The 18 Best Japanese Rice Cookers 2024 for Perfect Rice Every Time

In Japan, rice is a staple food and cooking it well is a must. So, if you’re looking for the best Japanese rice cooker to make your life easier, this article will help you find one that’s perfect for you! Whether you want something simple or more advanced, we’ve got the information on some of the best Japanese rice cooker so all you have to do is choose which one suits your needs.

When it is about rice, we all need our meal to be perfect in every way. It is not everybody’s cup of tea to make perfectly delicious and fluffy rice and that too every single time.

The taste, flavor, texture, and aroma of your rice depend on perfect cooking, perfect rice to water ratio, perfect time and temperature. Only the best rice cooker can assist you with this and you can prepare perfectly cooked delicious rice without trouble.

There are different sizes and varieties of Japanese rice cookers available in the market, and for a common man it gets confusing to make a purchasing decision. Before making the final purchase, one should know at least the basic functions and features of a rice cooker. The majority of chefs and housewives love to have a made-in-Japan rice cooker for its quality and durability.

In this Japanese Rice Cookers Guide, we will test the Japanese Rice Cookers in our kitchen available in the market and explain their key features, specifications, and functionality clearly as crystal so that you can order the exact product that suits your requirements.

Best Japanese Rice Cookers

Table of Contents

Best Japanese Rice Cookers Reviews and Buying Guide

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

Zojirushi NS-ZCC10, 5.5 Cup (Uncooked) Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer is by far the most advanced version of a rice cooker. Japanese rice cooker brand Zojirushi uses neuro-fuzzy technology to cook rice easily It is one of the best Japanese rice cookers you will find on the market from the Zojirushi brand.

The rice cooker comes with a capacity of 5.5 cups (Uncooked) which is pretty good for a medium-size family. Another model Zojirushi NS-ZCC10-10 cup rice cooker has 10 cups (uncooked) capacity which is great for big family units or a big family gathering.

The device is equipped with technology called Neuro-Fuzzy Logic which is pretty advanced and amazing with respect to what it can do. Serve your loved ones with the best and most deliciously cooked rice with this cooking marvel. Zojirushi ZCC10 is a sophisticated and simple-looking rice cooker. The LED panel adds convenience and ease of use. The nonstick coated spherical pan helps in preparing evenly cooked rice.

This Zojirushi model has additional functions as compared to other Zojirushi models such as reheat cycle, auto keeps warm, and extended keep warm functionality. It has an LED display with clock and timer, and other settings and menus like quick-cooking setting, rinse-free, brown, semi brown, sweet, porridge, mixed and regular or sushi (Hard or Soft).

Zojirushi NSZCC10 functions

The machine is so designed that it does not require a lot of maintenance and it’s super easy to use. Nonstick inner pot, easy to wash, super compact and portable, easy to store in small kitchen spaces, with multiple safety features, Zojirushi NS-ZCC10, 5.5 Cup as said is the best Japanese rice cooker ever built and you will not regret buying this machine.

You can also check our Best Zojirushi Rice Cooker Guide for more of Zojirushi Rice Cooker Reviews.

Pros:

  • Wall-mounted
  • Super Easy to Clean
  • No maintenance required
  • Multiple menu settings
  • Keep warm
  • Neuro-Fuzzy Logic
  • 3 lbs only
  • Extended keep warm
  • Delay timer

Cons:

  • Takes longer than regular cooking time

2. Panasonic One Touch Japanese rice cooker

There is no better affordable Japanese rice cooker than Panasonic One Touch. If the simple and plain exterior is confusing you, don’t be! The Panasonic SR-DF101 5-Cup rice cooker is another technological masterpiece from Japan.

It is equipped with mighty fuzzy logic technology that lets your cooked to make adjustments in temperature, pressure and timing to make your rice perfect according to your taste. It doesn’t make mistakes, so all you have to do dump the ingredients inside, push the button and sit back.

There are no complicated operations and settings involved rather it makes cooking simpler, thanks to Panasonic’s simple one-touch design.

It has preset menu settings such as quick-cook, white rice, brown rice, porridge, and soup, and you can select the required operation to initiate the cooking process.

This smart boy comes with a steam basket that lets you steam your vegetable or meat while you cook your rice below which saves time. The rice cooker comes with a measuring cup and a serving spatula.

