Best Oatmeal Cookers in 2022

Researching one of the best oatmeal cookers offered the chance to discover quite a lot of cooking instruments. Whereas oatmeal cookers will not be their very own equipment, gadgets like rice cookers, stress cookers, and sluggish cookers can all put together an unbelievable batch of the comfortable, filling dish. And, after all, we will’t ignore the common-or-garden microwave or basic stovetop as tried and true strategies. With so some ways to cook dinner oatmeal, it solely made sense to undergo all of the choices.

“As a self-confessed oatmeal addict, the 2 key issues to creating good oatmeal are the substances you employ and the way lengthy you cook dinner the oats,” says Yasmeen Ali, plant-based chef and creator behind Munching with Moriyah. With assist from Ali, extra specialists, and vigorous analysis of on-line evaluations, we discovered one of the best gadgets, from rice cookers to cereal bowls, to cook dinner glorious oatmeal—and acquired recommendation about toppings and flavors, too. Whether or not you favor high-tech home equipment or a easy saucepan, the next oatmeal cookers provide one thing for each fashion.

Our High Picks

Greatest Total: Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer

Value: $147.49 | Capability: Three cups | Program setting: For metal oats solely

Why we selected it: The Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker can put together every thing from metal lower oats to truffles, and consists of quite a lot of options for ease of use and storage.

The key to this unbelievable rice cooker? An additional giant heater that cooks your oats from the underside, sides, and prime, which ensures excellent oats each time. “I’ve at all times inspired my fellow oatmeal lovers to buy a small non-stick rice cooker for fast and constant outcomes,” says Samantha Stephens, chef and founder behind New York Metropolis’s OatMeals, an oatmeal-exclusive café (now closed). “Some rice cookers have a ‘porridge’ setting, however conventional rice settings produce lovely, pillowy oats as effectively.”

Although the Zojirushi solely features a setting for steel cut oats, you’ll be able to cook dinner rolled oats utilizing the “white rice” setting. It’ll take about an hour for the metal lower oatmeal to be prepared, however you’ll be able to set a delay on the cooker earlier than you go to mattress, guaranteeing that breakfast is prepared as quickly because the alarm goes off within the morning. The cooker is user-friendly, with measurement marks for water on the within of the pot, a detachable steam vent for high-temperature cooking, a deal with for portability, and a “preserve heat” perform that kicks in routinely as soon as the timer goes off. Although it’s expensive, you get what you pay for with this versatile cooker that does far more than cook dinner oatmeal.

Greatest Worth: Aroma Professional

Value: $49.99 | Capability: 10 cups | Program setting: For metal oats solely

Why we selected it: For lower than $50, this helpful cooker whips up oatmeal in below an hour.

This mannequin could also be on the decrease finish of the market, however its giant capability, many capabilities, and insertable steamer tray make it a steal. The oatmeal setting can cook dinner metal lower oats in about 45 minutes or much less, and the white rice setting will make fast work of rolled oats, too. Should you plan to make use of the cooker for extra than simply oats, you’re in luck. The Aroma Skilled consists of an insertable steam tray that may steam meat and greens whereas rice or quinoa cooks, and it consists of the power to saute, pan sear, or simmer. Use warning when eradicating the lid of the cooker, although—water condenses on the rim and might be highly regarded.

Greatest Microwave-Pleasant: Unbreakable Cereal Bowls

Value: $9.99 | Capability: About 24 ounces | Program setting: N/A

Why we selected it: Comprised of pure wheat stalks, these light-weight bowls are deep sufficient to microwave oatmeal and nearly indestructible.

Oatmeal doesn’t should be a venture. Utilizing your microwave and a deep bowl similar to these, you’ll be able to have oatmeal prepared in only a minute or two. Free from plastics and different toxins, the bowls are produced from natural wheat straw fiber. They’re dishwasher protected and simple to scrub, however the bowls might stain relying in your substances.

Mackenzie Burgess, RDN, registered dietitian nutritionist and recipe developer at Cheerful Choices, makes oatmeal in her microwave when she hasn’t meal prepped a bigger batch. “Should you don’t have time to make a big batch of oatmeal within the morning, there’s nothing flawed with utilizing a bowl and a microwave to get the job achieved,” she says. “You’ll want to use a bigger bowl or ramekin when microwaving to make sure the oatmeal doesn’t spill over the edges when cooking.”

Greatest Combo: Instant Pot Pressure Cooker 

Value: $129.99 | Capability: Six quarts | Program setting: For porridge

Why we selected it: A multipurpose software that makes batch cooking a breeze.

