Our Best Rice Cookers in New Zealand
If you’re searching for the best rice cooker available in New Zealand, Noel Leeming has you covered! With a wide selection of cooking appliances available, we carry rice cookers from a variety of top brands like Breville, Panasonic, Nutribullet, and Westinghouse.
If you’re cooking rice on a regular basis, then your home needs a reliable rice cooker. This popular appliance greatly simplifies the process of cooking rice — especially when compared to the effort required to cook on the stovetop.
Given all the advanced features available in modern rice cookers, owning one of these useful appliances is a no-brainer for today’s Kiwi. From cooking presets for different grains like quinoa to steaming baskets for veggies and fish and even options for soups, congees, and desserts, you’re sure to get your value out of this device.
Check out some of our favorite rice cookers in the list below or find out what you should consider when shopping for these essential kitchen appliances. From compact to premium models, we have what you’re looking for at Noel Leeming.
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Westinghouse 6 Cup Banquet Rice Cooker |
What is a rice cooker?
A rice cooker is a small kitchen appliance designed to automate the process of cooking rice. It is commonly used to prepare various types of rice, including white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or sushi rice. Some specific models (including a few listed below) can also be used to cook less common grains like quinoa, oats, and more.
Most rice cookers also double as steamers and include a steaming basket, which can be used for vegetables and proteins like fish. More advanced models will also include features for cooking other dishes like soups, congees, or even desserts like cake.
How does a rice cooker work?
A typical rice cooker will include the following components:
- A base (the cooker itself) with a control panel and heating element
- A removable inner pot or cooking pot
- A lid
- A steaming basket
- A measuring cup
- A rice spoon
To use the rice cooker, you need to add rice and water to the pot in specific ratios (depending on the type of rice and model of rice cooker). Then you can use the control panel to turn on the cooker. The device will heat the water to a boil and cook until it is fully absorbed into the rice and the grains reach the right consistency. You can learn more about how to use a rice cooker here.
Finally, the rice cooker will automatically detect when the rice is done and turn itself off. Most models will also switch to a standard “Keep Warm” mode until you are ready to eat, so your rice stays warm in the pot. Then you can use the rice spoon to serve as you go!
Most modern rice cookers allow you to cook rice without the need for a timer, which can be a major help when preparing dinner. Certain rice cooker models will also have specific presets for different types of rice or even other grains or dishes, as mentioned above.
What to consider when buying a rice cooker
When shopping for a rice cooker, there are several factors to consider. Keep these key things in mind when browsing online or in-store.
Ease of use
The goal of a rice cooker is to simplify meal preparation. So the top thing you want to look for is ease of use. Most rice cookers should be fairly straightforward to use, but it’s important to take your own preferences into consideration here.
Do you find lots of advanced features and settings overwhelming? Maybe you should go for a more basic model of rice cooker. Are you looking for specific features? For example, if you know you are going to be getting home right before eating, a delayed start timer can be a key feature when you are shopping. Don’t you want your rice to be ready as soon as you walk in the door?
Whatever will make your meal preparation easier, you should be able to find a model of rice cooker with the features you are looking for at Noel Leeming.
Clean-up
Cleaning up after making rice can be messy. If your rice cooks for too long, it can stick to the bottom of the pot and become difficult to remove. The same can be true for rice cookers.
When you’re shopping for a rice cooker, you want to consider cleaning convenience. Most cookers come with removable, non-stick pot inners for easy washing out, since it’s an essential for most consumers. If you want something specific like a dishwasher-safe cooking pot, you will also find options available for this.
Tiresome clean-ups can be a pain and this is key when selecting a rice cooker. Ask yourself: what model will minimize the effort I need to put in for clean-ups after dinner?
Storage
With so many kitchen appliances crowding your countertop like toasters, kettles, and even air fryers, it can be tough to find space for a rice cooker. If you have a smaller kitchen or you’re struggling with storage, you will want to find a compact rice cooker model.
Smaller rice cookers can still produce enough rice to feed you, a partner, or even a small family, but they are less greedy for countertop real estate. Check out some of our best small rice cookers available in New Zealand, which are featured in the list below.
Value
Budget is always an important consideration for shopping for a new appliance. At Noel Leeming, we have a range of rice cookers available at different price points, so you can find the right option for you.
From affordable, compact options to more premium models with advanced features, we have something for every Kiwi. You can also always come back to see our deals at the next sales event — and see if you can get some great savings!
What is the best small rice cooker?