Pros:

  • Easy operation
  • Easy Cleaning
  • Advanced Fuzzy Logic
  • Weighs 6.6 lbs only
  • No maintenance required
  • Multiple menu settings
  • Keep warm
  • Lightweight

Cons:

  • Fragile plastic lid

3. Midea MB-FS5017 rice cooker with stainless steel inner pot

If you are a big family that is looking for a perfect rice cooker, this could be the end of your search right here. Midea MB-FS5017, 10 cups smart rice cooker, and multi-cooker is big enough for a family of 4-10 people. You can even use it for a small family gathering. Midea MB-FS5017 is the best Japanese rice cooker with stainless steel inner pot.

The Midea rice cooker has 11 preset menu settings suiting to all your eating habits. The device has a 24 hours delay timer, which lets you plan your meal 24 hours in advance. Add the ingredients, push the button and you are good to go. Your meal will be ready at the designated time and too warm and fresh.

The inner pot is coated with 5 layers of non-stick material, which preserves the natural taste and nutrients of the meal, and helps you cook perfectly delicious rice.

It is more than a rice cooker; it is a warmer, slow cooker and a steamer. You can steam vegetables, meat, or anything while you cook rice which is a great option for one-pot meals. The LCD display screen and touch control panel make the control and operation like a breeze.

The elegant and beautiful design will compliment any kitchen décor. Durable, portable, compact, and elegant, what else are you looking for?

Pros:

  • Easy operation
  • LCD display
  • Smart Cooking Algorithm
  • Weighs 12.6 lbs
  • Multiple menu settings
  • Keep warm
  • 24 hours delay timer

Cons:

  • The instruction manual has to be consulted

4. Tiger JKT-S18U 10-Cup  Japanese Rice Cooker Review

Tiger JKT-S18U 10 Cup (Uncooked) induction heating rice cooker is another elegantly designed rice cooker. Tiger S18U can cook 10 cups (uncooked) for you which are enough to feed 15 people easily. The induction heating feature ensures every grain cooks perfectly.

The 11 preset cooking settings allow you to cook various kinds of rice grains perfectly. The inner pot is covered with multiple layers of nonstick Teflon which makes the nonstick coating durable. The coating prevents sticking and burning of rice.

The steam vent cap regulates the steam buildup in the machine and releases the extra steam to make sure the rice looks great. The cleaning and washing has been made easier, thanks to the removable inner pot and lid. Due to nonstick coating, the inner pot does not require any rubbing and scrubbing.

The 24 hours delay timer lets you plan your meals in advance. Once the meal is ready, the automatic keep warm feature will keep it at serving temperature unless you are ready to eat.

This Best Japanese Rice Cooker is big enough to cook a meal for your next gathering or party.

The device has Tiger’s TaCook Feature which lets you cook rice and a main dish at the same time. This feature not only saves time but effort as well. With this machine in your kitchen, you will have an amazing cooking experience hassle-free.

Pros:

  • Easy operation
  • LCD display
  • TaCook Feature
  • Weighs 12.6 lbs only
  • 11 menu settings
  • 24 hours keep warm
  • 24 hours delay timer

Cons:

  • Bulky

5. Toshiba TRCS01 rice cooker Review

With over 140 years of innovation, Toshiba has made some state-of-the-art rice cookers. Toshiba TRCS01 is a multi-functional rice cooker and food warmer, that features 7 preset programs and settings to cook white rice, brown, mixed, short grain, long grain, oatmeal, and porridge, rich in flavor and taste. It is suitable for a family of medium size with its 6-cup (uncooked) capacity. Toshiba TRCS01 is the best simple Japanese rice cooker.

The cooker has a quick cook setting, where the sensor accelerates the cooking process by approximately 30 minutes. Isn’t it an excellent time-saving option especially when you have to deal with surprise guests? The rice cooker automatically switches to keep warm mode once the meal is ready and it keeps it warm for 24 hours.

Toshiba TRCS01 rice cooker funcationality

Like any Japanese rice cooker, it has a delay timer, which lets you plan your meals in advance without worrying about your schedule. The cooker comes with a steam basket, so you can steam vegetables, meat, or anything else while cooking rice, i.e. great for one-pot meals.

Without involving tons of pots and pans you can have your meal ready in no time. The stay-cool handle allows you to move the device without burning your hands. The package comes with a measuring cup, soup spoon, and a rice serving spatula.

Overall with the included accessories, features, functions, and smart cooking algorithm this is one of the Best Japanese Rice Cookers available.

