Top Rated Brands Of Rice Cookers & Steamers 2015

Rice is by far one of the most consumed crops in the world. Sure, it is one of staple foods all around the world. There is probably no country in the world where people do not eat it. It is the staple food in many South Asian countries. On the other hand, the popularity or utilization is not just limited to the eastern world. It is widely popular in European and American countries as well. Whether it is tasty meals with rice, you cannot make them without rice.

Now, lots of people think cooking rice is an easy job, but this is where common cooks make mistakes. Cooking it to excellence can be one of the trickiest jobs ever. Even, many influential chefs get shocked by boiling rice to excellence.
 

If kept for too long, they can be too soft and soggy or if removed too early from boil they can be rubbery hard. These are common problems that Asian housewives face daily in their kitchens. Errors in cooking rice can spoil the whole meal. Sometimes, just cooking to excellence is not just the matter. Spending time to cook the same item daily can be boring. Especially if you have troubles regarding fuel supply, preparing this product becomes even more difficult.
To overcome these problems rice cookers have come forward. They were first developed in Japan. It takes about 30-60 minutes to cook rice in these cookers. They can cook to excellence and most outstandingly, you do not need to stand in the hot kitchen to see if rice is cooked or not.

What Is Rice Cooker?
If you have never used a rice cooker, it is helpful to know what it does and how it works. Rice cookers are small gadgets containing an inner pot inside an outer vessel. At the bottom of the outer container is a heating plate. You plug in the cooker and the heating plate starts cooking the contents. You just add the right amount of rice and water, cover, and wait while the water inside boils and the steam inside the gadget cooks the rice. May be waiting half an hour to an hour, and your rice will be ready. 

Why We Look At For A Rice Cooker?
Some are thinking that they do not have any requirement for a rice cooker.  Because it is a small domestic device that has only one purpose. While the main purpose of a rice cooker is clearly to cook rice. But, there are many other things that you can make with one of these domestic devices. As an example, they are perfect for making soups and stews, and you can also cook many other meals, as well as keep foods warm until you are ready to eat.

What To Look For In The Best Rice Cooker
Not only does it guarantee a delicious bowl of rice every time, but it also makes it easy to cook other types of rice or grains. Not all rice cookers work the same way. There are conventional rice cookers that work the way we described above. But, there are also MICOM (micro computerized) rice cookers which sense how “done” your rice is and then time the cooking smartly. Sometimes this feature is called “fuzzy logic”.
Therefore, there are many things to consider about when choosing a rice cooker. You need to have one that is going to hold the meals you want to cook in it. You also need a good quality model. If you get a cheap rice cooker, probabilities are you will call for a new one in the near future.
So, it is best to get a rice cooker that can hold at least five cups of rice. Even better, try to get one that can hold up to 10 cups of rice. This is the best size to have if you are cooking for a large family. You will even be able to make sufficient so that there are wastes for lunches the next day.
As well as, most important to make sure that the bowl is a good quality one. Most of the cheaper brands have bowls that are made from aluminum. This material doesn’t always heat properly, and it heats unequally. Pay out a little bit more money so you can have a brand with a stainless steel bowl.
The interior of the bowl must have a non stick coating. Rice dishes are often somewhat sticky. This is because rice is high in starch. Ensure on the quality of the coating, as the less expensive brands often use coating that will damage or peel.

Naturally, rice cookers heat food via a heating element that is directly beneath the bowl. The only problem with this is that the element touches the bowl in areas, and rice that is touching these same areas can end up overcooked. A more expensive model may use induction heating. This turns the bowl into an element itself for even cooking. Another option is a high-end rice cooker that can be used as a pressure cooker.
While it may be attractive to buy a common rice cooker because it is lower priced, it is not always going to be the best option. It is often better to buy a product that is from a trusted brand. You know that you can trust the product, and that you will have a good warranty. Many popular small appliance manufacturers are now offering rice cookers.
Finally, I would like to say most rice cookers are cute, simple. Look for a brand  that will hold a minimum of 10 cups, and that has a non stick coating. Make sure it is easy to use, and that it comes with clear, summarizing directions. It must be large sufficient to cook a lot of rice for family meals, and it ought to come with a good warranty.
Most rice cookers are easy to use. All you need to do is press on a button and they will start cooking. For most people, the simple brands are all they need. But, if you are someone who likes to research in the kitchen, and you like gadgets, you may want to go for a brand that has more tasks.
Also seem for Induction Heating (IH) Technology, which heats up the whole pan through induction instead of the simple heating pan on the bottom of the rice cooker. Some rice cookers include a pressure heating system as well, which makes your rice and cooks it faster. All of these features are excellent, and some of the best rice cookers include them all.

