BLACK+DECKER RC506 Review: The $39 Rice Cooker That Just Works

The 30-Second Pitch ⏱️

Let’s be real. Not everyone needs a $300 Zojirushi with AI fuzzy logic and pressure induction heating. Some people just need a device that turns raw rice into cooked rice without burning down the kitchen.

The BLACK+DECKER RC506 is that device. One button. One job. Under $40.

It has no microcomputer. No touch screen. No Bluetooth. No app. No fuzzy logic. No neuro-anything. It has a button and a heating element. And honestly? For white rice, that’s enough.

How It Works (Spoiler: Simply)

1. Put rice in the pot
2. Add water (note: the manual’s ratios are wrong — use less water)
3. Press the button down
4. Wait ~25 minutes
5. The button pops up. Rice is done.
6. It automatically switches to keep-warm

That’s it. That’s the entire technology stack. A thermal sensor detects when water has been absorbed, cuts the heating element, and engages a low-power warming mode.

The Water Ratio Problem ⚠️

Here’s the one thing you need to know: the instruction manual’s water ratios produce soggy rice. This is the most common complaint in reviews.

The fix is simple:

Rice Type	Manual Says	Actually Use
White (long grain)	1:1.5	1:1.25
White (medium grain)	1:1.5	1:1.2
Jasmine	1:1.5	1:1.1
Brown	1:2	1:1.75

Once you dial in your water ratio (usually by the 3rd cook), results become very consistent.

Performance: What It Does Well 🍚

White rice: Surprisingly good. Individual grains, slightly sticky (as expected from a basic cooker), no burning on the bottom. It won’t match a Zojirushi’s texture, but for lunch boxes and weeknight dinners, it’s more than adequate.

Steaming basket: The included basket actually works well. Drop in frozen vegetables or fish fillets on top of your rice, and you get a complete meal in 25 minutes with zero extra effort.

Keep warm: Stays at serving temperature for hours without drying out the top layer. This is one area where BLACK+DECKER nailed it.

Performance: What It Doesn’t Do Well 😬

Brown rice: Passable but not great. Without fuzzy logic to manage the longer soak and cook cycle, brown rice can come out with a slightly hard core. Double-soaking (30 mins before cooking) helps significantly.

Sushi rice: Skip it. Sushi rice needs precise temperature control during the steaming phase — something a thermal-switch cooker simply cannot provide.

Anything creative: This isn’t a multi-cooker. Don’t try to make soup, oatmeal, or risotto in it. It has one mode: boil until water is gone.

The Steam Vent Mess 💦

One design flaw: starchy water can seep from the steam vent during cooking, leaving a film on your countertop. Solution: place the cooker on a cutting board or towel. This is common in budget cookers and not a dealbreaker, just annoying.

Who Is This For? 🎯

Buy the BLACK+DECKER if:

• You’re a college student or in your first apartment
• You just need basic white rice that works every time
• Your budget is firmly under $50
• You want zero learning curve — unbox and cook

Skip the BLACK+DECKER if:

• You cook brown rice, quinoa, or mixed grains regularly
• You care about rice texture beyond “acceptable”
• You want a delayed timer or scheduled cooking
• You’re looking for fuzzy logic (try the COSORI at $120 instead)

The Bottom Line 💡

The BLACK+DECKER RC506 isn’t trying to impress you. It’s trying to feed you. And at that job, it succeeds admirably for $39.

Think of it as training wheels for rice cooking. When you’re ready to upgrade to fuzzy logic or pressure IH, you’ll appreciate how much better those technologies are. But until then? This little black box will keep you well-fed without drama.

Long-Term Durability Notes 🔧

After extended testing, here’s what to expect:

• Non-stick coating: The thin coating is the RC506’s weakest link. Use only plastic or silicone utensils — metal spoons will scratch the surface within weeks. With proper care, expect 1.5-2 years before the coating starts to degrade.
• Thermal switch: The mechanical button mechanism is virtually indestructible. These simple thermal fuse designs have been used in rice cookers since the 1960s, and they rarely fail.
• Power cord: Short (about 2.5 feet), but sturdy. It’s not detachable, so plan your counter placement around outlet proximity.
• Glass lid: The tempered glass is durable, but avoid thermal shocks — don’t rinse a hot lid under cold water.

Pro tip: If the non-stick coating starts to peel after a year or two, you can order a replacement inner pot for about $12 on Amazon — far cheaper than buying a new cooker.

Cleaning & Care Tips 🧹

The non-stick inner pot is technically dishwasher-safe, but hand washing extends its life significantly. Run warm water immediately after serving — dried rice is the enemy of thin non-stick coatings. The glass lid, steaming basket, and measuring cup can go in the dishwasher without worry.

The exterior wipes clean with a damp cloth. The steam vent area deserves a weekly scrub with a damp cotton swab to prevent starchy buildup.

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