When I lived in Japan, my trusty rice cooker was always on, working hard to keep my meals warm and make cooking rice a breeze. However, while rice cookers are a staple in many households, few people know that many models can contain harmful chemicals that can leach into the food during the cooking process. Considering the amount of time it may stay in contact with the food you eat, it is best to find a non-teflon, non-toxic rice cooker that can keep you and your family healthy.
As someone who is passionate about healthy and sustainable living, I began researching non-toxic rice cookers and was surprised to discover the lack of information available on the topic. That’s why I decided to write this blog post about non-toxic rice cookers, to share what I’ve learned and help others make informed decisions when purchasing this essential kitchen appliance.
So, whether you’re a rice lover like me, or simply looking for a safe and eco-friendly way to cook your meals, join me as we explore the world of non-toxic rice cookers and discover the best options available in 2023. Jump to our FAQ section here.
The Best Non-Toxic Rice Cooker for Your Needs
-TOP 10-
| Non-Toxic Rice Cooker (Click to read full review) | Pot Material | Shop Now |
| #1 GreenPan Stainless Steel/Ceramic Rice Cooker | Ceramic | Greenpan.com Amazon |
| #2 Reishunger Digital Rice Cooker and Steamer | Ceramic | Amazon |
| #3 Instant Zest 8 Cup Rice Cooker | Ceramic | Amazon Walmart |
| #4 Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Rice Cooker | Stainless Steel | Amazon Walmart |
| #5 Aroma Housewares Stainless Rice Cooker | Stainless Steel | Amazon Walmart |
| #6 Greenpan Bistro 8-Cup Rice Cooker | Ceramic | Amazon |
| #7 GreenLife Healthy Ceramic | Ceramic | Amazon GreenLife |
| #8 Tianji Electric Rice Cooker | Ceramic | Walmart |
| #9 Elite Gourmet | Stainless Steel | Amazon |
| #10 TLOG Mini Rice Cooker 2.5-Cup Uncooked | Ceramic | Amazon |
Although some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission for suggesting them, we have done our best to suggest only the best quality out there. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases with the links provided in this article. In no way does this affect our description or review of their products.
Chemicals to Avoid in a Non-Toxic Rice Cooker
If you’re in the market for a rice cooker, it’s important to be aware of the harmful chemicals that can lurk in some models.
The material of the inner pot is crucial, as it will come in contact with your food. Look for a pot made of non-teflon, non-toxic materials, such as stainless steel or ceramic. Avoid pots made with non-stick coatings containing PTFE or PFOA, which can release harmful fumes when heated.
Lead, cadmium, and BPA are common culprits that can leach into your food and cause serious health issues. Long-term exposure to these chemicals can lead to kidney and liver damage, high blood pressure, and impaired brain function.
BPA, a synthetic chemical found in plastic food containers and can liners, can also cause hormonal imbalances and other health problems. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a rice cooker made with safe, non-toxic materials that are free from these harmful chemicals.
Keep reading to learn more about how to choose a non-toxic rice cooker that will help you cook your rice safely and sustainably.
See our FAQ section below for more answers to your questions.
For more information about non-toxic air fryers, take a look at this article:
The Best Non-Toxic Rice Cooker for Your Needs
Non-Toxic Rice Cooker #1:
GreenPan Ceramic Induction
| Non-Toxic Rice Cooker Model | GreenPan ELITE 8-CUP INDUCTION RICE COOKER |
| Pot Material | Thermolon™ Volt ceramic |
| Capacity of Cooked Rice | 8 cups |
| Functions | White Rice Brown Rice Quinoa Steel Cut Oats Soup |
| Ease of Cleaning | Excellent |
| Price | $$$ |
What’s unique about this non-toxic rice cooker is the induction heating technology which is different from conventional rice cookers. A conventional rice cooker typically uses a heating element at the bottom of the pot to heat the rice and water, while an induction rice cooker uses electromagnetic induction to heat the pot itself.
This method of cooking is more precise and efficient than conventional heating methods because the heat is evenly distributed throughout the pot. The Green Pan also comes with a Thermolon™ Volt ceramic nonstick coating free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium which is non-teflon, non-toxic and safe.