You do not need a timer if you get a MICOM rice cooker since it will compute the timing each time alone, but it is a good feature if you get a simpler rice cooker that doesn’t have a micro computer.

You can buy a absolutely realistic, basic rice cooker for not much more than the price of a family sized take out portion, or you can pay hundreds of dollars for a superior brand with all features of bells and whistles. Just what do you get for your money, and is the product value the price?

Now, we will look at about high quality brands on the market ever. You can checked it out the top ranked cookers and found some grand opportunities for everyone shopping for the best rice cooker brand. I have listed out those as below.

#1:Aroma Brand

Aroma will have the perfect product for you, who are looking for a cooker that is good for a small family or a big family. Their steamers can cook from 1 to 60 cups of absolutely cooked rice that can be enjoyed by everyone. The solid construction, use of stainless steel as one of the primary materials, the transparent lid, multifunctional (can stew vegetables and steam meats at the same time) , will give you the assurance that the product will be functional for a long time.

Aroma makes generally budget options that are best if you want something simple and valuable which is going to offer you with tasty results, but you do not need a lot of extra features and you are not gone on a higher price tag. Here are some of our favorite preferences of the Aroma Brand.

Aroma 8 Cup (Cooked) Digital Rice Cooker & Food Steamer, Stainless Steel - $27

Aroma is  #1 rice cooker brand in the US. It helps to  perfectly prepares 2 to 8 cups of cooked rice. As well, it steams  meat &  vegetables while rice cooks in cooker. This is easy to use digital controls with white rice, brown rice, steam and warm functions.
A programmable 15 hour delay timer helps you plan your meals, and settings make it easy to cook white rice or brown rice. So it also may be the best rice cooker for brown rice. Then, there is the complication of serving size. Some people consider 1/2 cup of uncooked rice to be a one person serving, others say that one cup of uncooked rice equals a serving. You can do as your own. It's all the internal parts come out easily for cleaning. However, it should be noted that the rice tray is metal and does not have a handle, so care must be taken when the tray gets hot.

Aroma 20 Cup (Cooked) Digital Rice Cooker & Food Steamer, SS - $37

 
This rice maker perfect, if you are cooking for a giant dinner party. It is tremendous stainless steel rice cooker ever. It is truly a meal making powerhouse. Not only does it make perfect rice and steam delicious meats and vegetables, but it also features a programmable slow cook function. Set it to slow cook up to 10 hours for an amazingly tender roast. Surprise the family with a delicious steam chicken and broccoli while cooking brown rice for an easy, healthy meal in one pot. The meal making preferences are nearly endless. The easy-to-use digital controls include specialized white and brown rice functions, programmable steam, programmable slow cook and keep-warm and a 15-hour delay timer. When the cooking is done, the nonstick inner pot removes for quick and easy cleaning. Measuring cup, steam tray and serving spatula included.

Aroma 6-Cup (Cooked) Pot Style Rice Cooker and Food Steamer, Black - $24

 
This may be the best Aroma option on a budget, costing just $24. Sure, you can put in order two to six cups of cooked rice and steam meat and veggies at once. There are fewer choices, but the one touch operation keeps everything simple and easy. The nonstick inner pan is easy to wash, and all accessories can be put in your dishwasher. It has full view tempered glass lid,  steam tray, rice measuring cup, and serving spatula.

This perfectly prepares 2 to 6 cups of cooked rice and automatically keeps it warm for hours. It steams vegetables and meat even while simultaneously cooking rice. It is simple, one touch operation switches to keep warm mode automatically when finished. Its nonstick inner cooking pot and all accessories are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. It has full view tempered glass lid,  steam tray, rice measuring cup, and serving spatula.