Pros:

  • Easy operation
  • LCD display
  • Multiple programs
  • 7 menu settings
  • 24 hours delay timer
  • 24 hours keep warm

Cons:

  • Short power cord

6. Dash DRCM200GBPK04 rice cooker Review

No Rice Cooker for people living alone? Dash Mini with its 2-cup capacity is the perfect option for students living in dorms and people living alone in other cities for work. Dash Mini is able to fulfill all your needs because it can cook oatmeal, stew, soup, quinoa, rice, pasta, and steam vegetable for you. The Dash DRCM200GBPK04 is the best affordable Japanese rice cooker. 2 cup capacity allows you to cook a quick and healthy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or sides effortlessly.

Dash mini makes cooking super comfortable, all you gotta do is add water, uncooked rice, pasta, and veggies, press the and your meal will be ready in less than 20 minutes. The device has a keep-warm function and an indicator light that lets you know what’s cooking.

Dash mini rice cooker is a must-have kitchen utensil for the apartment, small kitchen, college dorm, camper, or RV traveling folks. Available in 9 colors you can select one that perfectly matches your kitchen décor. With this little guy, you no longer have to worry about overcooked, undercooked, or burnt ingredients, and have perfectly cooked delicious meals every time every day.

Pros:

  • Easy to operate
  • Available in 9 colors
  • Saves time and money
  • Easy cleaning
  • Impeccable rice

Cons:

  • Might be small if you eat a lot

7. Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5.5 Cup Micom Rice Cooker Review

The Zojirushi NS TSC10 is capable of cooking a maximum of 5.5 cups (uncooked) rice. The incorporated MICOM technology automatically adapts the cooking temperature to the type of rice you are cooking.

The rice cooker has a menu setting for white rice, sushi, mixed, porridge, brown rice, cake, steam, and quick cook setting. The mixed rice setting comes in handy when you add extra ingredients to the rice such as veggies or something.

It has an automatic keep warm and extended keep warm cycle as well as a reheating function. The feature keeps the rice warm at serving temperature without letting it dry out or burning. The steam vent releases steam during the cooking so it would be nice to have some open are above the rice cooker.

The fuzzy logic which is one of the selling points of Zojirushi rice cookers adjusts the temperature and the cooking time so the actual rice cooking times might vary by as much as 15 minutes depending upon the logic of the built-in smart microcomputer.

In addition to that, the rice cooker comes with a non-stick inner pot which makes it easier to clean but you have to be careful with the coating and don’t scratch it with any hard utensils. Its wise to use the included rice spatula for the safety of the non-stick coating pot. The included steaming basket is BPA-free which means you are cooking healthy and eating healthy. You can use the steam setting and steam basket to steam vegetables or anything you’d like. Steaming as well as cooking rice will limit the ability of the cooker to cook 5.5 cups of rice as the space is being occupied by the steam basket.

Moving on, please note that you can cook min one measuring cup of rice which is the smallest amount of rice but it is still well cooked. About cooking time, the white rice usually takes about 60 minutes however, if you’d like to cook quickly, the quick cook settings got your back. It will only take 45 minutes with the quick cook settings. Brown rice takes about 90-120 minutes. The brown rice settings allow for longer preheating and cooking time to ensure you get precise results. Oh, don’t forget to rinse the rice before putting in the inner cooking pot. For quinoa seeds, you will use the white rice setting but you will have to do a little experimentation in order to get the best results as the rice cooker lacks quinoa settings.

For cleaning, the steamer and non-stick inner cooking pot are dishwasher safe which is a blessing. However, if you hand-wash the inner pot the non-stick coating may last longer than expected. Cleaning with warm soapy water is not too much trouble!

Pros:

  • Retractable power cord
  • Cooks perfect white and brown rice
  • Delay timer to cook porridge for breakfast and rice for dinner
  • Keep warm and extended keep warm mode
  • Well designed
  • Can steam veggies and cook rice simultaneously

Cons:

  • Takes longer than usual
  • Brown rice takes about 2 hours to cook

8. Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup Rice Cooker Review

If you are on a tight budget and looking for a rice cooker that can handle cooking rice for 1-2 people, Zojirushi NHS-06 3-cup rice cooker would be just fine. This compact and simple rice cooker is incredibly easy to use and maintain and comes with some nice accessories that let you prep, cook and serve rice with comfort.

You don’t have to pay extra or go for a huge twenty-cup rice cooker to enjoy fresh and perfectly cooked rice. A small rice cooker such as Zojirushi NHS 06 is a 3 cup rice cooker that is perfect for those who cook for one person or a small family. Also, it helps cut down on waste and allows you to prepare only the quantity you need for one meal. It is super beginner-friendly and has pretty basic features and controls that allow to just set it and forget it. A hands-off experience is what it has to offer!

