My expertise in the area of rice cookers stems from the time I have spent in Japan. Before I lived in Japan, the idea of eating rice on a daily basis was not appealing. However once you try eating rice that has been prepared properly you begin to see why rice is a staple food for a huge number of people across the world. I now consider myself an ambassador for the simple rice grain and genuine Japanese rice cookers. On this site you will find a wide range of online rice cooker reviews manufactured by a range of companies.

My focus will be on discussing Japanese rice cookers that have been designed for the Western market. In effect these machines are very similar to those sold in Japan itself. However important differences include working at the correct voltage as well as having buttons and instructions in the English language. I use my rice cooker on an almost daily basis and specialize in making all in one mixed rice dishes, or as the Japanese would say, takikomi-gohan. I am compiling a list of my favorite rice cooker recipes on this site.

In Japan, the rice cooker market leader is the company, Zojirushi. Many people decide to buy a Zojirushi rice cooker because of their excellent reputation. They make a wide range of top quality rice cooking appliances, including the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10, Zojirushi NP-HBC10 and the brand new Zojirushi NS-YAC10 machines. By clicking the picture links above you are able to find the cheapest prices for these machines on Amazon.com.

To find out more on me, you can click the About link at the top of this page or read about my rice cooker. If you have any questions or comments regarding rice cookers, please leave a comment or contact me via the contact page above. Let me help you find the best rice cooker.

You can get a discount 8 cup rice cooker on Amazon. These devices are cheaper than most Japanese brands and offer pretty good value for money. The issue is that they do not have quite the same level of electronic components. So if you require a Micom rice cooker, then you would be better off with a Zojirushi, Panasonic or other Japanese brand.

However, if you are more interested on saving money on the purchase of your unit then an 8 cup rice cooker makes a great choice. There are a few Western brands to choose from. The machines featured above are produced by Aroma and Cuisinart (then Aroma again).

The beauty of these 8 cup rice cookers is that they are capable of preparing more than just rice. In effect they also have some slow cooker functionality as well. You can make soups, stews and use them to steam vegetables too. For well under $100, these appliances might be the right option for you.

To be honest, I personally prefer the functionality of rice cookers that have the Micom (Micro Computerized) chip. But this sort of device is more expensive than the 8 cup rice cookers pictured above. If you take a look on the Amazon website, you will be able to find out more about their specifications.

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For many people, a stainless steel rice cooker is the most attractive choice. The model that I have myself, the Zojirushi NP-GC05 is this style. For me, they are the most attractive sort that are on sale today. They are really easy to keep clean too.

We have to remember though that as far as their functionality is concerned, they are still just machines for making rice. This is all about the design and styling. Of course, this is something that is very important if you want to leave your machine on display in your kitchen. The best rice cooker is one that not only makes great tasting rice but also looks good.

As always, you can find these machines for sale on the Amazon website at decent prices. Just having the stainless steel styling does not seem to alter the price of the units significantly. Instead, it is the technology that they contain, e.g. Micom, Induction Heating and so on that affects the price to a much greater extent.

The Zojirushi NP-HTC10 is a pretty cool machine. This is in fact the top of the range model sold in the U.S. today. The price of the unit reflects the fact that it is a feature packed model. It includes, Micom, Induction Heating and Pressure Cooking. On top of this, it has a unique stainless steel body. Zojirushi call the coating, stainless brown.

When you look at rice cooker reviews, the main choices that you have are the size of machine as well as the price of the unit. Design is of course a very important issue, but I would personally class this as an item of secondary significance.

The regular sized cup is for measuring out nearly all kinds of rice, (e.g. white, brown). This cup has a 180ml capacity.

A slightly smaller cup is often included with machines that have a rinse free cooking option. This cup is slightly smaller at 171ml. It is only to be used for rinse free rice.

For completeness, a standard U.S. cup is exactly 236.588237ml.

So the normal rice cooker cup is 76% as large as a standard U.S. cup, which is pretty much 3/4.

