Slow Cookers vs. Rice Cookers

Rice cookers and slow cookers may share the same “set it and walk away” ease that makes them favorites in the kitchen, but these two small appliances have some very distinct differences. The most important distinction being the type of heat each creates, which effects how they’re used and the types of food that can be cooked in them.

A slow cooker distributes slow and even heat— that's why you can leave a roast cooking for hours and get tender and not overcooked results. Rice cookers work fast to bring ingredients to a rapid boil, which delivers the intense steam needed to create fluffy rice or steamed vegetables.

How to Choose Between a Slow Cooker and Rice Cooker

The simple truth is a rice cooker can’t do everything a slow cooker can do, and vice versa. If you have to pick just one, select the cooker that delivers the most benefit based on your needs— the types of food you prepare regularly and the amount of time you have until dinner being key factors.  Rice cookers and slow cookers really work best together to create exceptional meals. Having both of these in your kitchen can double the ease of preparing meals. While your chicken teriyaki finishes simmering in the slow cooker, make brown rice in the rice cooker. Or have a dessert going in the slow cooker while your shrimp and grits dinner cooks to perfection in the rice cooker.

If space is limited and you have to choose, consider these details to help you find the right cooker for your needs.

Slow Cookers

• Size Range: 3-7 quarts
• Cook Time: 2-10 hours, plus more in warming mode
• Cook Modes: High, low, warm
• Types of Food: Roasts, whole chickens, stews, appetizers for a crowd
• Features:
  • Easy, Fuss-Free Cooking. Cook everything from breakfast casseroles to hearty roasts in a slow cooker without having to spend all day in the kitchen.
  • Flexible Programming. The high and low settings of the slow cooker have come a long way. Now you can find slow cookers with programmable options that let you set the time and temperature that automatically switch to warm, so your meal is ready when you are.
  • Perfect for Entertaining. Feed a crowd your favorite party appetizers and potluck dishes in a slow cooker. Some models have lid clips for easy transporting if your event is somewhere other than home.

Rice Cookers

• Size Range: 2-30 cup capacity (cooked rice)
• Cook Time: Less than a few hours
• Cook Modes: Cook, warm
• Types of Food: Rice, whole grains, smaller servings of seafood, poultry and vegetables
• Features:
  • Foolproof Way to Make Rice. Rice Cookers do most of the work for you. Simply measure out your ingredients, place them in the cooker and set the timer accordingly.
  • Cooks a Variety of Grains and More. Rice cookers aren’t just for rice anymore. Many models are built with programming options to cook whole grains like barley, quinoa, farrow and wheat berries. You can also cook lentils and beans, hearty soups or even creamy macaroni and cheese.
  • Steams Foods, Too. Many rice cookers also include a steamer basket that’s perfect for steaming seafood, poultry or vegetables. Make an easy, one-pot meal by steaming your meat and veggies in the basket while your rice cooks.