Best Japanese Rice Cookers with Multiple Settings | Сomparison & Buyer’s Guide
For Japanese, rice is more than just cereal. They use it in different dishes, ranging from sushi rice and omelet with fried rice to rice soup and rice porridge. And it is very important to cook rice properly for each type of meal. The easiest way to achieve that is to use a Japanese rice cooker.
This piece of kitchen appliance is worth investing because it is designed specifically to make perfect rice for all common types of rice dishes. Such a machine helps to establish an ideal proportion between rice and water, allows for scheduling the cooking time and keeping the food warm. And more importantly, you will never burn your rice!
How to Choose a Japanese Rice Cooker
When choosing your Japanese rice cooker, we recommend that you go with trusted brands like Zojirushi. This is a well-known Japanese company with 90 years of history that produces a variety of household appliances. The manufacturer makes different types of Japanese rice cookers.
Types of Rice Cookers | Core Features
Conventional ones have the standard functionality and cook all types of rice the same way. Microcomputer rice cookers are more advanced, offering temperature and cooking time adjustment. And finally, there are induction pressure cookers that use two technologies — induction and pressure-cooking. This allows the machine to heat the entire pot while allowing moisture to better penetrate the rice grain.
Other things to consider include the volume and material of the cooker bowl as well as extra features. Choosing the right bowl volume depends on the amount of rice you are going to cook at a time.
For small families, a 5.5-cup bowl is more suitable, whereas the 10-cup size would be ideal for larger families of up to 10 members. Zojirushi has both options. If you cook rice for no more than 3 persons at a time, go for the 5-1/2-Cup Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker. It comes with a bowl that is 7.5 inches in diameter and 4.8 inches deep.
A larger model, like the NS-TSC18 Micom Rice Cooker, has the capacity of up to 10 cups or 1.8 liters.
As for the material used, stainless steel bowls are the most recommended ones because they ensure uniform heating. Aluminum options come at a lower price but have the drawback of heating unevenly. Additionally, you should also consider the coating material inside the bowl. Bowls with non-sticky surfaces will last longer and produce better results.
Best Japanese Rice Cookers | Comparison
Both models employ Fuzzy Logic technology that allows the machine to adjust the heating time and temperature to make ideally cooked rice. A microchip and a small thermal sensor will do the job for you, adapting the cooking to the type of rice you are using.
The NS-ZCC10 has settings for white porridge, sweet, mixed, semi-brown and brown rice as well as a quick cooking function. The NS-TSC18 cooks nice fluffy white rice and flavourful brown rice, has a steam menu setting, and allows you to bake a rice cake right in the machine.
These Japanese rice cookers are made with durable stainless steel, an LCD display, a delay timer with 2 settings, a beep signal, and are loaded with beneficial features. In particular, this includes auto keep warm, extended keep warm, and reheating cycle features. Apart from differences in capacity and menu settings, these machines have some other distinctions.
Unlike the NS-TSC18, the smaller yet highly efficient NS-ZCC10 is equipped with a bowl of a spherical shape, something that ensures a more even heating. Besides, this model has a foldable handle for easy transportation and can be mounted to the wall. On the other hand, the NS-TSC18 comes with a BPA-free steaming basket that will let you steam food while cooking rice. The machine is 3 times heavier but has a detachable lid for easy maintenance.
Apart from being highly efficient, Japanese rice cookers are easy to use. First, you put the washed rice in a bowl that comes with the cooker. Depending on the amount of rice, add some water, select the right setting, and click to start. After the rice is cooked, it is recommended to steam it for 5 to 10 minutes.