You can order replacement cups from the Zojirushi website for a couple of dollars.

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Induction Heating (IH) rice cookers are some of the most expensive ones available. If you want to compare prices of these models then Amazon is a good place to start. They have some of the best deals online. Realistically, if you want to get an IH rice cooker then you have to pay at least $250. But it is sure to be the best rice cooker you have ever owned. All models with an Induction Heating system are of course Micom rice cookers. The IH functionality is on top of the Micom system.

3 Cup Induction Heating

The only option if you want a 3 cup appliance is the Zojirushi NP-GBC05. As I have mentioned on other articles, I own the Japanese version of this machine, the Zojirushi NP-GD05. The difference between these two machines is mainly cosmetic. The buttons and markings on my inner cooking bowl are in Japanese. Other than that they are pretty much identical.

5 1/2 Cup Induction Heating

There is more choice when you start to look at larger machines. For example in the mid-sized devices, you can choose from the following Zojirushi models: NP-HBC10, NP-KAC10 and the NP-HTC10 which also has a Pressure Cooking function. The Sanyo ECJ-JG10W has both IH and a Variable Pressure control as well but comes at about $100 cheaper than the Zojirushi.

10 Cup Induction Heating

In the 10 cup range there are the Zojirushi NP-HBC18 and NP-KAC18 to choose from. These are basically just the same as the 5 cup models but have a slightly bigger capacity.

Is Induction Heating Worth It?

Getting a rice cooker with IH functionality adds a large amount to the cost. If you want the best then this is the choice you should make. It depends on how often you will use your rice cooker. The more regularly that you cook rice, the more worth paying the extra money becomes. Particularly if you have already owned a normal Micom rice cooker, if yo step up to an IH model, you will certainly notice the difference.

Budget Rice Cookers · Micom Rice Cookers

If you want to buy a single serving rice cooker then what you are really considering is a 3 cup rice cooker. This is the smallest sized machine that is available to make rice. There is a huge variation in price. Some of the cheapest models include the Rival RC61 and the Black & Decker RC3303. These machines can be found on sites such as Amazon for under $20. However if you want the best rice cooker in this size then you should really read a Zojirushi NP-GBC05 review to find out more about this high quality rice cooker. In fact, I actually have the Japanese version of this machine myself, the Zojirushi NP-GD05, and I have to say it is the best rice cooker I have ever owned. It really all depends on how interested in eating rice you are and how much you can afford to spend as to whether or not the Zojirushi NP-GBC05 is for you. As far as single serving rice cookers go, it is definitely the best. Now admittedly my opinion is a little biased. After all, I own this kitchen appliance. But the reason I chose this one is because I researched the 3 cup cookers thoroughly before I made my purchase. So I knew beforehand that it was a top quality product. It can make all kinds of rice such as perfect white rice, succulent brown rice as well as GABA brown rice. Currently, the Zojirushi NP-GBC05 is the only 3 cup unit that has a setting for GABA brown so it is the rice cooker of choice for the health conscious.

Benefits of small rice cookers

To be clear, 3 cup rice cookers are great if you are living alone. Also if you live with your partner, it is probably the right size to choose. While these devices can feed up to five people, if you have three or more people to feed then you may want to consider a 5 1/2 cup rice cooker. When you buy a rice cooker, it is not a case of bigger being better. The aim is to find a machine that is the right size. The reason for this is that it is best to prepare at least 1/3 of the machine’s capacity. So in a 3 cup device making 1 cup or more of rice comes out best. You can in fact make just 1/2 a cup with the NP-GBC05 which still comes out well. But if you try to make just 1 cup in a 10 cup rice cooker, it is not as good as the same amount of rice in a smaller unit. To make the perfect single serving of rice, a 3 cup machine is the one to choose.

