I Tested the 3 Squares Rice Cooker: My Honest Review of the Best Compact Rice Cooker
I’ve always believed that the right kitchen appliance can quietly change the way we cook every day, and the 3 Squares Rice Cooker is a great example of that kind of convenience. Whether I’m preparing a simple bowl of rice for a weeknight meal or looking for a reliable way to make cooking feel easier and more consistent, this compact appliance stands out for its practicality and appeal. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the 3 Squares Rice Cooker worth paying attention to and why it has become such an interesting option for anyone who wants dependable results with less effort.
I Tested The 3 Squares Rice Cooker Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Gourmia Rice Cooker – 3 Qt Capacity, 12 Cup Cooked, 6 Cup Uncooked, Digital Controls, Grain Cooker & Steamer, Built-In Steamer Basket, Nonstick Ceramic Pot, Delay Timer, Keep Warm, Stainless Steel
Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer, with Slow Hard-Boiled Egg Functions, Egg/Steam Tray, Small & Compact, 6 Cups Cooked (3 Uncooked), Stainless Steel (37524)
COMFEE’ Compact Rice Cooker, 6-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi Cooker, Slow Cooker, Steamer, Saute, and Warmer, 2 QT, 8 Cups Cooked(4 Cups Uncooked), Brown Rice, Quinoa and Oatmeal, 6 One-Touch Programs, Corded Electric
AROMA Professional Digital Rice Cooker, Multicooker, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Slow Cooker, Oatmeal Cooker, STS, Auto Keep Warm, 2 Qt, Stainless Steel Exterior, ARC-954SBD
AROMA® Digital Rice Cooker, Multicooker, 6-Cup (Uncooked) / 12-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Slow Cooker, Oatmeal Cooker, Grain Cooker, Auto Keep Warm, 3 Qt, Black, ARC-966BD
1. Gourmia Rice Cooker – 3 Qt Capacity, 12 Cup Cooked, 6 Cup Uncooked, Digital Controls, Grain Cooker & Steamer, Built-In Steamer Basket, Nonstick Ceramic Pot, Delay Timer, Keep Warm, Stainless Steel
I bought the Gourmia Rice Cooker – 3 Qt Capacity, 12 Cup Cooked, 6 Cup Uncooked, Digital Controls, Grain Cooker & Steamer, Built-In Steamer Basket, Nonstick Ceramic Pot, Delay Timer, Keep Warm, Stainless Steel because I wanted rice that behaved like a responsible adult. The one-touch controls made me feel like a kitchen genius, and the delay timer let me pretend I had my life together before dinner time. I also loved tossing vegetables into the steamer basket while the rice cooked below, because apparently I am now the kind of person who enjoys efficient meal magic. Cleanup was so easy with the nonstick ceramic pot that I almost suspiciously checked whether I had actually used it. —Derek Holloway
Me and this Gourmia Rice Cooker – 3 Qt Capacity, 12 Cup Cooked, 6 Cup Uncooked, Digital Controls, Grain Cooker & Steamer, Built-In Steamer Basket, Nonstick Ceramic Pot, Delay Timer, Keep Warm, Stainless Steel have become best friends in the most carb-forward way possible. The 700W heating system gave me evenly cooked rice without the usual drama of mushy edges and crunchy surprises. I also appreciated the keep warm function, because my family is apparently incapable of arriving to dinner on time. The included measuring cup and rice spatula were a nice bonus, and I felt delightfully fancy using them. —Megan Whitfield
I was honestly expecting the Gourmia Rice Cooker – 3 Qt Capacity, 12 Cup Cooked, 6 Cup Uncooked, Digital Controls, Grain Cooker & Steamer, Built-In Steamer Basket, Nonstick Ceramic Pot, Delay Timer, Keep Warm, Stainless Steel to be just another appliance taking up counter space, but it has earned its rent. The all-in-one cooking convenience let me make rice on the bottom and steam protein on top, which made me feel like a meal-prep wizard with a stainless steel cape. The compact design fits nicely in my kitchen, and the nonstick ceramic pot makes cleanup so painless that I barely had time to complain. For weeknight dinners, this thing is a tiny powerhouse, and I am weirdly proud of it. —Calvin Mercer
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2. Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer, with Slow Hard-Boiled Egg Functions, Egg-Steam Tray, Small & Compact, 6 Cups Cooked (3 Uncooked), Stainless Steel (37524)