Best-Selling Japanese Rice Cookers | Comparison Table
Customers' Choice
BLACK+DECKER 2-in-1 Rice Cooker and Food Steamer, 6 Cup (3 Cup Uncooked), White, RC506C
- Capacity: Yields up to 6-Cup (Cooked) and 3 (Cup uncooked) Rice cooker, Note: use only the rice cup to measure rice, never a true cup. Great for small or large meals, and for leftovers
- Food Steaming Basket - The included food steaming basket lets you make healthy meals with vegetables, fish, and more
- Automatic Keep Warm - The rice stays ready for serving! The rice cooker automatically switches to the "keep warm" function after cooking is complete
- Nonstick Rice Pot - The nonstick rice pot is completely removable for easy dishwasher cleanup
- Measuring Cup and Spoon Included - The measuring cup makes it easy to cook the perfect amount of rice, and the plastic serving spoon prevents accidental scratches to the nonstick rice pot
Best Value
Most Popular
BLACK+DECKER RC506 6-Cup Cooked/3-Cup Uncooked Rice Cooker and Food Steamer, White
- Capacity: Yields up to 6-Cup (Cooked) and 3 (Cup uncooked) Rice cooker, Note: use only the rice cup to measure rice, never a true cup. Volts - 120V. Wattage - 300W
- 6-Cup Capacity - Prepare anywhere from 1 to 6 cups of cooked rice, great for small or large meals, and for leftovers.
- Automatic Keep Warm - The rice stays ready for serving! The rice cooker automatically switches to the “keep warm” function after cooking is complete.
- Nonstick Rice Pot - The nonstick rice pot is completely removable for easy dishwasher cleanup. Dimensions are 10 x 9.0 x 5.5 inches
- Food Steaming Basket - The included food steaming basket lets you make healthy meals with vegetables, fish, and more. Measuring Cup and Spoon Included - The measuring cup makes it easy to cook the perfect amount of rice, and the plastic serving spoon prevents accidental scratches to the nonstick rice pot. Note: use only the rice cup to measure rice, never a true cup.
- Volts: 120V
Best Budget
Instant Zest 8 Cup Rice Cooker, Steamer, Cooks Rice, Grains, Quinoa and Oatmeal, No Pressure Cooking Functionality
- 4 smart programs make cooking your favorite rice and grains to fluffy perfection super fast and one touch easy
- 4 smart programs for one touch cooking white rice, brown rice, quinoa and oatmeal
- Quickly steams veggies, fish and more with the touch of a button: Makes 8 cups and doubles as a warmer for all kinds of foods
- Built in protection against overheating: Compact, lightweight and easy to store
- Accessories included: In addition to the non-stick ceramic coated pot, the Zest Plus also comes with a dishwasher-safe steamer tray, rice measuring cup and rice spoon
- 120 volt 60 hertz power supply: Please check your voltage if not in North America
- Extra thick inner pot with non stick ceramic coating for better, more even cooking
- Stainless steel 18/8 lid interior
Most Discussed & Reviewed
Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer, 5.5 cups, Uncooked, Stainless Brown
- Micro computerized fuzzy logic technology. Dimensions (W x D x H)-10-1/8 x 14 x 8-1/2 inches.