Single serving rice cooker features

The biggest difference between the budget machines and the more expensive models is that when you get up to about the $100 mark you are able to purchase a Micom rice cooker. These machines make noticeably better quality rice and are definitely the sort that you want to get if you are able to afford it. Some of the best machines are made by Sanyo, Panasonic and Zojirushi.

Where to buy a single serving rice cooker

If you want to get one of these machines for yourself then the best place to look is Amazon. You can compare prices of a wide variety of different appliances. They have the lowest prices online and are known for their safe and secure ordering system.

Panasonic SR-MS102 · Sanyo ECJ-HC55H

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When you look at the images of the Panasonic SR-MS102 and Sanyo ECJ-HC55H above, the look completely different. However that is just a trick of the picture sizes. They are in fact roughly the same size. Whether you buy a Panasonic SR-MS102 or buy a Sanyo ECJ-HC55H you get a versatile rice cooking device. In this rice cooker review you will see that these machines can do much more than just cooking rice. For example they both come with steamer trays that allow you to prepare the healthiest steamed vegetables. The Panasonic cooker can make cakes and the Sanyo device can prepare tofu. So while their main function is to cook rice, they can both do much more than that. They are both Micro Computerized rice cookers which is definitely the type to go for if you want one of the best rice cookers. You can read more about what Micom means here.

As far as the cost is concerned, you can find the best price for these machines on Amazon. Both the Panasonic and Sanyo devices are in the same price range. Strangely enough, Amazon is usually cheaper than if you were to buy a rice cooker from either company’s homepage. You can compare prices on Amazon with those on both the Panasonic homepage and the Sanyo homepage. More often that not you will see that Amazon has the best price.

The machines look quite different but you can actually get a white Sanyo machine if you buy a Sanyo ECJ-HC55S. This is the exact same machine as the one pictured above except that it is white instead of charcoal. The rice cookers pictured above both come with detachable inner lids which is an essential feature as far as I am concerned. This makes it so easy to get your machine completely clean after use.

Other minor differences are that the Panasonic SR-MS102 has a detachable power cord while the Sanyo ECJ-HC55H’s power cable is retractable. The Panasonic uses 835 watts while the Sanyo uses 645 Watts.

You can compare the Panasonic SR-MS102 and Sanyo ECJ-HC55H and read customer reviews on Amazon.

Zojirushi · Sanyo · Panasonic

The three most popular Japanese rice cooker brands in the United States and Canada at the moment are Zojiurhsi, Sanyo and Panasonic. In general their machines are all top quality products. If you can afford to get one, you should definitely try to buy a Micom rice cooker. All three brands make this style of machine and there is no doubt about it, Micom rice cookers are the best. Zojirushi are probably the most well respected rice cooker manufacturer in Japan. They have a very good reputation all over the world for the quality of their rice cooking devices. This is because their business is based around the design and production of these kitchen appliances. Sanyo and Panasonic on the other hand are larger companies that make a wide range of household electronics. The interesting thing is that in the arena of rice cookers, they all have something unique to offer. Sanyo rice cookers are possibly the most versatile of the three brands. For example, the Sanyo ECJ-S35K has a bread cooking function. Also many of their machines come with steamer trays to make delicious and healthy vegetables and many of them also have a slow cooker setting. This means they are also able to make stews and soups if you like. Panasonic’s selling point is that they are possibly the most reasonably priced Micom rice cookers. So within these Japanese rice cooker brands there should be a machine to suit your needs. An important point to remember is that the size of rice cooker you choose should correlate to the number of people in your household, e.g. don’t get a 3 cup rice cooker if you have a huge family and do not buy a 10 cup rice cooker if you live alone!

Japanese Rice Cooker Brand Main Points

• Zojirushi: solid reputation; for many people, the best Japanese rice cooker manufacturer.
• Sanyo: most versatile rice cookers; can make loads of different foods.
• Panasonic: top quality at the most affordable prices.

