My All-Time Favorite Aldi Appliance Is Back in Stock (It's Just $14.99)

My mom taught me to make rice on the stovetop when I was in my early teens, and I have continued to make it that way successfully for most of my life.

Until about fifteen years ago. A friend convinced me to buy a little two-cup rice cooker that was on sale at a local store. I bought it thinking it'd be a handy backup for nights I didn't want to hover over the stove, but ever since, I've almost entirely stopped making rice any other way.

That little appliance has been a trusty companion through multiple moves, countless weeknight dinners, and a multitude of meal and postpartum food-prep sessions. I don't know what I would do without it.

So, when I saw that Aldi's Ambino 2-Cup Rice Cooker was back in stock, I just had to share it with all of you. I will never gatekeep anything that makes life better.

At $14.99, it caught my eye not just because of the price, but also because it looks like the sleek, modern cousin of my beloved (but admittedly tired-looking) rice cooker. The specs are virtually identical to my old faithful, but this one has a crisp, contemporary design that wouldn't look out of place in a magazine kitchen.

And, whether you have a tired rice cooker or a fresh-looking one, friend, you need to have one. I mean this in the least dramatic way possible—it will change your life.

Why Aldi's 2-Cup Rice Cooker Is a Must-Have Kitchen Appliance

I use my rice cooker at least four to five times a week, and I'm not exaggerating.

Whether it's the base for Monday's beef stir-fry, an easy addition to turn leftover chicken fajitas into a brand new fajita bowl dinner, or a quick, reliable side for (literally) whatever else is on the menu.

The rice cooker is also great for cooking things like lentils and quinoa. This little machine has become as essential to my routine as my coffee maker.

How To Use Aldi's Ambiano 2-Cup Rice Cooker

It's foolproof to use: I add washed rice, water, and any optional flavorings—like salt, butter, coconut oil, or stock—then press the button and walk away. There's no stirring, no watching, and no panic when I realize I've been distracted by a work email and forgotten about dinner entirely.

I work from home, and if I know that the end of the workday will be harried, I'll even set it up mid-afternoon, then turn it on as I'm walking out the door to pick up my kids. When it's done cooking, the keep warm function keeps it tender and fluffy until we're ready to eat.

The non-stick ceramic coating makes cleaning it a breeze. I toss mine into the dishwasher or quickly hand wash it if I have the time. The two-cup size is ideal for my family of four. But, I've been known to make larger batches for vegetable fried rice or more fortified salads later in the week. When my kids were smaller, I even took it on a road trip once to make oatmeal in our hotel room in the morning.

If mine broke, I would replace it immediately, without question. With the Aldi option sitting right there, looking much more polished, the decision to buy an extra one becomes even easier. It's such a small investment for something that brings me so much value, and it would bring you tremendous value as well.

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