Is there any modern household that doesn’t feel the necessity for the best Japanese rice cooker? We bet No!
Rice is a staple diet across all Asian countries with Japan being no exception. Not only that, rice remains one of the most popular grains across the globe. And why not? Rice is highly versatile and you can have it as the primary element of your meal or take it as an accompaniment.
According to Sherman Yeung, the owner and executive chef of Money Cat in Houston, rice is an important part of Asian culture and cuisine and it’s good to see other cultures also taking interest and embracing dishes made of rice.
But the preparation of this fluffy rice can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. When you factor in the accurate cooking time, right measurements and the ratio of water to rice it requires to get that ideal consistency and texture. This is where the best Japanese rice cooker can come in handy. You can have the perfect Japanese rice every time you wish to have it with just the press of a button.
The Top 10 Japanese Rice Cooker: A Detailed Review
In our guide for top 10 Japanese rice cooker, we have handpicked each model and tested the specifications, features, and functionality so that you can select the right appliance that caters to your needs.
- Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5 Neruo Fuzzy Rice Cooker
- Panasonic One Touch Japanese Rice Cooker
- Midea MB-FS5017 Japanese Rice Cooker
- Toshiba TRCSO1 Japanese Rice Cooker
- Dash DRCM 200GBPK04 Japanese Rice Cooker
- Tiger JKT-S180 Japanese Rice Cooker
- Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Japanese Rice Cooker
- Tiger JNP 1500 FL Japanese Rice Cooker
- Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup Japanese Rice Cooker
- Panasonic SR HZ106 5 Cup Rice Cooker
Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5 Neruo Fuzzy Rice Cooker
Are you looking for the best Japanese rice cooker? Then the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 is the most advanced rice maker in 2022. The makers have employed a neuro-fuzzy technology for easy cooking of rice. Though the company has produced a series of rice cookers, this one is the by far the winner in popular choice.
This rice cooker has a capacity of 5.5 cups of uncooked rice which is quite a good amount for a family having 2-4 members. If it doesn’t suffice you, you may also opt for the other model that comes with a capacity of 10 cups. This is surely a great option for large families and get together.
The model of Zojirushi rice cooker also has additional features like the rehear cycle, auto warming, and extensive feature of keeping the rice warm. Moreover, there is an LED display equipped with various settings like a clock and timer and menu options that let you prepare your rice the way you want it.
PROS
- Host of options
- Neuro-fuzzy Logic setting
- Extensive keep warm feature
- Requires no maintenance
- Super easy cleaning
CONS
- Might take a longer time to process rice
Panasonic One Touch Japanese Rice Cooker
A true contender to the best Japanese rice cooker is the Panasonic One Touch. While it comes with simple and modest looks, it’s loaded with some of the most convenient features to make your rice preparation a breeze.
This again is equipped with the outstanding Fuzzy Logic Technology that allows you to adjust the pressure, temperature, and timing for making the rice just as you want it. Since there’s no chance of an appliance making a mistake, all that you have to do is put all the ingredients in the cooker, push the button and wait for your rice cooker to do its job.
PROS
- Easy to operate and clean
- Requires no maintenance
- Numerous settings and features in the menu
- Keeps warm for long
CONS
- Some users have claimed the lid to be fragile
Midea MB-FS5017 Japanese Rice Cooker
If you are looking for the best Japanese rice cooker for a large family, then you have to look no further. The Midea Japanese 10-cup rice cooker comes with an inner pot made of stainless steel. This implies that this multi-cooker is large enough to cook rice for 4 to 15 people making it a perfect cooker for a small gathering.
There are 11 menu settings that will cater to all your cooking needs. Moreover, there’s a 24-hours delay timer with which you can plan your meal a day before. All you need to do is throw in all the things inside, press the button, and wait for the meal served hot and fresh.
PROS
- Easy to operate
- Smart cooking features
- LCD
- Several menu settings
CONS
- The user may have to consult the instruction manual initially
Toshiba TRCSO1 Japanese Rice Cooker
Toshiba is known for making some of the best state-of-the-art Japanese rice cookers. And the model we are going to talk about today is basically a multifunctional rice cooker that is equipped with seven preset programs. There is a fast cook setting and the sensor boosts the cooking procedure by around half an hour.
Like any best Japanese rice cooker, this model has a delay timer and you can plan the meal in advance without disrupting your schedule. There’s also a steam basket that allows you to steam meat, vegetables, and anything else. In other words, this is a great appliance for preparing one-pot meals.
PROS
- Easy to operate
- 7 menu settings
- 24 hours delay and keep warm feature
- Multiple programs
CONS
- The length of the power cord is short
Dash DRCM 200GBPK04 Japanese Rice Cooker
While all the Japanese rice cookers are meant for serving large families, you may feel that there’s no appliance out there for a person living alone. Dash Mini is the best Japanese rice cooker for students and people living in other work places. You can cook stew, soup, rice, quinoa, pasta, pasta, and even steamed vegetables.
Dash Mini makes it super easy to cook meals and all you have to do is add water and the uncooked ingredients and get the meal served within 20 minutes. The device also has a feature that keeps the food warm for 24 hours. It is not just suitable for your home kitchen but also for camping, recreational traveling, and dormitories.
