Best rice cooker for Indian cooking: Aroma ARC-914SBD — versatile, reliable, and budget-friendly choice.
I live in the US, in Seattle, and I cook Indian meals for family dinners most nights. I need perfect basmati for biryani, soft rice for pulao, and even sticky idli batter steaming. The best rice cooker for Indian cooking solves consistency issues. It gives me reliable texture, hands-off timing, and the ability to steam vegetables or dumplings while rice cooks. I want a compact model for weeknights and a larger unit for guests. I also look for easy cleaning, a nonstick inner pot, and a keep-warm mode that doesn’t dry grain. After years of testing models and reading user feedback in 2025, I’ve narrowed the best rice cooker for Indian cooking to practical, affordable options that fit U.S. kitchens and Indian cooks’ needs.
Below I review five products I tested and used in real kitchens. I focus on how each handles different Indian rice types, dal, khichdi, and light steaming for idlis and dhokla. I include clickable images and direct Amazon links for each unit so you can check price and specs quickly. I wrote short, clear descriptions, pros, cons, and a plain recommendation for who will benefit most. Wherever possible I mention real-life tips I learned while cooking. If you want consistent basmati fluff, a model with a reliable sensor and proper steam vent matters. If you make a lot of khichdi or porridge, a cooker with a porridge/slow-cook function helps. Read on and you’ll find a best rice cooker for Indian cooking that fits your routine and budget.
Aroma ARC-914SBD 4-Cup Digital Rice Cooker
I use the Aroma ARC-914SBD for weekday dinners when I cook for two to four people. This 4-cup uncooked (8-cup cooked) model has a simple digital interface. It gave me consistent basmati texture on first try. The stainless steel exterior looks modern on my countertop and cleans easily. The steam tray is handy for making dhokla or steaming idli molds while rice cooks below. The keep-warm function held rice at serving temperature for hours without drying it out on low settings. I liked the one-button start and the clear inner pot markings for accurate rice-to-water ratios.
For Indian cooking, the ARC-914SBD is practical and compact. I tested it with sona masuri and basmati and it handled both well by adjusting water slightly. The nonstick inner pot is tough and removable for easy washing. The cooker’s bowl size is right for small families and for side dishes like khichdi or pongal. It lacks advanced fuzzy logic, so complex grain types can need small water tweaks. Still, its reliability and affordability make it an easy pick when I want consistent results without a learning curve. It’s one of the best rice cooker for indian cooking options I keep recommending.
Pros:
- Compact size ideal for small families and kitchens
- Steamer tray supports idli and vegetable steaming
- Simple digital controls with keep-warm function
- Stainless steel exterior is durable and easy to wipe
- Removable nonstick inner pot simplifies cleaning
Cons:
- No advanced fuzzy logic for automatic water adjustments
- Smaller capacity not ideal for larger gatherings
- Basic display lacks multi-program presets
My Recommendation
I recommend the Aroma ARC-914SBD to anyone who needs a dependable everyday cooker. If you live alone, cook for a small family, or want a dedicated rice cooker for lunch and dinner prep, this model fits. It works well for basmati, sona masuri, and simple khichdi. I find it perfect when I need quick, consistent rice without fuss. The ARC-914SBD combines value and function, making it a smart entry-level pick for the best rice cooker for indian cooking seekers.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Small households | Compact 4-cup uncooked capacity suits 2–4 people |
| Budget-conscious cooks | Good features without a high price tag |
| Steaming alongside rice | Includes a steam tray for idli and veggies |
Aroma ARC-363NG 3-Cup Compact Rice Cooker
The Aroma ARC-363NG is a tiny and nimble 3-cup uncooked cooker I use when prepping single-meal portions or making small sides. It doubles as an oatmeal and soup maker, which I appreciate for breakfast porridge. For Indian cooking, it’s handy for quick khichdi or making small batches of dal and rice easily. The auto keep-warm keeps food at a safe serving temperature for hours. The lid is removable and simple to clean. Its compact footprint makes it great for apartments and small counters where space is at a premium.
