Introduction
Rice is a staple food for many people around the world. It can be cooked in different ways and paired with various dishes. However, cooking rice perfectly can be tricky, especially on the stovetop. That’s why many people opt for a rice cooker, a device that can make fluffy and delicious rice every time with minimal effort. One of the most popular and trusted brands of rice cookers is Zojirushi. Zojirushi rice cookers are known for their innovative features, durable design, and consistent performance.
They can cook different types of rice, such as white, brown, sushi, mixed, and more. They also have smart functions that adjust the cooking time and temperature according to the type and amount of rice. Some models even have induction heating and pressure cooking technology for faster and better results. But with so many models to choose from, how do you know which one is the best for you? In this article, we will review the best Zojirushi rice cookers based on their functionality, quality, and price. We will also give you some tips on how to use and maintain your Zojirushi rice cooker.
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Zojirushi NS-ZCC18 Neuro
This is our top pick for the best Zojirushi rice cooker because it has everything you need in a rice cooker. It has a large capacity of 10 cups (uncooked), which can feed a big family or a group of friends. It has a Neuro Fuzzy logic technology that automatically adjusts the cooking settings to produce perfect rice every time. It has multiple menu settings for different types of rice, such as white, brown, sushi, porridge, sweet, etc. It also has a keep warm function that keeps the rice at an optimal temperature for up to 12 hours. It has an easy-to-read LCD display, a timer function, a retractable cord, and a spherical inner pot that ensures even heating.
2. Best Advanced: Zojirushi NP-NVC10
This is the most advanced model from Zojirushi and it comes with a hefty price tag. However, if you want the best of the best, this is the one for you. It has an induction heating system that generates heat from the bottom, sides, and lid of the inner pot for faster and more even cooking. It also has a pressure cooking function that increases the temperature above boiling point to make the rice softer and more flavorful. It has an artificial intelligence (AI) technology that learns from your cooking habits and selects the optimal settings for each type of rice. It has multiple menu settings for white rice (regular, softer, or harder), mixed rice, sushi rice, porridge, brown rice, GABA brown rice (germinated brown rice), etc. It also has an umami setting that enhances the flavor of the rice by soaking it before cooking.
3. Best Budget: Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup
This is the cheapest model from Zojirushi and it is ideal for those who want a simple and affordable rice cooker. It has a small capacity of 3 cups (uncooked), which is enough for one or two people. It has a single switch that toggles between cook and keep warm modes. It has a nonstick inner pot that is easy to clean and a glass lid that lets you monitor the cooking process. It also comes with a measuring cup and a spatula.
4. Best Compact: Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT
This is another small-capacity model from Zojirushi that is perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms. It has a capacity of 3 cups (uncooked) and it has a sleek black and stainless steel design that looks modern and elegant. It has a Micom technology that adjusts the cooking temperature and time according to the type of rice. It has multiple menu settings for white/mixed rice, sushi rice, brown rice.
Things to Consider
If you love rice, you might want to invest in one of the best Zojirushi rice cookers. Zojirushi is a Japanese brand that specializes in making high-quality rice cookers with advanced features and functions. In this article, we will review some of the best Zojirushi rice cookers and help you choose the right one for your needs. Before buying a Zojirushi rice cooker, there are some things you should consider, such as:
- The size and capacity of the rice cooker. Zojirushi offers different models that can cook from 3 to 10 cups of rice. Depending on how much rice you usually cook and how many people you serve, you should pick the appropriate size for your kitchen.
- The type and variety of rice you want to cook. Zojirushi rice cookers can cook different types of rice, such as white, brown, sushi, mixed, porridge, and more. Some models also have settings for quinoa, oatmeal, cake, and other dishes. You should look for a rice cooker that can handle the kind of rice you prefer and offer more options if you like to experiment.
- The features and functions of the rice cooker. Zojirushi rice cookers have various features and functions that make them easy to use and convenient. Some of these include a nonstick inner pot, a detachable inner lid, a keep warm function, a delay timer, a LCD display, a measuring cup, a rice spatula, and more. You should compare the features and functions of different models and see which ones suit your needs.
FAQs
Q: How do I clean my Zojirushi rice cooker?
A: To clean your Zojirushi rice cooker, you should unplug it and let it cool down completely. Then, you should wash the inner pot and the inner lid with warm water and mild detergent. You should also wipe the exterior of the rice cooker with a damp cloth. You should not immerse the rice cooker or the power cord in water or use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
Q: How long does it take to cook rice in a Zojirushi rice cooker?
A: The cooking time of rice in a Zojirushi rice cooker depends on the type and amount of rice you are cooking. Generally, it takes about 40 to 60 minutes to cook white rice and about 60 to 90 minutes to cook brown rice. You can check the manual or the LCD display of your rice cooker for more specific cooking times.
Q: What is the difference between fuzzy logic and induction heating in Zojirushi rice cookers?
A: Fuzzy logic and induction heating are two technologies that Zojirushi uses in some of its rice cookers. Fuzzy logic is a system that adjusts the cooking temperature and time according to the type and amount of rice you are cooking. Induction heating is a system that uses magnetic fields to heat the entire inner pot evenly and precisely. Both technologies aim to produce optimal results for different kinds of rice.
Conclusion
Zojirushi is one of the best brands when it comes to rice cookers. They offer various models that can suit different needs and preferences. If you want to enjoy delicious and fluffy rice every time, you should consider buying one of the best Zojirushi rice cookers. You should also pay attention to the size, capacity, type, variety, features, and functions of the rice cooker you choose.
