Imagine this: you’re craving fluffy, perfectly cooked rice, but the thought of a messy pot on the stove feels like too much work. Or maybe you’ve tried steaming rice in the microwave before, only to end up with sticky clumps or undercooked grains. Sound familiar? You’re not alone!
Choosing a microwave rice steamer can feel overwhelming. There are so many different shapes, sizes, and features out there. How do you know which one will actually give you that delicious, restaurant-quality rice every single time? We get it – it’s tough to navigate all the choices and avoid the ones that just don’t measure up. You want something easy, reliable, and that makes your life a little simpler.
That’s exactly why we’ve put together this guide. By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes a great microwave rice steamer, discover the key features to look for, and feel confident in picking the perfect one for your kitchen. Get ready to say goodbye to rice-cooking struggles and hello to effortless, tasty rice!
Our Top 5 Microwave Rice Steamer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Rice Steamer Detailed Reviews
1. Sistema Microwave Rice Cooker & Round Microwave Food Container Set
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the Sistema Microwave Rice Cooker & Round Microwave Food Container Set, your new kitchen best friend! This set is designed to make cooking rice, couscous, polenta, and even reheating meals super easy. It also helps you store your leftovers perfectly. You get a 2.6L rice cooker and a 915ml round container, both made with your convenience in mind.
What We Like:
- The 2.6L rice cooker has a special plate that keeps your rice wonderfully moist and fluffy. Just add rice and water, clip it shut, and let the microwave do the work!
- The round container has a clever steam-release vent in the lid. This means no messy splatters when you’re cooking or reheating food in the microwave.
- Both containers are BPA-free and phthalate-free, making them safe for your family.
- This set is super versatile! You can use it for cooking, reheating, storing food, and it’s safe for the dishwasher (top rack), microwave (with the vent open), fridge, and freezer.
- The set includes a non-stick rice spoon, which is a nice bonus.
- These products are designed and made in New Zealand, showing good quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for rice, some users might find it takes a bit of practice to get other grains perfectly cooked.
- The 915ml container, while useful, might be a bit small for larger family-sized leftovers.
This Sistema set makes meal prep and storage a breeze. It’s a practical addition to any kitchen, helping you save time and effort.
2. Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine Microwave Rice Cooker Steamer 2 Liter/8.5 Cup – Stone/Orange
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of messy pots and unevenly cooked rice? The Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine Microwave Rice Cooker Steamer in Stone/Orange is your new kitchen hero! This clever gadget lets you measure, wash, cook, and serve perfect, fluffy rice and grains all in one go. It’s designed to make your life easier and your rice tastier.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 wonder: measure, wash, cook, and serve all in the same pot.
- The set includes everything you need: a 2-liter cooking pot, a colander, a measuring cup, and a special rice paddle.
- The multi-purpose rice paddle is a genius design! It locks the pot lid securely, making it easy to carry with its built-in handles.
- You can also use the paddle as a spoon to fluff and serve your delicious rice.
- Cleanup is a breeze because the whole set is dishwasher safe.
- It makes perfectly fluffy rice every time.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 2-liter size might be a bit small for very large families or big dinner parties.
- While it’s great for rice, it might not be the best option for cooking other types of grains that require different cooking methods.
This Joseph Joseph rice cooker is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves rice. It simplifies the cooking process and delivers consistently delicious results, making meal prep a joy.
3. Microwave Rice Steamer Cooker BPA-Free – 2.6L (87.9oz) Red Rice Maker with Lid and Spoon – Dishwasher Safe Microwaveable Cooker for Basmati
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of complicated rice cooking? Meet the Microwave Rice Steamer Cooker! This bright red, BPA-free gadget makes cooking perfect rice a breeze. It’s a generous 2.6 liters, so you can make enough for your whole family. Plus, it comes with a handy lid and spoon. You can also use it for pasta, ramen, and even steaming veggies. Cleanup is easy because it’s dishwasher safe!
What We Like:
- It cooks rice really well. You get fluffy, delicious grains every time.
