Discover the best rice cooker with steamer basket in 2025. Top-rated picks for healthy, versatile cooking with expert reviews and ratings.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
When it comes to cooking versatility and convenience in one compact appliance, nothing beats the best rice cooker with steamer basket. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, having a multifunctional rice cooker that can simultaneously steam vegetables, dumplings, or fish while perfectly cooking rice can save you both time and counter space. This dual-purpose design is a game-changer for health-conscious home chefs who want flavor and efficiency without the fuss.
At Expert Reviews Best Rice Cooker, we’ve thoroughly researched and compared a wide range of models to bring you honest, in-depth reviews you can trust. In this guide, we’ll uncover the best rice cooker with steamer basket options available in 2025—based on performance, features, durability, and real user feedback. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen setup or buying your first rice cooker, our expert picks will help you make a smart, satisfying choice.
———
Table of Contents
———
…
🌟 Why You Should Invest in the Best Rice Cooker with Steamer Basket
Investing in the best rice cooker with steamer basket is one of the smartest kitchen upgrades you can make—especially if you value efficiency, versatility, and healthy eating. Here’s why this multifunctional appliance deserves a permanent spot on your countertop:
✅ 1. Cook and Steam at the Same Time
These devices allow you to steam vegetables, fish, or dumplings while cooking rice below—perfect for preparing complete, balanced meals in one go.
✅ 2. Save Time and Energy
No need to use multiple pots and pans. A single rice cooker with a steamer basket saves both prep time and cleanup, streamlining your cooking routine.
✅ 3. Healthier Meals Made Easy
Steaming is one of the healthiest cooking methods—no oil, no frying. Pair it with brown or white rice, and you’ve got a nutritious meal with minimal effort.
✅ 4. One Appliance, Multiple Uses
Beyond rice and steaming, many models also offer settings for quinoa, soup, porridge, slow cooking, and more. It’s truly an all-in-one kitchen assistant.
✅ 5. Great for Families and Meal Prep
With capacities ranging from 6 to 20 cups, the best rice cooker with steamer basket can handle anything from weeknight dinners to big-batch meal prepping.
1. Hamilton Beach 8-Cup Digital Rice Cooker & Steamer (37518)
Looking for the best rice cooker with steamer basket that delivers more than just fluffy rice? The Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer (Model 37518) offers a convenient, all-in-one cooking experience for home chefs who value simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re cooking brown rice, white rice, or steaming fresh vegetables and seafood, this digital rice cooker handles it all effortlessly. With its 8-cup cooked capacity and included steam/rinse basket, it’s a compact powerhouse for healthy, balanced meals.
At Expert Reviews Best Rice Cooker, we love products that serve multiple functions without complicating your kitchen. This model checks all the boxes—whether you need a reliable food steamer, a digital rice cooker, or an appliance that helps you cook hands-free. If you’re shopping for the best rice cooker with steamer basket in 2025, Hamilton Beach’s stainless steel solution is a dependable and budget-friendly choice you won’t regret.
Specifications
8 cups cooked rice | digital controls | countdown timer | stainless steel body | steam & rinse basket included
Key Features:
- Digital programmable controls with pre-set functions for rice and steaming
- 2-in-1 steam and rinse basket for added versatility
- 8-cup cooked rice capacity (4 cups uncooked) – ideal for families
- Delay start and automatic keep-warm functions
- Compact stainless steel design for modern kitchens
Pros and Cons:
Pros
What are our favorite features?
- Cooks rice and steams food simultaneously
- Easy-to-use digital interface with pre-set options
- Great for small to medium-sized households
- Durable stainless steel exterior
- Dishwasher-safe nonstick bowl and basket
Cons
What could be better?
- No advanced fuzzy logic or pressure cooking features
- Limited to basic rice and steam functions (not ideal for porridge or cake)
Why Choose the Hamilton Beach 37518:
- It’s among the best rice cooker with steamer basket models for entry-level users
- Reliable brand with solid customer satisfaction ratings
- Combines essential rice and steam functions in one appliance
- Easy cleaning and maintenance with removable nonstick parts
- Affordable price without compromising performance
2. BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup Rice Cooker with Steaming Basket & Keep Warm
When convenience meets performance, you get the best rice cooker with steamer basket like the BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup Rice Cooker. Designed for families or meal preppers, this appliance allows you to prepare up to 16 cups of perfectly fluffy rice while simultaneously steaming vegetables, fish, or dumplings in the included steaming basket. Its one-touch operation and automatic keep-warm function make it effortless to use, even on your busiest days.
