3 Best Commercial Rice Cookers 2023

Rice the globally ubiquitous, grain-based sustenance that traverses every continent and culture – reigns supreme as one of the most widely consumed foods worldwide. This culinary cornerstone, though seemingly straightforward, harbors a myriad of intricate cooking techniques that are integral to achieving the perfect texture and taste.

In the high-stakes world of restaurant cuisine, where every plate counts, a reliable commercial rice cooker is paramount. The crème de la crème of commercial rice cookers must embody a trifecta of features: a robust construction that can withstand the rigors of intensive use, consistent performance, and uncompromising durability to tackle massive rice batches.

Fulfilling these rigorous prerequisites, we present a comprehensive list of the three best commercial rice cookers on the market. The Zojirushi NYC-36, our top pick, boasts a remarkable capacity coupled with user-friendly operation and easy maintenance – the perfect choice for a commercial kitchen. Our other rivals don’t lag far behind, delivering similar specs such as generous dimensions, substantial volume, heft, and reassuring warranty coverage.

For a superior rice-cooking experience, we’ve listed the most important aspects to consider when selecting a commercial grade rice cooker. This includes non-stick interiors to stop sticky rice, temperature setting to ensure the best cooking control, as well as auto-shut’s and ‘keep warm’ feature that dramatically reduces stress in kitchens that are bustling.

With our carefully curated list of the top 3 best commercial rice cookers, you can be assured of achieving that perfect consistency with every batch of rice, leaving your customers satisfied and wanting more.

Top 3 Best Commercial Rice Cookers 2023

1. Zojirushi NYC-36

Ladies and gents, allow us to introduce the commercial-grade rice cooker of your dreams – the Zojirushi NYC-36! This sleek and sturdy machine can handle any party, formal or not, and churn out massive quantities of delicious, fluffy rice in no time. With a capacity of up to 40 servings using 20 cups, this powerhouse is perfect for large gatherings or busy kitchens. But wait, there’s more!

The Zojirushi NYC-36 also boasts an automatic “keep warm” function that keeps your rice fresh and at the perfect temperature until it’s time to serve. The stainless-steel exterior looks elegant and is built to last, while the non-stick interior makes cleaning a breeze.

Plus, with handy measurement lines and a removable and washable lid, this machine is as user-friendly as it is efficient. And that’s not all – the condensation collector prevents excess steam from ruining your rice, while the included extra-large rice spatula ensures you get every last grain.

But hold on, there’s a catch – some users have reported issues with the durability of the “keep warm” function after nine months of continuous use. But fear not, for the Zojirushi NYC-36 comes with a one-year limited warranty to keep you covered. So, if you want a rice cooker that can handle the heat, this is the one for you!

2. Aroma ARC-1024E

Step right up folks and feast your eyes on the incredible Aroma ARC-1024E rice cooker – the go-to gadget for commercial kitchens everywhere! With features that rival those of much pricier rice cookers, this baby delivers excellent value for your money. And don’t let the low price tag fool you! This cooker packs a punch, boasting a capacity of 48 cups of raw rice, which produces a whopping 60 cups of deliciously cooked rice. So, you can feed a small army without breaking the bank!

Operating this bad boy is a breeze with its easy-to-use interface. With the auto keep-warm function, your rice stays perfectly fresh for an extended period without turning into a gloopy mess. The nonstick interior makes cleaning a cinch, and the durable aluminum body coupled with a stainless steel lid will ensure that your investment lasts long. And did I mention the measuring cups and large spatula included in the package? Talk about convenience!

Sure, the majority of users have given the Aroma ARC-1024E a big thumbs up, but there are a few who have voiced concerns about the cooking process. Some claim that the rice cooks unevenly and the bottom may burn. While these may appear to be minor issues, they can be an eyesore when dishing up food in your restaurant.

But hey, don’t let that scare you away! The Aroma ARC-1024E is still an excellent investment for your catering or restaurant business at a price that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. So go ahead and add it to your cart, and you won’t be disappointed!