- Automatic keep warm, extended keep warm and reheating cycle. Capacity-Up to 5.5 cups / 1.0 liter. Capacity is measured in the approx. 6 oz. / 180mL rice measuring cup, using raw short grain white rice
- Easy to clean clear coated stainless steel exterior, 2 delay time settings
- Interchangeable melody and beep signal. Doubles as a steamer with its versatile steam menu setting
- Built in retractable power cord , Electrical Rating 120 volts
Best Trusted
Hamilton Beach 37541 Digital Simplicity 4-20 Cup Rice Cooker and Food Steamer, Silver
- 4-20 cup cooked rice capacity, sealed lid keeps rice moist for hours
- Simple to use preprogrammed features: Delay Time, Select Mode, Start, Cook Time, Cancel, White Rice, Quick Rice, Whole Grain, Heat/Simmer, Steam Cook, & Keep Warm
- Food Steamer tray for vegetables, meats, fish, dumplings & more
- Dishwasher safe non-stick pot, removable lid liner for easy clean-up, rice paddle and measuring cup included
- Includes a 5 year limited warranty from Hamilton Beach
Best Cheap
Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5.5 cup Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer In Premium White
- 5-1/2-cup computerized rice cooker and warmer with advanced Neuro Fuzzy logic technology. Capacity: 1 litre
- Multi-menu selections; automatic keep-warm, extended keep-warm, and reheat cycles
- Spherical, nonstick inner pan allows for uniform heating; LCD clock and timer; retractable cord
- Includes 2 measuring cups, nonstick rice spoon/scooper, rice spoon holder, and recipes
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 25.7 x 33 x 20.6 cms
- Electrical Rating: 120 volts / 1,000 watts
Other Popular rice cooker
Cuisinart CRC-400 Rice Cooker, 4-Cup, Silver
- Cuisinart rice cooker steams rice, meats and vegetables
- Square modern shape finished in brushed stainless steel
- Includes: Stainless-steel steaming basket, Non-stick, coated anodized aluminum cooking bowl, glass lid, paddle and measuring cup
- Automatically switches to warm when cooking is done
- NOTE: Please ensure to measure rice in the cup that comes along with the product ONLY
Instant Pot Duo Nova 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Steamer, Saute & Yogurt Maker|6 Quart|Easy-Seal Lid|14...
- Best for beginners: An upgrade to the all-time bestseller Instant Pot Duo series, the Duo Nova combines 7 appliances in 1: Pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute pan, food warmer, and yogurt maker. The 6Qt model is the most popular size, with a capacity to cook for up to 6 people – if you’re on the fence about which size is right for you, you can’t go wrong with the 6Qt
- Healthy & consistently delicious: Duo Nova is powered by a sophisticated microprocessor that monitors and adjusts pressure, temperature, time, and heat to cook food up to 70% faster than other methods and deliver consistent, delicious results every time
- Smart lid: The new easy seal lid gives you one less thing to worry about because it automatically seals your Instant Pot. Steam release is also a breeze with the fast, safe push of the quick release button. And it even comes with a bonus sealing ring
- Worry-free cooking: 10+ safety features with UL certification let you “set it and forget it. ” You’re free to do other things while the Duo Nova cooks your dinner safely and quickly, with minimal mess and easy clean up. The Duo Nova’s food-grade stainless steel 304 (18/8) cooking pot is dishwasher-safe and durable, with no chemical coating.
- Clear, simple controls: Elegant blue LCD intuitively indicates the cooking process of the multicooker. Convenient one-touch control of 13 programs can be customized to remember the way you like to cook
- Plenty of recipes: The free Instant Pot recipes app on iOS and Android devices has 1000+ recipes to get you started on your culinary adventure. Join the millions of other Instant Pot users who share support, guidance, and the joy of cooking in the many Instant Pot online communities
- A name you can trust: The Instant Pot Duo Nova family shares the most trusted name in cookers, bringing all the quality and convenience you’ve come to expect from Instant Pot
Proctor Silex Rice Cooker (4 Cups uncooked resulting in 8 Cups cooked) 37534NR
- Makes up to 8 cups of cooked rice (4 cups uncooked)
- Cooking pot, lid & accessories are top-rack dishwasher safe
- Indicator lights lets you tell at a glance if the Rice Cooker is on 'Cook' or 'Warm' and automatically switches to Keep Warm
- Includes food steaming basket, rice paddle and measuring cup
- Also cooks a variety of grains, hot cereals, and steams meats, fish and vegetables to perfection
Aroma Housewares ARC-994SB 2O2O model Rice & Grain Cooker Slow Cook, Steam, Oatmeal, Risotto, 8-cup cooked/4-cup...
- 7 AUTOMATED CONTROLS: whether you are in the mood for steamed veggies, white rice, brown rice oatmeal, and risotto, you can accomplish it all with this perfect programed cooker. The possibilities are as creative as you are.