At Expert Reviews Best Rice Cooker, we understand that a versatile appliance can transform your kitchen experience. This BLACK+DECKER model stands out with its non-stick removable bowl for easy cleanup, generous capacity, and practical design. Whether you’re cooking large batches of white rice or steaming healthy sides, it’s a reliable pick for those seeking the best rice cooker with steamer basket in 2025. This budget-friendly unit proves that simplicity and functionality can coexist beautifully.
Specifications
16 cups cooked rice | 8 cups uncooked | steaming basket | non-stick removable bowl | one-touch controls | keep warm function
Key Features:
- Large 16-cup cooked rice capacity—perfect for families
- Steaming basket for veggies, fish, or dumplings
- One-touch operation with auto keep-warm mode
- Non-stick removable cooking bowl for easy cleanup
- Indicator lights for cooking and warming status
Pros and Cons:
Pros
What are our favorite features?
- High capacity ideal for large meals
- Steams and cooks simultaneously
- Easy one-touch controls
- Removable, non-stick bowl simplifies cleanup
- Lightweight and compact for storage
Cons
What could be better?
- No digital controls or preset functions
- Steam basket is smaller relative to cooker size
Why Choose the BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup Cooker:
- A top pick for the best rice cooker with steamer basket in large households
- Offers excellent value for the price
- Easy to use with no learning curve
- Cleanup is hassle-free with non-stick components
- Trusted brand with consistent product reliability
3. Aroma ARC-360-NGP 20-Cup Rice Cooker & Food Steamer – White
If you’re searching for the best rice cooker with steamer basket that handles big batches without losing quality, the Aroma Housewares ARC-360-NGP is a top contender. With a generous 20-cup cooked rice capacity and a convenient steaming tray, this pot-style cooker lets you prepare rice, vegetables, dumplings, and more—all in one go. It’s an ideal solution for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who loves cooking efficiently.
At Expert Reviews Best Rice Cooker, we admire how Aroma combines functionality and affordability in this model. Its simple one-touch operation, automatic keep-warm feature, and included steamer basket make it a practical kitchen companion. Whether you’re cooking white rice, brown rice, or steaming fresh sides, the ARC-360-NGP proves its worth. For 2025, it stands tall among the best rice cooker with steamer basket options, offering dependable performance and great value in one sleek, easy-to-use unit.
Specifications
20 cups cooked rice | 10 cups uncooked | one-touch operation | steamer tray included | automatic keep warm | pot-style design
Key Features:
- Large 20-cup cooked rice capacity for family or batch cooking
- Steamer tray cooks vegetables or meats while rice cooks
- One-touch operation for simplicity and convenience
- Automatic keep-warm mode maintains serving temperature
- Durable nonstick inner pot for easy cleaning
Pros and Cons:
Pros
What are our favorite features?
- High capacity suitable for large meals
- Includes steamer basket for healthy sides
- Simple, no-fuss controls
- Reliable keep-warm function
- Budget-friendly and easy to maintain
Cons
What could be better?
- No advanced digital or timer settings
- Exterior can get warm during extended cooking
Why Choose the Aroma ARC-360-NGP:
- A high-volume option in the best rice cooker with steamer basket category
- Perfect for families or entertaining guests
- Trusted Aroma brand known for durability
- Efficient steaming and rice cooking in one pot
- Great price-to-capacity ratio for budget-conscious buyers
Comparison
| Feature | Hamilton Beach 37518 | BLACK+DECKER RC516 | Aroma ARC-360-NGP |
| Capacity (Cooked/Uncooked) | 8 cups / 4 cups | 16 cups / 8 cups | 20 cups / 10 cups |
| Steamer Basket Included | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Operation | Digital programmable with multiple settings | One-touch operation | One-touch operation |
| Keep Warm Function | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Removable Non-Stick Bowl | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Delay Start | Yes | No | No |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 10.75 x 10.75 x 11.06 inches | 11.5 x 11.5 x 9.5 inches | 10.8 x 10.8 x 10.2 inches |
| Weight | 4.8 lbs | 4.5 lbs | 5.1 lbs |
| Best For | Users seeking digital controls and delay start | Budget-conscious users needing larger capacity | Large families requiring high-capacity cooking |
Summary:
- Hamilton Beach 37518: Ideal for those who prefer digital controls and additional features like delay start.
- BLACK+DECKER RC516: Suitable for users looking for a straightforward, budget-friendly option with a larger capacity.
- Aroma ARC-360-NGP: Best for large families or gatherings, offering the highest capacity among the three.