3. Panasonic SR-42HZP

The Panasonic SR-42HZP commercial rice cooker is the undisputed heavyweight champion in the realm of large-capacity electric rice cookers. This NSF-certified powerhouse of an appliance comes fully loaded with the perfect blend of hygiene and capabilities for the most demanding commercial spaces.

The sheer efficiency of this device is astounding, boasting a 23-cup uncooked rice capacity and outputting more than twice the original amount at 54 cups (or 74 three-ounce portions) of perfectly fluffy, moist rice every time in just about 30 minutes. This magnificent machine keeps your rice warm for up to two hours and both modes shut off automatically.

The exterior stainless-steel lid and aluminum alloy pan liner are a match made in heaven, ensuring swift cooking and preventing any rice from getting stuck. The thermal safety fuse built into the machine provides unrivaled protection against overheating, keeping you and your establishment safe. With its large capacity and enviable specs, the SR-42HZP is also one of the more affordable models compared to the competition.

Now, listen the absence of a nonstick interior might not sit well with some folks. To get that nonstick goodness, you’ll need to use a liner. If that’s not your jam, mixing the rice well and taking it out a bit after cooking will also do the trick. Just be aware that a few users have reported problems with the warming function not pulling its weight. Could be a product defect, so you might have to go through the hassle of returning it.

Things to Consider

Rice cookers are a fantastic appliance to keep within your home kitchen. Instead of sitting on the stove waiting for the rice to cook and warm, the rice cooker will cook and heat the rice for you, to allow you to complete other kitchen tasks while you wait. Commercial rice cookers take an ordinary cooker and makes it to high-end restaurant quality.

What can you expect from an industrial rice cooker?

What you are looking for in a high-quality commercial rice cooker? It should be a robust and long-lasting item that is able to endure long hours of operation and huge loads of rice simultaneously.

To cook a whole bunch of rice, you better get yourself a gigantic pot. However, not any pot will do, you want one that’s electric and classified as a commercial cooker. Why? Well, they handle temperatures better, ensuring that your rice is cooked evenly and doesn’t end up burnt to a crisp. Plus, with automated features, you don’t need to be constantly monitoring it, giving you more time to multitask and take care of other things. Sounds good, right?

The commercial rice cooker can be expected to cook rice to restaurant standards. It is fluffy and light or dense and textured. The method you employ when cooking rice is going to decide these elements, however the cooker will make sure that your rice is cooked at the right time and is consistent.

How do you use a rice cooker when in the restaurant

The main purpose of rice cookers can be to cook rice stress easy for you. Instead of standing over the stove and cooking the rice it is possible to leave the cooker to watch and cook the rice while doing other things within the kitchen. This kind of ease that restaurants seek and for that reason that commercial rice cookers are a necessity. For your part, all you have be doing is to add water and rice then let it perform the rest.

Price vary

If you’re in the market for a commercial rice cooker, be prepared to fork out at least $100! Most of these beasts will set you back anywhere between $100 and $200, so keep that in mind. But wait, there’s more! If you’re feeling extra spendy, you can find some rice cookers that go beyond the $200 mark. These high rollers are equipped with a downright excessive dependence on automatic controls, so you can sit back and relax while the cooker does all the work. Now, don’t get too excited just yet. While it’s true that you can find some automatic features on a $100 cooker, don’t be fooled into thinking that this baby is fully automated. Nope, it’s highly unlikely, my friend.

Things to consider while buying the best commercial rice cooker

A good rice cooker isn’t a difficult job, but it’s slightly more complex when you’re considering the commercial aspects However. It must be able to handle larger projects and long durations of work and is more powerful as opposed to a standard rice cooker.

Brand name of choice

Of course, your brand will assist you in making the right choice. The first step is to determine the brands that are most well-known and reliable. Below are some of the manufacturers of high-quality rice cookers.

• Hamilton Beach
• Zojirushi
• Aroma
• Instant Pot

There are many more that options to choose from. The best way to determine whether the brand is worthwhile to invest in is to research the brand and read professional and customer reviews.

