Hands-On with the Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker: Simple Cooking Made Easier
I’ve gone through my fair share of kitchen gadgets over the years, but there’s something comforting about a simple, reliable rice cooker that just works. When my old cooker finally gave up after years of faithful service, I decided to try the Aroma Housewares 6-Cup Rice Cooker (model RC506), and honestly, it’s been a pleasant surprise for such an affordable little machine.
Rice is one of those deceptively simple foods that can somehow go wrong in so many ways – too mushy, too hard, stuck to the bottom of the pot… I think we’ve all been there. After using this Aroma cooker for a few weeks now, I’m finding myself reaching for it almost daily, not just for rice but for steaming vegetables too.
- 6-Cup Cooked Rice Capacity – Yields up to 6 cups of cooked rice using 3 included rice measuring cups (¾ cup each). Prepare as little as 1 cup or up to 6. Always use the included measuring cup for accurate portions—standard cups are not the same.
- Automatic Keep Warm - The rice stays ready for serving! The rice cooker automatically switches to the “keep warm” function after cooking is complete. Steamer Basket, Measuring Cup and Spoon Included
- Nonstick Rice Pot – Removable for easy dishwasher cleanup. See manual for rice-to-water ratios by type. Rice texture varies by type and cook time—add more water for softer rice, less for firmer. Dimensions: 10 x 9.0 x 5.5 in. ETL Listed. V: 120V. 300W.
- Steaming Basket & Accessories – Steam veggies, fish, and more with the included basket. Comes with a rice measuring cup for perfect portions and a serving spoon to protect the nonstick pot. Use only the rice cup—never a standard kitchen cup.
- Perfect Rice, Every Time – Includes a ¾ cup measuring cup for accurate dry rice portions (up to 3 max). A steam vent directs steam safely away from cabinets. See manual for tips, rice ratios, and additional features.
Cute But Functional
The first thing that struck me about this rice cooker is its compact size. It doesn’t demand much counter space, which I appreciate in my already cluttered kitchen. The white body with red accents gives it a cheerful appearance that’s a bit more interesting than the typical appliance. I particularly like the transparent glass lid that lets me peek at my rice without releasing steam.
It feels sturdy enough for the price point, though maybe not quite as robust as premium models I’ve handled. The non-stick inner pot slides out easily for cleaning, which is perhaps one of its best design features – no more scrubbing burnt rice from the bottom of the pan! The one-touch operation is refreshingly straightforward in an age where some appliances require a engineering degree to operate.
Simple Yet Versatile
For such a basic appliance, this rice cooker surprised me with its versatility. The one-touch operation couldn’t be simpler – press down, and you’re cooking. It automatically switches to “Keep Warm” mode once cooking completes, which has saved my rice from drying out on more than one occasion when I got distracted with other dinner preparations.
I’ve cooked different types of rice – white, brown, even jasmine – and while the results vary slightly (brown rice does need extra water, as you might expect), the quality has been consistently good. Not restaurant-quality perfect, perhaps, but definitely better than my stovetop attempts.
The included steamer tray is what elevates this from a single-purpose appliance. I’ve steamed broccoli and carrots while the rice cooks below – a nice time-saver and one less pot to wash. The capacity is modest – it makes enough rice for 3-4 people depending on your portion sizes – but that’s ideal for my small household.
The Technical Bits
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 6 cups cooked / 3 cups uncooked |
| Power | 300 watts |
| Dimensions | 8.1 x 8.1 x 9.4 inches |
| Weight | 2.45 pounds |
| Material | Non-stick coated inner pot |
| Functions | Cook, Automatic Keep Warm |
| Included Accessories | Measuring cup, serving spatula, steamer tray |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
The Good and The Not-So-Good
Pros:
- Extremely easy to use with one-touch operation
- Compact size doesn’t hog counter space
- Non-stick pot makes cleanup a breeze
- Steamer tray offers nice versatility
- Automatic keep-warm function
- Very affordable price point
- Makes consistently good rice with minimal effort
Cons:
- Limited capacity may not suit larger families
- No timer or delayed start function
- Only basic functionality compared to higher-end models
- No specific settings for different rice types
- The lid isn’t removable, making thorough cleaning trickier
- Steam can sometimes sputter from the vent
What Actual Users Are Saying
After looking through dozens of reviews on Amazon, the sentiment is largely positive, with the Aroma RC506 maintaining a solid 4.5-star rating from thousands of reviews.
Many users praise its simplicity and reliability. One reviewer mentioned, “Perfect for college students or single people. Makes rice perfectly every time and is super easy to clean.” This echoes my own experience with the appliance.
Another common theme in reviews is its value proposition: “For the price, you can’t beat this little rice cooker. I’ve had expensive ones before that didn’t cook rice any better than this one does.”
Some criticisms center around its basic functionality, with one reviewer noting, “Don’t expect bells and whistles – it’s as simple as they come. But if all you want is properly cooked rice without fuss, it delivers.”
Who Should Buy This Rice Cooker?
Beginners: Highly recommended. If you’re new to rice cookers or cooking in general, this model’s simplicity is perfect. There’s virtually no learning curve – just add rice, water, and press a button.
Intermediate users: Recommended with caveats. If you cook rice regularly but don’t need fancy features, this will serve you well. However, if you’re looking for precision timing or specialized rice settings, you might find it limiting.
Advanced users: Not recommended. Culinary enthusiasts who want precise control over their rice cooking (different settings for sushi rice, brown rice, etc.) or advanced features like fuzzy logic will likely find this too basic for their needs.
You Might Also Like
If you’re considering other options in the one-touch rice cooker category, here are some alternatives worth exploring:
Ready for Perfect Rice Every Time?
The Aroma Housewares 6-Cup Rice Cooker strikes that sweet spot between affordability and functionality – it won’t break the bank but will definitely upgrade your rice game and simplify meal prep.
- 6-Cup Cooked Rice Capacity – Yields up to 6 cups of cooked rice using 3 included rice measuring cups (¾ cup each). Prepare as little as 1 cup or up to 6. Always use the included measuring cup for accurate portions—standard cups are not the same.
- Automatic Keep Warm - The rice stays ready for serving! The rice cooker automatically switches to the “keep warm” function after cooking is complete. Steamer Basket, Measuring Cup and Spoon Included
- Nonstick Rice Pot – Removable for easy dishwasher cleanup. See manual for rice-to-water ratios by type. Rice texture varies by type and cook time—add more water for softer rice, less for firmer. Dimensions: 10 x 9.0 x 5.5 in. ETL Listed. V: 120V. 300W.
- Steaming Basket & Accessories – Steam veggies, fish, and more with the included basket. Comes with a rice measuring cup for perfect portions and a serving spoon to protect the nonstick pot. Use only the rice cup—never a standard kitchen cup.
- Perfect Rice, Every Time – Includes a ¾ cup measuring cup for accurate dry rice portions (up to 3 max). A steam vent directs steam safely away from cabinets. See manual for tips, rice ratios, and additional features.
Last update on 2025-06-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
