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 | Best Budget
Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer, 1.0-Liter
- Micro computerized fuzzy logic technology. Capacity Up to 5.5 cups / 1.0 liter,Dimensions (W x D x H) 10-1/8 x 14 x 8-1/2 inches. The electrical rating is 120 volts / 610 watts
- Automatic keep warm, extended keep warm and reheating cycle
- Easy to clean clear coated stainless steel exterior, 2 delay time settings
- Interchangeable melody and beep signal
- Built in retractable power cord
Best Value
Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5-1/2-Cup Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer, Premium White, 1.0-Liter
- 5-1/2-cup computerized rice cooker and warmer with advanced Neuro Fuzzy logic technology. Wall mountable
- Multi-menu selections; automatic keep-warm, extended keep-warm, and reheat cycles. Electrical Rating - 120 volts / 680 watts
- Spherical, nonstick inner pan allows for uniform heating; LCD clock and timer; retractable cord
- Menu settings include white (regular/sushi, softer or harder), mixed, porridge, sweet, semi-brown, brown, rinse-free and quick cooking
- Measures approximately 14 by 8 by 9 inches; 1-year limited warranty, Dimensions (W x D x H) : 10-1/8 x 13 x 8-1/8 inches
- Includes 2 measuring cups, nonstick rice spoon/scooper, rice spoon holder, and recipes . NOTE: Please ensure to measure rice in the cup that comes along with the product ONLY
Most Popular
Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer, 3-Cups (uncooked), Stainless Black
- Multi-menu cooking functions: Special settings for white/mixed riced, sushi rice, brown rice, GABA brown rice, long grain white rice, steel cut oatmeal and quick cooking
- Triple heater (bottom, side and lid) generate heat all around for even heating.Up to 3 cups / 0.54 liter. Capacity is measured in the approx. 6 oz. / 180mL rice measuring cup, using raw short grain white rice. Other grains may vary
- Dimensions (W x D x H):9-1/8 x 11-7/8 x 7-1/2 inches. Detachable and washable inner lid
- Easy to store retractable cord.Interchangeable melody and beep signal
- Removable steam vent cap allows for high-temperature cooking without messy overflows. Electrical rating : 120 Volts or 450 Watts.Micro computer automatically adjusts cooking temperature and time
Most Discussed & Reviewed
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Sterilizer, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt...
- Best selling model: America’s most loved multi cooker, built with the latest 3rd generation technology, the microprocessor monitors pressure, temperature, keeps time, and adjusts heating intensity and duration to achieve desired results every time
- Cooks fast and saves time: The Instant Pot Duo multi-cooker combines 7 appliances in one: Pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute pan, yogurt maker and warmer – and cooks up to 70% faster
- Consistently delicious: 14 one-touch smart programs put cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more on autopilot – with tasty results
- Easy to clean: Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel lid and components and accessories are dishwasher safe
- Plenty of recipes: Free Instant Pot app on iOS and Android devices is, loaded with hundreds of recipes for any cuisine to get you started on your culinary adventure. Millions of users provide support and guidance in the many Instant Pot online communities
- Advanced safety protection - The 10+ built-in safety features, including overheat protection, safety Lock and more to ensure safe pressure cooking
- Most popular size capacity: 6-quart large capacity cooks for up to 6 people – perfect for families, and also great for meal prepping and batch cooking for singles and smaller households
- Stainless Steel Inner Pot: The Instant Pot stainless steel inner pot is made with a 3-ply bottom for durability and is healthy and dishwasher-safe
- Note: Please refer the user manual for troubleshooting purposes
Other Popular Japanese Rice Cookers
Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker
- Easy-to-use single switch control
- See-through glass lid with stay cool knob
- Stay cool handles for easy transport
- Durable nonstick inner cooking pan
- Every Zojirushi rice cooker comes with a plastic measuring cup. This cup has a capacity of 6-ounces, or about 3/4 of a U.S. measuring cup. The capacity of the rice cooker is counted in these 6-ounce cups of uncooked short grain white rice. One 6-ounce cup of raw rice makes about 2 to 3, 6-ounce cups of cooked rice
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.Electric Rating: cook 672W
- Includes Non-stick spatula, Cooking plate, Measuring cup and Cookbook for using "Synchrony-cooking" function
- NOTE: Please ensure to measure rice in the cup that comes along with the product ONLY
COMFEE' 5.2Qt Asian Style Programmable All-in-1 Multi Cooker, Rice Cooker, Slow Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt...
- Perfect Rice Every Time - To achieve the ideal cooking performance, COMFEE' has developed the intelligent 6-step cooking process that the steam valve and inner pot can preserve the steam and heat for perfect to simmer the fluffy rice every time.
- Cooking Versatility - The 17 digital cooking programs Japanese style rice cooker could suit eating habits like rice, pasta, soup, stew, saute, steamed veggies. Make specialty and healthy food in one cooker without owning 5 or more different appliances
- High Safety - COMFEE' electric multi rice cooker operating under the normal pressure with power, it is considered a safe alternative of all kinds pressure cooker or cooking on the stove. The cool touch handle ensures your safety when you open the cooker.