If you’re looking for a simple, smaller-sized rice cooker for just yourself (and perhaps a partner), then the models in this section will be great options to consider from the Noel Leeming collection. Smaller cookers come with less fancy features, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get the job done!
When you’re not cooking for a lot of people, you don’t want a huge rice cooker that’s going to make more rice than you could possibly eat. A small rice cooker may provide a better fit for your needs and ensure you’re not wasting food (or counter space) when you prepare meals for yourself.
Keep reading below to learn more about some of the best small rice cookers available in New Zealand from Noel Leeming.
Westinghouse Banquet Rice Cooker
Affordable & Compact Cooker
Capacity: 6 Cups - Dimensions: 22.6cm (W) x 21.2cm (D) x 23.4cm (H) - Power Consumption: 400W - Price: $55.99
Considerations
- Great small capacity option for singles or couples
- Simple and sleek design
Other Features: |
What’s Included? |
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Stainless steel body with cool touch lid and handle. Cook and keep warm functions. Aluminium inner pot with non-stick coating. 6 Cup capacity of uncooked white rice. Measuring cup, steamer insert and rice spoon included. 400W Induction heating technology. |
Measuring Cup Rice Spoon Steamer insert Instruction Manual Warranty and Care Documentation |
The Westinghouse 6 Cup Banquet Rice Cooker is a simple and convenient rice cooker model that combines efficiency and convenience to make a great addition to your kitchen. Designed with a sleek stainless steel body, this cooker features a cool-touch lid and handle for safe cooking and easy serving.
The Westinghouse’s “Keep Warm” function ensures your rice is perfectly prepared and maintained at the ideal temperature for serving, even if you’re running behind. While this model’s 6 cup capacity for uncooked rice is a great option for singles or couples, it also provides enough servings to deliver a hearty meal for a family or guests.
The convenience of the Westinghouse Rice Cooker allows you to enjoy perfect rice dishes with minimal effort. Plus the affordable price point makes it a great choice as a small rice cooker without any unnecessary features — just what you need for basic meal prep.
Breville the Set & Serve Rice Cooker
Great Rice Cooker & Steamer Combo
Capacity: 8 Cup -
Dimensions: 31cm (D) x 23cm (W) x 24cm (H) -
Power Consumption: 500W -
Price: $68.00
Considerations
- Easy-to-use rice cooker and steamer
- Good capacity for an affordable price point
Other Features: |
What’s Included? |
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Large 8 cup capacity Toughened glass lid with steam vent Removable aluminium non-stick cooking bowl Simple operation with cook and keep warm functions Non-stick steaming tray Removable power cord Auto shut-off protection |
Measuring Cup Serving Spoon BPA Free Steaming Tray |
The Breville the Set & Serve Rice Cooker is a combination rice cooker and steamer with a capacity for 8 cups of uncooked rice. Featuring a simple and intuitive design, you simply need to add water and, with just the push of the button, you’ll have light and fluffy rice in minutes!
The controls on the Set & Serve switch to “Keep Warm” automatically once the rice is cooked, so your rice is kept at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to serve. A BPA-free steaming basket is designed to sit under the lid of the rice cooker, giving you the option to steam your vegetables by adding some water to the cooker.
A toughened glass lid with a steam vent allows you to monitor your food as it cooks and the non-stick cooking bowl reduces clean-up. With its straightforward design, the Set & Serve is a basic cooker from a well-known brand, built with a decent capacity and available at an affordable price point.
Panasonic 1.5L Rice Cooker
Designed for Busy Families or Professionals
Capacity: 8 Cups - Dimensions: 27cm (D) x 34cm (W) x 21cm (H) - Power Consumption: 770W - Price: $129.99
Considerations
- Convenient features like auto menus and delayed start
- Cooking options for a range of dishes, in addition to rice
Other Features: |
What’s Included: |
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Cooks evenly with less condensation Auto menus for various dishes Set timer for up to 24 hours Cooks rice & steams at the same time Easy to clean non-stick inner pan |
Inner Pan Measuring Cup Serving Scoop Steam Basket Lid Heater Detachable 1M Power Cord |
The Panasonic 1.5L Rice Cooker is a medium-capacity cooker that provides versatile menu options in a user-friendly design, designed to make your daily meal prep simpler and more enjoyable. Perfect for busy families or professionals on-the-go, this model cooks both rice and non-rice dishes easily, allowing you to enjoy tasty home-cooked meals with less effort.