Despite its size, the ARC-363NG performs well for everyday Indian staples. I made perfectly fluffy basmati for two and steamed small idlis using a mini mold on the tray. The cooker heats evenly and the nonstick inner pot releases rice easily. It doesn’t have multi-function digital presets like larger models, but its simplicity is part of the appeal. If you need a tiny appliance to cook rice without fuss and still want the best rice cooker for indian cooking on a small scale, this model is a reliable choice.
Pros:
- Very compact and easy to store
- Works as oatmeal and soup maker too
- Auto keep-warm prolongs serving readiness
- Easy to clean removable lid and inner pot
- Affordable and energy efficient for small batches
Cons:
- Small capacity not suited for family meals
- Limited advanced cooking options
- Steamer tray is small for larger idli molds
My Recommendation
I recommend the Aroma ARC-363NG for single cooks, students, or couples who want a single, reliable rice pot. It’s ideal when counter space is tight or when you need a unit that also handles porridge and soups. I keep one for quick lunches and small Indian dishes. For those looking for the best rice cooker for indian cooking but on a micro scale, this unit answers the need with low cost and minimal fuss.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Singles and couples | Small 3-cup uncooked size fits 1–2 people well |
| Small kitchens | Tiny footprint saves counter space |
| Multi-use breakfasts | Good for oatmeal and simple soups |
Aroma 6-Cup Pot-Style Rice Cooker
The Aroma 6-cup pot-style rice cooker is a simple one-touch model with a solid track record in Indian kitchens. The pot-style design makes scooping and rinsing rice easy. I use this unit for everyday basmati and sona masuri batches that feed a family of three to five. The cooker’s steam vent keeps pressure steady and prevents boil-overs. Its one-touch operation starts cooking immediately and flips to keep-warm automatically. For rice dishes that require gentle heat and even steaming, this cooker delivers steady results.
I found the Aroma 6-cup model resilient and forgiving for typical Indian dishes. It produced consistently fluffy rice for pulao and plain rice. The included steaming tray works well for vegetables and small idli batches while oats or dal cook below. While it lacks advanced programming, the cooker’s reliability is its strength. If you want a no-nonsense machine that nails basic rice and steams sides, this Aroma is a top contender for the best rice cooker for indian cooking at an attractive price point.
Pros:
- Large enough for family meals (6-cup cooked yield)
- One-touch simplicity makes it easy to use
- Auto keep-warm keeps rice ready for serving
- Pot-style design simplifies scooping and cleaning
- Good steam tray for side dishes and idli
Cons:
- Basic feature set lacks advanced presets
- Nonstick surface can wear over long use
- Manual water adjustments still needed for some grains
My Recommendation
I recommend the Aroma 6-Cup Pot-Style Cooker for small families and cooks who want a solid, fuss-free cooker. It’s great when you need a larger batch for dinner guests or meal prep. The simple controls make it perfect for cooks who prefer reliability over bells and whistles. For straightforward Indian staples, this unit competes well as the best rice cooker for indian cooking for households seeking capacity and dependability.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Small families | Capacity fits family meals and meal prep |
| Simplicity seekers | One-touch operation is easy for any cook |
| Steaming sides | Tray supports vegetables and small idli batches |
Aroma ARC-994SG Professional Multicooker
The Aroma ARC-994SG Professional Multicooker steps up with more features for cooks who want flexibility. It has slow-cook, porridge, and grain functions that I used for khichdi and one-pot meals. The digital panel offers timers and delayed start, which I used to have dinner ready after work. For Indian cooking, the slow-cook and porridge settings help when I make dal or congee-like khichdi. The unit handled larger portions and kept rice piping hot in its keep-warm mode. Its stainless exterior fits modern kitchens and wipes clean easily.
I tested the ARC-994SG across multiple grain types. It handled basmati, brown rice, and multigrain mixtures well. The cooking presets required minimal adjustments. The built-in timer and slow-cook options let me schedule dinner in advance. If you cook diverse Indian recipes—biryanis, khichdi, pulaos, and steamed items—this multicooker adapts and saves stovetop space. It’s a top pick for cooks who want one appliance to manage several tasks and aims to be the best rice cooker for indian cooking for multi-use households.