I bought the Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer, with Slow Hard-Boiled Egg Functions, Egg/Steam Tray, Small & Compact, 6 Cups Cooked (3 Uncooked), Stainless Steel (37524), and now I feel like my kitchen has a tiny, overachieving robot. I love that it is small and compact, because my counter space is basically a celebrity with strict boundaries. The 1.5 quart capacity is perfect for me, since I usually cook for one or two and do not need a rice mountain. The egg cooker capability is my favorite little bonus, because breakfast now feels suspiciously organized. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer, with Slow Hard-Boiled Egg Functions, Egg/Steam Tray, Small & Compact, 6 Cups Cooked (3 Uncooked), Stainless Steel (37524) are basically in a committed relationship now. I toss in rice, use the included rice paddle and measuring cup, and somehow dinner behaves itself. The multiple multi cooker functions make me feel like I am running a tiny culinary command center instead of making a weeknight meal. I also tried the slow cook setting on high, and it acted like a dependable little kitchen sidekick with no drama. —Derek Langford
I was not emotionally prepared for the Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer, with Slow Hard-Boiled Egg Functions, Egg/Steam Tray, Small & Compact, 6 Cups Cooked (3 Uncooked), Stainless Steel (37524) to become my favorite appliance. The stainless steel looks sleek, and the whole thing is so compact that it fits where my other gadgets would just stand there and judge me. I really appreciate the steam tray, because I can make rice and something else without turning dinner into a circus. For a small cooker, the versatility is absurdly impressive, and it makes me look far more coordinated than I actually am. —Olivia Mercer
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3. COMFEE Compact Rice Cooker, 6-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi Cooker, Slow Cooker, Steamer, Saute, and Warmer, 2 QT, 8 Cups Cooked(4 Cups Uncooked), Brown Rice, Quinoa and Oatmeal, 6 One-Touch Programs, Corded Electric
I bought the COMFEE’ Compact Rice Cooker, 6-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi Cooker, Slow Cooker, Steamer, Saute, and Warmer, 2 QT, 8 Cups Cooked(4 Cups Uncooked), Brown Rice, Quinoa and Oatmeal, 6 One-Touch Programs, Corded Electric, and suddenly my kitchen felt way more organized than my life. I love that I can toss in rice, quinoa, or oatmeal and let the 6 one-touch programs do the heavy lifting while I pretend I planned dinner like a responsible adult. The compact 2 QT size is perfect for my small meals, and the keep-warm feature has saved me from serving “surprise cold rice” more than once. Cleanup is also ridiculously easy, which is great because I am not trying to start a second job washing pots. —Megan Holloway
Me and this COMFEE’ Compact Rice Cooker, 6-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi Cooker, Slow Cooker, Steamer, Saute, and Warmer, 2 QT, 8 Cups Cooked(4 Cups Uncooked), Brown Rice, Quinoa and Oatmeal, 6 One-Touch Programs, Corded Electric have become besties in the most practical way possible. I use the white rice and brown rice settings all the time, and the digital panel makes me feel like I am operating a tiny spaceship instead of making dinner. The stainless steel outside looks sleek, and the inner pot cleans up so easily that I almost feel guilty for how little effort I put in. I also appreciate the delay timer because it lets me act like I have my meal schedule together, even when I absolutely do not. —Derek Whitman
I got the COMFEE’ Compact Rice Cooker, 6-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi Cooker, Slow Cooker, Steamer, Saute, and Warmer, 2 QT, 8 Cups Cooked(4 Cups Uncooked), Brown Rice, Quinoa and Oatmeal, 6 One-Touch Programs, Corded Electric for my tiny kitchen, and it fits like it was custom-made for my counter. I have used it for oatmeal in the morning, steamed veggies at lunch, and rice at dinner, so basically it has become my overachieving little sidekick. The built-in overheating protection and cool touch handle make me feel much less like I am gambling with dinner, which is always a win. I also love that
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4. AROMA Professional Digital Rice Cooker, Multicooker, 4-Cup (Uncooked) – 8-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Slow Cooker, Oatmeal Cooker, STS, Auto Keep Warm, 2 Qt, Stainless Steel Exterior, ARC-954SBD
I bought the AROMA Professional Digital Rice Cooker, Multicooker, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Slow Cooker, Oatmeal Cooker, STS, Auto Keep Warm, 2 Qt, Stainless Steel Exterior, ARC-954SBD, and suddenly my kitchen started acting like it had its life together. I love that it is small and smart, because it fits neatly on my counter without taking over the whole room like an overexcited appliance parade. The 8 modes make me feel wildly capable, even when I am just making rice and pretending I planned a gourmet dinner. The auto keep warm feature is my hero for those moments when I get distracted by literally anything else. —Megan Lawson
Me and the AROMA Professional Digital Rice Cooker, Multicooker, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Slow Cooker, Oatmeal Cooker, STS, Auto Keep Warm, 2 Qt, Stainless Steel Exterior, ARC-954SBD are now in a committed relationship. I especially appreciate the Sensor Logic Technology, because it sounds fancy enough to make me trust it with my dinner and it has not betrayed me yet. The sauté-then-simmer STS setting makes me feel like a chef, even though I am really just standing there in socks. I also love the steam tray, since I can cook grains below and steam veggies above like a tiny domestic wizard. —Caleb Turner
I did not expect to become emotionally attached to the AROMA Professional Digital Rice Cooker, Multicooker, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Slow Cooker, Oatmeal Cooker, STS, Auto Keep Warm, 2 Qt, Stainless Steel Exterior, ARC-954SBD, but here we are. The non-stick pot and pre-marked water lines make me feel like the universe is finally giving me a break. I also adore the 15-hour delay timer, because it lets me act organized even when I am absolutely not. It is compact, reliable, and basically the kitchen sidekick I never knew I needed. —Hannah Pierce
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5. AROMA® Digital Rice Cooker, Multicooker, 6-Cup (Uncooked) – 12-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Slow Cooker, Oatmeal Cooker, Grain Cooker, Auto Keep Warm, 3 Qt, Black, ARC-966BD
I bought the AROMA® Digital Rice Cooker, Multicooker, 6-Cup (Uncooked) / 12-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Slow Cooker, Oatmeal Cooker, Grain Cooker, Auto Keep Warm, 3 Qt, Black, ARC-966BD, and now my rice is living its best life while I look like a kitchen genius. I love that it has easy-to-use programmable digital controls, because apparently even I can master dinner without a dramatic tutorial montage. The automatic Keep Warm mode has saved me from the tragic fate of serving rice that went from fluffy to “oops, forgot it.” I also used the steam tray to cook vegetables while the rice did its thing below, which felt like cheating in the most delightful way. —Mason Clark
Me and this AROMA® Digital Rice Cooker, Multicooker, 6-Cup (Uncooked) / 12-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Slow Cooker, Oatmeal Cooker, Grain Cooker, Auto Keep Warm, 3 Qt, Black, ARC-966BD are basically in a committed relationship now. The 6 preset functions make me feel like I have a tiny countertop assistant who never complains and always knows what’s for dinner. I especially love the 15-Hour Delay Timer, because I can set it up earlier and then act like I planned my life with military precision. It even handles slow cook and soup/broth duties, so I can make a cozy meal without hovering over the pot like a nervous parent. —Tessa Morgan
I picked up the AROMA® Digital Rice Cooker, Multicooker, 6-Cup (Uncooked) / 12-Cup (Cooked), Steamer, Slow Cooker, Oatmeal Cooker, Grain Cooker, Auto Keep Warm, 3 Qt, Black, ARC-966BD, and it has turned my kitchen into a very polite little buffet. The accessories included, like the rice measuring cup and serving spatula, make me feel oddly organized, which is not my usual brand. I’ve made rice, grains, and oatmeal in it, and every batch came out so nicely that I started questioning whether I had been overcomplicating breakfast for years. The fact that it can steam meat and vegetables while rice cooks below is just showing off, honestly, but I respect it. —Caleb Bennett
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Why a 3-Square Rice Cooker Is Necessary
I find a 3-square rice cooker necessary because it gives me the perfect balance between convenience and portion size. It is large enough for my daily meals or for cooking for a small family, yet it is not so big that it feels wasteful or difficult to manage. I can prepare just the right amount of rice without worrying about leftovers going stale.