It features stay-cool handles, which is a great safety feature to ensure you don’t get burnt hand accidentally. It further makes it easy to transport the cooker from one place to another in the kitchen, especially from stove to the table. In addition to that, the inner pot of the rice cooker is made out of durable ceramic material with a non-stick coating that prevents rice from sticking to the surface of the pot ultimately making it easy to serve and clean.

The control part is very easy for the rice cooker comes with pretty basic controls. It has single switch control that you will press to initiate the cooking process once you add the required amount of rice and water. There aren’t any special settings for cooking oatmeal, quinoa, white rice or brown rice instead this single setting will be used for whatever is that you are going to cook. With this small size and low-price tag, you will miss out on some special features such as slow cooking, one-pot meals, and preset cooking menus to cook a variety of meals. A single switch is all you get!

To cook brown rice with a Zojirushi NHS-06 rice cooker, you will have to have a close eye on the cooking cycle and manually end the cooking cycle as and when you deem fit. Furthermore, this model comes with a thick detachable glass lid which is cool if you want to have a close eye on the cooking process. The lid comes with a stay-cool knob which makes it safe to remove. There is also a steamer tray included that you can use to steam anything you’d like. A measuring cup and a rice paddle are added bonuses. Once the rice is ready, the cooker turns off automatically and the keep warm mode kicks in. it’s a perfect rice cooker for singles or a small family if you don’t cook tons of rice every day!

Pros:

  • Compact, small and elegant
  • Well-designed and well-priced
  • Easy to operate
  • Keep warm
  • See-through glass lid
  • Steaming tray, measuring cup, rice paddle
  • Stay cool handle and lid knob

Cons:

  • Lacks preset cooking menus
  • Small for an average family

9. Panasonic SR-HZ106 5 Cup Japanese Rice Cooker Review

Panasonic SR-HZ106 is a 5 cup (uncooked) rice cooker with a larger than average size capacity and it is capable of doing so much more than just cooking your rice. Considering the price, it offers an impressive set of features and preprogrammed cooking options and all that in a super durable and compact rice cooker that is very easy to clean. You can rely on the Panasonic SR-HZ106 rice cooker for more than just cooking rice. If you like homemade porridge, steamed veggies, or a bowl of stew, this multicooker should be given a chance.

The specs of the rice cooker claim that the machine can handle up to 10 cups of rice but let us clear something: Most manufacturers list the rice cooking capacity in uncooked rice but Panasonic does the opposite. So, 10 cups cooked rice means this rice cooker can handle 5 cups of uncooked rice.

Moving on, this is an induction heating unit which means the rice will cook evenly and swiftly compared to other models. Induction heating makes sure every grain is perfectly cooked and it is guaranteed that you will get a perfectly cooked batch every time.

With Panasonic SR-HZ106 you get a machine that not only can handle large batches or rice but allow you to slow cook stews, fish, steam vegetables, prep oatmeal and soups. If you need a rice cooker that is capable of cooking more than rice, this Panasonic model is a great option at a reasonable price compared to other competing models in the market.

The rice cooker is a highly programmable machine and it comes with 13 presets and you get to choose which type of rice you are going to cook in order to get the precise results. The presets include, long grain, short grain, yellow, brown, white, frozen rice, sticky rice, mixed, rinse-free, quick cook, quinoa, and veggies.

Also, the inner pot features a 7-layer design with diamond coating and the exterior of the pot is made out of copper for impressive heat conductivity. Further, there is a non-stick coating on the inside to make it further easy to clean.

It is not often that you get to buy a multi-functional and multi-purpose rice cooker this durable. The biggest selling feature of this rice cooker is its diamond-coated inner cooking pot. Loaded with multiple features and tons of presets it comes with a rice paddle, cereal scoop, adjustable steaming basket and a measuring cup.

Pros:

  • Multi-functional and versatile
  • 13 cooking presets
  • Programmable
  • 7-layer diamond-coated inner pan
  • Steaming basket
  • Can cook a wide range of dishes
  • Delay timer

Cons:

  • Pricey

10. Zojirushi NL-GAC10 BM Umami Micom Rice Cooker Review

Introduced in March this year, Zojirushi NL GAC10 BM is a 5.5 cup rice cooker and warmer with amazing fuzzy logic Umami and MICOM technology that steams the rice longer than usual for enhanced and better taste and flavor. The rice cooker has secured an impressive 5/5-stars rating on amazon so far.

