The best Japanese rice cooker 2021

The Best Japanese Rice Cooker

Looking for the best Japanese rice cooker? If you have never used a one before you might be wondering how it actually works and how would it make a difference to you if you had one?

A good rice cooker will help you easily make rice with little effort. With the help of modern technology and some clever functionality you can look forward to having consistently perfect rice

We have focused on the best Japanese rice cookers in this article and mainly Zojirushi as these are some of the best on the market in terms of technology and useful functionality

Read on to find out what will be best for you.

Are Japanese rice cookers better?

Most of the best rice cookers on the market are Japanese and so really the short answer to this question is yes, they are generally much better than other models available. Zojirushi rice cookers is considered by many to be the best rice cooker on the market and this is reflected by the fact that most of the rice cookers we review are Zojirushi.

Why are Japanese rice cookers so expensive?

One of the most obvious reasons is that the technology used is very advanced. Many of them use advanced fuzzy logic with AI learning as well as implementing induction technology for heating and cooking the rice. While there are decent budget rice cookers if you have the money to invest in one of these machines you should, they are a game-changer in the kitchen. 

It is also important to understand that many of these machines have been designed to cook specialty Japanese rice

Which Zojirushi rice cooker is the best?

There is no one machine that is the best for everything so we have broken this down for you:

Zojirushi NP-NVC10 5.5 cup Rice Cooker with Induction Heating, Pressure Cooker & Warmer

This Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker and Warmer is the most intelligent rice cooker ever made. It uses advanced fuzzy logic technology with AI. This means that it makes small adjustments to the cooking cycle ( as no two batches of rice are the same) so that you get perfect rice every time you use it.

Zojirushi NP-NVC10 Rice Cokker
$19.99 $14.99 ($7.50 / Count)
02/17/2024 07:04 pm GMT

Size

This rice cooker will make up to 5.5 cups of rice at a time

Technology

This rice cooker uses advanced fuzzy logic technology with Artificial Intelligence to make sure you get perfect rice every time. Add to this an impressive amount of functionality and you have a machine that becomes very useful in the kitchen. It also cooks the rice using induction cooking, this means that the heating process is very responsive and as the whole bowl cooks all the way up the sides, not just at the base as normal rice cookers do.

Features

Here are some of the functions you can expect with this machine

Umami Setting – soaking the rice before you cook it draws out the natural sugars. these reattach themselves to the rice during cooking for a naturally sweet rice

Scorched Setting: – this allows the rice to be lightly toasted on the bottom as they eat it in some middle eastern countries

Automatic keep warm – this can keep your rice warm for up to 12 hours should you need it after the rice has been cooked

What We Like

There is so much to like about this machine. The well thought out the functionality of this rice cooker means that it like having another cook in the kitchen that does not need supervision regardless of what you are cooking .

Some people may not like this machine because of the price tag. But I feel that this is not bad for what you are buying

What is this machine good for

This machine is perfect for people who love good food and for those that may have busy home lives with families etc. It will help make sure you have a much easier time when you are cooking

What can you cook with this machine

Brown, White & Wild rice, Sushi rice, Oats & other hot breakfast cereals, Eggs, Quinoa, Steaming vegetable, Soups, Cook meats, Make puddings

Is it worth the money

This machine is defiantly worth the money if you are looking for something that does the job super well with minimal input and maximum reliability

  • Timer function A+
  • Easy to use A
  • Easy to clean A
  • Versatility A

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Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5-1/2-Cup Rice Cooker

The Zojirushi Neuro-fuzzy logic rice cooker is arguably the best Zojirushi rice cooker, cooking up to 5.5 cups. Its fuzzy logic technology is designed to make rice cooking easier ensuring your rice will cook perfectly every time.

Aspherical non-stick inner pot ensures that heat is evenly distributed for even cooking but also that it is easy to clean the cooker.

