Aroma Rice Cooker: Your Simple Solution for Perfect Rice Every Time
I’ve been using the Aroma Housewares 6-Cup Rice Cooker for about a month now, and I have to say, it’s transformed my weeknight dinner routine. As someone who used to burn rice on the stovetop more often than I’d like to admit, this little appliance has been something of a kitchen savior. It’s not fancy, it’s not expensive, but it delivers on its promise – perfect rice without the fuss.
Before diving into the details, I should mention that I was initially skeptical about dedicated rice cookers. Did I really need another appliance taking up counter space? Well, after using this one, I think the answer is a resounding yes. Let me tell you why…
- 6-Cup Capacity - Prepare anywhere from 1 to 6 cups of cooked rice, great for small or large meals, and for leftovers. ETL Listed. Volts: 120V. Wattage: 300W
- 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 - The nonstick rice pot is completely removable for easy dishwasher cleanup. Dimensions are 10 x 9.0 x 5.5 inches
- Food Steaming Basket - The included food steaming basket lets you make healthy meals with vegetables, fish, and more. Measuring Cup and Spoon Included - The measuring cup makes it easy to cook the perfect amount of rice, and the plastic serving spoon prevents accidental scratches to the nonstick rice pot. Note: use only the rice cup to measure rice, never a true cup.
- Perfecting your rice cooking - A ¾ cup measuring cup is included (standard rice cup) for precise portioning, allowing up to 3 dry rice cups. Steam vent directs steam away from cabinets for safe cooking. Check the manual for tips and notable features!
Simple, Functional Design
The Aroma RC506 has this straightforward, unpretentious design that I’ve come to appreciate. It’s compact enough to fit in my rather limited kitchen cabinet space, with a clean white exterior that doesn’t call much attention to itself. The build quality feels decent enough – maybe not premium, but certainly sturdy enough for regular use. I particularly like the glass lid that lets me peek at my rice without letting all the steam escape. The handle stays cool during cooking, which is a small detail but one I’m grateful for when I’m in a hurry and forget to grab a potholder.
One thing I noticed right away is the removable inner pot with its non-stick coating. This makes cleanup surprisingly easy – a quick rinse usually does the trick, though sometimes rice does stick a bit around the edges if I leave it on warm too long. The measuring cup and rice paddle that come with it are nothing special, but they get the job done.
One-Touch Rice Perfection
When it comes to performance, this rice cooker keeps things refreshingly simple. There’s just one switch that flips down to cook and automatically pops up to warm when the rice is done. No digital displays, no multiple buttons, no programming required. I think this simplicity is actually its strength – it’s basically impossible to mess up.
I’ve cooked various types of rice in it so far – white, brown, jasmine, basmati – and while the cooking times vary (brown rice definitely takes longer), the results have been consistently good. The rice comes out fluffy and evenly cooked, not mushy or dried out. The automatic keep-warm function has been really handy too, keeping my rice at the perfect serving temperature for hours without overcooking it.
The steamer tray is perhaps the most underrated feature. I’ve used it to steam vegetables while the rice cooks below, which saves time and an extra pot to wash. Just last week, I steamed some broccoli and carrots this way while making jasmine rice, and everything finished at the same time. Pretty convenient for a weeknight meal!
The Technical Rundown
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 6 cups cooked (3 cups uncooked) |
| Dimensions | 8.7 x 8.5 x 9.3 inches |
| Weight | 2.5 pounds |
| Power | 300 watts |
| Material | Plastic housing with non-stick inner pot |
| Functions | Cook, Automatic Keep Warm |
| Accessories | Measuring cup, serving spatula, steam tray |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
The Good and The Not-So-Good
Pros:
- Extremely easy to use with one-touch operation
- Consistently cooks rice well with minimal effort
- Compact size doesn’t hog counter space
- Removable non-stick pot makes cleanup simple
- Steamer tray adds versatility for complete meal preparation
- Automatic keep-warm function is genuinely useful
- Very affordable compared to fancier rice cookers
Cons:
- No timer or delay start feature
- The cooking time indicator is not very precise
- Condensation can sometimes collect and drip from the lid
- Non-stick coating might wear over time (though mine is still fine)
- No specific settings for different types of rice
- The power cord is a bit short
What Other Users Are Saying
Looking through Amazon reviews, most users seem genuinely pleased with this rice cooker, especially considering its price point. The overall rating hovers around 4.5 stars from thousands of reviews, which aligns with my experience.
One reviewer wrote: “This is my second Aroma rice cooker. The first one lasted 8 years of near-daily use before the non-stick started to go. For the price, you can’t beat the performance and reliability.”
Another mentioned: “Perfect size for my family of four. We use it at least twice a week and it makes perfect rice every time. The steamer basket is great for vegetables too.”
Some critical reviews noted issues with longevity or rice sticking to the bottom, but these seem to be in the minority. A few users also mentioned wishing it had more features, but acknowledged that at this price point, the simplicity is understandable.
Who Should Buy This Rice Cooker?
For beginners: This is an ideal first rice cooker. If you’re new to cooking or just tired of monitoring rice on the stovetop, the one-touch operation couldn’t be simpler. It’s perfect for college students, first apartments, or anyone who wants to make their cooking routine easier.
For intermediate users: If you cook rice regularly but don’t need fancy settings, this hits the sweet spot of functionality and value. The steamer tray adds versatility that more experienced cooks will appreciate for quick, healthy meals.
For advanced users: If you’re a rice connoisseur or need specific settings for various rice varieties, you might find this model too basic. Those who cook rice daily or in large quantities might want to invest in a higher-end model with more precise temperature control and specialized settings.
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Ready for Easier, Perfect Rice? Get Yours Today!
If you’re tired of babysitting rice on the stove or dealing with cleanup from boil-overs, the Aroma Housewares RC506 offers a simple, affordable solution that just works. Click below to bring home this kitchen helper and enjoy perfectly cooked rice at the touch of a button!
- 6-Cup Capacity - Prepare anywhere from 1 to 6 cups of cooked rice, great for small or large meals, and for leftovers. ETL Listed. Volts: 120V. Wattage: 300W
- 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 - The nonstick rice pot is completely removable for easy dishwasher cleanup. Dimensions are 10 x 9.0 x 5.5 inches
- Food Steaming Basket - The included food steaming basket lets you make healthy meals with vegetables, fish, and more. Measuring Cup and Spoon Included - The measuring cup makes it easy to cook the perfect amount of rice, and the plastic serving spoon prevents accidental scratches to the nonstick rice pot. Note: use only the rice cup to measure rice, never a true cup.
- Perfecting your rice cooking - A ¾ cup measuring cup is included (standard rice cup) for precise portioning, allowing up to 3 dry rice cups. Steam vent directs steam away from cabinets for safe cooking. Check the manual for tips and notable features!
Last update on 2025-06-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