For medium and average size families, a 5.5 cup rice cooker is perfectly fine. Measuring at 16.75×11.75×11.25 inch the rice cooker and warmer is space savers as well. It comes equipped with 12 menu settings so you have a wide range of choices to cook for your loved ones. The versatile preprogrammed cooking menu includes white, umami, mixed, sushi/sweet, jasmine, porridge, congee, brown, GABA brown, quick white, quick jasmine, steam, and slow cook.

A keep warm feature makes sure your meal stays warm for a couple of hours at serving temperature. While with the delay timer, you can prep the toss in the ingredients in advance and set the timer. Your meal will be ready at the designated time without having to lift a finger. A Delay timer is a pretty handy feature for folks who are always having trouble managing their cooking routine.

Furthermore, it has an extended keep warm feature which lets you keep your meal warm for more than several hours. The inner pot being nonstick is super convenient to clean up. If you don’t like hand-washing, the inner pot and the steaming basket are dishwasher safe so cleaning is taken care of right there.

If you are willing to spend some extra bucks, Zojirushi NL GAC10 BM is a cooking machine that will not disappoint. The sleek and stylish design and tons of preset cooking menu settings are worth exploring.

Pros:

  • Fuzzy logic
  • MICOM and Umami technology
  • Versatile cooking partner
  • The dishwasher-safe inner pot and steaming basket
  • Elegant and attractive design
  • Easy to navigate menu settings
  • Nonstick-coated inner cooking pot
  • BPA free steaming basket

Cons:

  • Expensive

Besides, this Zojirushi Umami Micom cooker is constructed with BPA-free materials for health safety. Are you in search of a rice cooker for your family? Read this Zojirushi Umami Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer review to know whether it’s the right choice for you.

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

TIGER JBV-A10U is a high-quality rice cooker that can cook up tasty and nutritious meals for you to enjoy at home. It has two variants with 5-cup or 10 cup capacity with your choice of either white, brown or wild rice.

The TIGER JBV-A10U rice cooker is a high-tech product that has been designed with the latest technology in mind. It’s made from durable plastic, and its Syncro cooking function “tacook” makes it possible to cook both main dish or rice at once.

TIGER JBV-A10U rice cooker functions

TIGER rice cooker lets you cook up a storm without the hassle of using an oven. You can choose from 4 different cooking modes: Synchrony-cooking, plain or brown rice and slow cook for your perfect meal every time. The Tiger Rice Cooker is easy to use with its well-labeled buttons that tell users exactly what settings each button corresponds.

Pros:

  • Best for beginner
  • Accessories are dishwasher safe
  • Hassle-free cleaning
  • Effortless cooking
  • Perfect for one-pot meals
  • Sturdy and reliable

Cons:

  • Short lifespan
  • The inner pot is prone to scratches

12. Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer

Zojirushi’s NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer is a sleek, high-quality appliance that will make your rice tastier than ever. With three cups of uncooked capacity and an easy-to-use control panel on top for operating the device with ease while cooking or warming other foods in another pan simultaneously; this black stainless steel cooker from Japan has been designed specifically so you can get more done during less time efficiently.

This Zojirushi rice cooker is made of stainless steel. It has triple heater (bottom, side and lid) that generates heat all around for even heating. It makes an effortless job to make your favorite meals with this sleek yet durable appliance.

Pros:

  • Fuzzy logic
  • Compact and attractive design
  • User friendly
  • Triple heating elements
  • Even heat distribution

Cons:

  • High Price

13. Tiger JNP-1500-FL 8-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker and Warmer

You can always count on Tiger JNP-1500-FL rice cooker to make me a delicious, fluffy bowl of jasmine every time. The inclusion of an automatic warmer is convenient for when we want our food right away.

Tiger rice cooker can cook 8 cups of aromatic and flavorful rice which is perfect for large families, with the help from this device you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time. It has a Keep-warm function that keeps the food warm up to 12 hours after cooking time. Tiger’s rice cooker includes a spatula and measuring cup to make cooking easier. All of the accessories are dishwasher safe, so you don’t have worry about cleaning up after your meal.

The Tiger Rice Cooker comes with all sorts of useful tools that will simplify preparing perfect meals every.

Pros:

  • Straightforward control
  • One button operation
  • Automatic Keep warm feature
  • Perfect as a gift
  • Huge 8-cup cooking capacity

Cons:

  • Not so versatile 

14. Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH Induction Heating System Rice Cooker Review

The Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH Induction Heating System Rice Cooker and Warmer is a sleek, black rice cooker that can be used for any occasion. It features an induction heating plate which means it doesn’t require much energy when in us.