Rice comes out perfect every time and it is easy to clean and multi-purpose. GreenPan is a trusted ceramic brand that we have relied on in the past. Take a look at our article on Ceramic Vs. Stainless Steel for more non-toxic cookware solutions.
Advisory Details
The GreenPan Induction Rice cooker is a little on the higher side of the price scale due to the unique induction technology. If you’re okay with a traditional rice cooker, GreenPan also sells another model that we have reviewed in this article which is sold at a lower price.
Users have very few flaws with this rice cooker, which is why it is at the top of our list!
Non-Toxic Rice Cooker #2:
Reishunger Digital Rice Cooker and Steamer
| Non-Toxic Rice Cooker Model/Name | Reishunger Digital Rice Cooker 538-DRK |
| Pot Material | Ceramic |
| Capacity Cooked Rice | 8 cups |
| Functions | Rice Quinoa Cereals Soups Vegetables Fish Meat Cakes |
| Ease of Cleaning | Excellent |
| Price | $$$ |
The Reishunger Digital Rice Cooker and Steamer is a versatile appliance that can cook a variety of foods beyond just rice. It has 12 different cooking programs and 7-phase technology, which allows for precise cooking and steaming.
The premium inner pot is non-teflon and is made of high-quality ceramic material, which helps to prevent any toxic substances from leaching into the food. Additionally, the rice cooker has a timer function that enables users to set the cooking time according to their preferences.
The Reishunger Digital Rice Cooker and Steamer is easy to use and produces fluffy, perfectly cooked rice.
Advisory Details
Some reviewers note that the instructions can be a bit confusing, but most users were able to figure it out after a bit of trial and error.
Non-Toxic Rice Cooker # 3
Instant Zest 8 Cup Rice Cooker
| Non-Toxic Rice Cooker Model/Name | Instant 8 Cup Zest Rice Cooker SS |
| Pot Material | Ceramic |
| Capacity of Cooked Rice | 8 Cups |
| Functions | White Brown Quinoa Oatmeal Steam Keep warm |
| Ease of Cleaning | Excellent |
| Price | $ |
The Instant Pot Zest 8 Cup One Touch Rice Cooker is a great option for those in search of a non-toxic and versatile cooking appliance that won’t break the bank. This rice cooker has four smart programs and also doubles as a steamer, making it easy to cook veggies, fish, and more.
The compact capacity of this rice cooker is perfect for preparing small individual meals and doesn’t take up too much counter space. In addition to the non-toxic ceramic coated pot, the Zest Plus is non-teflon and also comes with a dishwasher-safe stainless steel steamer tray, rice measuring cup, and rice spoon.
The Instant Pot has a free app available for iOS and Android which can help you to discover new recipes. Overall, the Instant Pot Zest 8 Cup One Touch Rice Cooker is a fantastic non-toxic option for those looking for convenience, versatility, and proven safety features.
Advisory Details
Make sure not to overfill the pot by cooking too much rice, this will make the pot more difficult to clean. Times may vary depending on the type of rice and may take longer than expected. The cord is very short for safety reasons, so if you need a longer cord because of outlets consider another model.
Non-Toxic Rice Cooker #4
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
| Non-Toxic Rice Cooker Model/Name | Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker |
| Pot Material | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity of Cooked Rice | 12 Cups |
| Functions | Pressure cook slow cook rice cooker yogurt maker steamer sauté pan food warmer |
| Ease of Cleaning | Very Good |
| Price | $$ |
If you’re trying to maximize your counter space and cooking functions this is the appliance for you. The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is a versatile non-toxic pressure cooker without teflon that offers a wide range of functions including cooking all types of rice quickly.
With its 7-in-1 functionality, you can pressure cook, slow cook, rice cook, steam, sauté, make yogurt, warm and even sterilize with ease. This is the appliance I own and use daily to pressure cook my meals and rice. It is much faster than traditional cooking.
The inner cooking pot is made of food-grade stainless steel, and features a tri-ply bottom for more even cooking and perfect sautéing. The appliance can cook for up to 12 cups of cooked rice making it perfect for growing families.
Cleaning up is also a breeze with its and all components are dishwasher safe: the lid, the inner pot, and all accessories.
