Choosing the right rice cooker is crucial when preparing rice the Japanese way. Japanese rice cookers quickly and evenly cook rice while giving it a light, fluffy texture. With so many Japanese rice cookers, finding the right one for your needs can be tricky. So what is the best Japanese rice cooker?
The best Japanese rice cooker is the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer. This top-of-the-line rice cooker perfectly cooks any rice. In addition, its Neuro Fuzzy logic technology allows the cooker to adjust cooking time and temperature based on the type of rice you are cooking.
It is essential to note that Japanese rice cookers come in various sizes and designs, from basic to sophisticated models, with several settings and a wide price range.
Choose a rice cooker that can meet your needs by considering the type of rice you’ll be cooking the most frequently.
1. Aroma Housewares 20 Cup Digital Rice Cooker – Under $50
Aroma Housewares 20 Cup Digital Rice Cooker is the perfect tool for making delicious and nutritious Japanese-styled meals in a fraction of the time. With a digital control panel and various automatic settings, this rice cooker quickly prepares perfectly cooked rice, quinoa, oatmeal, and more.
The 20-cup capacity allows you to prepare meals for large groups or the entire family, and the keep-warm setting ensures your delicious rice stays warm for hours. Additionally, the steam tray allows you to steam vegetables, fish, and poultry for a complete and delicious meal.
Pros:
- Built-in Steam function
- Slow cook function
- Multi-functional use
- 20-cup capacity
- Nonstick inner pot
- Automatic keep warm mode
Cons:
- Plastic components may not be as durable as other models
- Some users have experienced problems with the keep warm feature
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2. Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker – Under $240
The Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker is a top-of-the-line rice cooker with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
It uses advanced fuzzy logic technology to identify the best temperature and settings to make your desired rice. The Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker also includes a delay timer, and a keep warm setting, allowing you to set the timer and have your rice ready when needed.
The Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker also includes different settings for various types of white, sushi, porridge, and glutinous rice. With its sleek and modern design, this rice cooker is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient way to cook sticky rice.
Pros:
- Spherical, nonstick inner pan
- Multi-menu selections
- Automatic keep-warm
- Beep audio indicator
- Includes additional accessories
- Built-in retractable power cord
Cons:
- Not suitable for larger families
- Frequent cases of very mushy rice
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3. COMFEE Programmable Multi-Cooker – Under $90
The COMFEE Programmable Rice Multi-Cooker is an easy-to-use, multi-functional kitchen appliance perfect for quick cooks.
This cooker offers a variety of cooking functions, including rice, soup, slow cooking, and even steaming. The COMFEE multi-cooker also comes with a digital LCD, which allows you to easily view the cooking progress and adjust the settings as needed.
With this Japanese-style rice cooker, you can easily prepare delicious meals quickly. Plus, the nonstick inner pot and easy-to-clean exterior make cleanup a breeze.
Pros:
- 11 digital cooking programs
- 10 Cup ultra capacity
- Nonstick inner coating
- Digital LED display and sensitive touch panel
- Comes with a measuring cup
- 24-hour delay timer and auto-keep warm for 12 hours
Cons:
- Absence of a detailed manual on how it functions
- Cases of Leaking water unit
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4. Zojirushi 612252-NL-BAC05SB Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer – Under $150
The Zojirushi 612252-NL-BAC05SB Micom Rice Warmer and Cooker is an ideal kitchen companion for rice cooks.
With its advanced fuzzy logic technology, this rice cooker and warmer can automatically adjust settings to cook any rice perfectly. In addition, it features an easy-to-use LCD control panel with several functions, including brown and white rice, porridge, sushi rice, and quick cooking.
These Zojirushi rice cookers also feature a keep-warm setting and an automatic shutoff feature for added convenience and safety. In addition, the detachable inner lid and nonstick inner pot make it easy to clean.
