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What Is the Best Microwave Rice Cooker — And Which Type Is Right for Your Kitchen?
The best microwave rice cooker overall is the Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine, which offers a 2-liter capacity, an ingenious all-in-one design where the strainer doubles as the cooking bucket, a lockable lid, and dishwasher-safe construction. For the most eco-conscious option, the Lavino Glass Microwave Rice Cooker uses a borosilicate glass base instead of all plastic. For maximum versatility including meat, vegetables, and pasta, the Handy Gourmet Eco Pressure Cooker does the most with a 2.5-liter capacity.
Stovetop rice takes time, requires attention, and still produces inconsistent results for many home cooks. A microwave rice cooker cuts the active effort to nearly zero, produces fluffy rice reliably, and takes up far less counter space than an electric rice cooker. The five options below cover a range of needs from small households to large families and from simple rice-only cookers to full multi-purpose cooking tools.
What to Look for Before You Buy
Capacity. Most microwave rice cookers range from 1 liter (4 cups cooked rice, suitable for one or two people) to 2.5 liters (10 cups cooked rice, suitable for larger families or batch cooking). Match the capacity to your household size to avoid consistently cooking more or less than you need.
Ease of use. Simpler designs with clear measurement markers and straightforward lids are better for beginners. More complex venting systems and pressure cooking features suit experienced cooks who want more versatility. Check whether your microwave can be set to lower power levels before purchasing a model that requires it.
Versatility. Almost all microwave rice cookers handle grains. Some also cook pasta, steam vegetables, or prepare meats. If counter storage is limited, a multi-use cooker makes more sense. If you already have dedicated tools for other tasks, a simpler rice-focused cooker is more cost-effective.
Material. Most microwave rice cookers use some plastic. Always look for BPA-free materials at minimum. For reduced plastic exposure, the Lavino glass base and the Handy Gourmet’s wheat-fiber-plastic blend are the better environmental choices on this list.
The 5 Best Microwave Rice Cookers
1. Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine Microwave Rice Cooker — Best Overall
2 liters (about 8 cups cooked rice) | BPA-free plastic | Rice and grains
The design is the standout feature here. The strainer doubles as the inner cooking bucket, fitting neatly into the outer hull. The lid locks into place with the included rice spoon, which also serves as the carrying handle. Everything fits together as a single unit both for storage and during cooking, so no parts go missing while the rice steams. The lid locks to the inner bucket rather than the outer hull, which contains boilovers before they make a mess. The collapsible strainer handle makes it easy to transport to and from the sink. Dishwasher safe, comes with a rice spoon and measuring cup. The white hull can stain over time.
2. Lekue Microwave Rice, Grain and Quinoa Cooker — Best for Couples and Small Households
1 liter (about 4 cups cooked rice) | BPA-free plastic body, 100% silicone lid | Rice, quinoa, barley, oatmeal
The most thoughtfully engineered design on this list for everyday safety and convenience. The double-walled base creates an air gap that keeps the outer surface cool to the touch even when the contents are boiling — you can pull it from the microwave and set it directly on the table without a trivet or towel. The silicone lid sits deep into the base with high walls that prevent starchy boilover from escaping into the microwave. The lid does not lock, which is the only notable limitation. Compact and stylish enough to serve from directly.
3. Handy Gourmet Eco Microwave Pressure Cooker — Most Versatile
2.5 liters (about 10 cups cooked rice) | Wheat fiber and BPA-free plastic blend | Rice, pasta, vegetables, meat
The most capable option on this list. The wheat fiber and plastic construction uses 40% less plastic than comparable models and feels noticeably different from standard plastic in terms of texture and quality. The extra-large capacity is well-suited to families and those who cook in large batches. Pressure cooking capability allows it to steam meats and vegetables in addition to rice, pasta, and grains, making it a genuine multi-meal tool. Includes a recipe booklet. Fully dishwasher safe. The main limitation is size — verify it fits your microwave’s interior dimensions before purchasing.
4. Lavino Glass Microwave Rice Cooker — Best Glass Option
1.8 liters (about 7 cups cooked rice) | Borosilicate glass, BPA-free plastic lid | Rice, pasta, couscous, grains
The borosilicate glass base is lead-free, heat and cold-resistant, and feels substantially more premium than plastic alternatives. It eliminates any concern about chemicals leaching into food during cooking and doubles as an attractive serving dish. The locking vented lid snaps into place to contain steam and prevent spills. Removable strainer makes draining pasta and grains easy. Available in four colors. The tradeoff is weight — it’s heavier than every other option on this list, which matters for anyone who finds heavy dishes difficult to handle.
5. Prep Solutions by Progressive Rice and Pasta Cooker — Best Complete Kit
2 liters (about 8 cups cooked rice) | BPA-free plastic | Rice, pasta, vegetables, grains
The most accessory-complete option on this list. Includes measuring cups, measuring spoons, a pasta measurer, a serving spoon, a pasta strainer that attaches to the base, and a vegetable steamer insert — everything a new kitchen needs in one purchase. Lockable lid prevents spills. Large enough for leftovers. All pieces are BPA-free and dishwasher safe. The design is functional rather than stylish, which is the only real tradeoff. Best suited for new homeowners, college students, or anyone stocking a kitchen from scratch.
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I grew up in Colorado under the influence of three generations of knowledgeable women who knew their way around the garden. I graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor of science in biology and a minor in English. A year before graduation, my life was upended by an unexpected diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes.
Facing the reality of living with an incurable autoimmune disease I left to reflect hard on my lifestyle. While this type of diabetes cannot be cured or treated with diet, I was certain that focusing on my health and fueling my body with clean food would help better manage the condition. As a lifelong animal lover, it wasn’t difficult for me to transition fully to a vegan diet.
When I'm not constructing articles for clients, you can find me wrist-deep in dirt in my vegetable garden, hiking with my dogs, or back in front of the computer creating imaginative worlds in my quest to become a published fiction writer.
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