A rice cooker is a household appliance typically used to cook rice. In Japan, rice cookers are commonly used in households and restaurants. Japanese rice cookers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be used to cook other dishes besides rice.
There are two main types of rice cookers: electric and gas. Electric rice cookers are the most common type used in Japan. Gas rice cookers are less common, but are still used in some households and restaurants.
Rice cookers work by boiling water to cook rice. The rice cooker automatically turns off when the rice is cooked. This makes it easy to cook rice without having to watch over it.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Japanese Rice Cooker
As you begin your search for the best Japanese rice cooker, take into account how often you’ll be using it and what other purposes it could serve. Storing and using the cooker, as well as considering how frequently you’ll need it, will give you a better understanding of what kind of cooker you’re looking for. There are many factors to consider such as type, capacity, material, cooking settings, controls, ease of cleaning, and other ways it can be used.
When rice cookers first came onto the market, they were a game-changer for anyone who loved rice. This appliance takes the guesswork out of cooking rice, yielding perfectly cooked rice every time. No more burnt rice or rice that is overcooked and mushy. Electric rice cookers automate the process of cooking rice, making it simple and easy.
Type
There are different types of rice cookers available on the market. The most popular type is the electric rice cooker. These cookers come in a variety of sizes and offer different features. Some rice cookers have a steamer basket that can be used to steam vegetables or fish. Others have a slow-cook function that can be used to make stews and soups.
Size/Capacity
When choosing a rice cooker, it is important to consider the capacity. If you have a large family or entertain often, you will want a rice cooker that has a higher capacity. If you are cooking for one or two people, a smaller rice cooker will suffice. It is also important to think about where you will be storing the rice cooker. If you have limited counter space, you may want to choose a rice cooker that can be stored in a cabinet.
Material
The material of the rice cooker is another important consideration. The two most popular materials are stainless steel and ceramic. Stainless steel rice cookers are durable and easy to clean. Ceramic rice cookers are also easy to clean but can be more delicate.
Cooking Settings
Most rice cookers have a variety of cooking settings. The most common settings are white rice, brown rice, and sushi rice. Some rice cookers also have a quick-cook setting for faster cooking times.
Controls
The controls of the rice cooker are another important consideration. Some rice cookers have manual controls while others have digital controls. Manual controls are typically knobs that you turn to set the cooking time and temperature. Digital controls are buttons that you push to set the cooking time and temperature.
Versatility
There are many different rice cookers on the market, from simple and inexpensive models to more advanced and expensive ones. But if you’re looking for a rice cooker that can do more than just cook rice, then you’ll want to consider one of the multi-functional rice cookers.
Multi-functional rice cookers come with a variety of features that make them perfect for cooking rice, as well as other dishes. Some rice cookers even have pressure cooking capabilities, which means they can cook food faster and more evenly.There are many other ways that rice cookers can be used. Some rice cookers come with a cake or bread baking function. Others have a keep-warm function that keeps rice warm for up to 12 hours.
Ease of Cleaning
When considering how easy a rice cooker is to clean, look for one with a removable inner pot. This feature allows you to easily clean the rice cooker without having to reach inside of it. Another feature to look for is a non-stick coating on the inner pot. This will make cleaning even easier and prevent rice from sticking to the pot.
Additional Features
Most rice cooker manufacturers include measuring cups with the cooker to ensure the appliances are used correctly. They will recommend you only use the cup that is included to measure and fill the cooker. This is because the cooker has been designed to cook rice according to the specific measurements of that cup. While it may seem easy to use your favorite home measuring cup, these can sometimes be slightly different from the one provided and might cause the rice not to be cooked as well as usual.
Additionally, many rice cookers come with a mixing paddle. The shape and size of these paddles are also designed specifically for the rice cookers. Using a different paddle can again result in less than perfect cooking results.
As you can see, there are many things to consider when choosing a rice cooker. By taking the time to think about what you need, you will be able to find the perfect rice cooker for your kitchen.
List of 10 Best Japanese Rice Cookers Reviews
1. Zojirushi NS-TSC18 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer, 10-Cups
The Zojirushi NS-TSC18 10-cup (uncooked) rice cooker and warmer is a versatile and reliable kitchen appliance that can cook perfect rice every time. It also comes with a steaming basket to double as a steamer and a cake menu setting to bake cakes. This unit uses a black thick inner cooking pan that provides even heating for better cooking and has an interchangeable melody and beep signal to indicate when the cooking cycle has ended. other highlights include a detachable and washable inner lid, an easy-to-read LED control panel, a stay-cool side handle, and a durable stainless steel exterior. The Zojirushi NS-TSC18 is a great choice for any home or professional kitchen.