With the Zojirushi rice cooker, you can keep your meal just as warm and delicious for hours. With an automatic keep-warm function, it’s perfect if there are more guests coming over than expected.

The dark gray color of this product was designed to blend in seamlessly with most kitchens without drawing attention away from them or overwhelming its surroundings – making sure everything looks good. Zojirushi rice cookers are a great investment for any busy family. The stainless steel exterior and nonstick coating make cleanup easy while fitting into your kitchen décor.

Pros:

  • Easy to maintain
  • Premium look and feel
  • Cooks rice very well
  • Keep warm feature
  • Versatile and dependable
  • User-friendly controls

Cons:

  • It might take a while to cook brown rice
  • Expensive

15. Zojirushi NP-NWC10XB Pressure Induction Heating Rice Cooker

A must-have for any rice lover, this Zojirushi NP-NWC10XB Pressure Induction Heating Rice Cooker & Warmer features a stainless steel exterior with an ergonomic stay-cool plastic handle that stays cool on the stovetop or oven while cooking. It also has 5.5 cup capacity and can cook white, brown, wild varieties like risotto-style dishes. The precision heating system evenly distributes steam inside each individual grain of rice without burning them which means you get fluffy grains every time.

There are so many different settings for the rice cooker to choose from. It includes white (regular or softer), umami, mixed rice, sushi/sweet, Jasmine, and porridge; others allow you make congee that is similar in consistency to oatmeal but made of long-grain brown rice. Additional options will let your cook GABA Brown, Steel Cut Oatmeals, rinse-free.

Pros:

  • A wide range of one-touch programs
  • Three reheating options
  • Hassle-free cleaning
  • Premium build quality
  • Includes steamer option
  • Programmable with fuzzy logic
  • User friendly

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Instruction might be hard to follow for beginners

16. Zojirushi NP-GBC05XT Induction Heating System Rice Cooker

The Zojirushi NP-GBC05XT Induction Heating System Rice Cooker and Warmer is a sleek, professional-looking appliance. It has an easy-to-use interface with three cup cooking capacity for all your meal needs.

The brown color finish of this product will add warmth in any kitchen or dining area while adding elegance as well because who doesn’t love seeing the good design on their countertop every day? The Zojirushi rice cooker has a Black thick spherical inner cooking pan and heating system to ensure even heating for perfectly cooked rice. The Zojirushi rice cooker is the perfect size for smaller families. The Easy-to-read LCD control panel and clock functions make cooking a breeze!

Pros:

  • Induction heating technology
  • Multiple cooking settings
  • 3 cups rice capacity
  • Perfect for small families
  • Automatic operation
  • Comes with all accessories
  • User-friendly interface
  • Handy Keep warm feature

Cons:

  • The inner cooking pot is prone to scratches
  • Takes time to cook brown rice

17. Tiger JAX-T10U-K 5.5-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker

Tiger JAX-T10U 5.5 cup rice cooker is the perfect kitchen appliance for any foodie who loves cooking different rice. The sleek and stylish stainless steel finish will add a modern touch to your countertop, while still being durable enough so you can use it every day without fear of chipping or scratching due to its robust construction.

Tiger’s rice cooker is the perfect gift for any family! You can cook a wide range of delicious meals in it. It has 4-in1 functions and 10 computerized cooking menu settings, which will help you make great food even better with ease – especially when using Tiger’s easy instructions booklet.

Tiger rice cooker is not just for people who have a lot of time on their hands. Easy to remove and wash inner lid with an easy-to-clean detachable steam cap. Terrific Tiger rice cookers are perfect if you’re looking to avoid the mess that can happen when using other types of cooking methods or want your food prepared quickly without having to do anything special at all.

Pros:

  • 10 cooking functions
  • Nonstick inner cooking pan
  • Easy to clean
  • Perfect for one-pot meals with a TaCook plate
  • Multiple accessories
  • Available in 5.5 and 10 cup size
  • Embedded Micom technology

Cons:

  • Takes longer than other rice cookers to cook
  • Leaves a strange smell for the first time

18. Tiger Corporation Tiger JKT-D10U 5.5-Cup Rice Cooker Review

Tiger Corporation’s Tiger JKT-D10U 5.5-Cup (Uncooked) IH Rice Cooker is a must-have for any household that loves to cook up their own rice! It features an all-black exterior and stainless steel finish, making this appliance both stylish as well practical in use.