You can choose from one of the following menu selections; keep warm, extended keep warm and reheat cycles. This rice cooker will come with a non-stick spatula, 2 measuring cups, and a spatula holder.

This model comes with the following settings: white (regular/sushi, softer or harder), mixed, porridge, sweet, semi-brown, brown, rinse-free and quick cooking

02/11/2024 09:38 am GMT

Size

This rice cooker will make up to 5.5 cups of raw rice at a time

Technology

This machine uses advanced fuzzy logic for cooking rice and uses a standard element to heat the inner pot when cooking. It has an easy to read LED display to make selection easy.

Features

While this machine has slightly fewer settings and functions than its big brother it is still a very good option and comes with automatic keep-warm functions and delayed timer so you can set it up in the morning and come home to cooked rice.

What We Like

  • Advanced Neuro-Fuzzy logic technology
  • Amazing versatility
  • Decent capacity
  • Easy to use interface
  • Great for all grains including things like barley
  • Made in Japan

Some people may prefer to have induction heating for their rice cooker as this gives more control on the output

What This Is Good For?

This is a great versatile all-rounder that will, with the help of its fuzzy logic technology help you to quickly and effortlessly cook rice and other grains exactly the way you want them.

Is It Worth The Money?

We say this is definitely worth the money, you are getting great quality and versatility all in one very good looking machine

  • Easy to clean A+
  • Easy to use A
  • Timer function A
  • Versatility A-

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The best Japanese rice cooker for brown rice

this type of rice is a little more difficult to cook than white rice and While most of the rice cookers that we have looked at here today are able to cook it. The Zojirushi NP-NVC10 Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker is one of the better. Have a look at the review below to see if this is the right rice cooker for you.

Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH Induction Heating System Rice Cooker And Warmer

The Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH is a sturdy choice and a great all-rounder. It cooks using induction heating making it a very reliable and ecologically sound choice. It comes with all of the menus settings and more that we love from Zojirushi

Size

This machine can make 5.5 cups of rice (uncooked)

Technology

This machine uses advanced Neuro Fuzzy logic technology with induction heat technology for the non stick inner pot. As we have said already, Zojirushi make some of the best Japanese rice cookers and this one is no exception.

Features

Healthy cooking options: brown rice, GABA rice, and germinated rice as well as the normal features you would be expecting to see in Zojirushi machines such as Automatic keep warm and delayed timer functions. You have an Lcd Display to help you interact with the rice cooker.

What We Like

  • There is an automatic keep warm and extended keep-warm function, ensuring that your rice is served at the right temperature every time.
  • It comes with a sturdy easy to clean removable inner chamber. This is where all the induction magic happens.
  • It is a very good looking machine, some of the rice cookers that we looked at were just ugly.
  • with this model should be a serious contender
  • Cooking Germinated brown rice – gamma-aminobutyric acid is an amino acid that is said to help lower blood pressure and improve kidney function. The Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH activates this by keeping the temperature inside the inner chamber at 104F for 2 hours.
  • The Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH has different cooking flows for the different types of rice that you can cook with it too. This is thanks to the induction technology used to heat the inner pan.

For some, the price tag maybe a little too much for their budget

What This Is Good For?

You are looking at a great all-rounder here that has some nifty healthy eating features that make it one of the best rice cookers for brown rice that we have come across

Is It Worth The Money

If you are someone or a family that mainly eats white rice then there are other rice cookers that we have looked at that will be better for you. If you are looking for something that has a wide range of practical functionality then this would definitely be worth the money.

The above rice cookers should fit your requirements very easily. There is a rice cooker for you whether you want a large one or a small one. If you are on a budget, you will find one that you can easily afford but has the right features to make rice cooking easy and convenient. You will also find a good rice cooker with the right capacity to accommodate however much rice you have to cook.

Go ahead! Get the rice cooker that will be suitable for you. A rice cooker is a great investment one that will ensure you have a great rice cooking experience. What’s more, most of them are very easy to use even if you have never used a rice cooker before. Armed with the information we have given you, you should find one very easily.