Aroma Professional Digital  Slow Rice Cooker &  Food Steamer -$61

 
It is perfectly prepares 4 to 12 cups of any variety of cooked rice. This is easy to use, digital controls with automatic keep warm. Programmable oatmeal, soup, slow cook and cake functions mean this cooker has everything from breakfast to lunch to dinner and even dessert covered. Unique sensor logic technology uses an on board micro computer that 'thinks' for itself to automatically optimize cooking temperature to enhance flavor and texture. The steam tray allows for healthy steaming of meats and vegetables, even as rice cooks. With aroma's patent pending "saute-then-simmer function" you can further automate your kitchen. Reaching a high heat to saute or brown foods then switching over to a simmer once liquid is added, this time saving function is the perfect choice for Spanish rice, Chili, Risotto, Packaged Meals and so much more.
The programmable 15-hour delay timer is great for families on the go, delivering delicious rice ready when it's needed. And when the cooking is done, the inner cooking pot and all accessories remove for easy cleanup in the dishwasher. Steam tray, rice measuring cup and serving spatula included.

 #2: Zojirushi Brand
One of the best things about the rice cookers from Zojirushi is the use of Fuzzy Logic technology. With this, you can expect that the cooker will have the ability to automatically modify the heat and temperature based on the movement of cooking, assuring you with more reliable and better results. Several steamer designs mark the Umami setting. This will provide you with the ability to have rice that will have an enhanced flavor. This will allow you to have more savory rice, which is infrequently did when regular designs of cookers are used.
Many of the users of Zojirushi cookers have also liked the combination of an LCD screen at the top of the appliance. This will make it easier for you to monitor the movement of cooking and to clearly see the instructions that you have inputted. There are also several cooker models from Zojirushi that makes use of induction heating system in order to attain wonderful outcomes. 

Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT Micom 3-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer- $134

It's 3-cup uncooked capacity makes 6 cups of perfectly cooked rice every time. It has very good cooking functions. Such as, white/mixed, sushi, porridge, brown, and quick cooking. It's  inner cooking pan provides even heating for better cooking and measuring lines for accurate control of ingredients. It has detachable inner lid, easy to read LCD control panel, automatic and extended keep warm setting, reheating cycle, delay timer with two settings and a built in retractable power cord. It's small marks takes up minimal counter space. It includes measuring cup, nonstick rice spatula, and spatula holder as accessories.

Maker makes the most wonderful, tasty rice every time with the Zojirushi Fuzzy Logic Rice Cooker and Warmer. The 6 cups of cooked rice capacity, ideal for singles, couples, and small families. It also has an exchangeable melody and beep signal to indicate when the cooking cycle has ended. The unit's clear coated SS exterior not only cleans easily, but also goes with any kitchen interior design. 

Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5.5Cup (Uncooked) Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker & Warmer -$157

It is 5.5 cup computerized rice cooker and warmer with advanced Neuro fuzzy logic technology. It includes multi menu selections, automatic keep-warm, extended keep-warm, and reheat cycles. Its circular, nonstick inner pan allows for uniform heating. It has LCD clock and timer, retractable cord, 2 measuring cups, nonstick rice spoon/scooper, rice spoon holder, and recipes.

Zojirushi NP-HBC10 5.5-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker & Warmer -$256

This 10 cup cooked rice maker has warmer with micro computer technology. Its superior induction heating evenly distributes heat for excellent results. It includes multi menu cooking functions,  LCD control panel, keep warm, timer, spatula, spatula holder, and rice measuring cup.
It's setting offers a unique way to cook brown rice. Brown rice has Gamma AminoButyric Acid (GABA), which is only activated after soaking the brown rice at 1040C degrees for two hours. GABA is assumed to lower blood pressure, improve kidney function and reduce stress, and the Zojirushi is the only rice cooker on the market with a GABA brown rice setting.
But, it's induction heating takes extra time. It makes flawless rice, but the cost is a much longer cooking time. The Zojirushi NP-HBC10 rice cooker makes superior restaurant quality rice. The level of precision is remarkable, and the mass of features are unmatched by other brands. This design  has much a higher price tag than more basic designs, but the additional cost gives you advanced features and competencies.

Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5.5-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer - $151

 

It has micro computerized fuzzy logic technology. This cooker can automatic keep warm, extended keep warm and reheating cycle. It has easy to clean clear layered SS exterior, 2 delay time settings, exchangeable melody and beep signal & built in retractable power cord.

This also has many additional features that help justify its price tag. Even the least expensive rice cookers include a warming function, but the NS-TSC10 adds both a unique reheating role and a late timer, allowing you to choose when cooking begins and when you’d like the rice to be ready.
The retractable power cord makes the machine easily portable. Basic units have used up cords, while separable cords may come off too easily or loss in your busy area. It comes with a steaming basket, a rice measuring cup, a non-stick rice spatula and a spatula holder. The steaming options are more flexible than most rice cookers, and there is a steam menu setting included.
While the Zojirushi NS-TSC10 will make perfect rice, only the most sensitive taste buds will be able to tell the difference between this machine and a more basic cooker. However, this rice cookers put forward high end features with foodie outcomes. It is an excellent rice cooker for dealing with any grain, and it has the competence to do much more in your kitchen.

Zojirushi NP-NVC10 Induction Heating Pressure Cooker and Warmer -$424

It has multi menu cooking functions include settings for white, mixed, sushi/sweet rice, porridge, brown, GABA brown and quick cooking. You can extend soaking and steaming time for better rice. Its Steam-Reduce Setting reduces steam to 50% of regular setting. It has easy to ready colored LCD control panel with clock and delay timer   

Zojirushi NS-VGC05 Micom 3Cup (Uncooked) Electric Rice Cooker &Warmer -$108

This 3-cup (uncooked) rice cooker and warmer functions with Micro Computerized Fuzzy Logic Technology. It's menu settings include white/mixed/sushi, porridge, cake. This cooker rinse free, quick cooking, easy to read LCD control panel with clock and timer functions, automatic keep warm, etc. It has thick spherical inner pan, rice spatula, 2 measuring cups, and recipes.

Zojirushi NP-GBC05-XT Induction Heating System Rice Cooker and Warmer -$223

This  is rice cooker and warmer with Induction Heating technology. Its menu settings include white/mixed, sushi, porridge, brown, GABA brown, rinse-free and quick cooking. Its accessories include rice spatula, spatula holder , rice measuring cups, stainless steel inner lid,  thick circular inner cooking pan, carrying handle & detachable cord. It can wash by hand.

Zojirushi NS-WAC18-WD 10Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker &Warmer -$132

It has up to 10 cup (uncooked) capacity rice cooker and warmer with fuzzy logic technology. It has user friendly LCD control panel, multi menu cooking functions, rice spatula, spatula holder ,rice measuring cups  & detachable power cord. Its menu settings include  white/mixed, sushi, porridge, sweet, brown, rinse free and quick cooking.

Zojirushi NS-YAC10 Umami, Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer -$214

This cooker has perfect options like Micro computerized, Fuzzy logic technology, Umami setting soaks and steams rice longer for enhanced flavor. As well, it has slow cook function for soups and other menus, automatic keep warm feature & easy to read LCD control panel.

Zojirushi NSRNC10FZ Automatic Rice Cooker & Warmer -$100

It has lock tight lid and cool touch body, separable inner lid, long lasting non stick inner cooking pan, top & side keep warm elements, built in retractable power cord and side condensation collector.

Zojirushi NL-AAC10 Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer - $171

The NL-AAC10 MICOM Rice Cooker & Warmer uses superior micro computerized fuzzy logic technology for great rice every time. Not only does it cook perfect rice but it also comes with a steaming basket to double as a steamer.

This has a variety of cooking purposes including white rice/sushi, mixed rice, porridge, sweet, brown, steam, and quick cooking. This unit uses a black thick inner cooking pan that provides even heating for better cooking and has an exchangeable tune and beep signal to be a sign of when the cooking cycle has ended.

Other highlights consist of a removable and washable inner lid, an easy-to-read LCD control panel, automatic keep warm, unlimited keep warm and reheating cycle, delay timer with two settings and also a removable power cord for easy storage. The plastic body is cavity resistant and easy to clean. It includes a spatula, a spatula holder, and a rice-measuring cup as accessories.

#3: Tiger Brand
 
The different rice steamers with the warming function are manufactured by tiger. This will confirm to be good if you want to cook rice that can be eaten for the entire day.In adding, when looking for steamer/cooker, fashionable design is also a main concern. The tiger cookers have graceful designs, making them perfect count to your kitchen. It is not only functional, but also visually attractive.
When reading what other people have to say about tiger steamers, it is also a frequent trend for its users to be happy about the stability of these products. Some of them have been using their tiger cookers for more than 10 years, and yet, they are still functional as they have used it the first time. So, I have listed some of them to show you. 

