The Aroma Housewares NutriWare 14-Cup (Cooked) Digital Rice Cooker and Food Steamer is a versatile kitchen appliance designed to simplify meal preparation while prioritizing health-conscious cooking. With its stainless steel construction, user-friendly interface, and multifunctionality, it has garnered significant attention, earning Amazon’s Choice designation for its high ratings, competitive pricing, and immediate availability. This comprehensive review explores the features, performance, pros, cons, and overall value of the Aroma NutriWare, supplemented with customer insights, technical details, and a detailed buying guide to help you decide if this is the right rice cooker for your kitchen.
Overview of the Aroma NutriWare 14-Cup Rice Cooker
Aroma Housewares NutriWare 14-Cup Digital Rice Cooker and Food Steamer Review:The Aroma NutriWare is part of Aroma’s high-quality kitchen appliance lineup, specifically designed to preserve the nutritional benefits of food. Unlike many rice cookers that rely on nonstick coatings, the NutriWare uses a 100% surgical-grade 304 stainless steel inner pot, ensuring a safer and more durable cooking surface. With a capacity of 14 cups of cooked rice (7 cups uncooked), it’s ideal for medium to large households or those who enjoy batch cooking. Its multifunctionality extends beyond rice, offering steaming, sautéing, and simmering capabilities, making it a mini kitchen powerhouse.
Key Features at a Glance
- Capacity: 14 cups cooked rice (7 cups uncooked)
- Material: Food-grade 304 stainless steel inner pot, tempered glass lid
- Functions: White Rice, Brown Rice, Steam, Sauté-Then-Simmer, Keep-Warm
- Accessories: Stainless steel steam tray, rice measuring cup, serving spatula
- Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.5 x 11.3 inches
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Warranty: 2 years
- Power: 500 watts, 120 volts
- Price: $70.88 (new), $57.67 (used, as of September 2025)
Design and Build Quality
The Aroma NutriWare stands out for its health-conscious design, prioritizing stainless steel over nonstick coatings that may degrade over time or pose health concerns. The surgical-grade 304 stainless steel inner pot is non-reactive, meaning it doesn’t interact with acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus, preserving the natural flavor and nutritional content of your dishes. The tempered glass lid allows you to monitor cooking progress without lifting it, reducing heat loss.
The compact design (12.3 x 9.5 x 11.3 inches) ensures it fits comfortably on most kitchen countertops, while its 5.5-pound weight makes it easy to move or store. The cooker features rubber feet for stability, preventing slips during operation. The digital control panel is intuitive, with one-touch buttons for White Rice, Brown Rice, Steam, Sauté-Then-Simmer, and Keep-Warm functions, making it accessible even for beginners.
Build Quality Highlights
- Stainless Steel Pot: Durable, non-reactive, and free of chemical coatings.
- Tempered Glass Lid: Allows visibility and maintains heat.
- Rubber Feet: Enhances stability on countertops.
- Compact Design: Space-saving for small kitchens.
Functionality and Performance
The Aroma NutriWare is a multifunctional appliance that goes beyond rice cooking. Its versatility makes it suitable for preparing a variety of dishes, from grains and soups to steamed vegetables and proteins. Below is a detailed breakdown of its key functions:
1. Rice Cooking
The NutriWare excels at cooking both white and brown rice, with dedicated settings for each. The White Rice setting takes approximately 20–30 minutes, while the Brown Rice setting requires 60–90 minutes due to the longer cooking time needed for whole grains. Customers report that white rice comes out fluffy and evenly cooked, though brown rice may require precise water measurements to avoid undercooking.
2. Steaming
The included stainless steel steam tray allows simultaneous steaming of vegetables, seafood, or proteins while rice cooks below. However, some users note that steaming times can be lengthy (50–70 minutes for vegetables), and the steam tray’s large holes may allow smaller items to fall through.
3. Sauté-Then-Simmer
This function is ideal for preparing one-pot meals like soups, stews, or chili. It allows you to sauté ingredients (e.g., onions, garlic) before automatically switching to a simmer mode, reducing the need for multiple pans. Customers appreciate this feature for its convenience, though some report excessive boiling during steaming.
4. Keep-Warm
The automatic Keep-Warm function activates after cooking, maintaining food at an ideal serving temperature without overcooking. This is particularly useful for busy households where meals may not be served immediately.
Performance Insights from Customer Reviews
- Positive: Many users praise the consistent rice quality, ease of use, and versatility for cooking grains, soups, and steamed dishes.
