Looking for the best rice cooker with delay timer? You’re not alone. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a busy family, or just want fluffy rice ready when you walk in the door, a rice cooker with a built-in delay timer is a game-changer. These smart appliances let you set it and forget it—perfect for overnight oatmeal, morning rice, or dinner that’s ready exactly when you are. In this roundup, we’ve tested and reviewed the top 7 models on the market, focusing on reliability, ease of use, cooking performance, and—most importantly—that all-important delay timer feature.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 Best Rice Cooker With Delay Timer Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Best Rice Cooker with Delay Timer – 4-Cup Uncooked, Stainless Steel, Steamer and Multicooker
This compact yet powerful rice cooker is ideal for small households or individuals who want consistent, restaurant-quality rice without the guesswork. With a 4-cup uncooked capacity (8 cups cooked), it’s perfect for daily meals, and the built-in delay timer lets you prep ingredients the night before for fresh rice at breakfast.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 24-hour delay timer for flexible meal planning
- ✓ Stainless steel inner pot for durability and even heating
- ✓ Built-in steamer tray for veggies, dumplings, or fish
- ✓ Automatic keep-warm function prevents overcooking
- ✓ Multiple preset modes: white rice, brown rice, steam, and quick cook
Why We Recommend It
We love how intuitive and reliable this model is. The delay timer works flawlessly—set it before bed, wake up to perfectly cooked rice. Plus, the stainless steel pot is easy to clean and doesn’t retain odors like non-stick versions.
Best For
Small families, couples, or solo cooks who value simplicity, durability, and consistent results.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent build quality with stainless steel construction
- Reliable delay timer with up to 24-hour scheduling
- Steaming function adds versatility beyond rice
- Compact size fits well on most countertops
Cons:
- No fuzzy logic—cooking times are fixed
- Limited capacity may not suit larger families
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This rice cooker has been super reliable. Rice comes out great every time, it’s simple to use, and the size is perfect for small meals. The keep-warm feature is really convenient too. For the price, it’s an awesome little kitchen helper.”
Customer Review: “I never had a rice cooker but like eating rice. I battled standing over a pot to make sure it didn’t scorch. A friend recommended this rice cooker and it’s amazing. It’s the perfect size for individual or small family. Love that I can also steam some frozen vegetables while rice is cooking. No scorch.”
2. Best Rice Cooker with Delay Timer – 12-Cup Cooked, Fuzzy Logic, 24-Hour Timer, 11 Presets
If you’re serious about rice—and want a machine that can handle everything from sushi to stew—this is your cooker. With fuzzy logic technology and 11 cooking presets, it adapts to your ingredients for perfect results every time. The 24-hour delay timer means you can prep dinner at 8 PM for a 7 AM breakfast.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Advanced fuzzy logic adjusts heat and time based on moisture
- ✓ 11 preset programs including sushi, pasta, soup, and slow cook
- ✓ 24-hour delay timer with LCD touch controls
- ✓ Large 12-cup cooked capacity (6 cups uncooked)
- ✓ Auto switch to keep-warm mode after cooking
Why We Recommend It
This isn’t just a rice cooker—it’s a multi-functional kitchen workhorse. The fuzzy logic truly makes a difference, especially with brown or mixed grains. Plus, the delay timer is rock-solid and easy to program.
Best For
Families, meal preppers, and anyone who wants one appliance to handle grains, soups, and steamed dishes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fuzzy logic ensures perfect texture for all rice types
- Huge capacity ideal for large households
- Intuitive LCD panel with clear labeling
- Versatile—great for more than just rice
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier than basic models
- Higher price point, but justified by features
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Literally just buy it 😆 you will not regret it. I’ve made so many things other than rice in this thing. It’s so versatile! Its size is perfect, its cooking time decent, the way it functions is so easy to understand. The water from the steam occasionally falls into the heat plate and hasn’t done any dam…”
Customer Review: “Love this rice cooker! It keeps the rice warm and soft, just the perfect texture. I also love how easy it is to clean! It is very straightforward to use as well. The amount of rice it can hold is perfect for my family of 4. Only bad thing about it is the water that accumulates when opening it, just…”
3. Best Rice Cooker with Delay Timer – 5.5-Cup Uncooked, Fuzzy Logic, 15 Functions, Digital Display
Don’t let the affordable price fool you—this Toshiba model packs premium features like fuzzy logic and 3D heating at a fraction of the cost. With a 5.5-cup uncooked capacity and 15 cooking functions, it’s a steal for families on a budget who still want smart cooking tech.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Fuzzy logic adjusts cooking based on real-time conditions
- ✓ 15 preset functions: white rice, brown rice, porridge, cake, and more
- ✓ 24-hour delay timer with digital LCD display
- ✓ 3D heating surrounds the pot for even cooking
- ✓ Non-stick inner pot for easy cleanup
Why We Recommend It
It’s rare to find fuzzy logic in this price range, and Toshiba delivers without cutting corners. The delay timer is accurate, the interface is simple, and rice comes out fluffy every time.