- NUTRITIOUS & DELICIOUS: the built-in steamer function allows for nutrient-rich meals to be prepared above while rice, Soup, or any other meal addition cooks below, allowing you to save time without sacrificing quality. This Multi-cooker not only includes all of your favorite cooking options, but also possesses the unique options of slow cook making meals rich, tasty, and a guaranteed family favorite.
- CAPACITY & DIMENSIONS: up to 8-cup cooked (4-cup uncooked) rice, 2QT, perfect for individual and family use. 9.13”x8.88”x9.5” dimension is easy to handle and store.
- EXTRA DURABLE COATING: 8x stronger coating for easy cleaning and scratch resistance. Healthier life every day.
- ACCESSORIES: this rice cooker includes a non-stick inner pot, rice measuring cup, a plastic rice spatula and a steam tray. All parts are BPA FREE.
Dash DRCM200GBAQ04 Mini Rice Cooker with Keep Warm, 2 cup, Aqua
- Measuring scoop and mixing paddle are made to fit the appliance.
- Non-stick removable pot cleans easily.
- Keep Warm function preserves heat.
- Easy assembly - simply place the removable pot inside the body and cover with the lid, plug in the appliance, and you’re ready to start!
- Auto shut-off function with an indicator light prevents overheating and overcooked ingredients.
THERMOS Stainless King 24 Ounce Food Jar, Midnight Blue
- Thermos vacuum insulation technology for maximum temperature retention, hot or cold, keeps liquids hot for 9 hours and cold for 12 hours
- Unbreakable stainless steel interior and exterior
- Cool to the touch with hot liquids, sweat proof with cold
- Compact and insulated stainless steel serving bowl
- Wide mouth is easy to fill, eat from and clean
Cuckoo 8 in 1 Multi Pressure Cooker (Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Browning Fry, Steamer, Warmer,...
- Leading-edge technology: developed by 40 years of constant research and unique know-how, our Smart algorithms adjust the power and pressure level to accommodate you with different types of cooking
- 8 smart built-in programs: our convenient built-in programs feature various cooking modes; Soup, meat, vegetables, rice, porridge, slow cook, browning fry, steam cook
- Cook safe, Every day: along with cetl safety certification, digital-programed steam release valve(solenoid valve) releases steam automatically when cooking is done or during the Keep-Warm mode
TIGER JBV-A10U 5.5-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker with Food Steamer Basket, White
- Syncro-cooking function "tacook" makes it possible to cook main dish and rice at the same time
- One push operation. Dimensions (inches) : W 10.6 x D 13.9 x H 8.4
- 4 cooking menu settings (Synchrony-cooking/Plain rice/Brown rice/Slow cooking)
- Easy to clean non-stick coating inner pan
- Includes Non-stick spatula, Cooking plate, Measuring cup and Cookbook for using "Synchrony-cooking" function ; Made in China
Aroma ARC-753SG 3-Cup Uncooked, 6-Cup Cooked, Simply Stainless Rice Cooker
- Cooking pot is made completely of surgical-grade 304 stainless steel
- Prepares 3 cups of uncooked white rice (6 cups cooked) and 2 cups of uncooked brown rice (4 cups cooked)
- Simple, one-touch operation with automatic keep-warm
- Great for soups, stews, chili and more. Product dimension 26.1 centimeter height 20.8 centimeter length and 20.6 centimeter width
- Includes measuring cup and serving spatula ,Power Consumption - 300 Watts. BPA free; Volt:120V/60Hz
- Always unplug from the base of the wall outlet. Never pull on the cord.
Aroma Arc-743-1Ngr 3-Cup, Uncooked 6-Cup, Cooked Rice Cooker and Food Steamer, Red
- Can hold 1 to 3 cups of uncooked rice
- Perfectly prepares 2 to 6 cups of cooked rice and automatically keeps it warm for hours
- Steams vegetables and meateven while simultaneously cooking rice
- Simple, one-touch operation switches to keep-warm mode automatically when finished
- Nonstick inner cooking pot and all accessories are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup