These two stainless steel rice cookers sit close in price but differ in capacity and power. The Hamilton Beach 37518MN costs $35.77 and draws 400 watts to cook 2.0 quarts of rice, while the Imusa GAU-00028 runs $51.07 with 700 watts and a slightly larger 2.5 qt pot. Both carry solid ratings: the Hamilton Beach holds a 4.4 out of 5 across more than 20,600 reviews, and the Imusa earns a 4.6 across 8,800 reviews. If you want to spend less and cook for one or two people, the Hamilton Beach fits. If you cook for three or four and want a bit more headroom, the Imusa is worth the extra $15.
Budget pick: Hamilton Beach 37518MN at $35.77. Capacity pick: Imusa GAU-00028 at $51.07 with 2.5 qt and 700W.
| Spec | Hamilton Beach 37518MN Rice Cooker | Imusa GAU-00028 Rice Cooker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $35.77 | $51.07 |
| Rating | ||
| Capacity | 2.0 qt | 2.5 qt |
| Power | 400 W | 700 W |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Color | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions | 8.2 X 9.7 X 9.9 In | 10.6 X 12.2 X 10.8 In |
| Weight | 4.0 lb | 5.45 lb |
| Voltage | 120 Volts | 120 Volts |
The Hamilton Beach 37518MN is a compact 2.0 qt rice cooker priced at $35.77. It draws 400 watts and weighs just 4.0 lb, making it easy to store and move around. The stainless steel exterior measures 8.2 by 9.7 by 9.9 inches, a footprint that fits comfortably on a small counter. With over 20,600 ratings averaging 4.4 stars, it has a long track record with everyday cooks.
Buy this if: ['Cooks who want a reliable, no-frills rice cooker for one or two servings and want to keep spending under $40.', 'Anyone with limited counter or storage space who needs a lighter, more compact unit at 4.0 lb and 8.2 inches wide.', 'First-time rice cooker buyers who want a well-reviewed starting point without a big upfront cost.']
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The Imusa GAU-00028 offers a 2.5 qt capacity and 700 watts at a price of $51.07. It weighs 5.45 lb and measures 10.6 by 12.2 by 10.8 inches, giving you more room in the pot without taking up dramatically more counter space. Its 4.6 star average across 8,800 reviews reflects strong satisfaction. The higher wattage means it reaches cooking temperature faster than the Hamilton Beach.
Buy this if: ['Households of three or four people who regularly cook full batches of rice and need the extra 0.5 qt of pot space.', 'Cooks who want faster heat-up time thanks to 700 watts versus 400 watts and are willing to pay around $15 more.', 'Buyers who prioritize a higher average rating and are comfortable with a slightly larger, heavier footprint.']
Check price on AmazonThe Hamilton Beach 37518MN is cheaper at $35.77 compared to $51.07 for the Imusa GAU-00028. That is a difference of about $15. Both are in the budget-friendly tier for rice cookers, but the Hamilton Beach is the better pick if keeping cost low is the main goal.
The Imusa GAU-00028 has the larger pot at 2.5 quarts, while the Hamilton Beach 37518MN holds 2.0 quarts. For one or two people a 2.0 qt pot is typically enough, but for three to four people the extra 0.5 qt in the Imusa can matter if you cook a full pot at once.
The Imusa GAU-00028 runs at 700 watts and the Hamilton Beach 37518MN at 400 watts. In practice, the higher wattage in the Imusa means the water heats up more quickly, which can shave a few minutes off total cook time. For most home cooks this is a minor convenience, not a dealbreaker either way.
The Imusa GAU-00028 has a slightly higher rating at 4.6 stars, compared to 4.4 stars for the Hamilton Beach 37518MN. The Hamilton Beach has far more reviews at over 20,600 versus 8,800 for the Imusa, so both ratings come from a meaningful sample size. Either score points to a well-regarded product in its price range.