- It’s super simple to use. Just add rice, water, and pop it in the microwave.
- It’s safe to use because it’s BPA-free. This means no harmful chemicals get into your food.
- Cleaning is a snap. Just put it in the dishwasher, and it comes out sparkling clean.
- It’s versatile. You can cook different types of rice, pasta, ramen, and vegetables.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions could be clearer. Sometimes it’s tricky to figure out the right water-to-rice ratio for different types of rice.
- It’s a bit bulky. Storing it might take up a good amount of cabinet space.
This rice steamer is a fantastic tool for quick and easy meals. It simplifies cooking and makes healthy eating more accessible.
4. Professional Large Micro Cookware 3 Quart
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of messy stovetop cooking? The Professional Large Micro Cookware 3 Quart is here to simplify your kitchen routine. This versatile microwave cooker acts as a rice cooker, vegetable steamer, mixing bowl, serving bowl, and food storage container, all in one! It’s BPA-free and dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze and ensuring your food is always safe.
What We Like:
- The 3-quart capacity is generous, perfect for family meals. Clear measurement markings on the inside walls help you get just the right amount of ingredients.
- It features a clever boil-over design that prevents spills in your microwave. Any liquid that boils over simply drains back into the bowl.
- Cooking healthy meals is easy. You only need a little water to steam your food, keeping more nutrients and flavor in your ingredients. This means less oil and better digestion.
- It cooks rice and vegetables quickly and perfectly. Imagine fluffy rice or tender corn, potatoes, and green beans in just minutes.
- The high-quality, BPA-free material is safe for high temperatures and is completely dishwasher safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for steaming, it doesn’t come with a separate steam basket, so you add water directly to the bottom of the bowl.
- The inner markings are for 10 cups or 2.5 L, which is less than the full 3-quart capacity.
This microwave cooker offers a convenient and healthy way to prepare meals. It’s a great addition for anyone looking to save time and cook with less fuss.
5. Zwippy Microwave Rice Cooker Steamer and Pasta Cooker with Strainer – Mess-Free Design
Rating: 8.9/10
Tired of endless pots and pans for your meals? The Zwippy Microwave Rice Cooker Steamer and Pasta Cooker is here to make your kitchen life easier. This amazing gadget cooks rice, steams veggies, and even makes pasta, all in your microwave. It’s designed to be super simple to use and clean, making it perfect for anyone who wants quick, healthy meals without the fuss.
What We Like:
- It makes nutritious and fast meals, cooking rice or vegetables in just minutes. You can cook different kinds of rice and veggies like corn, potatoes, carrots, and green beans all in one container.
- It’s a true kitchen essential, especially for dorm rooms or busy families. You won’t have to deal with draining boiling water or washing lots of dishes anymore.
- It’s a microwave pasta cooker that’s perfect for speedy meals. The built-in strainer makes it easy to drain your pasta right after cooking.
- The innovative vent design stops water from overflowing, keeping your microwave clean and mess-free.
- It’s an all-in-one cooker that includes a special paddle for mixing and serving. The built-in colander is great for draining pasta, veggies, and even washing rice. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
- It can cook up to 8 cups, so it’s great for families or when you have guests.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it cooks a good amount, it might be a bit large for very small kitchens or for cooking just one serving.
- The plastic material, while durable, might not appeal to those who prefer glass or metal cookware.
This Zwippy cooker simplifies meal prep and cleanup significantly. It’s a fantastic tool for anyone looking for convenience and healthy eating.
Your Guide to the Perfect Microwave Rice Steamer
Cooking rice can be a simple task, but sometimes it feels like a science experiment. A microwave rice steamer can make it super easy. It’s a special container that cooks rice perfectly in your microwave. This guide will help you pick the best one for your kitchen.
1. Key Features to Look For
Size Matters
How much rice do you usually cook? Rice steamers come in different sizes. Some are small, perfect for one or two people. Others are bigger, great for families. Make sure the size fits your needs.