The Tiger rice cooker is available in 5.5 as well as 10 cup cooking capacity, which makes it perfect for both small or medium-sized families and large gatherings of people who want tasty and healthy meals without all the work.

Pros:

  • Durable stainless-steel material
  • Available in 5.5 and 10 cups variants
  • Compact and portable design
  • Stay cool handle
  • Easy to navigate control system
  • Digital display with timer

Cons:

  • Non that we found

How To Choose The Best Japanese Rice Cooker: Buying Guide

Here are some simple key points to consider while choosing the Best Japanese Rice Cooker.

Price

The price tag is most of the time the primary thing that comes in our minds while buying anything. If you are looking for a rice cooker for the very basic purpose of cooking rice, we’d recommend you to go for a rice cooker with a low price tag. Such rice cookers do have all the basic functions and they do the job pretty well. Expensive rice cookers have added features and functions of course such as yogurt making, cake baking, cooking all sorts of grains, etc.

Volume

Here is our thought about the size of the rice cooker: If you don’t cook more than 2 cups of rice why would you buy a bigger machine that will consume more electricity, that will require more time to clean and the price tag will be higher as well. Always go for a rice cooker with the right capacity to save unnecessary power consumption. Choose your rice cooker considering the below points:

  1. 1-2 member family: 2 Cups Capacity
  2. 2-4 member family: 3 Cups Capacity
  3. 4-6 member family: 5 Cups Capacity
  4. 6-8 member family: 5-7 Cups Capacity
  5. 8-10 member family: 10 Cups Capacity

Technology and Features

With the basic functioning or rice cooking, there are various features that you may consider suiting to your needs and requirements. In addition to cooking rice, a cooker can also prepare porridge, soup, cake and steam vegetables and meat. Some of the devices are multifunctional such as pressure cooker, slow cooker, sauté and browning, reheat, delay timer, extended keep warm modes etc.

With simpler versions, you can cook porridge and boil vegetables but you will have to babysit and check the device again and again in order to make sure you don’t let the device operate in the cooking mode for too long. Once the rice is ready, you have to switch it to keep warm mode.

The advanced rice cookers such as the best Japanese rice cooker listed above have a smart cooking algorithm, fuzzy logic technology and microcomputers installed in it which can make minor changed to make sure rice doesn’t get burnt and it automatically switches to keep warm mode. You do not need to babysit the stove anymore but all that comes with a higher price tag.

Rice Cooker Material

The cooking quality depends upon the material used in the rice cooker. Especially the inner pot is a vital part when it comes to healthy cooking. Low-grade, low-quality inner pots release dangerous chemicals that when mixed with the meal creates serious health issues for the users. Always make sure the material used in the rice cooker is of food-grade, high quality and not dangerous for your health.

How to use the best Japanese Rice cooker?

Special Tips for Using a Japanese Rice Cooker

Do not wash the rice in the pot

Washing rice in the pot may cause the inner nonstick coating to peel off quickly. So wash the rice in a separate bowl or bigger pot rather than using the rice cooker pot.

Dry your rice cooker

Always dry the exterior and bottom of the inner pot before inserting it in the rice cooker. It prevents external elements from going into the rice cooker that may cause a bad smell. The action as well protects the internal area from dust.

Insert the inner pot carefully

Use both of your hands while putting the inner pot into the rice cooker. Avoid throwing it in carelessly as it may cause uneven heating issues, damage to the pot or inner mechanism.

Air Vents

Make sure the steam vents are not blocked and don’t open the lid while cooking.

Use of Rice Scoop

Please note that do not ever use a metal scoop. Always use a plastic or wooden that is friendly with the fragile inner coating that may damage in case you use a metal one.

Cleaning and Washing

When it comes to cleaning, some of the rice cookers are dishwasher safe others are not. Clean the devices without rubbing or scrubbing. Use a soft cloth to clean the inner pot and the exterior body also. Rice cookers usually do not burn the rice, but in case it does, soak the cooker in warm water and use a soft cloth to clean rather than sandpaper scrubs. Always clean the steam vents regularly to avoid any bad odor.

Storing the Rice Cooker

Store the rice cooker on a safe, cold, dry, smooth, and flat surface. Never store the cooker near a heat source.

Read the Instructions Properly

Most of the rice cooker has LED / LCD display and control panel. To start using a rice cooker properly you should go through the instruction manual thoroughly and read every bit of it not to miss out on anything important. Almost every Japanese Rice Cooker has instructions in multiple languages especially in English for international users.

