Multicookers, rice cookers and steamers for home kitchens, from small rice cookers for one or two people to multi-function pots that pressure cook, slow cook and steam. Brands in our range include Cuckoo, Tefal, Philips and Tristar.
With over 150 products, it helps to compare by capacity, functions and bowl material.
How to choose a multicooker, rice cooker or steamer
Type of appliance. A rice cooker does one job very well and is usually the simplest to use. A multicooker adds programmes such as slow cooking, sautéing, pressure cooking or baking, so it can replace several pots. A steamer suits vegetables, fish and dumplings, and some models double as rice cookers.
Capacity. Rice cooker capacity is often given in cups of uncooked rice. A small model of around 1 litre feeds one or two people, while 1.8 litres or more suits a family. Multicookers are commonly 4 to 6 litres, which is enough for a family stew or a batch of soup. Choose a size you will use regularly, as a half-empty large pot cooks less evenly.
Programmes and controls. Look for a keep-warm function and a delay timer if you want dinner ready when you get home. Preset programmes for rice, porridge, soup and steaming save guesswork. If you plan to cook meat or beans quickly, check that the model offers a pressure-cooking mode rather than only slow cooking.
Inner bowl and cleaning. Most inner bowls have a non-stick coating, and some use stainless steel or ceramic. Non-stick bowls are easy to wash but need wooden or silicone utensils. Removable lids, steam baskets and bowls that can go in the dishwasher make daily use less of a chore.
Brands we carry
- Cuckoo: South Korean brand known for pressure rice cookers that produce soft, sticky rice.
- Tefal: French brand best known for non-stick cookware, which carries over to its multicooker bowls.
- Philips: Dutch maker of small kitchen appliances, including air fryers and multicookers.
- Zwilling: German brand with a long history in knives and cookware.
- Russell Hobbs: British small-appliance brand known for kettles, toasters and other everyday kitchen items.
- Salter: British brand with a strong reputation for kitchen scales and household products.
Also in our range: Reisenthel, Lauben, Tristar, Maestro and Adler.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a rice cooker and a multicooker?
A rice cooker is built mainly to cook rice and keep it warm, while a multicooker offers several cooking methods in one pot. Multicookers typically include slow cooking, sautéing and steaming, and many add pressure cooking. If you cook rice most days and little else, a rice cooker is simpler and often smaller.
What size rice cooker do I need?
A capacity of about 1 litre suits one or two people, and 1.8 litres or more suits a family of four or above. Check how many cups of uncooked rice the model handles, since cooked rice roughly doubles in volume. Extra capacity is useful if you cook for guests or batch cook.
Can I cook things other than rice in a rice cooker?
Yes, many rice cookers can also cook porridge, grains, soups and steamed vegetables, particularly models that come with a steam tray. Simple models with a single switch are best kept to rice and similar grains. Check the product description for the programmes available.
Is a steamer a good choice for everyday cooking?
A steamer works well for vegetables, fish and dumplings because it cooks without added fat and keeps food firm. It is less versatile than a multicooker, as it does not brown or slow cook. Many people use one alongside a hob or oven rather than as their only appliance.