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Best Japanese Rice cooker on a budget

For those of you that are not interested in spending too much money on a rice cooker, we have looked reviewed 2 of the best Japanese rice cookers under $100. While these will not have the same functionality such as induction heating, they will still be able to cook pretty much all types of rice as well as things like porridge and other grains.

TIGER JBV-A10U 5.5-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker

This is a great machine that offers a simple and easy to use solution cooking rice. They have added a few extras like slow cooking and cooking something else while you are cooking rice to make sure you get a lot of bang for your buck.

The simple design and white finish mean it will go well in any kitchen

TIGER JBV-A10U Cook Rice and Steam Food Simultaneously with the Tiger Micom Rice Cooker!
$14.58

The Syncro-cooking function, also known as ‘tacook’, is a game changer for those who love to multitask in the kitchen. This nifty feature allows you to cook a main dish and rice simultaneously, saving you time and effort. With just one push of a button, you can enjoy perfectly cooked rice and a delicious main course.


The compact design of this appliance measures W 10.6 x D 13.9 x H 8.4 inches, making it a great addition to any kitchen. It also boasts four cooking menu settings, including Synchrony-cooking, Plain rice, Brown rice, and Slow cooking, giving you plenty of options for mealtime.


The non-stick coating on the inner pan makes cleaning up a breeze, and with an electric rating of 672W, it’s an efficient choice for any household. Plus, the package includes a non-stick spatula, cooking plate, measuring cup, and cookbook for using the ‘Synchrony-cooking’ function.


Overall, the Syncro-cooking function is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, and this appliance is a must-have for anyone who wants to save time and effort while cooking delicious meals.

02/17/2024 08:23 pm GMT

Size

With this machine, there is the option of a 5.5 cup and a 10 cup machine although the 10 cup machine is over$100

Technology

This is easy to use a machine that has a very basic control panel that allows you to choose from 4 options. There is an automatic keep warm function and the heating system is a standard conduction element at the base of the inner pot.

Features

  • This machine will make:
  • Plane Rice
  • It can be used as a slow cooker
  • Syncro-cooking function – allows you to cook rice and something else at the same time in the inner pot

What We Like

This is ideal for those that want something that is simple and makes great rice every time

There is some extra functionality such as the slow cooker function and syncro-cooking function – this is a nice touch

Easy to clean and comes with a non stick inside.

For some, the restricted functionality may become an issue

What is this machine good for

This machine is perfect for people who like to keeping cooking easy and just want a simple rice cooker that will make decent rice when needed.

Is it worth the money

For what you are getting, this machines is well worth the money you are paying for it

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Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker

This is a great machine that does one job very well and at a very decent price. You have a choice of three sizes so you can pick what size will best suit your needs. The design is simple but elegant and will fit in quite well in most kitchens. This is a very popular choice and has the Zojirushi quality behind it so you know you are investing in a machine that will last.

Zojirushi 10-Cup Rice Cooker (Uncooked), White – Perfect for Cooking Rice!
$9.99

– Easy-to-use single switch control: This rice cooker features a simple on/off switch that makes it easy to cook rice to perfection.

– Automatic keep warm system: Once the rice is cooked, the rice cooker will automatically switch to a keep warm mode that keeps the rice tasting fresh and delicious for hours.

– See-through glass lid with stay-cool handle: the see-through glass lid lets you monitor the progress of your rice as it cooks, while the stay cool handle ensures that the lid is safe and easy to handle.

– Semibrown rice and white rice with germ cooking: This cooker is perfect for cooking both semibrown and white rice with germ, thanks to its advanced fuzzy logic technology.

– Accessories included: Along with the rice cooker itself, you’ll also get a range of accessories, including a rice measuring cup, rinse-free measuring cup, a nonstick rice spatula, and spatula holder.