Ventilation is Key
A good rice steamer has a steam vent. This vent lets extra steam escape. It stops your rice from getting mushy. Some have adjustable vents. This gives you more control over the cooking.
Easy to Clean
Nobody likes scrubbing dishes. Look for a steamer that is dishwasher safe. Non-stick surfaces also make cleaning a breeze. Some even come with special cleaning tools.
Measuring Marks
Some steamers have lines inside. These lines show you how much water and rice to add. This takes the guesswork out of cooking. It helps you get the perfect rice every time.
Handles for Safety
You’ll be taking a hot steamer out of the microwave. Handles that stay cool are a big plus. They protect your hands from burns. Look for sturdy handles that feel good to grip.
2. Important Materials
Plastic is Popular
Most microwave rice steamers are made of plastic. Look for BPA-free plastic. This plastic is safe for food. It’s also lightweight and durable. It won’t break easily.
Glass Options
Some steamers use glass. Glass is a good choice because it’s non-porous. This means it doesn’t hold onto smells or stains. Glass can be heavier than plastic, though. It also costs more.
Silicone for Flexibility
Silicone steamers are often foldable. This makes them easy to store. Silicone is also heat-resistant and flexible. It’s a good option if you have limited kitchen space.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good Seal, Good Rice
A tight-fitting lid is important. It traps steam inside to cook the rice. A lid that seals well helps the rice cook evenly. A loose lid can lead to undercooked rice or a mess in your microwave.
Heat Distribution
Some steamers have special designs. These designs help heat spread evenly. This means all the rice cooks at the same rate. This leads to fluffier, tastier rice.
Cheap Materials, Cheap Results
Very cheap steamers might use lower-quality plastic. This plastic could warp or melt in the microwave. It might also not be safe for food. Invest in a steamer made from good materials for better results and safety.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Quick and Easy Meals
A microwave rice steamer is perfect for busy people. You can cook rice in minutes. It’s great for weeknight dinners. Just add rice and water, pop it in the microwave, and go.
Healthy Eating
Steaming rice is a healthy way to cook it. You don’t need to add oil or butter. This makes your rice lower in calories and fat. It’s a good choice for anyone watching their diet.
Beyond Rice
Many steamers can cook other things too. You can steam vegetables, fish, or even dumplings. This makes your steamer a versatile kitchen tool.
Perfect for Small Spaces
If you live in a small apartment or dorm room, a rice steamer is ideal. It’s much smaller than a full-size rice cooker. It takes up very little counter space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much rice can a microwave rice steamer hold?
A: The capacity varies. Most hold between 1 to 4 cups of uncooked rice. This makes about 2 to 8 cups of cooked rice.
Q: Do I need to add oil to my rice when steaming it?
A: No, you don’t need to add oil. Steaming cooks the rice with just water.
Q: Can I use any type of rice in a microwave steamer?
A: Yes, you can use most types of rice, like white rice, brown rice, basmati, and jasmine rice.
Q: How long does it take to cook rice in a microwave steamer?
A: Cooking times depend on the rice type and quantity. It usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes.
Q: How do I prevent my rice from boiling over?
A: Make sure you use the correct water-to-rice ratio. Also, ensure the steam vent is open.
Q: Can I put the rice steamer in the dishwasher?
A: Many are dishwasher safe, but always check the product’s instructions. Some parts might need hand washing.
Q: Is it safe to microwave plastic steamers?
A: Yes, if the steamer is made from food-grade, BPA-free plastic. Always use steamers designed for microwave use.
Q: What if my rice is still hard after cooking?
A: You might need to add a little more water or cook it for a few more minutes. Check the steamer’s instructions for troubleshooting.
Q: Can I use a microwave rice steamer to reheat rice?
A: Yes, you can reheat leftover rice. Add a tablespoon of water to keep it moist.
Q: Are microwave rice steamers better than stovetop rice cookers?
A: They are different. Rice steamers are faster and use less energy. Stovetop cookers might offer more precise control for some rice types.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!