Advisory Details
Considering I own and use this appliance daily, I do not have too many advisory details to include except that I don’t love the slow cooker function, it doesn’t work half as well as my old slow cooker that I got rid of when I bought this appliance. Also, some complain about the instructions being vague…I rarely read the instructions, so this didn’t bother me. lol!
Non-Toxic Rice Cooker #5:
Aroma Housewares Select Stainless Rice Cooker
| Non-Toxic Rice Cooker Model/Name | Aroma Housewares Select Stainless Rice Cooker |
| Pot Material | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity of Cooked Rice | 14 cups |
| Functions | RiceWarm |
| Ease of Cleaning | Very Good |
| Price | $ |
I think that the AROMA 14-Cup Select Stainless Rice Cooker is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a non-toxic option for cooking rice. One of the standout features of this rice cooker is the 100% surgical-grade 304 stainless steel cooking pot, which ensures that there is no teflon or harmful chemicals or coatings come into contact with your food during the cooking process.
This rice cooker is also very easy to use, with a simple one-touch operation and automatic Keep-Warm function that kicks in after the rice has finished cooking. It’s great for preparing a variety of dishes beyond just rice, including soups, jambalaya, chili, and more.
Another feature worth noting is the glass lid with a stainless steel rim and plastic handle, which has a steam venting hole that is about 5/16 inch diameter. This design ensures that steam is properly vented during the cooking process, and it’s a welcome change from rice cookers with all-plastic hinged lids. Plus, the lid is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Advisory Details
This unit is basic, meaning that it does not have the extra functions you will find in pricier models. It does exactly what it’s meant to do: cook rice. You can use it for other things too, but you do so without the pre-programmed functions.
Non-Toxic Rice Cooker #6:
GreenPan Programmable Rice Cooker
| Non-Toxic Rice Cooker Model/Name | GreenPan Programmable Rice Cooker |
| Pot Material | Ceramic |
| Capacity of Cooked Rice | 8 Cups |
| Functions | White Rice Brown Rice Quinoa Steel Cut Oats |
| Ease of Cleaning | Excellent |
| Price | $$ |
If you like the GreenPan brand (learn more about Ceramic cookware here), the GreenPan Healthy Rice Cooker is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. This rice cooker is incredibly easy to use with its 4 presets for White Rice, Brown Rice, Quinoa, and Steel Cut Oats.
It boasts an eco-friendly and durable Thermolon Volt ceramic nonstick coating that is extra tough and easy to clean, making every meal healthier without teflon or toxic chemicals. This coating is also free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, ensuring that it is a non-toxic rice cooker.
With a capacity of 8 cups of cooked rice, this cooker is perfect for everyday use. The fill lines in the removable bowl make it easy to keep track of your measurements, and the cool-touch exterior ensures that your countertop stays comfortable.
The dishwasher safe bowl, measuring cup, and rice spatula make clean-up a breeze.
Advisory Details
This non-toxic rice cooker is great for a small family gathering cooking between 6-8 cups of cooked rice, but not any more than that. The steel cut oatmeal option is not great, and seems to over boil making everything messy and hard to clean.
Non-Toxic Rice Cooker #7:
Green Life 4 Cup Rice Cooker
| Non-Toxic Rice Cooker Model/Name | Green Life 4 Cup Rice Cooker |
| Pot Material | Ceramic |
| Capacity of Cooked Rice | 4 Cups |
| Functions | White Rice Brown Rice Quinoa Steel Cut Oats |
| Ease of Cleaning | Excellent |
| Price | $ |
The GreenLife 4-Cup Rice Cooker is a great choice for those who want a compact and easy-to-use rice cooker. Its small size makes it perfect for small kitchens or for those who don’t need to cook large quantities of rice.
One of the standout features of this rice cooker is its special version of GreenLife’s healthy ceramic nonstick non-teflon coating. Derived from sand, this coating is free of harmful chemicals like PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. This makes it a safer, healthier, and non-toxic rice cooker option.
In addition to its nonstick coating, this rice cooker also comes with a variety of presets, including White Rice, Brown Rice, Quinoa, and Steel Cut Oats. These presets take the guesswork out of cooking different types of rice, ensuring that your rice comes out perfectly every time.