02/17/2024 09:33 pm GMT

Size

There are three options, 3 cups, 6 cups, and 10 cups, all of these options are under $100

Technology

This is easy to use a machine that has a very basic control panel that allows you to choose from 4 options. There is a manual keep warm function and the heating system is a standard conduction element at the base of the pot.

Features

This machine will cook most different types of rice and keep it warm for up to 5 hours

You can also use this as a steamer for seafood and vegetables and to cook things like custard and eggs

What We Like

This is a very easy to use and simple rice cooker that will make good great rice pretty consistently for you. It comes with some extra functionality

This is a well made simple machine that will consistently produce great rice. This is a very popular choice

It should be noted that you are limited by what you can do you with this machine

What is this machine good for

This machine is great for cooking rice, nothing complicated, and easy to use add ingredients and leave to cook. If you want good rice with no fuss, this is a good contender

Is it worth the money

The short answer is yes. This is a Zojirushi Japanese rice cooker and so you will get great value for money with this machine

Buy on Amazon

Why focus only on Japanese rice cookers?

There are a lot of different brands out there and so you can quickly become bogged down with too many choices. We have focused on the best Japanese rice cookers and specifically the Zojirushi brand as this is in our opinion one of the better brands on the market.

They are much loved in America as they really do produce great quality machines that make cooking rice so much easier for you.

We have taken this a little further, Why buy something that can only do one thing? If you have a piece of equipment in your kitchen that costs money and takes up space then surely you would want something that serves a lot of different purposes.

Our friends in Japan use rice cookers a lot more than we do and in fact, rice is part of their staple diet so really they know what they are talking about. They have taken this knowledge and combined it with their technical know-how to produce something that is simply fabulous all round

They are more expensive than a lot of the other products on the market but you are getting something that can do a lot more a lot easier and often with better results.

What features should you be looking for in a rice cooker?

On/Off Rice Cooker

This is the most basic method of cooking, it will heat the contents and either at a certain time or when the water runs out. You can still cook well like this but will need more supervision and will come with limited functionality.

Fuzzy Logic Rice Cooker

Fuzzy logic uses the basic same principles above but this machine comes with a processor that allows it to make judgment calls or adjustments on its own while it is cooking. This is a significant step up from the first method. If you think about it, you will never make exactly the same rice every time, there will always be variations in the amount of rice or water you add it might even be a different brand of rice. The fuzzy logic chip will help take these variances into consideration when it cooks your rice.

Induction Heating Rice Cookers

This one takes it up a to a whole new level, it uses induction technology within the rice cooker. this means there is no element as such to heat the inner chamber as with the first two methods. The induction technology means that the actual chamber heats up, making heating instant and extremely controlled. Not only is the base heated but also the sides.

This method is the most accurate and gives the best results.

AI Fuzzy Logic Technology

The AI (Artificial Intelligence) allows the rice cooker to “learn” from how it has cooked rice before for you and adjust the cooking process to cook ideal rice. This means that your cooked rice is the same in summer or winter, when water and room temperatures may be drastically different.

Every time you cook rice there are factors that change and the AI will adjust for that.

In short, what this means is that the microchip does all the thinking for you to adjust cooking times and temperatures sets the precise amount of pre-soaking time of the raw grains, and the time for the final “wait” period during steaming.

Does The Rice Cooker Have A Timer?

This will really add a whole lot of usefulness to functionality. There are a lot of functions on our modern gadgets that are cool in concept and are used in the first few weeks( think about your smartphone) and then after that have no real place in our lives as they ultimately offer no value.

A timer is the opposite, you can set it up to cook the oats for breakfast in the morning ready when you wake up. You can come home from work with a take out and have fresh rice to go with what you have bought. The possibilities are limited only by what you can’t think of. For people that plan ahead this can make a difference to running a house.

Does The Rice Cooker Keep The Food Warm After It Has Cooked It?

