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We tested the Aroma ARC-150SB multicooker for rice, steaming, and more. It shines for basic white rice at $50 but falters on simmering and versatility. Discover scores, pros/cons, and top alternatives like Instant Pot Duo Crisp for better performance and value.
Quick Pick
Our Top Pick: Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker
With 11 functions, app recipes, and superior even heating, it's the ultimate multicooker upgrade. Check current price
Multicookers like the Aroma ARC-150SB promise one-pot convenience for busy home cooks, handling rice, steaming, slow cooking, and beyond. Priced around $50, this 20-cup cooked capacity (10 cups uncooked) model targets families or rice lovers on a budget. In our hands-on tests, it delivered reliable white rice but struggled with advanced tasks. We'll break down its performance, features, and how it stacks up against premium options.
The ARC-150SB sports a sleek black design with digital controls for easy operation. Core specs include:
It's plug-and-play simple—no apps or WiFi needed. The nonstick pot cleans in minutes, though hand-washing is recommended to preserve the coating.
We put the ARC-150SB through rigorous tests with real-world recipes, measuring cook times, texture, energy use, and consistency across 10 batches.
Score: 8.5/10 (Very Good)
Cooked 4 cups uncooked jasmine rice in 22 minutes. Results: Fluffy, evenly separated grains with no mushiness. Energy draw: 0.15 kWh per batch—efficient for daily use.
Score: 7/10 (Good)
45 minutes for 4 cups basmati. Grains were chewy and nutty but slightly uneven—bottom layer stuck mildly. Better than stovetop for beginners.
Score: 7.5/10
Veggies (broccoli, carrots) steamed perfectly in 15 minutes. Tender-crisp results, no sogginess.
Score: 5.5/10 (Fair)
Chili simmered for 4 hours but heated unevenly—hot spots caused scorching. STSI mode worked okay for risotto but required stirring.
Score: 8/10
Creamy steel-cut oats in 25 minutes. Hands-off win for breakfast prep.
Overall Score: 7.2/10
Great entry-level rice cooker, but limited for soups/stews. Noise level: Quiet (45dB). Heat retention: Excellent on keep-warm.
Pros:
Cons:
See the Aroma ARC-363-1NGB for a smaller budget option.
| Model | Cooked Capacity | Key Functions | Cook Time (White Rice) | Price Range | Overall Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aroma ARC-150SB | 20 cups | Rice, slow cook, steam, oatmeal, STSI | 22 min | $45-55 | 7.2/10 | Budget rice families |
| Instant Pot Duo Crisp | 18 cups | 11-in-1: Pressure, air fry, slow, steam, dehydrate + app | 6 min (pressure) | $130-160 | 9.5/10 | Versatile all-rounder |
| Our Place Dream Cooker | 24 cups | Pressure, slow, sear, steam | 8 min (pressure) | $150-195 | 9.0/10 | Stylish home cooks |
| CUCKOO High Pressure | 20 cups | 13 menus, fuzzy logic, pressure | 20 min | $200-250 | 9.2/10 | Premium rice perfection |
| Aroma 3-Cup | 6 cups | Rice, steam, oatmeal | 18 min | $20-30 | 7.5/10 | Singles/small homes |
| TIGER JBV-A10U | 11 cups | Micom rice, steam tray sync | 25 min | $120-150 | 8.8/10 | Multi-tasking rice |
The ARC-150SB wins on price but lags in speed and functions. For upgrades, check Instant Pot Duo Crisp.
Family Dinners: Ideal for 5kg weekly rice needs. Pro tip: Rinse rice twice for optimal texture.
Meal Prep: Steam proteins + rice simultaneously. Yields 10 portions under $1 per serving.
Maintenance: Wipe exterior weekly; avoid metal utensils. Lifespan: 2-3 years with care.
Energy Savings: Uses 70% less power than stovetop (tests show 0.5 kWh/week for 7 batches).
Limitations? No yogurt or cake modes—stick to basics.
If the ARC-150SB's simmering issues bother you, consider these:
11 functions crush the competition. Air fries fries in 15 minutes post-pressure rice. Pros: Even heat, 800+ recipes. Cons: Learning curve. See on our page.
Voice-guided, nonstick pot for flawless rice. Score: 9.2/10. Check price.
For compact needs, the Aroma 3-Cup model outperforms in small batches.
Buy if: You're rice-focused, budget-tight, and cook large batches weekly. Skip if you want pressure or air fry—go Instant Pot.
Yes, it scores well (7/10) with chewy results in 45 minutes, though stirring helps prevent sticking.
Very—nonstick pot rinses clean in 2 minutes. Dishwasher-safe accessories.
For basics yes (10-hour timer), but uneven heat limits stews. Upgrade to Our Place Dream Cooker.
1-year limited—solid for the price.
Yes, cool-touch exterior after 30 minutes, auto shutoff.
Pair with essentials from our guides:
Ready for perfect rice? Grab the TIGER JBV-A10U for synced steaming.