Tiger JNP-S10U Electric 10 Cup (Cooked) Rice Cooker & Warmer -$123

 
This is a good little work horse for making rice every day. Tiger has a retractable cord. It has keep warm function up to 12 hours. This tiger JNP includes non stick inner pan, retractable power cord,  spatula, rice measuring cup & removable and washable steam vent.

Tiger Corporation JBV-A10U MICOM 10 Cup (Cooked) Rice Cooker & Warmer -$70

Its Syncro Cooking Function "tacook" makes it possible to cook main dish and rice at the same time. Just want one push operation. It has 4 cooking menu settings (synchrony-cooking/plain rice/brown rice/slow cooking). It is easy to clean non stick coating inner pan. This cooker includes non stick spatula, cooking plate, measuring cup and cookbook for using "Synchrony Cooking" function.

Tiger JBA-A10U Micom 5.5-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker and Warmer -$106

There is special 3 in 1 functions, such as multi menu rice cooker, Steamer, Slow Cooker. It's black & thick inner pan with far infrared ray coating, 2 memories cooking timer setting, flat heating element, removable steam vent are awesome.

Tiger JAH-T18U Micom 10-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker & Warmer - $199

This is 3 in 1 cooker as multi menu rice cooker, steamer, slow cooker. It has circular, far infrared ray coating inner pan, detachable inner lid, detachable steam vent cap & LED control panel.

Tiger JAY-A55U Micom 3-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker & Warmer -$134

It has far infrared ray coating, cooking timer, warming elapsed time display, detachable inner lid & rice washable in inner pan.

#4: Panasonic Brand
 
The Advanced Fuzzy Logic Technology is also incorporated in some of the designs of rice steamers from Panasonic. This is a good quality because it computerizes the modification of power and heating in the rice being cooked to give you with the assurance that the results will be steady. If you are looking for flexibility, Panasonic steamers will also be superior choices. Depending on the specific design that will be chosen, there are various pre programmed buttons and settings. This will let you to easily select the cooking function that will be required.
Panasonic is one of the best brands in kitchen appliances, including steamers and cookers. So, anyway of the design that will be purchased, you can be secure that it will be able to function as expected. There are many designs as follows.

Panasonic SR-DE103 5-Cup (Uncooked) "Fuzzy Logic" Rice Cooker - $88

Its micro computer "fuzzy logic" controlled adjusts power depending on how much rice is being cooked for accurate cooking and more consistent results. Its black pan with white anodizing for better tasting rice. It has 12 hour keep warm, 24 hour clock, large orange LCD read out, etc. Its menu includes white/brown/sticky rice, steam, slow cook, 15 minute cook and cake. Aw well, it has white chrome finish.
The fuzzy logic micro computer adjusts to all conditions, making perfect, fluffy rice that is consistent throughout the pot. The menu includes separate options for white, brown and sticky rice, and there are additional options for steaming, slow cooking and cakes. The delayed timer gives you the capability of setting the machine up to 24-hours in advance. This is one of the longest delays on the market. The power cord is removable, and the unit itself is light, making it very portable.
It includes a steam tray, a rice measuring cup and a serving spatula. The domed lid design and detachable moisture cap help prevent the cooker from boiling over. It is easy to clean.

Panasonic SR-G10G 5.5-Cup (Uncooked) Automatic Rice Cooker, White -$31

It makes up to 5 cups of uncooked rice with one step automatic cooking and shutoff. Just press the button and ready to go. It has 4 hour keep warm feature once the rice cooking process is completed. It's see through glass lid for easy viewing, heavy duty aluminum pan, 450 W of power consumption and 44 W for keep warm. This design is not suggested for brown rice and it is suggested to clean rice before cooking in a separate pan and not in included pan. It includes  measuring cup, multi language operating instruction manual.
This cooks evenly, and the non stick pot works well to make cleanup easy. A measuring cup, a non-stick spatula and a spatula holder are included with the rice maker. As with other pot-style rice cookers, this Panasonic has a steam vent on the top of the lid. There is not a dew collector like those found in cool-touch rice cookers, so steam from the rice tends to moisten the lid or spit out water if the pot is filled to capacity. For this reason, you should leave extra room on top.
The Panasonic SR-G10G is pot-style cooker that is simple to use. The plastic side handles make the rice cooker easy to carry around, making it great for bringing rice to a party or work potluck. While this model is more expensive than comparable rice cookers, Panasonic is known for longevity in its products, and the extra investment in a quality electric rice cooker can be valuable.

