West Bend 20-Cup Rice Cooker Review: Family-Sized Cooking Made Simple
You know that moment when you’re hosting dinner and realize your tiny rice cooker just isn’t going to cut it? That’s exactly where I found myself last month before discovering the West Bend 20-Cup Multi-Function Rice Cooker. After years of dealing with rice boiling over or having to make multiple batches for family gatherings, I finally decided it was time for an upgrade.
I’ve been putting this stainless steel beast through its paces for the past few weeks, cooking everything from basic white rice to more adventurous grain medleys. If you’re wondering whether this large-capacity cooker deserves a spot on your kitchen counter, I think I can help you decide.
Kitchen Counter Stunner
The first thing that struck me about this West Bend cooker was its surprisingly sleek appearance despite its generous size. The stainless steel exterior gives it a modern, professional look that fits nicely with most kitchen aesthetics. It’s not small by any means (about 11.3″ x 10.9″ x 11.4″), but I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t dominate my limited counter space as much as I feared it might.
The control panel is straightforward and uncluttered – something I definitely appreciate when I’m in the middle of preparing multiple dishes. The lid feels sturdy, and the inner pot removes easily for serving and cleaning. I particularly like the condensation catcher that prevents water from dripping onto my countertop when I open the lid – a small detail, but one that shows thoughtful design.
- 20-CUP CAPACITY: Prepare up to 20 cups of cooked rice; perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or meal prepping for the week
- 9 VERSATILE PRESETS: Single-touch settings for white rice, brown rice, oatmeal, cakes, steaming, slow cooking & more!
- EASY CLEANUP: Durable and easy to clean nonstick pot ensures hassle-free cooking and quick cleanup. Pot and parts are top-rack dishwasher safe!
- PROGRAMMABLE TIMER: 24-hour delay timer and 12-hour auto keep warm feature for flexible meal planning and optimal temperature control
- USER-FRIENDLY: Clear and easy-to-read display makes operation simple and intuitive for all users
Versatility That Impresses
Where this cooker really shines is its performance across different types of rice and grains. I’ve tried everything from jasmine and basmati to brown rice and quinoa, and I’ve been consistently impressed with the results. The texture comes out just right – fluffy, not mushy, with each grain distinct. That’s not always easy to achieve, especially when cooking in larger quantities.
The 20-cup capacity (that’s cooked rice) has been a game-changer for my Sunday meal preps. I can make enough rice for the week in one go, saving significant time. I’ve also experimented with the steaming function using the included steam tray to prepare vegetables while the rice cooks below – multitasking at its finest!
One thing I wasn’t expecting was how well it handles tougher grains like wild rice blends. My previous cooker would leave some grains undercooked, but the West Bend seems to distribute heat more evenly, resulting in perfect doneness throughout. The keep-warm function has also been reliable, maintaining a good temperature without drying out the rice, even after a couple of hours.
Numbers Tell The Story
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | West Bend |
| Model Number | RCWB20CSS13 |
| Capacity | 20 cups (cooked) |
| Dimensions | 11.34″ D x 10.87″ W x 11.42″ H |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Dishwasher Safe Parts | Yes (removable components) |
The Good & The Not-So-Good
Pros
- Impressive 20-cup capacity perfect for families or meal prepping
- Consistent cooking results across different types of rice and grains
- Durable stainless steel construction that’s easy to wipe clean
- Dishwasher-safe removable parts make cleanup a breeze
- Effective keep-warm function that doesn’t dry out the rice
- Multi-function capability lets you steam vegetables while cooking rice
Cons
- Takes up considerable counter space compared to smaller models
- Maybe overkill if you’re usually cooking for just 1-2 people
- The inner pot is quite heavy when full – not ideal if you have wrist issues
- Condensation can sometimes build up more than expected
- The instruction manual could be more detailed about cooking times for non-rice grains
What Others Are Saying
Based on my research of customer feedback for this model, most users seem quite satisfied with their purchase. The large capacity is frequently mentioned as a standout feature, particularly for those who regularly cook for groups or like to prepare meals in advance.
Many users appreciate the multi-functionality, with one reviewer noting: “I love that I can cook a full pot of rice while steaming vegetables at the same time. It’s cut down my dinner prep time significantly.”
The ease of cleaning is another commonly praised aspect, though some users mention they needed time to adjust to the cooking times, especially for different types of grains beyond basic white rice.
Who Should Buy This Cooker?
For beginners: This is actually a great starter rice cooker despite its size. The controls are straightforward, and it’s forgiving enough that you’ll get decent results even without perfect measurements. If you have a family or like leftovers, you’ll appreciate the capacity from day one.
For intermediate users: You’ll love the versatility and consistency this model offers. It’s perfect if you’re expanding your rice repertoire beyond the basics and experimenting with different grains and cooking techniques.
For advanced users: While it lacks some of the high-end programmable features of premium Japanese or Korean models, the reliable performance and generous capacity make it a solid workhorse for your kitchen. However, if you’re very particular about specialized rice preparations or want precise texture control, you might eventually want something with more customization options.
You Might Also Like
If you’re still comparing options before making your decision, these other popular rice cookers might be worth considering:
Ready to Upgrade Your Rice Game?
If you’re tired of small-batch cooking or want consistently perfect rice for your family meals, the West Bend 20-Cup Multi-Function Rice Cooker might be exactly what your kitchen needs. Click below to check current pricing and availability!
- 20-CUP CAPACITY: Prepare up to 20 cups of cooked rice; perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or meal prepping for the week
- 9 VERSATILE PRESETS: Single-touch settings for white rice, brown rice, oatmeal, cakes, steaming, slow cooking & more!
- EASY CLEANUP: Durable and easy to clean nonstick pot ensures hassle-free cooking and quick cleanup. Pot and parts are top-rack dishwasher safe!
- PROGRAMMABLE TIMER: 24-hour delay timer and 12-hour auto keep warm feature for flexible meal planning and optimal temperature control
- USER-FRIENDLY: Clear and easy-to-read display makes operation simple and intuitive for all users
Last update on 2025-06-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