Volume

Commercial rice cookers offer significantly more volume than standard models, starting at around 20 cups and increasing to about 55 cups. The Tiger JNO-A36U-XB and the Zojirushi NYC-36 can both manage a 20-cup volume, while the Aroma ARC-1024E and Paloma PR-10DSS can handle larger volumes of 48 and 55 cups, respectively. Be warned that measuring cups specially designed for rice are not equivalent to standard measuring cup sizes. It’s best to use rice cookers that come with their own measuring cups or have the measurements printed inside the rice bowl. Otherwise, your portions will be ruined.

Materials

There are two materials that you can encounter when exploring a cooking appliance. The stainless-steel cookers that have more durability and offer greater thermal control. To replace stainless steel there are aluminum variants copper, ceramic, diamond powder coating or pure carbon. They all have distinct temperatures and conductivity levels, which can affect the taste of rice different as well.

Additionally, there are plastic models that are microwavable, but they aren’t as strong and durable as stainless steel counterpart. Whatever type of material you select, it’s vital to put an anti-stick coating for the rice bowl. This will not only help with washing however, it will also keep it from sticking to the bowl of rice.

Gas or electric

Gas

The authenticity is the main factor in the sale of gas cookers. They can create an authentic, rich taste of rice, which is especially popular in sushi. Gas cookers cook more quickly since the sources of heating are direct flame. There is a lot of care required when operating gas stove tops however. The burners and pipes should be regularly cleaned to ensure there’s no obstruction.

Its Paloma PR-10DSS is a fantastic choice should you decide to buy gas cookers.

Electric

Electric cookers offer an effortless way to heat a pot. As an eco-friendly choice, electric cookers produce lower heat levels and are easier to manage, meaning there’s less risk of burning rice compared to gas-powered options. Furthermore, their control of temperature allows for better regulation – ideal for businesses that need to regulate temperatures more effectively. Moreover, these mobile devices can be taken on-the-go for added convenience.

Settings

Many people find that having an all-purpose cooktop is essential. Whether space or convenience is your top priority, having two kitchen appliances in one is often the ideal solution. A popular combination is two steamers and a slow cooker rolled into one for maximum convenience.

There are also one-push or automated operations, making the cooker simpler to understand and operate. Digital controls offer more possibilities for setting, such as cooking styles and temperatures – though this could increase prices slightly.

Option for warming

One of the benefits of having the rice cooker is the fact that it does not need your attention on a regular basis. It already has a pre-set timer for cooking your rice. If you don’t plan to take the rice out immediately or are prepping other components of the meals it will keep the rice warm. It will not over cook the rice but it will maintain the proper temperature until it’s time to remove it. Some models automatically activate the keep-warm setting, while others need to switch it off by yourself.

Guarantee

While a rice cooker may not necessarily be the most costly item you’ll find but it’s still an appliance for the kitchen. You don’t want your rice cooker break within the first couple of months you own it. Make sure to buy kitchen appliances with an assurance on them. It ensures that your purchase comes with the manufacturer’s guarantee that the appliance will work, if it fails you will either receive repair, refund, or a refund.

How do you keep the commercial rice cooker?

To extend the life of your rice cooker, ensure it is in optimal working condition and pay special attention to safety when using it.

• Before washing or storing food items in the cooker, be sure to unplug it from its socket. Additionally, ensure the appliance is cool before handling; otherwise you could burn your hands.
• The most effective method to clean the cooker is by using hot water and a dishwasher. Avoid detergents as they may cause discoloration of the cooker. Abrasives that are harsh will strip the non-stick coating. So beware of using them too.
• Before using your pot again, ensure it is completely dry. Otherwise, steam may bubble up from underneath and discolor or remove the nonstick coating.
• Be sure to wipe down both the heating plate and outer side of the pot with a damp cloth. Food particles can accumulate here, so avoid getting any detergent on them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)