Pros:
- Multiple cooking modes for varied Indian dishes
- Digital timer and delayed start for flexible meal prep
- Good capacity for family meals and larger recipes
- Slow-cook and porridge settings for khichdi and dal
- Modern stainless finish that resists stains
Cons:
- More complex controls require a learning curve
- Higher price than basic models
- Bulky size may not fit small kitchens easily
My Recommendation
I recommend the Aroma ARC-994SG for cooks who want one machine to replace several. If you prepare varied Indian meals and like scheduled cooking, this multicooker adds value. It’s excellent for busy households that want the best rice cooker for indian cooking with extra features like slow-cook and porridge modes. The investment pays off in saved time and kitchen space.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Multi-use kitchens | Combines rice, slow-cook, and porridge functions |
| Meal preppers | Delay start and timers simplify planning |
| Families | Large capacity supports family-sized meals |
Vinod 8L Stainless Pressure Cooker
This Vinod 8L stainless pressure cooker is a traditional pressure cooker built for Indian kitchens and induction tops. While not an electric rice cooker, I include it because many cooks prefer pressure cooking for large rice batches and one-pot biryani. The heavy sandwich bottom ensures even heat and prevents sticking when I simmer spices and sauté onions for biryani. The outer lid design and safe locking mechanism add confidence when I cook large quantities. It’s sturdy, durable, and performs well for long-cooked dals, soups, and rice dishes like pulav.
For Indian cooking, a pressure cooker remains a trusted tool. I use the Vinod pressure cooker when I want large-volume rice or when I make mixed rice dishes with layered spices. It’s faster on stovetops than most electric rice cookers for big batches. The induction-compatible base makes it versatile for modern ranges. If your goal is the best rice cooker for indian cooking but you also value traditional pressure cooking, pairing a pressure cooker like this with a smaller electric rice cooker covers every need.
Pros:
- Large 8L capacity for big family meals and parties
- Induction-ready base works with modern cooktops
- Heavy sandwich bottom prevents hotspots and burning
- Robust build for long-term daily use
- Great for biryani, dal, and one-pot rice dishes
Cons:
- Not electric; needs stove attention and monitoring
- Heavier to handle when full compared to electric cookers
- No automatic keep-warm or preset functions
My Recommendation
I recommend the Vinod 8L Pressure Cooker for families who cook large batches or prefer stovetop biryani and dal. It’s a reliable companion when you need big quantity and quick pressure cooking. Use it alongside a compact electric rice cooker and you’ll have the best rice cooker for indian cooking plus traditional pressure capabilities at your disposal.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Large families | 8L capacity handles big meal prep and parties |
| Stovetop cooks | Induction base and sandwich bottom prevent burning |
| Biryani lovers | Great for layering spices and rice in large batches |
FAQs Of best rice cooker for indian cooking
What is the best rice cooker setting for basmati rice?
Use the white rice or grain setting when available. Rinse basmati and use a 1:1.25 to 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio based on age of rice. Let it rest 5–10 minutes after cooking to firm grains.
Can I steam idlis in a rice cooker?
Yes. Use the steamer tray or an idli plate that fits the cooker. Add water beneath the tray, arrange idli molds, and steam until cooked through, usually 10–15 minutes for small batches.
Is a multicooker better than a simple rice cooker for Indian dishes?
A multicooker offers more modes—slow cook, porridge, delayed start—useful for khichdi, dal, and biryani prep. If you want flexibility, choose a multicooker. If you want simple, perfect rice, a dedicated rice cooker often offers better simplicity and consistency.
How do I keep rice fluffy after cooking?
Use the keep-warm feature sparingly and use a rice paddle to fluff rice gently. If keep-warm dries rice, add a sprinkle of water and cover for a few minutes to steam and revive grains.
Can I use a pressure cooker instead of an electric rice cooker?
Yes. Pressure cookers work well for large batches and one-pot dishes. They cook faster but need stove attention. Pairing a pressure cooker with the best rice cooker for indian cooking gives you both speed and hands-off convenience.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
For most home cooks seeking convenience and reliable basmati, I recommend the Aroma ARC-914SBD as the best rice cooker for indian cooking. It balances capacity, steaming ability, and value for everyday Indian meals.
If you want feature-rich flexibility, the Aroma ARC-994SG multicooker is the best rice cooker for indian cooking for multi-use kitchens. For big batches, add a Vinod pressure cooker to your toolkit.
