker
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.3/5 – Best for Steaming and Versatility
Overview:
The Oster 6-Cup Rice Cooker offers a bit more versatility than most in this price range. Along with a 6-cup cooked rice capacity, it includes a steaming tray, nonstick bowl, and auto keep-warm function. It’s a solid, durable unit that delivers reliable performance whether you’re cooking rice or steaming vegetables at the same time.
Why We Like It:
- Includes steaming tray for veggies, dumplings, and more
- Nonstick inner pot cleans easily
- Sleek, simple design
- Auto switch to keep warm after cooking50
✅ Key Specs
- Capacity: 6 cups (cooked)
- Power: 350 watts
- Functions: Cook, steam, keep warm
- Includes: Steamer tray, measuring cup, rice spoon
👍 Pros
- Versatile for rice + steaming
- Easy to use and clean
- Good size for couples and small families
- Consistent results
👎 Cons
- Outer body gets hot during use
- No on/off switch – unplug to turn off
- Slightly bulkier than others on the list
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📘 Buying Guide – What to Look for in a Budget Rice Cooker
Even if you’re working with a $50 budget, you can still get a rice cooker that performs well. Here’s what to consider before making your purchase:
1. Capacity
Rice cookers list capacity in cups of cooked rice, which usually ranges from 2 to 6 cups in this price range.
- 2–3 cups: Ideal for singles or small kitchens
- 6 cups: Good for couples or small families
2. Features
Most budget models include:
- One-touch cooking
- Automatic keep-warm
- Some may include steam trays or basic accessories
Skip models with timers or advanced presets — they’re rare under $50 and often unreliable at this price point.
3. Ease of Cleaning
Look for a nonstick inner pot, removable parts, and dishwasher-safe components if possible. Simpler designs tend to clean faster and last longer.
4. Versatility
Some models can steam veggies, cook quinoa, or make oatmeal. If you want more than just rice, pick one with a steamer tray and broader functionality.
5. Size and Storage
Counter and cabinet space matter. Mini models are perfect for tight kitchens or travel, while larger ones may be more practical for frequent use or families.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can I cook in a basic rice cooker?
In addition to white and brown rice, many budget rice cookers can handle quinoa, couscous, oatmeal, and even small batches of soup or steamed vegetables if a tray is included.
Are rice cookers under $50 reliable?
Yes – as long as you choose a trusted brand. Many budget models offer great durability and consistent results, especially for basic rice cooking and reheating
Do I need to rinse rice before cooking?
Yes. Rinsing removes excess starch that can make rice gummy. Most rice cookers don’t adjust for unrinsed rice, so a quick rinse improves both texture and taste.
Can I leave the rice in the cooker after it’s done?
Yes – most units switch to keep-warm mode automatically. However, rice can dry out or become crusty after a few hours, so it’s best to consume it soon after cooking.
What’s the difference between “cooked” and “uncooked” rice capacity?
Cooked rice expands about 2–3x its dry volume. So a 6-cup cooked capacity means the cooker holds roughly 2–3 cups of dry rice before cooking.
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Final Verdict
You don’t need to spend a lot to make great rice. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a small family, these rice cookers prove that affordable can still mean reliable and convenient. Here’s a quick recap:
- Aroma ARC-743-1NGB – Best overall pick with 6-cup capacity and a steamer tray for added versatility.
- BLACK+DECKER RC506 – Great everyday option with auto keep-warm and easy operation.
- Dash Mini Rice Cooker – Perfect for single servings, dorm rooms, or compact kitchens.
- IMUSA GAU-00011 – A great ultra-budget model that does the basics well.
- Oster 6-Cup Rice Cooker – Ideal if you want to steam while cooking rice at the same time.
All five are smart buys under $50 and offer great long-term value for anyone looking to save time in the kitchen without overspending.