Made to suit 9 capabilities in a single equipment, the Instantaneous Pot serves as a stress cooker, sluggish cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, and a lot extra. And, after all, it makes it fast and simple to cook dinner a big batch of oatmeal that may feed the household all week. Its one-touch porridge setting can stress cook dinner metal lower oats in about six minutes, or you’ll be able to cook dinner any kind of oatmeal by manually coming into the time and stress degree. It’s expensive, but it surely’s the proper merchandise for the gadget-loving cook dinner who likes to do all of it.

Greatest Stovetop: Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Saucepan

Value: $215 | Capability: 1 ¾ quart | Program setting: N/A

Why we selected it: A strong, heavy-bottomed pot that may cook dinner oatmeal with out burning or sticking.

Whereas rice cookers and stress cookers are actually handy, there’s one thing good about taking the time within the morning to organize an opulent bowl of oats in your stovetop. To take action, you want a heavy-bottomed pot that gained’t burn, overflow, or stick, and this Le Creuset saucepan checks all of the packing containers. Whereas it’s costly, think about it an funding. It’s made to final, oven-safe, and delightful to show.

Greatest Sluggish Cooker: Cuisinart ® 3.5 Qt. Programmable Slow Cooker

Value: $59.95 | Capability: 3.5 quarts | Program setting: None for oats

Why we selected it: A conventional sluggish cooker that takes all of the work out of oatmeal.

Prep oatmeal the night time earlier than and set it to sluggish cook dinner—you’ll have breakfast prepared by the point your alarm goes off, and it’ll have taken minimal effort to make. With a “preserve heat” setting that routinely kicks in as soon as the timer goes off, there’s no want to fret about your oatmeal going chilly or congealed earlier than you’re able to eat. In comparison with different choices on this listing, it’s a low-tech choice that’s not difficult, costly, or overwhelming. And, typically, that’s precisely what you want.

Issues to Contemplate Earlier than Shopping for an Oatmeal Maker

Sort

An oatmeal cooker isn’t its personal product. Somewhat, it’s one other kitchen equipment, like a rice cooker or stress cooker, that can be utilized to make oatmeal. Earlier than buying certainly one of these things, take inventory of what you have already got and what you want in your kitchen. There’s no have to buy a second rice cooker if you have already got one, however chances are you’ll be in want of a sturdy pot or basic sluggish cooker. 

Velocity

Not all the above home equipment are designed to cook dinner oats quick. Rice cookers, for instance, don’t save a number of time in comparison with stovetop cooking, however they provide constant outcomes and the choice to set it and overlook it. Conversely, an Instantaneous Pot or microwave-friendly bowl can cook dinner oatmeal in minutes, however could also be extra hands-on and fewer constant. 

Sort of Oats

Many of the rice cookers and stress cookers have particular settings for metal lower oats, not rolled. Metal lower oats are smaller in measurement and have a firmer texture. “Metal lower oatmeal is my favourite due to the heartier texture and mouthfeel, just like rice or risotto,” says Samantha. Additionally they take longer to cook dinner when in comparison with rolled oats, although there are quick-cooking kinds accessible. Should you choose rolled oats, you’ll be able to cook dinner them in a rice cooker on the “white rice” setting, or use one thing like your microwave or stovetop.

FAQs

What’s one of the simplest ways to cook dinner oats?

Whereas one of the simplest ways to cook dinner oats depends upon particular person wants, most specialists advocate making ready oatmeal on the range for probably the most management over temperature and consistency. “I choose cooking oats on the range, primarily as a result of I’ve extra management,” Ali says. “The microwave and sluggish cooker are likely to make the oats too mushy, with out leaving any chunk to the oat grain. The stovetop methodology wins each time.” 

For excellent stovetop oatmeal, she recommends cooking the oats for at the least eight minutes. “This enables the oat grain sufficient time to interrupt down and disperse its starches — which makes the oatmeal tremendous creamy,” she says. “My typical methodology of cooking oatmeal is to let the oats come to a boil on medium-high warmth on the range, which often takes 3 minutes. As soon as the oats have begun to boil, I flip the warmth all the way down to low and let the oats cook dinner away, uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes till they’re thick and creamy.” 

Is oatmeal a wholesome breakfast?

Briefly, sure. “Oatmeal is certainly one of my go-to breakfast choices,” Burgess says. “Whether or not you take pleasure in rolled oats or instantaneous oats, they’re stuffed with satiating fiber and health-promoting vitamins. In actual fact, some research discovered that soluble fiber (a element present in oats) might assist lower fats across the waistline. Strive topping oatmeal with nourishing additions like contemporary berries, nut butter, and protein-packed Greek yogurt.”

What’s the healthiest solution to cook dinner oatmeal?