The Panasonic 1.5L provides consistent heat control, while the lid minimises condensation to help ensure that your rice is evenly cooked every time. A convenient Quick Cook function allows you to save time, preparing rice in as little as 15 minutes. Plus you can also set the rice cooker timer for up to 24 hours in advance, making meal planning more convenient and flexible.
The Panasonic 1.5L also helps you expand your daily meal prep with auto menus for a variety of dishes in addition to rice, such as porridge and soup. These options are available at the touch of a button. The cooker’s convenient design allows you to cook rice and steam dishes simultaneously to reduce overall cooking time.
What is the best premium rice cooker?
When it comes to premium, deluxe rice cookers, there are a number of options available in New Zealand. These cookers feature advanced features like smart technology and additional cooking presets. They’re built to cook grains from white rice to quinoa and beyond, plus allow users to steam, stew, and bake.
Our selection includes some of the best large rice cookers in New Zealand, with a capacity that will be more than enough for bigger families or holiday gatherings with many guests. Not satisfied with your current rice cooker and need that specific extra feature? Take your culinary preparations to the next level with a premium rice cooker from Noel Leeming!
Nutribullet EveryGrain Cooker
Versatile Multigrain Cooker
Capacity: 10 Cups - Dimensions: 11.4” x 10.8” x 8.6” - Power Consumption: 600W - Price: $99.00
Considerations
- Ability to cook a wide range of grains, in addition to rice
- 10 cup capacity for large batches
Other Features: |
What’s Included: |
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Five auto-cook programs for every grain Automatic ‘Keep Warm’ mode Delay start function to schedule cook time Doubles as steamer and includes steaming basket Easy to clean non-stick cooking pot |
Cooking Pot Steaming Basket Rice Spoon Measuring Scoop User & Recipe Guide |
More than just a rice cooker, the Nutribullet EveryGrain Cooker is a countertop cooker that takes the guesswork out of meal prep and delivers delicious light and fluffy grains consistently. This model includes auto-cook programs for white rice, brown rice, oats, and quinoa — plus an all-encompassing “grains” setting for more niche choices like farro, buckwheat, and amaranth.
On top of the cooker’s 5 grain programs, the EveryGrain Cooker’s steam settings lets you prep veggies and proteins in the included steam basket, allowing you to make them alongside your grains for easy, balanced meals. The 10-cup cooking pot provides larger capacity for the whole family and the convenient delay start function makes it the perfect tool for straightforward meal prep, make-ahead dishes, and busy days alike.
The EveryGrain Cooker automatically enters “Keep Warm” mode after the cooking cycle completes, so grains are always warm and ready to eat. Plus the cooker’s non-stick cooking pot and additional accessories are all top-rack dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. Simplify and diversify your cooking experience with the Nutribullet EverGrain Cooker!
Breville the Rice Box Pro
Premium Cooker for Any Dish
Capacity: 10 Cup - Dimensions: 28cm (W) x 39cm (D) x 23cm (H) - Power Consumption: 860W - Price: $229.99
Considerations
- Perfect preparation for any type of rice
- Cooking for a variety of other dishes, from veggies to desserts
- Advanced features and presets
Other Features: |
What’s Included: |
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Programmable timer with adjustment buttons Fuzzy Logic Technology for cooking any rice type Keep Warm feature ensures rice stays warm Intuitive LED display and user-friendly control panel Eight convenient cooking presets Removable aluminium non-stick coated cooking bowl |
Steam Basket Measuring Cup Rice Spoon Removable Power Cord Steam Vent Pot Inner |
The Breville the Rice Box Pro is a premium tabletop cooker with a 10-cup capacity to provide up to 25 servings for your whole family. This cooker is a versatile powerhouse, designed to handle more than just rice. Use it to tackle a wide array of dishes with ease and precision.
The Rice Box Pro offers multifunctional features that make it an indispensable tool for every home chef. For starters, this cooker will help you take your rice dishes to new heights with specific settings for white rice, brown/mixed rice, and even sushi/sticky rice. It’s also your assistant for steaming vegetables and fish, simmering hearty soups, cooking comforting congee, and even baking cakes to impress your houseguests.
The Rice Box Pro is designed to help you rediscover the joy and convenience of cooking. From fluffy rice to delectable desserts and everything in between, this premium cooker unlocks a world of culinary possibilities. With the Rice Box Pro, say goodby to mundane meals and turn every dinner into a special occasion with effortless ease.