Hamilton Beach Digital Rice Cooker (37518) Review

# Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker Review: Simple Cooking Made EasierI’ve been testing the Hamilton Beach 37518 Rice Cooker for a few weeks now, and I think it’s time to share my thoughts. As someone who cooks rice at least three times a week (maybe more during busy periods), I was curious whether this budget-friendly model could compete with more expensive options I’ve tried before. Spoiler alert: it’s not perfect, but it definitely surprised me in a few ways.## Sleek SimplicityThe first thing I noticed about this rice cooker is how straightforward it looks. There’s nothing particularly fancy about its white exterior with simple controls, but I actually appreciate that. It fits pretty well in my kitchen without drawing too much attention, which is nice since counter space is always at a premium in my apartment. The compact design doesn’t take up much room, yet it can still handle quite a lot of rice – up to 20 cups cooked, which is way more than I typically need.The lid is removable, making it easier to clean than some models I’ve used before. I do wish the cord was a bit longer, though. Sometimes I have to rearrange things just to make it reach my outlet.## Performance That Delivers I’ve cooked white rice, brown rice, and even tried some quinoa in this machine. The results have been mostly consistent across the board. White rice comes out fluffy and separate, though I think it’s slightly better when I rinse the rice first (something the manual doesn’t specifically recommend, but I do it anyway).One thing that surprised me was how well it handles brown rice. Many cheaper rice cookers struggle with this, but the Hamilton Beach did a decent job. It wasn’t quite as perfect as my friend’s expensive Zojirushi, but for the price difference, I’m not complaining.The keep-warm function works pretty well too. I’ve left rice in there for a couple hours after cooking, and while it’s not exactly the same as freshly cooked, it doesn’t dry out horribly like some cookers I’ve used in the past.

## The Nitty Gritty| Specification | Details | |—————|———| | Capacity | 20 cups cooked (10 cups uncooked) | | Dimensions | 10.75 x 11.25 x 11.25 inches | | Weight | 5.6 pounds | | Settings | Cook, Warm, Heat/Simmer | | Materials | Non-stick cooking pot | | Additional Features | Steam basket included | | Power | 700 watts | | Warranty | 1-year limited |### Pros: – Very affordable price point – Simple one-button operation – Large capacity good for families – Includes steam basket for vegetables – Automatic keep-warm function – Non-stick pot makes cleanup easy – Dishwasher-safe removable parts### Cons: – No specific settings for different rice types – No timer or delay start function – Exterior gets somewhat hot during cooking – Relatively basic features compared to pricier models – Cooking times can be a bit inconsistent

## What Others Are SayingAfter looking through customer reviews on Amazon, the general sentiment seems positive, especially considering the price point. The Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker currently has over 25,000 ratings with an average of 4.5 stars.One reviewer named Mark commented: “This is the best $35 I’ve spent on a kitchen appliance. Simple to use and cooks rice perfectly every time. I’ve had mine for over a year with no issues.”Another customer mentioned: “Good basic rice cooker. Don’t expect fancy features, but it does what it says. The steam basket is a nice bonus that I use more than I expected.”Some negative reviews focus on longevity issues, with a few customers reporting that their units stopped working after 6-12 months. Others mentioned occasional boil-over problems when cooking at full capacity.## Who Should Buy This?For beginners or occasional rice cookers, this Hamilton Beach model is an excellent choice. It’s straightforward to use with its one-touch operation, and the results are reliable enough for someone just starting their rice cooking journey.Intermediate users might find this cooker adequate, especially if you don’t prepare rice daily or need special cooking modes. The included steamer basket adds versatility that makes this a better value for those who might use it for more than just rice.Advanced users or rice enthusiasts will likely find this model too basic. If you’re particular about your rice texture or cook multiple varieties regularly, you might want to invest in a more sophisticated model with specialized settings for different grains and textures. ## You Might Also LikeIf you’re considering other options in the rice cooker category, here are some alternatives worth checking out:## Get Cooking Today!Ready to simplify your rice cooking routine? The Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker offers good value for money and enough capacity to feed a family. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of premium models, it delivers where it counts – consistently good rice with minimal effort.

Last update on 2025-06-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API