- 10 Cup Ultra Capacity - 10 cup uncooked (5.2 Qt) capacity yielding anywhere from 10 to 20 cups of cooked rice, designed for families, parities, or any other outdoor activities. The non-stick coating, the cleaning of the inner pot is like a breeze. Note: Please use the measuring cup which comes along with the product
- Humanized Designs - The rice cooker is user friendly with digital LED display and sensitive touch panel so your cooking could be set by simply pressing a button. It's flexible for meal planning with 24-hour delay timer and auto keep warm for 12 hours.
- Easy to Clean - The cleaning of the stainless steel external housing and removable steam valve is like a breeze. The anti stick inner pot and all of the BPA Free plastic accessories that comes with the cooker can be washed in the dishwasher.
- Warranty from COMFEE' - This programmable electric rice cooker is made of BPA-free food grade material. UL certificate approved. COMFEE' will provide 1 year manufacturer warranty together with your purchase.
Best Trusted
Toshiba TRCS01 Cooker 6 Cups Uncooked (3L) with Fuzzy Logic and One-Touch Cooking, Brown Rice, White Rice and...
- ABOUT TOSHIBA - Toshiba brings over 140 years of innovation, launching the first automatic electric rice cooker in 1955 and is a leader in the rice cooker industry.
- JAPANESE-STYLE RICE COOKER - Industry leading 3D cooking technology and intelligent 6-step cooking process. The steam valve and inner nonstick pot can preserve the steam and heat for perfect fluffy rice every time.
- PROFESSIONAL RICE COOKER - 7 pre-programmed settings to cook white rice, brown rice, mixed rice, short or long-grained rice, oatmeal, porridge perfectly in terms of texture, flavor and aroma. 12 cups cooked rice for family serving.
- QUICK RICE FEATURE - The Toshiba rice cooker has a quick rice feature, the specially designed sensor accelerates the cooking time to 30 minutes, which is an excellent and a great time-saving option.
- KEEP WARM FEATURE - The rice cooker keep-warm setting activates automatically when cooking is complete, holding contents at an ideal serving temperature for up to 24 hours.
- 2 PROGRAMMABLE DELAY TIME FEATURES - The rice cooker has 2 delay time options, set the timer allowing rice to be ready when needed. Just add rice and water in the morning and come home to delicious ready to eat rice
- REMOVABLE LARGE STEAM VENT- As you cook, steam rises through the vent without bubbling over and no messy overflow.
Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH Induction Heating System Rice Cooker and Warmer, 1 L, Stainless Dark Gray
- Induction rice cooker and warmer. Electrical Rating : 1,230 Watts
- Multi-Menu cooking functions. Dimension: 10 inch W x 14 inch D x 8 inch H. Capacity: Up to 5.5 cups / 1.0 liter
- Automatic keep warm & extended keep warm keeps rice at the perfect serving temperature
- Healthy cooking options: brown rice, GABA brown rice and germinated brown rice. Delay timer (2 settings) , Electrical Rating - 120 volts
- Note-please ensure to measure rice in the cup that comes along with the product only. Troubleshoot-sparks by the plug when plugging or unplugging the power plug from the electrical outlet, this is common in rice cookers and does not indicate malfunction
AmazonBasics Multi-Functional Rice Cooker - 5.5-Cup Uncooked (11-Cup Cooked), Silver
- 5.5 Cups uncooked capacity (makes 11 cups cooked rice)
- Aluminum alloy inner pot with non-stick coating
- Accessories include scoop, measuring cup, food steamer
- 24 hours preset timer and LED light display
- Automatic keep warm function
- Pre-cook settings to make the perfect bowl of rice and other delicious dishes
Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer, Silver Black
- Compact 3-cup capacity , Electrical Rating -120 volts
- Triple heater with Extra large heating element heats and warms rice from the bottom, side and top
- Removable steam vent cap allows for high temperature cooking without messy overflows
- Automatic keep Warm keeps rice at the perfect serving temperature; extended keep Warm keeps rice Warm Longer by maintaining a lower temperature to prevent drying
- Black 2.5mm Thick inner cooking pan distributes heat evenly, and is nonstick Coated for easy cleaning
- BPA-free (all surfaces that come into contact with food or Beverage)
Aroma Housewares 8-Cup (Cooked) (4-Cup UNCOOKED) Digital Rice Cooker and Food Steamer (ARC-914D),White
- Perfectly prepares 2 to 8 cups of any variety of cooked rice
- Steams meat and vegetables while rice cooks below
- Easy-to-use, programmable digital controls with automatic keep-warm and white rice and brown rice functions
- Great for soups, jambalaya, chili and so much more!
- 15- Hour delay timer for flexible meal planning
- Includes steam try, rice measuring cup and serving spatula
- Fabric Type: Stainless Steel
- Perfectly prepares 2 to 8 cups of any variety of cooked rice
- Steams meat and vegetables while rice cooks below
- Easy-to-use, programmable digital controls with automatic Keep-Warm and White Rice and Brown Rice functions
- Great for soups, jambalaya, chili and so much more!
- 15- hour Delay Timer for flexible meal planning
- Includes Steam Tray, Rice Measuring Cup and Serving Spatula
Best Cheap
Instant Zest 8 Cup Rice Cooker, Steamer, Cooks Rice, Grains, Quinoa and Oatmeal
- 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