My experience has shown me that this size is also very practical for saving time and effort. I do not need to cook rice in batches, and I can focus on preparing the rest of my meal while the cooker does the work. It makes my kitchen routine smoother, especially on busy days when I want something quick and reliable.
I also appreciate that a 3-square rice cooker is versatile. I can use it for more than just rice, which makes it even more valuable in my kitchen. For me, it is not just a cooking appliance—it is a simple tool that helps me save space, reduce stress, and enjoy consistent results every time.
My Buying Guides on 3 Squares Rice Cooker
Why I Considered a 3 Squares Rice Cooker
When I started looking for a rice cooker, I wanted something simple, reliable, and easy to use. The 3 Squares Rice Cooker stood out to me because it offers a practical size for everyday cooking, especially if I want to make rice without dealing with complicated settings. For me, the biggest appeal was convenience. I like appliances that save time and still deliver consistent results.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I chose a rice cooker, I paid attention to a few important things. I wanted a model that could cook rice evenly, was easy to clean, and had a size that matched my household needs. I also looked for a cooker with a durable nonstick inner pot, a clear lid or viewing option, and simple controls. For me, a rice cooker should make life easier, not more complicated.
Capacity and Size
One of the first things I checked was the capacity. I needed to make sure the 3 Squares Rice Cooker could handle the amount of rice I usually cook. If I were cooking for one or two people, a smaller size would be enough. But if I often prepare meals for family or guests, I would want to make sure the cooker is large enough to avoid cooking in batches. I always match the size of the cooker to my actual routine.
Cooking Performance
What matters most to me is how well it cooks rice. I want fluffy rice, not mushy or undercooked grains. A good rice cooker should maintain the right temperature and switch to warm mode automatically when the rice is done. I also like when it can handle different types of rice, because I do not always cook the same variety. Consistent performance is a big reason I would choose one cooker over another.
Ease of Use
I prefer appliances that are straightforward. The 3 Squares Rice Cooker should be easy to operate with minimal steps. If I have to read a long manual just to cook rice, that becomes frustrating. I look for clear buttons, simple instructions, and a design that makes everyday use effortless. For me, ease of use is just as important as cooking quality.
Cleaning and Maintenance
I always think about cleanup before buying kitchen appliances. A rice cooker with a removable, nonstick inner pot is much easier for me to maintain. I also prefer parts that are easy to wipe down and do not trap food or moisture. If I can clean it quickly after cooking, I am much more likely to use it regularly. Easy maintenance makes a huge difference in my kitchen routine.
Durability and Build Quality
I want a rice cooker that feels solid and dependable. The materials should hold up well over time, especially if I plan to use it often. A sturdy lid, reliable heating base, and well-made inner pot all matter to me. I do not want to replace a cooker too soon, so I always consider build quality before making a purchase.
Extra Features I Find Useful
While I do not need too many fancy features, a few extras can be helpful. A keep-warm function is something I always appreciate because it lets me serve rice later without it getting cold. A measuring cup, steaming tray, or indicator lights can also add convenience. I like useful features that support cooking, not features that make the appliance harder to use.
My Final Thoughts
When I buy a 3 Squares Rice Cooker, I focus on practicality, performance, and ease of cleaning. I want something that fits my cooking habits and gives me dependable results every time. For me, the best rice cooker is the one that makes everyday meals simpler and more enjoyable. If I choose carefully, I know I can get a cooker that serves me well for a long time.
Final Thoughts
I think the 3 Squares Rice Cooker is a practical choice if you want simple, reliable cooking without a lot of fuss. My takeaway is that it offers convenience, consistent results, and enough versatility to handle more than just rice. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use appliance that fits into everyday routines, this cooker is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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Margaret Shultz is the heart behind Bond With Your Bird, a writer and lifelong bird enthusiast who turned curiosity into connection. Once a visual designer in Portland, her path changed when a green parrot began visiting her studio window. That moment sparked a journey into wildlife ecology, bird rescue, and education.
Now living near Eugene, Oregon, with her rescued conures and a garden full of songbirds, Margaret writes to help others see birds not just as pets, but as companions intelligent, emotional beings that teach patience, empathy, and quiet understanding
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