7 Best Commercial Rice Cookers (Reviews)
When it comes to running a food business, efficiency and consistency are everything—especially in the kitchen.
Whether you operate a bustling restaurant, a catering service, or a food truck, the right commercial rice cooker can be a game-changer. I've spent years in the industry, and I know that not all rice cookers are created equal. For high-demand settings, you need a machine that can handle large volumes, deliver perfectly cooked rice every time, and withstand continuous use without breaking down.
Choosing the best commercial rice cooker means looking beyond the basics. You want a model that not only produces fluffy rice but also maintains it at an ideal temperature for hours. Features like non-stick inner pots, automatic warm settings, and durable construction can save time and prevent headaches during peak hours. Many of the top models offer advanced settings for multiple types of rice—from white rice and brown rice to sushi rice and jasmine rice—giving you the flexibility to meet diverse customer preferences with ease.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best options on the market, tailored to various business needs and budgets. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes a quality commercial rice cooker and which models offer the highest value. Let’s make your kitchen more efficient, your rice perfect, and your customers happy.
Best Commercial Rice Cookers Reviews
1. Zojirushi NYC-36 20-Cup (Uncooked) Commercial Rice Cooker — Best overall
The Zojirushi NYC-36 is a heavy-duty rice cooker designed for high-volume cooking, perfect for restaurants, catering services, and large events.
With a 20-cup capacity (uncooked), it yields up to 40 cups of fluffy rice, making it a reliable choice for professional kitchens. This model is equipped with durable stainless-steel material and features a triple-heater system for even cooking.
The non-stick inner cooking pan ensures easy cleaning and prevents rice from sticking, while the automatic keep-warm function keeps rice warm and fresh for hours. Trusted by chefs worldwide, this cooker is a top choice for its dependability and ease of use.
MY REVIEW
I bought two of these for use at our church’s kitchen. These are really well constructed and look really nice too.
They make a ton of rice, 20 japanese cups which are a bit smaller than our size cups. But when it cooks you get about twice that much which is great for large groups and events. Cooks quickly and keep the rice warm without burning for hours. Clean up is quick and easy. We use them at least twice a month and this brand is quality! I have two at home which I have used for years without any problems.
2. Panasonic SR-42HZP 23-Cup (Uncooked) Commercial Rice Cooker
The Panasonic SR-42HZP is a powerhouse for any commercial kitchen, offering a 23-cup uncooked capacity that translates to 46 cups of cooked rice.
Built for high-frequency use, its large aluminum pan heats rice quickly and evenly. It has a simple one-touch operation, making it straightforward for staff to use, while the non-stick coating makes it easier to clean.
This model’s automatic shut-off prevents overheating, ensuring food safety in a busy environment. Panasonic’s reputation for quality electronics shines through in this well-crafted rice cooker ideal for restaurants, food trucks, and buffets.
MY REVIEW
One of the toughest and longest lasting rice cooker. We have 8 of these.
We use them 6 days a week making an average of about 4 batches a day. These are the only rice cookers that have been able to hold up to so much use. Cooks rice fast and good. Just make sure you have the rice / water ratio to your liking.
3. CUCKOO CR-3055 30-Cup (Uncooked) — Highest Capacity
Introducing the CUCKOO CR-3055, a large capacity commercial rice cooker and warmer designed for efficiency and ease.
With a straightforward switch press, you can enjoy perfectly cooked rice and effortlessly switch to keep-warm mode afterward. This cooker accommodates an impressive 30 cups uncooked and 60 cups cooked, making it ideal for large events or restaurant use.
It meets the highest safety and quality standards, holding both cETLus and FCC certifications. Built with a durable nonstick inner pot and intuitive digital touch controls, it ensures a hassle-free cooking experience. The package includes essential accessories such as a rice scoop, measuring cup, user manual, and a cooking silicone pad.
MY REVIEW
From the product description, this rice cooker is intended for making large batches of rice typical for events or scenarios where dozens of people are being served.
It is not quite up to full kitchen duty for a professional restaurant where operation would be needed non-stop during the day, but for daily use at a bed and breakfast or hospitality service or banquet this cooker can really shine.
The build quality of this cooker is quite good. The lid latch is well designed and secures reliably. The metal casing has a nice brushed steel finish. The inner cooking pot has a good quality non-stick coating and the pot itself feels sturdy and durable. The included plastic spoon is durable and does a great job at grabbing cooked rice. The included silicon ring mat does a great job at preventing rice from overcooking and fusing to the bottom of the pot. The bottom feet are plastic, and do not have rubber soles, however due to the size of this cooker I did not experience an issue where it slid around on my countertop.