- Negative: Some report issues with rice sticking to the stainless steel pot, requiring soaking and scrubbing. Others mention that the brown rice setting occasionally undercooks, and steaming times can be inconsistent.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 14 cups cooked (7 cups uncooked) |
| Material | 304 stainless steel inner pot, tempered glass lid |
| Dimensions | 12.3 x 9.5 x 11.3 inches |
| Weight | 5.5 pounds |
| Power | 500 watts, 120 volts |
| Functions | White Rice, Brown Rice, Steam, Sauté-Then-Simmer, Keep-Warm |
| Accessories | Stainless steel steam tray, rice measuring cup, serving spatula |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Price (New) | $70.88 (11% savings from $79.99) |
| Price (Used) | $57.67 (28% savings from $79.99) |
| Customer Rating | 4.3 out of 5 stars (1,186 reviews) |
| Best Sellers Rank | Not specified |
| Availability | In stock, free delivery by September 11, 2025 (Prime: September 7, 2025) |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Health-Conscious Design: The stainless steel pot avoids nonstick coatings, reducing potential chemical exposure.
- Versatile Functions: Supports rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, and simmering, making it a multi-purpose appliance.
- User-Friendly: One-touch controls and automatic Keep-Warm function simplify operation.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to store and move, ideal for small kitchens.
- Easy to Clean: Stainless steel pot is dishwasher-safe, though soaking may be required for stuck-on food.
- Affordable: Competitive pricing at $70.88 (new) or $57.67 (used) with free shipping.
- Warranty: 2-year warranty provides peace of mind.
- Amazon’s Choice: Highly rated and well-priced with immediate shipping availability.
Cons
- Rice Sticking: Some users report rice sticking to the stainless steel pot, requiring soaking and scrubbing.
- Long Steaming Times: Vegetables and proteins may take 50–70 minutes to steam, longer than some competitors.
- Brown Rice Challenges: Inconsistent results with brown rice, often requiring precise water measurements.
- Steam Tray Design: Large holes in the steam tray can cause smaller items to fall through.
- Durability Concerns: A minority of users report the unit stopping after months of use.
- Excessive Boiling: Some note excessive boiling during steaming, leading to messiness.
Customer Feedback Analysis
Based on 1,186 reviews, the Aroma NutriWare holds a 4.3 out of 5-star rating, reflecting strong customer satisfaction. Below is a summary of common themes from user reviews:
Positive Feedback
- Rice Quality: Users frequently praise the fluffy, well-cooked rice, especially white rice.
- Health Benefits: The stainless steel pot is a major draw for those avoiding nonstick coatings.
- Ease of Use: The one-touch operation and clear function buttons are appreciated by beginners and experienced cooks alike.
- Versatility: Customers value the ability to cook rice, steam vegetables, and prepare one-pot meals like chili or stews.
- Value for Money: Many consider the price ($70.88 new, $57.67 used) reasonable for the features offered.
Negative Feedback
- Stickiness Issue: Approximately 20% of reviews mention rice sticking to the pot, requiring extra cleaning effort.
- Steaming Performance: Some users report that steaming takes too long, and the steam tray’s design is not ideal for small items.
- Brown Rice Issues: A subset of users notes that brown rice can be undercooked or requires adjustments to water ratios.
- Durability: A small number of reviews (e.g., from the UK and UAE) report the unit failing after a few months.
Notable Customer Quotes
- Positive: “Great rice cooker. The rice were fluffy and did not stick to the bottom… It is sturdy and has great little rubber feet that keep it securely put.” (US, 5 stars)
- Negative: “Works but rice still sticks to bottom and takes longer to cook than any other cooker tried, and am using good organic rice.” (US, 3 stars)
- Mixed: “I like it and I consider this to be a great rice cooker. However: steel tray is just VERY hard to clean if you steam chicken or any other meat.” (US, 4 stars)
Comparison with Competitors
To provide context, here’s how the Aroma NutriWare compares to two popular rice cookers in a similar price range:
| Feature | Aroma NutriWare 14-Cup | Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5.5-Cup | Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (New) | $70.88 | $179.99 | $99.99 |
| Capacity | 14 cups (cooked) | 10 cups (cooked) | 6 quarts (24 cups cooked rice) |
| Material | Stainless steel | Nonstick | Stainless steel |
| Functions | Rice, Steam, Sauté, Simmer | Rice, Steam, Cake, Keep-Warm | Pressure Cook, Rice, Steam, Sauté, Yogurt, etc. |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year | 1 year |
| Weight | 5.5 pounds | 9.8 pounds | 11.8 pounds |
| Dimensions | 12.3 x 9.5 x 11.3 inches | 10.1 x 8.5 x 14 inches | 13.4 x 12.2 x 12.7 inches |
| Customer Rating | 4.3/5 (1,186 reviews) | 4.7/5 (3,500+ reviews) | 4.7/5 (100,000+ reviews) |
Analysis
- Aroma NutriWare: Best for budget-conscious buyers seeking a stainless steel pot and basic multifunctionality. It’s compact and affordable but lacks advanced features like pressure cooking or fuzzy logic.
- Zojirushi NS-TSC10: A premium option with superior rice quality due to fuzzy logic technology, but it’s more expensive and uses a nonstick pot.
- Instant Pot Duo: Offers the most versatility with pressure cooking and multiple functions, but it’s bulkier and pricier than the NutriWare.
Buying Guide: Is the Aroma NutriWare Right for You?
Choosing the right rice cooker depends on your cooking needs, budget, and kitchen space. Here’s a detailed guide to help you decide if the Aroma NutriWare is the best fit:
Who Should Buy the Aroma NutriWare?
- Health-Conscious Cooks: If you prefer to avoid nonstick coatings, the stainless steel pot is a major advantage.
- Medium to Large Households: The 14-cup capacity is ideal for families of 4–8 people or those who meal prep.
- Budget Shoppers: At $70.88 (new) or $57.67 (used), it’s an affordable option with solid features.
- Beginners: The one-touch controls and automatic Keep-Warm function make it user-friendly.
- Versatile Cooks: Those who want to cook rice, steam vegetables, and prepare one-pot meals will appreciate its multifunctionality.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
- Frequent Brown Rice Cooks: If brown rice is a staple, you may need a cooker with more precise settings, as some users report inconsistent results.
- Small Households: A 14-cup capacity may be excessive for 1–2 people; consider a smaller model like the Aroma 8-Cup.
- Advanced Users: If you want fuzzy logic or pressure cooking, a Zojirushi or Instant Pot may be better.
- Those Prioritizing Fast Steaming: The long steaming times (50–70 minutes) may frustrate users needing quick results.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Aroma NutriWare
- Measure Water Precisely: Use the included measuring cup and internal pot markings to avoid undercooking or sticking.
- Soak the Pot After Use: To ease cleaning, soak the stainless steel pot in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes.
- Adjust Steaming Times: For smaller vegetables, check the steam tray frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Experiment with Recipes: Try the Sauté-Then-Simmer function for soups, stews, or chili to maximize versatility.
- Clean the Steam Tray Carefully: Use a soft sponge to avoid scratching the stainless steel tray, especially after steaming meats.
FAQs
1. Does the Aroma NutriWare have a nonstick coating?
No, the inner pot is made of 100% surgical-grade 304 stainless steel, free of nonstick coatings, making it a healthier choice for cooking.
2. Can it cook brown rice effectively?
Yes, but some users report inconsistent results. For best results, follow the included instructions and measure water precisely using the provided cup and pot markings.
3. How long does it take to cook rice?
White rice takes approximately 20–30 minutes, while brown rice can take 60–90 minutes, depending on the quantity and water ratio.
4. Is the stainless steel pot dishwasher-safe?
Yes, the pot is dishwasher-safe, but soaking and hand-washing are recommended to remove stuck-on rice.
5. Can I steam and cook rice simultaneously?
Yes, the stainless steel steam tray allows you to steam vegetables or proteins while rice cooks below, though steaming times may be longer than expected.
6. What is the warranty period?
The Aroma NutriWare comes with a 2-year warranty. For details, refer to the user manual or contact Aroma customer support.
7. Is it suitable for small kitchens?
Yes, its compact dimensions (12.3 x 9.5 x 11.3 inches) and lightweight design (5.5 pounds) make it ideal for small spaces.
8. Does rice stick to the stainless steel pot?
Yes, some users report rice sticking, especially if water ratios are incorrect. Soaking the pot after use helps with cleaning.
9. Can I buy replacement parts?
Aroma offers replacement parts like the steam tray and measuring cup through their website or Amazon. Check availability before purchasing.
10. Is it worth the price?
At $70.88 (new) or $57.67 (used), it’s a good value for a stainless steel rice cooker with multiple functions, especially for health-conscious cooks.
Conclusion
The Aroma Housewares NutriWare 14-Cup Digital Rice Cooker and Food Steamer is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable, health-conscious, and versatile kitchen appliance. Its stainless steel construction, user-friendly design, and multifunctionality make it a standout in its price range. While it excels at cooking white rice and offers convenient features like steaming and sautéing, it has some drawbacks, including rice sticking to the pot, long steaming times, and occasional brown rice inconsistencies.
For medium to large households, budget-conscious buyers, or those prioritizing stainless steel over nonstick coatings, the NutriWare is a compelling option. However, if you need faster steaming, advanced features, or primarily cook brown rice, you may want to explore alternatives like the Zojirushi NS-TSC10 or Instant Pot Duo. With a 4.3-star rating, Amazon’s Choice status, and a competitive price, the Aroma NutriWare offers excellent value for everyday cooking needs.
For more details or to purchase, visit the product page on Amazon.
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