You might not think that this is important but it is, it allows you to leave the rice cooker to do its thing while you attend to other things either in the kitchen or around the house. If your rice cooker has a timer (see above) then you may even be able to get home from work and the rice is done.

For many families time is precious and you want to be able to make choices that will help reduce the time in the kitchen. There are others that love cooking and see it as a form of creative release, well a decent rice cooker with these two features will give the freedom to achieve great results both ways.

Cup Capacity of the Rice cooker

It should be noted here that you should be looking for a rice cooker that will be able to feed your family in one cooking. You may want to make sure that if you have people over often that you have something that can cover this as well. You can always cook less than the capacity but never more.

Cooking time

It is important to know the cooking time for your rice cooker. This will have an impact on how you use the rice cooker

Types of Rice

There are many types of rice and different machines will specialize in cooking these. Make sure you are choosing a machine that will cook the rice you eat the most. Some machines may even cook things like porridge so it is a good idea to see what you can cook (see below

What can I cook in my rice cooker

This is an area that we think the price of the rice cooker can be misleading. The term rice cooker really only covers one aspect of what the better models can do. Here are some of the things that you can cook in the Japanese rice cookers:

  • White rice
  • Brown rice
  • Wild rice
  • Sushi rice
  • Oats & other hot breakfast cereals
  • Eggs
  • Quinoa
  • Steaming vegetable
  • Soups
  • Cook meats
  • Make puddings

If you have a look online there are literally hundreds of things that you can make, in fact, I am sure that if you thought over some of your favorite recipes there are some that you could modify to be able to cook in your rice cooker.

Things to think about before you buy a rice cooker?

All of the features described above make the best rice cooker but the best rice cooker for one person may not be the best one for you. There are several factors that you have to consider to find the right rice cooker for you. There are several factors that are unique to you that are vital in helping you choose the right one for you.

Let’s look at each one of the most common ones and see how to work around them.

Your Budget

You obviously have to take your budget into consideration when you are buying a rice cooker. The good news is the most expensive rice cooker is not necessarily the best rice cooker.

How much you are willing to spend on the rice cooker could also be informed by how often you are going to be using the appliance. If you are going to be cooking a lot of rice, it is best to spend a little bit more for a good quality rice cooker that will offer you service for a longer period of time.

Choosing the right size

It goes without saying that different types of rice cookers will accommodate different amounts of rice. Therefore the right one for you is the one that meets your requirements when it comes to capacity.

How many people are you cooking rice for? You should choose the rice cooker that can comfortably allow you to cook enough rice to feed that specific number of people. Rice cookers range in capacities from one to 10 cups.

From 5 cups to 10 cups would be ideal for a large family although you should make your estimates based on the number of people you want to cook for.

Ease of Cleaning

In this day and age no one has time to spend hours cleaning one appliance. If this describes you which it very well might, you want a rice cooker that is not hard to clean.

The main reason why you are buying a rice cooker in the first place is to reduce the time it takes for you to cook the rice. You therefore don’t want to spend this time you have saved cleaning the appliance. Therefore the best rice cooker is one that is very easy to use and equally as easy to clean.

That said it is important to note that some of the best rice cookers in the market will not cost you too much. They range in pricing between $20 and $400 and the one you choose will be informed by the factors above. It is also important to note that the best brands will make appliances that will offer you good quality service for a very long time to come.

 

How to clean your rice cooker?

like most other kitchen gadgets, you will need to make sure that you keep your machine clean. This means you will need to clean it after every use. 

Although this might sound like a lot of work most machines will have an inner chamber that does all of the heavy lifting. 

You should be able to easily take this out and clean it after every time you use it. Make sure that you treat this carefully as there is often a non stick coating that helps make sure the rice does not stick. 

If you leave food in there it will damage this coating as well as potentially ruining future batches that you cook

Use soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge to make sure all of the residues is removed. You can then use a clean cloth to wipe down the outside to make sure that always looks good. 

Whatever you do please make sure you read the user manual first before you do anything.

 

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