The Zojirushi NS-TSC18 10-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker and Warmer features:
- micro computerized fuzzy logic technology
- a versatile steam setting
- an easy-to-clean clear coated stainless steel exterior
- automatic keep warm
- extended keep warm and reheating cycles
- a built-in retractable power cord
What We Liked:
- The Zojirushi NS-TSC18 10-cup rice cooker and warmer is a great choice for those who want perfectly cooked rice every time.
- The non-stick inner pot is easy to remove and clean, and the cooker comes with an internal reel that will keep your rice from sticking to the pot.
- The Zojirushi NS-TSC18 also has a steamer basket that can be used to steam vegetables or fish, making it a versatile cooker that can be used for more than just rice.
- The stainless steel exterior is easy to clean and looks great on your countertop.
What We Didn’t Like:
- The cooker cannot hold the included scoop, paddle, and steamer basket inside itself all at the same time for storage.
- The manual says that the cooker can make batches as small as 0.5 cups rice, but the internal pot is only marked for water levels for as low as 1.0 cup uncooked rice.
- The cord is not removable, so it’s not possible to store the cooker with the cord wrapped around it.
- The lid does not have a locking mechanism, so it’s possible for it to come off if the cooker is jostled around.
- The steam vent is located on the side of the lid, so it’s possible for steam to escape if the lid is not placed on correctly.
- The cooker does not come with a measuring cup, so you’ll have to provide your own.
2. Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker
This electric rice cooker from Zojirushi is the simplest way to steam your rice for dinner. It can cook up to 3 cups of rice, and features a glass lid with a stay-cool knob. The removable pan is non-stick, and the footed pot features stay-cool handles for safe transportation. Includes a plastic spatula for serving and a measuring cup. Rice cooker — 9-1/4″ diameter x 7-3/4″ H; Serving spatula — 7-3/4″ L x 2-3/4″ W; Measuring cup — 3″ diameter x 2-1/4″ H, with a 6 ounce capacity.
The Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker is a great choice for those who want an easy-to-use, single switch control rice cooker with see-through glass lid and stay cool knob. It also features stay cool handles for easy transport and a durable nonstick inner cooking pan.
What We Liked:
- Cooks rice evenly
- Keeps rice warm after cooking
- Automatic shut-off
- Easy to use
- Compact size
- Affordable
- Comes with a measuring cup and serving spatula
- Can be used to cook other grains (quinoa, barley, etc.)
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some users have found the cooking time to be too long
- The outside of the cooker gets hot during use
- Some users have found the plastic measuring cup to be flimsy
- Requires trial and error to get the perfect amount of water for cooking
- The manual does not include recipes
3. Aroma ARC-914SB 8-Cup (Cooked) Rice Cooker
The Aroma ARC-914SB 8-Cup (Cooked) Rice Cooker is the perfect appliance for busy families who want to enjoy easy home cooking. With its stainless steel construction and compact size, this rice cooker can perfectly cook 2 to 8 cups of any variety of rice. It also features a convenient one-touch operation, making it easy to prepare delicious and healthy meals for the whole family. Plus, the included steamer basket makes it easy to steam vegetables, fish, or chicken.
The Aroma ARC-914SB rice cooker is a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy perfectly cooked rice at home with just the touch of a button. This rice cooker can perfectly prepare 2 to 8 cups of any variety of cooked rice, and features simple one-touch operation with automatic keep-warm. Additionally, the improved steam vent and water reservoir make this rice cooker great for soups, jambalaya, chili, and more. Plus, the easy-to-clean, nonstick removable inner pot and included rice measuring cup and serving spatula make this rice cooker even more convenient to use.
What We Liked:
- The Aroma ARC-914SB rice cooker is a great choice for those who want to cook perfect rice every time
- It has many features that make it stand out from other rice cookers on the market, including an induction heating system that cooks rice evenly and consistently
- The Aroma ARC-914SB also comes with a steaming basket that can be used to steam rice or other foods
- It includes a rice measuring cup so you can make sure you’re using the correct amount of rice to water ratio
What We Didn’t Like:
- Is that it doesn’t have an “off” button, so you have to unplug it to turn the heating element off. This can be inconvenient if you’re forgetful or absent-minded.
- The rice measuring cup is made of plastic, so it’s not as durable as other rice cooker models.
4. CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker 10 Cooking Functions & 18 Features, Built-in Scale, 1000+ Presets & Times & Temps w/App for 600+ Foolproof Guided Recipes, Rice & Slow Electric MultiCooker, 6 Qt
The CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker is traditional rice cooker meets modern technology. With 10 cooking functions and 18 features, the Smart Pressure Cooker is perfect for those who want to cook perfectly fluffy rice without any hassle. Plus, the built-in scale means you’ll never have to worry about measuring out the perfect amount of rice again. The CHEF iQ App also provides access to 600+ foolproof guided recipes, so you can explore new and exciting dishes with ease. Whether you’re a experienced cook or a complete beginner, the CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker is the perfect kitchen appliance for you.
Main Features:
- 10 cooking functions and 18 features
- Built-in scale
- 1000+ presets and times & temps w/ app for 600+ foolproof guided recipes
- Auto pressure release
- 4 integrated smart sensors measure ingredients accurately and tell you exactly how much liquid is needed to cook meals to perfection
- Stainless steel cooking pot is dishwasher safe and can be used with all types of cookware
- Compact design takes up less counter space and is perfect for small kitchens
- ETL certified for safety and quality assurance. 1-year limited warranty. Made in China. Smart cooker dimensions: 13.39 x 10.63 x 10.63 inches. Weight: 9.65 pounds. Capacity: 6 quarts/5.7 liters
What We Liked:
- Traditional rice cooker design
- Cooks perfect rice every time
- Electric, so no need for a stovetop
- Comes with a steamer basket for other foods
- Has a keep warm function
What We Didn’t Like:
- More expensive than some traditional cookers
- Takes up counter space
- Not portable like traditional cookers
If you are looking for a traditional rice cooker that will cook perfect rice every time, then the electric CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker is a great option. However, it is more expensive than some traditional cookers and takes up counter space.
5. Dash DRCM200BK Mini Rice Cooker Steamer with Removable Nonstick Pot, Keep Warm Function & Recipe Guide, Black & DEC005BK, Poached, Scrambled Eggs, or Omelets with Auto Shut Off Feature, 6, Black
The Dash DRCM200BK Mini Rice Cooker Steamer with Removable Nonstick Pot is the perfect traditional electric rice cooker for those who want to cook perfect rice every time. Just add water and press cook: your meal will be ready in less than 20 minutes! The Keep Warm function ensures that food stays hot, and the removable, nonstick pot makes clean-up easy. Great with more than just rice, add quinoa, oatmeal, or pasta for a quick snack. This cute and compact design is perfect for a dorm room or apartment.
The Dash DRCM200BK Mini Rice Cooker Steamer is a traditional electric rice cooker that cooks perfect rice with the push of a button. This appliance also has a keep warm function and indicator light to prevent overcooking, making it a healthy and convenient option for busy families or individuals. The nonstick pot is removable for easy cleanup, and the included recipe guide provides inspiration for delicious and healthy meals.
What We Liked:
- Some of the key features include a removable nonstick pot
- Keep warm function, and recipe guide
What We Didn’t Like:
- However, some drawbacks of this rice cooker include its small size and lack of ability to keep rice warm for extended periods of time.
Overall, the Dash DRCM200BK Mini Rice Cooker Steamer with Removable Nonstick Pot, Keep Warm Function & Recipe Guide, Black is a good option for those who want a traditional rice cooker that is easy to use and comes with some helpful features.
6. CUCKOO CR-0655F | 6-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker | 12 Menu Options: White Rice, Brown Rice & More, Nonstick Inner Pot, Designed in Korea | Red/White
As an industry leader and a trusted Korean brand, CUCKOO strives to consistently deliver premium quality kitchenware and home products to households around the globe. Our 6-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker boasts preset functions to automatically cook your favorite rice and grains to your own customized liking along with a multi-cook function that can effortlessly prepare soups, stews, seared meats, and more! Its reheat function is optimal for leftovers, its keep-warm mode will keep your cooked rice at serving temperatures without overcooking it, and its preset timer will allow you to put ingredients in the pot beforehand and have your food ready when you come back home.
Main Features:
- 6 Cup Capacity: Perfect for small gatherings or small to medium sized families
- 12 Menu Options: Enjoy popular menu options such as white (glutinous) rice, brown rice and porridge as well as versatile options such as steam and multi cook
- Smart Micom Rice Cooker: Enjoy effortless cooking as the smart cooking algorithm is designed to automatically cook delicious rice every time!
- Customized Rice Cooking: Whether you enjoy sticky rice, soft rice, sweet rice, or savory rice, My Mode allows you to take control of your cooking experience.
