Rice Cookers vs. Slow Cookers: Advantages, Differences and How to Choose

The rice cooker and slow cooker may share the same “set it and forget it” ease that makes them a favorite for home cooks, but these two small appliances have some very distinct differences. The most important being the type of heat each creates, which effects how they’re used and the types of food that can be cooked in them.

As its name indicates, a slow cooker distributes slow and even heat. This heat is how you can leave a roast cooking for hours and get tender results. The rice cooker, on the other hand, works fast to bring ingredients to a rapid boil, which delivers the intense steam needed to create fluffy rice or steamed vegetables.

Why Choose?

The simple truth is a rice cooker can’t do everything a slow cooker can do, and vice versa. That’s why having both of these in your kitchen collection 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 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.

If you have to pick just one, select the cooker that delivers the most benefit based on your needs, but really rice cookers and slow cookers work best together to create exceptional meals.