PROS
- Easy to operate
- Comes in 9 beautiful colors
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
CONS
- Only suited for one people
Tiger JKT-S180 Japanese Rice Cooker
If design and looks are your concern, the Tiger Japanese rice cooker is particularly made for you. But that doesn’t mean it is short of features. With the induction heating feature, you can rest assured that each grain is completely cooked. 4 pre-set settings allow you to prepare different kinds of rice perfectly.
Moreover, the interior pot is covered with numerous layers of Teflon to ensure that the coating is durable. The vent cap allows the steam to regulate and build up in the machine. The excess steam is gradually released to ensure that the rice is properly cooked. Cleaning and maintaining the rice cooker is also a breeze. With the non-stick coating, you will not need to rub or scrub the inner pot.
PROS
- Easy to operate
- TaCook Feature with 4 menu settings
- 24 hours delay and keep warm feature
CONS
- Some users may find it to be bulky
Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Japanese Rice Cooker
With this rice cooker, you can prepare a maximum quantity of 5.5 cups. It’s loaded with incorporated MICOM technology that adapts the cooking temperature to the specific variety of rice that you have put in. If you are willing to make a porridge with vegetables and other pulses, then the mixed rice setting comes in handy.
The Fuzzy Logic technology is one of the USPs of this Japanese rice cooker which allows fine adjustment of temperature and time. In addition to these features, there’s also a non-stick inner pot that makes it easier to clean and maintain.
PROS
- Retractable power cord
- Extended warm mode
- Delay time for cooking porridge
- Perfectly cooks brown and white rice
CONS
- May take longer than usual
Tiger JNP 1500 FL Japanese Rice Cooker
When it comes to preparing a nice, warm and fluffy bowl of Japanese rice, you can never go wrong with the Tiger JNP 1500 FL rice cooker. It also comes with an automatic rive warmer which makes it highly convenient when you want to have your meal prepared right away.
The cooker is suitable for large families and gatherings and you can have your dinner ready in no time. Moreover, it comes with a measuring cup and a spatula which makes the preparation of various dishes easy. Most importantly, the accessories are dishwasher safe and you will not have to worry about cleaning them up after every meal.
PROS
- Easy and straightforward control options
- Automatic keep warm
- Single button operation
CONS
- May not be versatile as others
Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup Japanese Rice Cooker
If you are short on budget and looking for the best Japanese rice cooker that’s going to serve one or two people, then this is the appliance for you. It is a compact and simple rice cooker which makes it easy to prepare rice. Further, it comes with some suitable accessories so that you can cook as well as serve rice with ease.
The features include a stay-cool option which adds to the safety feature to ensure that you don’t accidentally burn yourself. The inner pot of the cooker is made from high-quality ceramic material endowed with a non-stick coating. The control feature is very easy to operate and there are some basic controls as well.
PROS
- Well-designed and affordable
- Keep warm feature
- Stay cool handle
CONS
- Small and compact for an average family
Panasonic SR HZ106 5 Cup Rice Cooker
This is a larger than average-sized Japanese rice cooker which can do a lot more than just preparing your rice. Factoring in the price, this appliance does a lot more than simply cooking rice for you. This cooker comes with loads of brilliant features and cooking options. It is durable and highly compact and very easy to operate for beginners.
The machine claims to cook about 10 cups of cooked rice which means the quantity comes down by half when you are considering uncooked rice. Since it is an induction heating unit, you can rest assured that the rice will be cooked evenly. Compared to other contenders this is the best Japanese rice cooker from the perspective of price and cooking options.
PROS
- Versatile and highly functional
- Streaming basket
- 7-layered inner pot
- Can be used for cooking a wide array of dishes
CONS
- Can be a bit pricey
How to choose the best Japanese rice cooker?
Before selecting the best Japanese rice cooker, you should take a moment to determine how you are going to use it, how you will store it, and the frequency at which you will use it. Then move on to features like the capacity of the cooker, features, material, capacity, and the cooking settings and controls.
There are several types of Japanese rice cookers available today. Conventional rice cookers are simple appliances comprising a heating element along with an automatic shutoff when the rice is ready. But the most popular ones are multiprocessor cookers which use highly programmable multi-sensors for preparing any kind of rice to its suitable specifications. With these cookers, you can easily rule out the need for various types of cookers for different types of rice.
Which brand of Japanese rice cooker is the best?
Some of the best Japanese rice cooker brands available today include Toshiba, Cuckoo, Zojirushi, Yum Asia Panda, Panasonic, and Aroma Housewares among others.
Tips for using the best Japanese rice cooker
Japanese rice cookers are extremely versatile and last many years if you use them well. Most of them come with measuring cups for ease of use. The manufacturers always recommend using these cups to fill the cooker. They are designed to aid in cooking the rice as per the specific measurements of that cup. Moreover, you may also get a mixing paddle with the best Japanese rice cooker. They are designed in such a way that they aid in stirring as well as serving rice.
Cleaning and maintenance play a major role in the use of these cookers. Make sure that you take out the removable pot and clean it well every time you use it. Some of them are also equipped with a self-cleaning system so that washing and sterilizing are effortless.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to preparing rice and the appliances used for preparing them, most of us are incredibly choosy. That’s why it’s important to factor in various aspects that can make your purchase successful. Now that you know about the best Japanese rice cooker available online, you can easily choose the one that caters to your requirements and fits your budget. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead, bring home a worthy Japanese rice cooker and enjoy a delicious rice meal.