Tiger Micom Rice Cooker with Food Steamer & Slow Cooker, Sta

The Verdict

The Japanese rice cooker that does triple duty — but is it worth the counter space?

Tiger is a name that Japanese households have trusted for decades, and their Micom (microcomputer) rice cookers are the gold standard for a reason. This 5.5-cup model adds a food steamer basket and slow cooker function to the mix, positioning itself as a true countertop multitasker. But with a 4.4-star rating across 220 reviews, the real question is whether it delivers on all three promises or spreads itself too thin.

What’s actually in the box

You get the main rice cooker unit, a non-stick inner cooking pot, a steaming basket that fits snugly above the pot, a rice paddle, a measuring cup, and the power cord. The stainless steel exterior in black is genuinely attractive — it won’t look out of place on a modern kitchen counter. The control panel is straightforward: dedicated buttons for white rice, brown rice, sushi rice, porridge, slow cook, and steam, plus a keep-warm function.

Performance: where Tiger earns its reputation

The Micom technology is the star here. Unlike basic one-button cookers, the microcomputer adjusts temperature and cooking time based on what’s in the pot. White rice comes out consistently fluffy with distinct grains — not mushy, not clumped. Brown rice, which many cookers struggle with, turns out properly chewy and evenly cooked. The sushi rice setting nails that slightly firmer texture that rolls and nigiri require.

The steaming basket works well for vegetables, dumplings, and fish. You can stack it above the rice while both cook, which is genuinely convenient for weeknight meals. The slow cooker function is a bonus rather than a specialty — it maintains a steady simmer for soups and stews, but it won’t replace a dedicated programmable slow cooker for complex recipes.

One buyer summed it up: “I’ve had this for a year and use it 4-5 times a week. The rice is always perfect, and I love that I can steam broccoli while the rice cooks underneath.”

Where it falls short

The 5.5-cup capacity is measured in uncooked rice. You’ll get roughly 3 cooked cups per batch — enough for 4-6 side servings, but tight for a family of five eating rice as a main. If you’re cooking for a crowd, you’ll be making second batches.

The non-stick inner pot requires hand washing. Toss it in the dishwasher and you’ll watch the coating degrade within months. The exterior stainless steel cleans up easily, but the pot is the part that matters.

Some models lack a delay timer — you can’t set it to start cooking while you’re at work. Check the specific listing before buying if scheduling matters to you. A few reviewers also noted the keep-warm cycle can dry out rice if left on overnight.

Who should buy this

This cooker shines for singles, couples, and small families who want reliable rice plus the convenience of steaming without pulling out multiple pots. It’s ideal for:

• Health-conscious cooks who meal-prep rice and steamed vegetables for the week
• Small households (1-3 people) who want one appliance instead of three
• Sushi enthusiasts who need precise texture control for rolls and bowls

Skip it if you regularly cook for 6+ people, need a dishwasher-safe pot, or want a dedicated slow cooker with advanced programming.

FAQ

Q: Does the steaming basket fit in the pot while rice cooks? Yes. The basket sits above the rice without touching it, so you can steam vegetables, fish, or dumplings simultaneously. Just account for slightly longer cooking times.

Q: Can I cook quinoa or other grains? The white and brown rice settings work for quinoa and some grains, but results vary. Porridge setting handles steel-cut oats well. For other grains, use the manual cook function if available.

Q: How hard is the non-stick pot to clean? It’s easy if you hand wash immediately after use with warm soapy water. Let it soak and rice residue comes off without scrubbing. Avoid abrasive sponges — they’ll scratch the coating.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a reliable Japanese rice cooker that also steams and slow cooks without taking over your counter. The Micom technology delivers genuinely better rice than budget cookers, and the build quality justifies the price for daily use.

Skip it if you’re cooking for a large family, need dishwasher-safe parts, or expect advanced slow cooker programming. This is a rice cooker first, a steamer second, and a slow cooker as a convenient extra.

Rating: 4.2/5 — A quality appliance with real versatility, held back by modest capacity and a hand-wash-only pot. For the right household, it’s a daily workhorse that earns its keep.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.

Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.