 #5:Black & Decker
 
One of the best things about the rice cookers from Black & Decker is the stay cool handles, both on the lid and on the sides. This means that even after cooking rice, and while keeping it warm, you will be assured that the handles will not be hot.

Black & Decker 12-Cup (cooked) Rice Cooker, Silver -$30

 
It has locking lid, removable and dishwasher safe nonstick cooking bowl, automatically switches to keep warm cycle, steamer basket, keep warm / cook functions, etc. The outer shell of its has a glossy, stainless steel design. This rice cooker has a removable and dishwasher safe nonstick cooking bowl. The bowl can hold up to 6 cups of uncooked rice and yields 12 cups cooked rice.There is a condensation catcher to collect moisture while the rice is warming. The black lid locks in place & it has a durable handle that makes this rice cooker easy to carry.

Black & Decker 16-Cup RC436 -$29

This rice cooker makes up to 16 cups of cooked rice. It has auto keep warm mode, "cook" and "warm" indicator lights, see through glass lid, steam vents , condensation catcher & dishwasher safe nonstick cooking pan. It includes stay cool handles, measuring cup and on board rice scoop.

#6:Sanyo

 
There is also a broad selection of micro computerized cookers that are available from Sanyo. They are purposely designed to deliver sharp functionality, such as being able to adjust automatically depending on the progress of the cooking that has been completed. The design of Sanyo rice cookers is well idea. For instance, in some designs, the lid is made in such a way that boiling over will be prevented. Some have one touch functionality in order to make it easier for you to start cooking.
On the other hand, there are also some designs that are equipped with various buttons on the panel, which is also a good thing because you will have a range of cooking options and will offer more flexibility in cooking, although some might find it quite complicated to operate.

Sanyo ECJ-F50S Micro Computerized Rice Cooker & Steamer -$108

 
It is  micro-computerized rice cooker and steamer with fuzzy logic technology. It has multi menu selections, LCD clock and 24 hour timer, keep-warm function, etc. It has titanium coated, extra thick nonstick pot with a round bottom for even heating. It has included steaming tray, measuring cup, nonstick spatula, and instructions.

Sanyo EC-503 3-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker and Vegetable Steamer -$40

 
This rice cooker has stainless-steel tray for steaming vegetables, single switch operation, automatic keep-warm function, glass lid, detachable cord, measuring cup, spatula, and multi language instruction manual. Its non stick coated pan helps prevent cooked rice from sticking.

#7:Oster Brand

New Oster 003071-000-000 20-Cup Digital Rice Cooker - $100

It is programmed in to perfectly cooked settings for white rice, brown rice, steam, breakfast and soup. It has removable, non-stick inner pot, delay timer, cool touch locking lid, stainless steel finish, steaming tray, rice paddle and measuring cup.
The steaming tray can hold far more meats and veggies than most rice steamers on the market. The design, however, can present a portability problem.The Oster 20-Cup Rice Cooker is designed as a stay-at-home steamer, and its size and weight make it an unpleasant task to move around. The digital features and variety of settings are a nice bonus and a step up from basic rice cookers.

Oster 4722 6-Cup (Cooked) Rice Cooker with Steaming Tray, Red -$25

It cooks a variety of food including rice, soup and more. It prepares up to 6 cups of cooked rice & can hold  3 cups of dry rice. It includes 1-liter steaming tray, automatic keep warm feature & integrated one touch operation.
The steam tray is sufficiently sized. The Oster 6-Cup has the same limitations as other pot-style rice cookers. The steaming vent on top is level to occasionally spitting water onto the counter and nearby cabinets. The Oster 6-Cup rice cooker is a sufficient rice steamer that is an upgrade from cooking rice in a pot, but it doesn’t offer the same functionality as higher-end rice cookers.