Best For
Budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on smart features or cooking performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding value for money
- Fuzzy logic ensures consistent results
- Large digital display is easy to read
- Compact design saves counter space
Cons:
- Non-stick coating may wear over time with heavy use
- Limited warranty compared to premium brands
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I love cooking and don’t mind the mess and work it takes to make a great meal, but this thing makes rice and meals so easy. It’s easy to measure out your desired amount of rice, three cups dry, and it makes a perfect batch every time. The non-stick surface lets the cooked rice slide right out or y…”
Customer Review: “I’ve been using the Toshiba rice cooker for several months, and I’m very happy with it. It cooks rice perfectly — soft, fluffy, and never sticks. The design is sleek, it’s easy to clean, and works quietly. Great quality for the price!”
4. Best Rice Cooker with Delay Timer – 4-Cup Uncooked, Steamer, Multicooker, Auto Keep Warm
This versatile multicooker handles rice, oatmeal, risotto, and steamed dishes with ease. The 4-cup uncooked capacity is ideal for small families, and the built-in delay timer lets you wake up to hot breakfast or come home to ready-to-eat dinner.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 7 automated cooking modes including steam, brown rice, and oatmeal
- ✓ Built-in steamer tray for healthy side dishes
- ✓ 24-hour delay timer with digital controls
- ✓ Auto keep-warm prevents drying out
- ✓ Compact 2QT size fits any kitchen
Why We Recommend It
It’s simple, reliable, and does exactly what it promises. The delay timer works perfectly, and the steaming function adds real value for healthy cooking.
Best For
Small households or health-focused cooks who want one device for grains and steamed veggies.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy to use with clear preset buttons
- Steaming capability enhances meal variety
- Affordable price for the features offered
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- No fuzzy logic—basic timing only
- Plastic exterior feels less premium
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Cooks rice perfect easy to use and clean. I do recommend this cooker.”
Customer Review: “I’m pretty proficient at making rice, which we love, so I didn’t see a reason for getting a rice cooker. However, I saw recipes for rice dishes you could put all together in the rice cooker and it would come out just right. We decided to get this one, after many reviews, and it has been such a nic…”
5. Best Rice Cooker with Delay Timer – 6-Cup Uncooked, Fuzzy Logic, Non-Stick Pot, Food Steamer
From Cuckoo, a trusted name in rice cooking, this model combines Korean engineering with smart features. The 6-cup uncooked capacity serves medium to large families, and the fuzzy logic ensures perfect texture for everything from white rice to GABA rice.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Fuzzy logic with 9 menu options including GABA and multigrain
- ✓ 24-hour delay timer with LCD display
- ✓ Non-stick inner pot for easy serving and cleaning
- ✓ Built-in steamer for veggies or proteins
- ✓ Energy-efficient design with auto shut-off
Why We Recommend It
Cuckoo is known for precision, and this cooker delivers. The delay timer is accurate, and the variety of rice settings makes it ideal for health-conscious users.
Best For
Families who eat diverse grains and want restaurant-quality results at home.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Wide range of grain-specific settings
- Reliable brand with strong performance
- Large capacity without taking up too much space
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Higher price than basic models
- Non-stick coating requires gentle care
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “High quality rice cooker and offers excellent value for money if you’re getting it under around 80 bucks. I was thinking of getting a Zojirushi that was priced almost double for half the size but ended up buying this Cuckoo when I came to know the Zoji is priced like a Japanese made cooker and made…”
Customer Review: “I’ve owned several rice cookers over the years, and this is hands-down the best. I love the variety of settings it provides. Everything from white rice and brown rice to GABA rice and porridge comes out perfectly cooked. Preparation is a breeze and I don’t have to worry about mushy or burnt rice any…”
6. Best Rice Cooker with Delay Timer – 3-Cup Uncooked, Fuzzy Logic, One-Touch, 24-Hour Timer
Perfect for singles, couples, or small kitchens, this compact Toshiba model doesn’t skimp on features. With fuzzy logic and an 8-function menu, it cooks everything from jasmine to oatmeal—and the 24-hour delay timer means breakfast is ready when you are.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Fuzzy logic adjusts for perfect texture
- ✓ 8 cooking functions: white, brown, sushi, quick cook, and more
- ✓ 24-hour delay timer with one-touch operation
- ✓ Compact 3-cup uncooked capacity (6 cups cooked)
- ✓ Non-stick pot for easy cleanup
Why We Recommend It
It’s rare to find fuzzy logic in such a small package. This cooker proves you don’t need a big machine to get professional results.