Operation of this rice cooker is simple, measure rice and water according to the instructions included with the cooker, then press down the cook latch to start the process which from there is fully automated. No additional steps are needed. The Cuckoo Rice Cooker has measure marks embossed on the pot portion to help make these measurements quickly. They are marked at 10, 20, and 30 cup ratios with matching marks on where to fill water.
A simple ratio that seems to work if being more precise is 1.5 cups water for ever 1 cup rice. I tried this on a small batch of 2 cups rice to 3 cups water (4 servings) and this cooker did really well. It will automatically bring the water to boiling temperature then switch to steam mode where excess moisture is let off through a steam vent at the top. Additional excess moisture is also captured in a small removable clear plastic bin near the hinge of the cooker as needed. For this small batch, this overflow was not needed. The resulting rice quality was perfect.
I did have a bit that stuck to the silicone mat, which should be removed as soon as cooking as finished. This is likely due to not washing the rice quite as much as was needed, as starches can “glue” the rice down if not washed thoroughly. But overall, I am very pleased with the results even in smaller batches and look forward to using this for large events (or cooking several weeks worth of rice for home meals). This is a great product that is simple to use and clean. It is a little large for typical home use but can still work if there is space set aside for it and if rice is a staple of the family diet.
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4. Aroma Housewares ARC-1130S 60-Cup (Cooked) Commercial Rice Cooker
Aroma Housewares ARC-1130S is a high-capacity commercial rice cooker that cooks up to 60 cups of rice, making it ideal for large-scale events or high-demand restaurants.
It features a non-stick inner pot for easy cleaning and an automatic keep-warm mode to maintain perfect serving temperatures. This model is particularly popular for catering events and banquet services because it can handle huge volumes of rice in a single batch. Aroma’s commercial-grade rice cooker is also energy-efficient, saving costs in the long run.
5. Hamilton Beach Proctor-Silex Commercial 37560R 60-Cup (Cooked) Rice Cooker
Hamilton Beach’s Proctor-Silex 37560R is designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind.
Capable of cooking up to 60 cups of rice, it’s perfect for restaurants, cafeterias, and catering services. The non-stick pot and removable lid make cleaning a breeze, while the dual heat settings allow for precise temperature control.
This cooker is designed to keep rice at the right texture, whether for sushi, fried rice, or pilafs. Known for durability, this model can withstand frequent use in a busy kitchen environment.
6. Pantin Commercial Electric Rice Cooker — 25 Cups Raw / 50 Cups Cooked — Budget option
The Pantin Commercial Electric Rice Cooker is designed for high-volume cooking, accommodating up to 25 cups of raw rice, which translates to 50 cups of perfectly cooked rice.
Its robust construction features a stainless steel lid and a non-stick aluminum insert, ensuring it can endure the demands of busy commercial kitchens. The automatic keep-warm function maintains the ideal serving temperature, making it an essential tool during peak service times.
This versatile cooker is capable of preparing various rice types, delivering consistent results that cater to diverse culinary needs. Additionally, its portable design, complete with cool-to-the-touch side handles, allows for easy transportation and storage, enhancing efficiency in fast-paced environments.
7. Winco RC-S300P 30-Cup (Uncooked) Commercial Rice Cooker
The Winco RC-S300P offers a 30-cup uncooked capacity, providing up to 60 cups of perfectly cooked rice.
This model’s stainless-steel body is built for heavy-duty use, and it features an automatic keep-warm function to ensure rice is always at the ideal serving temperature. With a non-stick inner pot, it’s easy to clean and maintain. This rice cooker is a practical choice for restaurants looking for an affordable but effective option, as it performs reliably even with daily, high-volume usage.
How to Choose the Best Commercial Rice Cooker
1. Capacity
For large kitchens, consider the volume of rice you’ll need daily. Commercial rice cookers range from 20 to 60 cups cooked capacity, so select a model that meets your average demand without requiring constant refills. Find many delicious rice cooker recipes & tips on our Youtube channel Walfos !
2. Build Quality
Look for durable materials like stainless steel and non-stick inner pots. These features enhance longevity and ensure even cooking. Also, consider models with removable parts for easy cleaning, especially in high-usage environments.
3. Keep-Warm Function
A keep-warm feature is essential in commercial settings. It allows rice to stay fresh and at serving temperature for hours, which is critical for high turnover and customer satisfaction.
4. Ease of Use
Opt for cookers with intuitive controls. Simple one-touch operations are ideal in fast-paced environments where efficiency matters.
5. Additional Features
Consider features like quick cook times, automatic shut-off, and dual heat settings if you need extra flexibility for different rice types or recipes.
6. Energy Efficiency
An energy-efficient model may save on operating costs in the long run, making it a worthwhile investment in commercial kitchens with constant rice demand.
Best Commercial Rice Cookers (Reviews)