No matter how simple the rice cooker is, it still is a complicated machine that acts differently from a traditional stovetop. So we suggest that you start from very basic functions such as cooking white rice and gradually start using extended functions and features like porridge, stew, sauté, browning, and other cooking modes (Standard, Quick, Slow cook, keep warm, delay timer, extended keep warm, and reheating). Since it is an electronic gadget, hence if handled poorly the damage could be huge. So be sure before you use any function and use the device carefully. In short, know your rice cooker to the best you can.

Use included measuring cup and accessories

Every rice cooker comes with added accessories such as a rice measuring cup, soup spoon, and serving spatula. Use the same measuring cup for measurements of rice and the same spoon for stirring the rice. Do not use different measuring cups as they might have different sizes.

What is special about a Japanese rice cooker?

Japanese rice cookers are special because they make the perfect pot of rice. The cooker evenly distributes heat to cook the rice slowly and evenly, which results in fluffy and sticky rice that is perfect every time. Additionally, Japanese rice cookers are often made with high-quality materials that last for years, making them a worthwhile investment for anyone who loves homemade rice.

Are Japanese rice cookers different?

Japanese rice cookers are different because they use neuro-fuzzy logic technology. Neuro-fuzzy logic is a combination of two fields of computer science – neural networks and fuzzy logic. Neural networks are modeled after the brain, while fuzzy logic is concerned with the way humans deal with uncertainty. Neuro-fuzzy logic combines the best features of both these disciplines to create a system that can learn and adapt like a human brain, but that is also able to make precise calculations like a computer.

This combination of capabilities makes neuro-fuzzy logic ideally suited for tasks that involve complex patterns and large amounts of data, such as controlling the heating process in a rice cooker. Neuro-fuzzy logic can “learn” how to cook rice perfectly by monitoring the individual’s cooking.

What is the best Japanese rice cooker?

The best Japanese rice cooker is the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5-1/2-Cup Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer. This rice cooker has neuro fuzzy technology, which means it can sense the amount of moisture in the air and adjust cooking times and temperatures accordingly. This ensures perfect rice every time.

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 also has a number of other features that make it an excellent choice for those who want to cook perfect rice every time. These features include:

* A delay timer so you can set the cooker to start cooking at a later time.
* A keep warm setting so your rice will stay warm until you’re ready to eat it.

Why are Japanese rice cookers so expensive?

Unlike American or other brands, Japanese rice cookers are well equipped with the most sophisticated and advanced tech such as Fuzzy logic and smart cooking algorithm. Some of the models are equipped with microcomputers that enable the machine to make necessary adjustments in temperature and pressure to provide you deliciously cooked restaurant-quality aromatic and fluffy rice every single time.

Which brand of rice cooker is the best?

Zojirushi is the best brand of rice cookers, although Cuckoo, Aroma, Tiger, Panasonic, Hitachi, and many other brands are manufacturing top-notch rice cookers still people trust Zojirushi more. Korean rice cookers however are on par with Japanese rice cookers. 

Conclusion

When it comes to rice, there are many types of cooking methods. Some people prefer the stovetop method, while others choose a microwave or electric pressure cooker. If you’ve been looking for an easy way to cook delicious Japanese rice without any hassle these best Japanese rice cookers will surely take your cooking experience to another level!

For someone looking to buy a rice cooker, the best advice is not just to purchase one but invest in an expensive model with different settings. This will allow you to cook white or brown rice on your own terms and preferences as well as jasmine rice if desired.

The Japanese Rice Cookers are time-tested appliances that have been a hit in Japan and around the globe for decades! It will cook your rice perfectly every time, come with all the manual instructions you could need, and even have an automatic setting to take care of everything. Hope you will find the ONE! Do leave us a comment if you need any assistance!

About the author

Avatar photo

Marry

Marry is an American, Housewife by profession and has a passion for cooking. she is the owner of findricecooker.com, where she provides information and tips on choosing the best rice cookers on the market. She is also a contributor to many blogs, where she shares her culinary knowledge and expertise.
Marry has been cooking rice for over 10 years, and she has tried just about every method and machine out there. She has experience with both electric and gas rice cookers, and she knows what to look for when choosing a quality cooker.
Marry is passionate about helping others find the perfect rice cooker, air fryer, oven, and coffee maker for their needs, and she is always happy to share her knowledge with anyone who needs it.