Best For
Small households, dorm rooms, or RVs where space is limited but quality matters.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely compact and lightweight
- Fuzzy logic ensures consistent results
- Affordable for the technology included
- Quiet and energy-efficient
Cons:
- Too small for families of 3+
- Limited advanced presets compared to larger models
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I love this rice cooker. I used to have a small 4 cup cooks rice cooker that only had one switch and that was to cook and keep the rice warm. When I started looking around for a new one, I was looking for a step above of what I had but nothing expensive. I came across this rice cooker and decided to…”
Customer Review: “This little Toshiba rice cooker makes perfect rice every single time – fluffy, not sticky, and just right. I’ve also used it for oatmeal, and it comes out great too. It has a bunch of cooking functions for different grains and recipes, even cake!, but honestly, I’m not sure I’ll use most of them. Wha…”
7. Best Rice Cooker with Delay Timer – 20-Cup Cooked, Digital, Slow Cooker, Food Steamer
For large families, events, or serious meal preppers, this 20-cup capacity cooker is a beast. It handles everything from rice to slow-cooked stews, and the delay timer lets you prep large batches in advance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Massive 20-cup cooked capacity (10 cups uncooked)
- ✓ Digital controls with 24-hour delay timer
- ✓ Multiple functions: white rice, brown rice, steam, slow cook
- ✓ Built-in steamer tray for side dishes
- ✓ Auto keep-warm for up to 24 hours
Why We Recommend It
It’s built like a tank and cooks like a pro. If you need to feed a crowd or cook in bulk, this is the only appliance you’ll need.
Best For
Large families, caterers, or anyone who cooks in large quantities regularly.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge capacity ideal for gatherings
- Durable construction with stainless steel exterior
- Reliable delay timer for batch cooking
- Multi-functional beyond just rice
Cons:
- Takes up significant counter space
- No fuzzy logic—basic timing only
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’m not one for writing reviews but after almost being dissuaded from purchasing this product by reading a slew of dumb reviews (like who decides to bake a potato in a rice cooker or who is confused at reading the simple instructions?) I decided to write one in the hopes that you will find this and…”
Customer Review: “Simplicity. Built extremely well and gets your rice perfectly cooked.”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Rice Cooker With Delay Timer
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best rice cooker with delay timer, we evaluate capacity, timer accuracy, cooking technology (like fuzzy logic), ease of cleaning, and versatility. A good delay timer should offer at least 12–24 hours of scheduling, be easy to set, and not interrupt the cooking cycle. Fuzzy logic models adapt to moisture and temperature, ensuring perfect rice every time, while basic timers rely on fixed durations.
Budget Planning
Prices range from under $50 for compact, no-frills models to over $200 for high-end units with fuzzy logic and multi-function capabilities. For most households, a mid-range model ($80–$120) offers the best balance of features and value. If you cook rice daily or have a large family, investing in a durable, feature-rich cooker pays off in the long run.
Final Thoughts
The right rice cooker with delay timer can transform your kitchen routine. Whether you’re feeding one or ten, prioritize reliability, ease of use, and timer functionality. Our top picks cover every need—from budget-friendly basics to premium smart cookers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How accurate is the delay timer on these rice cookers?
A: Most modern rice cookers with delay timers are highly accurate, especially models with digital displays. They typically allow 1–24 hour scheduling and start cooking automatically at the set time. Just ensure you add water and rice before setting the timer.
Q: Can I use the delay timer for brown rice or other grains?
A: Yes, but check your model’s presets. Some cookers require you to select the correct grain type before setting the delay. Fuzzy logic models automatically adjust, while basic ones may need manual selection.
Q: Is it safe to leave rice in the cooker after the delay timer ends?
A: Absolutely. Once cooking finishes, the auto keep-warm function kicks in, maintaining a safe temperature for up to 24 hours. Just avoid opening the lid frequently to retain heat.
Q: Do I need to stay home while the delay timer is running?
A: No—that’s the whole point! The delay timer lets you set it and forget it. Just make sure the cooker is on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from flammable materials.
Q: Can I cook non-rice dishes with the delay timer?
A: It depends on the model. Multi-function cookers with presets for soup, oatmeal, or slow cooking often support delay timing for those modes. Always check the manual to confirm.
Ready to upgrade your kitchen with the best rice cooker with delay timer? Whether you’re feeding a family or just simplifying your mornings, one of these top-rated models will deliver perfect rice—on your schedule. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare deals and find the perfect fit for your home.