Best 3 Cup Rice Cooker Models

On this page is put together some of the best 3 cup rice cooker models folks could buy. This is based on both our own research along with customer feedback found throughout the Net.

(model list subject to change as updates & new units become available)

Micro-computerized 3 Cup Rice Cookers

# 1

Zojirushi NS-LAC05 - This small rice cooker is first on our list and is quite impressive despite its size. While it is expensive, this 3 cup cooker performs well and will make one of the best brown, white, or sushi dishes you ever had.

On board is Fuzzy Logic technology which will monitor how your rice is cooking and comes with multiple rice settings for selection. Also equipped is a preset timer and keep warm function that will allow the rice to sit at a ready to eat temperature until served. All without sacrificing moisture.

Small, efficient, and powerful! Full Zojirushi NS-LAC05 Review

Purchase at Amazon.com

# 2

Sanyo ECJ-S35K - For something a little more affordable consider this Sanyo 3 cup rice cooker. It too utilizes Fuzzy Logic making rice as equal to, if not better than restaurant quality.

The unit offers different settings for white and brown rice as well as mixed and rinse free. It also features an LCD clock timer which like the Zojirushi can be programmed for selecting a start/finish time. Oh, and there is also a neat little bread-baking setting on this unit too!

Perfect for single cooks and couples who seek moist & fluffy consistent rice. Full Sanyo ECJ-S35K Review

Purchase at Amazon.com

# 3

Zojirushi NP-GBC05 - The third to consider is this other Zojirushi model.

And yes, like the above NS-LAC05 model it too is quite expensive, perhaps even more! But for the money folks will get what they paid for using this stainless steel unit for it offers one other benefit...called "GABA".

Along with that is an LCD clock which can be programmed, and has settings for white, brown, sushi, mixed and rinse free rice.

It may take a while to cook but is highly recommended for folks who love and eat brown rice daily! But perhaps not so recommended for the average and occasional "white rice eater". Full Zojirushi NP-GBC05 Review

Purchase at Amazon.com

Basic Rice Cookers

# 1

Tiger JNP-0550 - Quite possibly the ultimate single-switch 3 cup rice cooker!

Overall, Tiger JNP rice cookers offer very good rice quality, easy one touch operation, even heat distribution, and most importantly...durability. In fact, that remains one of the top reasons folks still buy them.

Along with that, they also have a great keep warm feature that seals in moisture and heat for many hours until ready to serve. For price vs. performance these work horses are worth the investment. Full Tiger JNP-0550 Review

Purchase at Amazon.com

# 2

Zojirushi NS-XAC05 - This cooker is actually a "hybrid" between basic and micro-computerized, but we figured it would have a place here at Number 2.

Being one of the few that offer easy one touch operation along with Fuzzy Logic cooking, the NS-XAC05 can cook white rice, sushi, and risotto by simply pressing a button. The unit is also one of the few of this size that comes with a steaming tray.

Since it is a Zojirushi brand, expect a high price tag, but along with that also expect quality.

Also the more stylish of the three (we think). Full Zojirushi NS-XAC05 Review

Purchase at Amazon.com

# 3

Aroma ARC-733G - And for without a doubt the most affordable is this Aroma 3 cup rice cooker.

While folks should not expect the same rice quality as the above two, this unit is a lot more wallet friendly, fits great on counter tops, and performs well all while giving the user just what he or she needs, a nice hot bowl of steaming rice. All in around 20 minutes.

This is more of your basic rapid-boil style cooker and is mainly recommended for regular white rice cooking. Full Aroma ARC-733G Review

Purchase at Amazon.com

Browse 3 Cup Cookers by Brand:

3 Cup Zojirushi Rice Cookers
3 Cup Sanyo Rice Cookers
3 Cup Panasonic Rice Cookers

Basic Information...

3 cup rice cookers are not for everyone as they most generally benefit single chefs and couples. Due to their small size a household of three or more people will find 5 to 10 cup cookers more practical.

This also holds true for the steaming feature some of these small rice cookers come with which only allow a small portion of vegetables to be prepared.

Furthermore, a 3 cup cooker prepares roughly 9 cups of regular cooked rice and about 6 ½ cups cooked brown rice.

Such units are great space savers and are even light enough to travel with. Their small design are ideal for folks with limited counter space and also make for convenient storage.

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