Which Cooker is Best for Your Kitchen?

Find out which one of these convenient cookers is the best fit for your kitchen.

Related To:

Looking to get cooking with a countertop gadget? You can create dozens of healthy dishes with these convenient and affordable options; find out which is the best fit for your kitchen.

Rice Cooker

This is a quick and easy way to make large batches of perfectly cooked rice in a matter of minutes. Even if you don’t think you need one of these machines, you’ll be using it all the time! You can also use rice cookers to prepare other grains, like quinoa, or to whip up a batch of oatmeal. You don’t have to break the bank on these, either — a perfectly reliable machine costs less than $40.

Slow Cooker

Slow cookers continue to be a favorite with cooks of all ages and abilities. No matter what your level of culinary prowess, you can master a few slow-cooker staples. Look for a model that best fits the recipes you make most often, and pick a size that best fits your needs. These cookers also take up a bunch of counter or cabinet space, so plan out a place to park it before you bring it home. You can find wonderfully reliable set-it-and-forget-it models for around $100.

Pressure Cooker

An underappreciated countertop machine, a pressure cooker uses the pressure of steam to rapidly cook soups, dried beans, stews and roasts. There’s a slight learning curve to these babies, but once you get the hang of it you’ll be hooked on making pot roast in less than an hour!

Fast and Slow Cooker

Some newer cookers give you two appliances for the price of one, which can save you money and counter space. Breville recently released a cooker that does double duty as a slow cooker and a pressure cooker. Features include top and bottom sensors that automatically adjust the time and temperature while cooking.

Multi-Cooker

How about one machine that can perform 10 different functions? T-fal’s compact unit can act as a stellar rice cooker, slow cooker, steamer and more. Other functions include the ability to make yogurt, oatmeal, risotto and even cheesecake. The best part of this multifaceted machine is its price: It retails for $100.

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition.

Next Up

All the Ways to Use Your Slow Cooker this Fall

Here's all the best ways to use your slow cooker this season from Food Network.

An Ode to the Slow Cooker

Because all good things take time.

Easy Slow-Cooker Dishes You Should Be Making Right Now

You know, when it's not really summer and not quite fall.

How to Use an Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker

Keep reading to learn how to make this appliance play double duty.

6 Best Slow Cookers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

After more than 150 hours of cooking, we found the best slow cookers you can buy.

What Is Corned Beef?

Corned beef — what would a Rueben be without it? Or St. Patrick’s Day? Pick one up at the market after you learn exactly what it is and how to cook it.

Which Is Healthier: Turkey or Beef Burgers?

Beef burgers get a bad rap for being too high in fat, but turkey burgers can cook up dry and bland. Here's what to know about choosing the best burger.

Best 5 Slow-Cooker Recipes

Check out Food Network's top-five slow-cooker recipes to find both sweet and savory dishes that are easy enough to make on hectic weekdays

14 Tips for Slow-Cooker Meals

A few simple rules are the key to creating a rich, satisfying slow-cooked meal. Follow these tips for easy, flavorful recipes all year long.