Advisory Detail
One advisory detail to note is that this rice cooker has a 4-cup capacity, which may not be enough for larger families or for those who like to cook large batches of rice. Additionally, while the product care instructions state that the rice cooker is dishwasher safe, it’s important to note that hand washing may prolong the life of the nonstick coating.
Non-Toxic Rice Cooker #8
Tianji Electric Rice Cooker FD30D
| Non-Toxic Rice Cooker Model/Name | Tianji Electric Rice Cooker FD30D |
| Pot Material | Ceramic |
| Capacity of Cooked Rice | 12 cups |
| Functions | brown rice soup porridge rice |
| Ease of Cleaning | Very Good |
| Price | $$ |
The Tianji Electric Rice Cooker FD30D with Ceramic Inner Pot is a great option for those looking for a healthy, environmentally friendly, and easy-to-clean rice cooker. Its ceramic whiteware liner is healthy and preserves the original flavor of rice, making it more nutritious and healthy.
The 12 cup capacity of the cooker is perfect for families up to 8 people, and the 24-hour smart preset timer makes cooking brown rice, soup, porridge, and rice very easy. The suspended bowl heating system heats rice evenly, making it crystal clear, plump, and delicious.
Advisory Details
A few customers have mentioned a chemical smell when the rice is cooking. Although this may be alarming, the smell eventually disappears after a few uses. The warming timer isn’t as long as other non-toxic rice cookers so it’s important to be mindful of that.
Non-Toxic Rice Cooker #9
Elite Gourmet ERC-2020 Electric Rice Cooker
| Non-Toxic Rice Cooker Model/Name | Elite Gourmet ERC-2020 Electric Rice Cooker |
| Pot Material | Stainless steel |
| Capacity of Cooked Rice | 20 Cups |
| Functions | Warm Cook |
| Ease of Cleaning | Good |
| Price | $ |
The Elite Gourmet ERC-2020 Electric Rice Cooker with Stainless Steel Inner Pot is an excellent non-toxic kitchen appliance for a large family. It cooks rice to perfection and has a keep-warm mode to prevent overcooking.
It has a large capacity of 20 cups of cooked rice, enough for multiple servings, and can cook up to 10 cups of uncooked rice. It is the largest non-toxic rice cooker we have found that does not contain Teflon or harmful chemicals.
The stainless steel cooking pot is durable and easy to clean, making it a practical choice for anyone. The tempered glass lid provides a see-through cover that allows you to monitor the cooking process without opening the lid and releasing steam. The lid also features a steam vent that helps to prevent excessive pressure build-up inside the cooker.
Additionally, it comes with a measuring cup and serving spatula, making it an all-inclusive housewarming gift.
Advisory Details
Although it can be used to make soup, porridge, noodles, boiling vegetables, and reheating food, there are actually only TWO functions on this non-toxic rice cooker: cook and warm. You will have to test out for yourself how long you need for your specific cooking. The price is right though, making it a great value buy!
Non-Toxic Rice Cooker #10:
TLOG Mini Rice Cooker 2.5-Cup
| Non-Toxic Rice Cooker Model/Name | TLOG Mini Rice Cooker |
| Pot Material | Ceramic |
| Capacity of Cooked Rice | 2.5 cups |
| Functions | Cook Rice Keep Warm |
| Ease of Cleaning | Excellent |
| Price | $ |
This non-toxic rice cooker is perfect for anyone living in extra small spaces as it comes with a portable handle and removable power cord. . It comes with a ceramic coating, which is a healthy alternative to the traditional Teflon coating. The upgraded inner pot is coated with Nano-ceramic non-stick material free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium for healthy cooking and dishwasher safety. The ceramic non-stick coating ensures that cleaning is a breeze and you will never struggle to chisel out baked-on rice.
It is also incredibly easy to use, with a simple control panel and indicator lights that make cooking a breeze. The 2.5-cup capacity is perfect for serving 1-3 people, which means there is no more food wastage. Plus, it automatically switches to keep warm when the dishes are completed, so you don’t have to worry about overcooking or serving cold rice.