What We Liked:
- The Cuckoo CR-0655F is a 6-cup (uncooked) rice cooker with 12 menu options, including white rice, brown rice, and more
- It also has a nonstick inner pot for easy cleaning
- Plus, the compact design makes it perfect for small kitchens
What We Didn’t Like:
- However, some reviewers find the display difficult to read
- The cooking process is a bit more complicated than other rice cookers on the market
7. Panasonic 5 Cup (Uncooked) Japanese Rice Cooker with Induction Heating System and Pre-Programmed Cooking Options for Brown Rice, White Rice, and Porridge or Soup – 1.0 Liter – SR-HZ106 (Black)
The Panasonic SR-HZ106 5-cup (uncooked) rice cooker steamer with induction heating system utilizes induction heat to warm a 7-layer inner cooking pan designed reach and evenly cook each and every grain of rice and maintain essential nutrients. With induction technology, The inner cooking pan becomes the heat source, which is activated when coils within the bottom of the rice cooker generate a magnetic field that create instant heat within the inner cooking pan. Induction technology generates superior high heat and the rice cookers micro-computer makes delicate heating adjustments in cooking time, so your rice comes out perfectly cooked every time. The Panasonic 5 cup rice cooker also features pre-programmed cooking settings for brown rice, white rice, and porridge, so you can cook your favorite rice dishes with the push of a button. With quick cooking times and easy operation, the Panasonic 5 cup (uncooked) rice cooker steamer is the perfect addition to any kitchen.
The Panasonic 5 Cup Japanese Rice Cooker is an industry-leading induction cooker that uses electrical current to heat and cook rice, porridge, soup, and more. The durable 7-layer inner pan with diamond coating is designed for years of continual heat and use with no loss of efficiency. The 13 pre-set cooking programs automatically cook a variety of rice, including delicious white rice, quinoa, porridge, sticky rice, brown rice, and frozen rice. The rice cooker’s automatic shut-off function prevents overcooking, and the keep-warm feature keeps food warm for up to 12 hours.
What We Liked:
- This rice cooker has several pre-programmed cooking options for brown rice, white rice, and porridge, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs
- The induction heating system cook the rice evenly and quickly, so you can have perfectly cooked rice in just a few minutes
What We Didn’t Like:
- The only downside of this rice cooker is that it is not suitable for cooking long-grain rice such as Carolina rice or other American-style rices
However, if you are looking for a quick and easy way to cook perfect Japanese-style rice, this Panasonic rice cooker is a great option.
8. Tiger JNP-S10U-HU 5.5-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker and Warmer, Stainless Steel Gray
The Tiger JNP-S10U-HU 5.5-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker and Warmer, Stainless Steel Gray is an electric rice cooker that automatically switches to “Keep Warm” after cooking is completed. It is easy to use with a single button, and has a non-stick inner pan for easy serving and cleaning. The spatula and rice measuring cup are included. The dimensions are 9.8L x 10.3H x 10.8W 7.9lb, and it is made in Japan.
The electric rice cooker is made of quality materials and is able to cook Japanese rice perfectly. It has a keep-warm function up to 12 hours, a non-stick inner pan, a retractable power cord, and comes with a spatula and rice measuring cup. The steam vent is also removable and washable for easy cleaning.
What We Liked:
- The Tiger electric rice cooker is made of quality materials and designed for cooking Japanese rice
- The cooker has a 5.5 cup capacity, making it perfect for small families or individuals
- The stainless steel gray finish looks great in any kitchen
- The rice cooker comes with a measuring cup, steamer basket, and rice paddle
- The Tiger electric rice cooker has a simple one-touch operation
- The cooker keeps rice warm for up to 12 hours
- The Tiger electric rice cooker is ETL certified
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some reviewers find that the cooker doesn’t always cook rice evenly
- The electric rice cooker has a relatively short warranty period
9. Tayama Stainless Steel Rice Cooker & Food Steamer 10 Cup, Black (TRSC-10R)
The Tayama Stainless Steel Rice Cooker & Food Steamer 10 Cup, Black (TRSC-10R) is a versatile and convenient kitchen appliance that cooking temperature evenly for quick and perfectly cooked rice every time. The unique heater plate ensures evenly cooked rice, while the lock-tight pressure lid keeps rice fresh and moist for hours. The removable stainless steel inner pot makes cleanup a breeze, and the automatic keep warm function ensures your rice is always ready to eat.
The Tayama Stainless Steel Rice Cooker & Food Steamer 10 Cup, Black (TRSC-10R) is a great appliance for cooking rice. It has a cooking temperature of 120V60Hz 700W, which means that it can cook rice quickly and evenly. The detachable cord makes it convenient to use, and the cool-touch body makes it easy to clean. The cook & keep warm features make it a great choice for cooking large batches of rice. The included components are a rice cooker, stainless steel inner pot, spatula, measuring cup, manual, warranty, and steam tray.