If you go to Amazon you are able to compare prices for a wide range of rice cooking appliances. Micom devices start at about $100 but if you have the money, you can pay as much as $400 if you like. To be honest, the more you spend, the better then machine you purchase will be. You really do, get what you pay for. Amazon are known for offering the lowest prices online and you can find some great deals there. Before you make your final purchasing decision it would be wise to read a range of reviews so that you can make an informed decision. You can check out a huge range of rice cooker reviews on this site for many of the models that are now on sale in the United States and Canada.

Panasonic SR-MS102 · Zojirushi NS-ZCC10

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The Panasonic SR-MS102 and Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 are very similar rice cookers. It depends upon your own cooking needs whether it makes more sense to buy a Panasonic SR-MS102 or buy a Zojirushi NS-ZCC10. First of all, they both look fairly similar with their white finish. Some people prefer the stainless steel colored finish while others like this clean white look. Both rice cookers feature an advanced Micom controller chip set with Fuzzy Logic technology. And they both come with rice spatulas and a measuring cup (the Zojirushi includes two cups, one for non-wash rice).

There are of course differences. While they are both made by Japanese electronics manufacturers, the Panasonic machine is produced by a company that makes a huge range of electronic devices and the NS-ZCC10 is made by Zojirushi who specialize in kitchen appliances, in particular, rice cookers. For me, this is one factor that makes me think that a Zojirushi is the best rice cooker of the two. But if you forget Zojirushi’s reputation and just look at the specifications, the Panasonic is the one that seems to shine.

For example the Panasonic SR-MS102 seems to be a more versatile rice cooker. It has a slow cooker setting which makes it perfect for cooking things like soups as well as stews. You can also use to make cakes. The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 does not have this feature. If you want to make cakes in a 5 1/2 cup Zojirushi you would have to buy a Zojirushi NS-TGC10 instead. Also the SR-MS102 comes with a steaming tray that attaches to the top of the rice cooking bowl. This is great for making healthy steamed vegetables and can be used at the same time as you are cooking rice. There is actually a dedicated steam setting so this so I personally would prefer to cook my vegetables in “clean steam” rather than rice steam.

Both of these rice cookers can be found for the best price on Amazon. They have the lowest prices online for a huge number of kitchen appliances.

Panasonic SR-MS102 · Zojirushi NS-TGC10

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Both the Panasonic SR-MS102 and Zojirushi NS-TGC10 are high quality Japanese rice cookers. Neither is a top of the range product but they are both Micom machines that can make great tasting rice. They are in the same price range so you may wonder whether either one of these machines is more suited to your specific needs.

To begin with they are both mid-sized rice cookers. They can make rice for up to ten people at once. So they are a good size for families. So the question is, should you buy a Panasonic SR-MS102 or purchase a Zojirushi NS-TGC10? This really comes down to your own personal preference. There are differences as well as many similarities. In this comparison review I shall try to highlight both where they are the same and where the differ.

Interestingly enough both of these rice cookers can be used to make cakes. Not all that many machines have this setting so it is somewhat rare to have two machines in the same class with this function. To be honest, the Panasonic model has a wider range of settings to cook different types of foods. It has a slow cooker setting and also comes with a steamer tray. The Zojirushi on the other hand has primarily, rice cooking options.

The Panasonic SR-MS102 is an advanced Micom rice cooker with Fuzzy Logic. Whereas the Zojirushi is a standard Micro Computerized (Micom) rice cooker. So far it seems like the Panasonic is the better buy because it has more functions and an advanced Micom chip set. However the trump card of the NS-TGC10 is that it is made by Zojirushi. While both companies are Japanese, it is Zojirushi that has a stronger reputation in their home country for manufacturing the best rice cookers.

I personally use a Zojirushi rice cooker so my opinion is somewhat biased. But it is an interesting conundrum as to whether to go with the company with the reputation or for the machine with more features.

Regardless of which one you are interested in, Amazon has the lowest prices online for both the Panasonic SR-MS102 and Zojirushi NS-TGC10 rice cookers.