Pros:
- Easy-to-store detachable cord
- Easy-to-use LCD control panel
- Automatic Keep Warm
- Easy-to-store detachable cord
- Interchangeable melody and beep signal
Cons:
- Smaller capacity
- Expensive replacement inner pot
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5. Toshiba Digital Programmable Rice Cooker – Under $100
The Toshiba Digital Programmable Rice Cooker is a good choice rice maker that can make perfect rice every time.
It features a digital display with programmable settings to customize the cooking method. The cooker comes with a steam vent, which releases steam during the cooking process to ensure your rice cooks evenly and thoroughly.
This Japanese-style rice cooker also has a keep-warm function to maintain the temperature of the cooked rice for up to 12 hours. In addition, the cooker is easy to use and clean, making it a great choice for busy households.
Pros:
- Programmable 24-hour delay
- Smart digital panel display
- Advanced fuzzy logic technology
- 8 Preprogrammed settings
- Non-stick inner pot
- Detachable inner lid and vent
Cons:
- Can be noisy when cooking
- Steam has an unpleasant plastic smell
- Heating element can be challenging to access for cleaning
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6. Zojirushi NP-GBC05XT Induction Heating System Rice Cooker – Under $240
The Zojirushi NP-GBC05XT Induction Heating System Rice Cooker is a great rice cooker designed to make perfectly cooked rice every time.
It features a stainless-steel inner pot and inner lid, as well as an advanced induction heating system that uses electromagnetic energy to heat the pot quickly and evenly, resulting in perfect rice every time.
This Zojirushi model has ten different cooking menus, a timer, a Keep Warm mode, a reheating cycle, and an automatic shutoff feature. Plus, cleaning is a breeze with the removable inner lid and nonstick inner pot.
Pros:
- Automatic keep warm
- Detachable and washable inner lid
- Superior induction heating technology
- Easy-to-clean clear coated stainless steel exterior
- Thick, spherical inner cooking pan
- Accessories included
Cons:
- A bit bulky and may take up more counter space
- No-stick coating peels off after a few use
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Rice cookers are an invaluable tool for anyone who loves to cook. By automating the cooking process, rice cookers are a convenient and efficient way to make perfect rice every time.
But these versatile cooking appliances are known to boil over.
You may need to visit my most recent article. In the article, I did well explaining what can cause your rice cookers to boil over and ways to prevent this from also happening.
Just click that link to read it on my site.
7. Reishunger Digital Rice Cooker and Steamer – Under $150
The Reishunger Digital Rice Cooker is a convenient kitchen appliance that helps make cooking simpler and faster. It can cook up to 5 cups of uncooked rice at once and has a steaming function to cook vegetables, fish, and other foods.
This rice cooker’s digital control panel allows you to adjust the cooking settings quickly, and the keep-warm function ensures your food stays hot and ready to eat when you’re ready. In addition, the nonstick inner pot is easy to clean, and the tempered glass lid lets you check on your food without lifting the pot.
Pros:
- 7-phase cooking technology
- Modern display which is simple and intuitive to use
- Nonstick ceramic coating inner pot
- 3D heat distribution
- Useful timer and keep warm function
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Somewhat small and may not be suitable for larger servings
- Digital display can be a bit confusing to read
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8. Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker – Under $70
The Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker is the perfect tool for making delicious, perfectly cooked rice in minutes. It features digital, programmable settings that allow you to choose from various rice types and settings to cook your rice perfectly.
This type of rice cooker also features a delay timer, so you can set it to cook your rice later. It also includes a removable inner pot for easy cleaning.
With its user-friendly design and easy-to-follow instructions, the Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker is perfect for anyone who loves fresh, delicious rice.
Pros:
- Automatically shifts to warm after cooking
- Versatile 2-14 cup capacity
- One-pot cooking
- 2-in-1 rice rinser and steam basket
- Delay start feature
- Six preprogrammed settings
Cons:
- Cleaning can be somewhat tricky due to its intricate design
- May not be suitable for larger batches of rice
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9. Zojirushi NS-LHC05 Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer – Under $150
The Zojirushi NS-LHC05 Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer is a quality rice cooker that combines modern technology with a sleek, easy-to-use design.