What We Liked:
- Cooking temperature: the cooking temperature is even and can be controlled easily, so the rice is cooked evenly
- Quick rice: this rice cooker cooks the rice quickly, so it’s perfect for busy people who don’t have a lot of time to spare
- Evenly cooked: as mentioned before, the cooking temperature is even and can be controlled easily, so the rice is cooked evenly. This is perfect for those who want perfectly cooked rice every time
What We Didn’t Like:
- The warm mode will burn rice if left too long. So it’s important to unplug the rice cooker after it clicks and wait for 5 minutes before opening it. Otherwise, the rice will be overcooked and dry
- This rice cooker doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that some more expensive rice cookers have. But for its price, it’s a great little appliance that does its job well
10. Oyama CFS-F10B 5 Cup Rice Cooker, Stainless Black
The Oyama CFS-F10B 5 Cup Rice Cooker is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality product that will last. The Oyama CFS-F10B 5 Cup Rice Cooker is a top quality product that is perfect for anyone looking to cook without chemicals from non-stick materials leaching into their food. This rice cooker features all stainless steel cooking surfaces, a steamer tray, and 3 dimensional heating (base, side, and lid). The keep warm function is also a nice feature to have. Additionally, the cooking bowl has a triple layered base for uniform heating without burning. Finally, the included rice measuring cup is a nice touch.This is an excellent product for anyone looking to cook healthy meals without any added chemicals.
What We Liked:
- The Oyama CFS-F10B 5 Cup Rice Cooker is a great appliance for those who love to cook rice
- It works great, cooks evenly, and is easy to clean
What We Didn’t Like:
- The only downside is that it is a bit small, so it might not be suitable for large families
Overall, the Oyama CFS-F10B 5 Cup Rice Cooker is a great choice for those who love to cook rice.
List of all the Types of Rice Cookers
Here is a list of all the different types of rice cookers, so you can make an informed decision:
1. Basic Rice Cooker
2. Multi-Function Rice Cooker
3. Pressure Cooker
4. Slow Cooker
5. Induction Rice Cooker
6. Microwave Rice Cooker
7. Electric Rice Cooker
8. Gas Rice Cooker
9. Solar Rice Cooker
10. Portable Rice Cooker
Now that you know all the different types of rice cookers, you can decide which one is best for you. If you want a basic model, then a basic rice cooker will suffice. But if you want something with more features, then you might want to consider a multi-function or pressure cooker.
Slow cookers are great for making rice dishes that require longer cooking times, while induction cookers are more energy-efficient. Microwave rice cookers are perfect for those who want to save time, and electric or gas models are ideal for those who want to cook large quantities of rice at once.
Solar rice cookers are becoming increasingly popular, as they are environmentally-friendly and can be used even in areas with no electricity. If you want a rice cooker that you can take with you on the go, then a portable model would be your best option.
No matter what your needs are, there is a rice cooker out there that is perfect for you. So, don’t wait any longer, and start shopping for the perfect rice cooker today!
Japanese people generally use either electric rice cookers or gas rice cookers. Electric rice cookers are the most common type of rice cooker in Japan, as they are more energy-efficient and easier to use than gas rice cookers. However, some Japanese people still prefer gas rice cookers because they believe that the heat from the burner helps to cook the rice more evenly.
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preferences. Some people may prefer a Japanese rice cooker that is simple to use and doesn’t require much maintenance, while others may prefer one that has more features and options. Ultimately, the best Japanese rice cooker for you is the one that meets your specific needs and preferences.
The best rice-to-water ratio is 2 cups of water to 1 cup of rice. This will ensure that your rice is cooked properly and has the perfect consistency. too much water, and your rice will be mushy; too little water, and it will be dry and crumbly.
Burnt rice in a rice cooker is typically caused by either not enough water being used or too much steam escaping during cooking. Not enough water will cause the rice to cook unevenly and stick to the pot, while too much steam escaping can dry out the rice and cause it to burns. To avoid burnt rice, make sure to use the correct amount of water and keep the lid on tight while cooking.
Japanese rice cookers are simple to use and easy to clean. To clean your rice cooker, simply wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. The cooking pot can be washed with warm soapy water. Be sure to rinse the pot thoroughly before using it again. If your rice cooker has a removable cooking pot, it can be placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Hi, I’m Julia Mitchell and through this blog I want to put forward all my experiences and expertise to help you find the best kitchen items possible. I have been working in research and development of kitchen tools for the last three decades. Throughout my professional career I have come across various kitchen products and I use that experience to assist people in getting ideal kitchen items for their requirements. If you have any further doubt, you can email us and we will get in touch with you immediately.