Advisory Details
Measuring scoop is NOT marked to correct measurements. Use your own measuring cups. Be careful when handling the inner pot after cooking. The ceramic coating can become very hot, so use oven mitts or a towel to avoid burns. Also, make sure to use the measuring cup that comes with the rice cooker to ensure proper rice-to-water ratio. Using a regular cup or eyeballing the measurement can result in undercooked or overcooked rice.
Non-toxic Rice Cooker FAQ
What materials should I look for in a non-toxic rice cooker?
When looking for a non-toxic rice cooker, you should look for materials that are free from harmful chemicals like PFAS, PFOA, lead, cadmium, and BPA. Ideally, the inner pot should be made of stainless steel or ceramic, which are both safe and durable materials.
The lid should be made of tempered glass or stainless steel, and the measuring cup and rice spoon should be made of BPA-free food-grade materials. Additionally, it’s important to choose a rice cooker that has a non-toxic non-stick coating, such as ceramic or diamond-infused, to prevent food from sticking and make cleaning easier.
Can I use metal utensils with a non-toxic rice cooker?
It’s generally not recommended to use metal utensils with non-toxic rice cookers, as they can scratch the non-stick coating and potentially damage the surface. It’s best to use wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils to avoid damaging the coating and to maintain the non-toxic properties of the rice cooker. Additionally, many non-toxic rice cookers come with rice paddles made of non-toxic materials, such as bamboo or BPA-free plastic, to further ensure the safety of your food.
How do I clean a non-toxic rice cooker?
Cleaning a non-toxic rice cooker is easy and straightforward. First, make sure the rice cooker is unplugged and has cooled down. Remove the inner pot and wash it with warm, soapy water. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that could damage the non-stick coating or scratch the surface of the pot. If there is stubborn food residue on the pot, let it soak in warm, soapy water for a few minutes before washing.
For the exterior of the rice cooker, wipe it down with a damp cloth. Again, avoid using abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface. Do not immerse the entire rice cooker in water or use water to clean the electrical components.
The tempered glass lid and steam vent can be wiped down with a damp cloth. If there is food residue on the lid, use warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly before replacing it on the rice cooker.
It is important to clean the rice cooker after each use to prevent bacteria and odors from building up. With proper care and maintenance, a non-toxic rice cooker can provide many years of healthy and safe cooking.
Conclusion
Finally, before deciding on a non-toxic rice cooker, make sure to look into the following questions:
- What materials is the rice cooker made of?
- Is the inner pot coated with a non-stick material, and if so, is it free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium?
- Does the rice cooker come with a tempered glass lid or other materials that are free of harmful chemicals?
- Is the rice cooker easy to clean and dishwasher safe?
- Is the rice cooker compact and portable, making it suitable for small kitchens, offices, dorms, and traveling?
- What is the capacity of the rice cooker and how many people can it serve?
- Does the rice cooker have a keep-warm feature and is it easy to use?
- Does the rice cooker come with additional features, such as a steam tray for cooking vegetables or a delay timer for cooking meals ahead of time?
- What kind of warranty or customer support is available for the rice cooker?
- Is the rice cooker priced competitively compared to other non-toxic rice cookers in the market?
If you’re still interested in more information about cooking with non-toxic cookware and appliances, take a look at our article about non-toxic air fryers, and stainless steel vs ceramic cookware.
9 Responses
This is such a helpful guide to select a non-toxic rice cooker. I love my Instant Pot! Great suggestion!
Love rice cookers! Great product reviews and you make a good point about being mindful of the material of the inside cooking area, so many harmful chemicals to avoid.
Great post, I personally like using the instant pot to cook rice. It’s such a no brainer, especially on busy weeknights
I didn’t even consider rice cookers being toxic! Thanks for sharing this, eye opening.
This is such a great post! I have a friend building her wedding registry so I can’t wait to send this to her!
Rice cookers are a must! There are SO many options out there, I love that you took the time to write this detailed recommendation on the Non-toxic options!
Thank you for making finding a stainless steel rice cooker so easy!
Tiange number 8 seems to have 6 cup capacity and not 12.
Thank you so much, I will update this!