AROMA® 20-Cup (Cooked) One-Touch Rice Cooker and Food Steamer with Auto-Warm | 10 cups uncooked, 20 cups cooked (ARC-390NGP) vs BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup Rice Cooker, RC516, 8-Cup Uncooked Rice, Steaming Basket, Removable Non-Stick Bowl, One Touch

Capacity and Cooking Volume

The AROMA 20-Cup offers a larger cooking capacity than the BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup, with a 10-cup uncooked rice limit versus 8 cups. This means the AROMA can handle up to 20 cups cooked, while the BLACK+DECKER maxes out at 16 cups cooked. For large families or meal prepping, this extra 4 cups of cooked rice makes a meaningful difference in portion size. The AROMA’s 5-quart pot is explicitly designed for big batches, ideal for gatherings or multiple meals. The BLACK+DECKER’s 8-cup uncooked capacity is still substantial but falls short for those needing maximum volume. Both models use one-touch operation and automatic keep-warm functions, but only the AROMA specifies that it cooks “4 to 20 cups of any variety of rice,” indicating broader flexibility across grain types.

Price and Value Comparison

The BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup is priced at $24.99, making it about 32% cheaper than the AROMA 20-Cup’s $36.93. At $11.94 less upfront, the BLACK+DECKER offers a significant cost advantage for budget-conscious buyers. While the AROMA has a lower average price over the past 90 days ($36.34), its current price remains higher by nearly $12. The BLACK+DECKER also holds a much stronger bestseller rank—274 compared to the AROMA’s 4,417—suggesting greater market popularity despite the price gap. For users prioritizing affordability without sacrificing core functionality, the BLACK+DECKER delivers more value per dollar spent, especially given both models share similar core features like one-touch operation and automatic keep-warm.

Steaming Functionality and Accessories

Both models include a steaming basket for healthy cooking of vegetables, fish, and other foods. The AROMA features a wire steam tray that stacks inside the top of the cooker, saving storage space. This design allows simultaneous steaming and rice cooking without taking up additional room. The BLACK+DECKER includes a removable steaming basket as well, though no mention is made of stacking or space-saving integration. Both units come with measuring tools: the AROMA provides a dedicated rice cup, while the BLACK+DECKER includes a measuring cup and spoon. The AROMA emphasizes using its cup for foolproof results, warning against standard cups due to differing volumes. The BLACK+DECKER advises following a guide for ratios, implying some user judgment may be required.

Cookware Design and Cleanup Ease

The BLACK+DECKER boasts a removable non-stick bowl, which simplifies cleanup and enables dishwasher-safe washing. Its tempered glass lid with hanger supports easy serving and keeps countertops clear. The AROMA’s inner cooking pot and all accessories are also dishwasher-safe, matching the BLACK+DECKER in ease of cleaning. However, the AROMA does not specify whether the bowl is non-stick, while the BLACK+DECKER explicitly highlights its non-stick coating. This distinction matters for food residue and long-term durability. Both models feature removable components, but only the BLACK+DECKER confirms the material benefit of non-stick surfaces. For users concerned about sticking or scrubbing, the BLACK+DECKER’s non-stick bowl offers a tangible advantage.

Automatic Operation and Keep-Warm Features

Both the AROMA 20-Cup and BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup feature automatic one-touch operation and an automatic keep-warm function after cooking completes. The AROMA states it automatically adjusts temperature and time, then switches to keep warm without monitoring. The BLACK+DECKER confirms that cooking stops when moisture is absorbed, then transitions to warming mode. Neither model requires manual timer setting. The AROMA emphasizes that the keep-warm function ensures rice stays ready without stirring or attention. The BLACK+DECKER similarly notes that rice stays ready for serving long after cooking ends. Both deliver hands-free convenience, though the AROMA frames it as a way to reclaim kitchen time for family activities, while the BLACK+DECKER focuses on practicality for dinners and gatherings.

Versatility Beyond Rice

The AROMA 20-Cup explicitly lists a wide range of dishes beyond rice, including oatmeal, chili, jambalaya, pilaf, eggs, and soups. It positions itself as a multi-functional kitchen appliance capable of one-pot meals. The product description reinforces this by mentioning “healthy steamed meals” and “delicious one-pot dishes.” The BLACK+DECKER also promotes versatility, noting the bowl can cook grains, soups, stews, oatmeal, and pasta. It highlights the steaming basket for fish and vegetables, expanding healthy meal options. While both support diverse cooking, the AROMA provides more specific examples and stronger emphasis on creative use cases. The BLACK+DECKER’s description is more general, focusing on capacity and ease rather than recipe diversity.

Which should you buy?

Choose the BLACK+DECKER 16-Cup if you want a lower upfront cost ($24.99 vs. $36.93), a strong bestseller ranking (274 vs. 4,417), and a removable non-stick bowl for easier cleanup. It’s about 32% cheaper and still delivers core features like one-touch cooking, automatic keep-warm, and a steaming basket. Opt for the AROMA 20-Cup if you need greater capacity—10 cups uncooked versus 8—and plan to cook large batches for families or events. Its 20-cup cooked output and emphasis on versatile recipes like chili, jambalaya, and pilaf make it better suited for frequent multi-purpose use. If budget is tight and volume isn’t critical, the BLACK+DECKER wins. But if you prioritize capacity and recipe variety, the AROMA justifies its higher price.