🥇 How to Choose the Best Rice Cooker with Steamer Basket
Choosing the best rice cooker with steamer basket means finding a model that not only cooks rice perfectly but also lets you steam vegetables, fish, dumplings, and more—all in one device. Here are the main points to consider when shopping for the right one:
✅ 1. Capacity (Cooked & Uncooked Rice)
- Choose a size based on your household needs.
- Small (4–6 cups) for individuals or couples
- Medium (8–12 cups) for families
- Large (16–20+ cups) for large families or meal prepping
✅ 2. Steamer Basket Quality
- Ensure the steamer basket is durable (BPA-free plastic or stainless steel)
- A well-designed basket should sit securely above the rice for simultaneous cooking
✅ 3. Cooking Functions
- Basic models have white rice/brown rice functions
- Advanced models offer multi-cooking options:
- Steam
- Slow cook
- Porridge
- Delay timer
- Keep warm
✅ 4. Ease of Use and Cleaning
- Look for:
- One-touch operation or digital controls
- Non-stick inner pot for easy cleanup
- Dishwasher-safe parts
✅ 5. Build Quality & Design
- A stainless steel exterior is more durable and easier to clean
- Compact design with cord storage is ideal for small kitchens
✅ 6. Brand Reputation & Reviews
- Go with reliable brands like Aroma, Zojirushi, Hamilton Beach, or BLACK+DECKER
- Check verified buyer reviews for performance, reliability, and after-sales support
✅ 7. Budget & Warranty
- Budget-friendly models are often under $50
- Premium models range from $60–$150 with more features
- Always check for warranty coverage
Final Tip:
If you want to make nutritious meals with minimal hassle, investing in the best rice cooker with steamer basket is a smart choice. Look for one that balances cooking performance, steaming ability, and user-friendly features based on your daily cooking habits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
❓ Q: Why should I choose a rice cooker with a steamer basket instead of a basic rice cooker?
✅ A: A rice cooker with a steamer basket adds versatility to your kitchen. You can cook rice while simultaneously steaming vegetables, seafood, or dumplings—saving time, energy, and counter space. It’s perfect for balanced, one-pot meals and healthier cooking.
❓ Q: Can I steam and cook rice at the same time?
✅ A: Yes! The best rice cooker with steamer basket is designed for multi-tasking. While the rice cooks in the inner pot, the steam basket above uses the rising heat to gently cook vegetables, meats, or tofu—ideal for meal prepping or complete dinners.
❓ Q: How do I know what size rice cooker to buy?
✅ A: Choose capacity based on your household:
3–6 cups (cooked) for singles/couples
8–12 cups for families
16–20+ cups for large families or batch cooking
Always consider that the listed capacity is for cooked rice, which is about double the uncooked amount.
❓ Q: Is the steamer basket safe to use with all foods?
✅ A: Yes, as long as the steamer basket is BPA-free plastic or stainless steel, it’s safe for vegetables, meats, dumplings, and even reheating leftovers. Avoid overloading it for even steam circulation.
❓ Q: Are there specific brands that are known for the best rice cooker with steamer basket?
✅ A: Yes. Highly rated models from Aroma Housewares, Hamilton Beach, BLACK+DECKER, Zojirushi, and Panasonic consistently receive positive feedback for quality, durability, and steaming performance.
❓ Q: What additional features should I look for?
✅ A: Look for:
One-touch or digital programmable controls
Keep warm & delay start functions
Non-stick or stainless steel inner pot
Easy cleaning design
Final Verdict: Which Is the Best Rice Cooker with Steamer Basket?
After reviewing and comparing the top contenders, it’s clear that each model offers distinct strengths—but one rises above the rest. If you’re in the market for the best rice cooker with steamer basket, your final decision should be based on cooking needs, capacity, and convenience.
- The BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup Rice Cooker is perfect for budget-conscious buyers who want simplicity and a high-capacity cooker for everyday meals.
- The Hamilton Beach Digital Rice Cooker adds value with programmable features, delay start, and a modern interface, making it great for busy home chefs seeking more control.
- The Aroma ARC-360-NGP stands out as the best rice cooker with steamer basket for large households or batch cooking, offering the largest capacity and a solid balance of features at a competitive price.
✅ Our Strong Recommendation:
If you want a reliable, affordable, and spacious solution for cooking rice and steaming at once, the Aroma Housewares ARC-360-NGP is your best bet. It truly earns the title of the best rice cooker with steamer basket in 2025 for its performance, capacity, and value.
