C4.64 Buying a Rice Cooker¶
How to buy a rice cooker in the UK?Rice cookers in the UK range in price from over ten pounds to several hundred pounds. Larger-capacity models are more expensive than smaller ones, basic-function models are cheaper than multi-function ones, and there are more options online than in physical stores.
1. Buying from physical stores
(1) Markets
In generally larger cities, rice cookers are available at electronic stores or grocery stalls in markets. However, they usually have average brands, plain designs, and limited functions. They tend to have large capacities but are somewhat pricey—though you can negotiate the price.
I once bought a rice cooker at a grocery stall in Birmingham’s market. I negotiated a discount of a few pounds, and the quality was really good. It only had a basic rice-cooking function.
(2) Chinese supermarkets
Small Chinese supermarkets usually don’t sell rice cookers, but larger ones do. They are quite expensive, and there are basically no small-capacity models.
(3) Japanese and Korean stores
Similar to Chinese supermarkets, small stores don’t stock rice cookers, but larger ones do. Prices are also relatively high, but there are more choices in terms of both price ranges and functions.
For example, H Mart has a wide range of rice cookers, but they are really expensive. There are relatively cheaper options too—such as a rice cooker suitable for 3 people priced at over 60 pounds.
Note: Most rice cookers in physical stores have large capacities. Compact models (1.5L, suitable for 1-2 people) are rare, as are multi-function rice cookers with multiple integrated features.
Other physical stores: Currys, John Lewis, Tesco Extra, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrison's
2. Buying online
Online stores include Amazon, eBay, Argos (order online and collect in-store), online shops of Japanese/Korean supermarkets, online shops of Chinese supermarkets, Yamibuy, etc
If you want a small rice cooker for 1-2 people (e.g., 1.5L) that looks nice and has slightly more functions, you can bring one from China. However, if you find the price acceptable in the UK, you can definitely buy a rice cooker here—including small models like 1.5L or 1.6L. But small-capacity options are very scarce and hard to find, with even fewer functions. For larger capacities, there are roughly corresponding models available, so buying directly in the UK is also convenient.
There aren’t particularly many rice cooker brands in the UK. Available brands include Supor, Midea, Russell Hobbs, Tefal, Yum Asia, Lakeland, Ninja, and Zojirushi (which also sells products like cups besides rice cookers).
Reminder: Try to choose Asian brands when buying a rice cooker in the UK, as the cooked rice will better suit our taste. It’s also advisable to opt for slightly more expensive models—extremely cheap ones simply cook raw rice until it’s done, which may not taste very good