It features a triple heater system that evenly heats the pot from the bottom, sides, and lid to ensure that your rice comes out perfectly cooked. In addition, the Micom technology allows you to adjust the cooking settings to get the perfect results every time.
This Micom rice cooker includes extra features of an LCD control panel with an easy-to-read clock and timer. In addition, the keep-warm function ensures that your rice stays warm for up to 12 hours after cooking.
Pros:
- Delay timer functionality
- Automatic keep warm and reheating cycle
- Micro computerized fuzzy logic technology
- Easy-to-store retractable power cord
- Interchangeable melody and beep signal
- Detachable and washable inner lid
Cons:
- Smaller capacity
- Does not come with a steamer basket
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10. Panasonic Rice Cooker, Steamer & Multi-Cooker – Under $70
The Panasonic Rice Cooker, Steamer & Multi-Cooker is an all-in-one appliance for cooking rice seamlessly.
This multi-cooker has a built-in timer and automatic keep-warm function, making it simple to prepare perfect meals with minimal effort. With three cooking modes, you can quickly cook various dishes. The large 5.5-liter capacity allows you to cook much rice for up to 8 people.
The rice cooker comes with a rice paddle and measuring cup, making it easy to get the perfect rice every time. The steamer function is excellent for steaming vegetables, fish, and other food items.
Pros:
- Glass lid with white plastic knob
- One-switch automatic cooking
- Automatic shutoff function
- Durable nonstick coated aluminum pan
- Comes with accessories included
- Easy to clean and use
Cons:
- Frequent cases of rice boiling over
- The measuring cups are relatively tiny
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11. Reishunger Digital Mini Rice Cooker & Steamer – Under $110
The Reishunger Digital Mini Rice Cooker & Steamer is one of the most popular rice cookers and is excellent for any kitchen. It features a digital LED display, preset cooking functions, and a keep-warm feature.
The cooker is made of high-quality stainless steel and features a removable nonstick inner pot for easy cleanup.
This Japanese rice cooker also comes with a steamer basket, allowing you to quickly and conveniently steam vegetables and other foods. In addition, the digital functions make selecting and adjusting the settings easy, making it simple to prepare perfect, fluffy rice every time.
Pros:
- Well-lit modern display
- Useful timer and keep warm function
- High-quality inner pot
- 3D heat distribution
- Nonstick ceramic coating inner pot
- Easy to use and clean
Cons:
- Designed for small-scale cooking
- No switch to turn on and off
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Undoubtedly, rice cookers offer tremendous ease and a timely way to prepare delicious rice meals. But like many others, you might have wondered how a rice cooker knows when the rice gets done.
If you need help with how that works, visit my most recent article for an in-depth explanation. In the article, I explained how rice cookers work, how long it takes to cook rice in a rice cooker, and how the cookers know when the rice is done, among others.
Just click that link to read it on my site.
12. Tiger JAX-T10U-K Micom Rice Cooker with Food Steamer – Under $160
The Tiger JAX-T10U-K Micom Rice Cooker with Food Steamer is one of the best rice cookers to make delicious and nutritious meals in minutes.
It has a 5.5-cup uncooked rice capacity and a steam basket for steaming vegetables, seafood, and other ingredients. In addition, it has eight computerized cooking menu settings for white and brown rice, mixed grains, porridge, and soup, and a reheat cycle for leftover rice.
With its keep-warm and extended keep-warm functions, you can have hot, freshly cooked rice available when you need it. The slow cooker also has a detachable inner lid for easy cleaning and a delay timer to set it and forget it.
Pros:
- 10 computerized cooking menu settings
- Easy to remove and wash inner lid and steam cap
- Micom Technology
- 10 cups of uncooked rice capacity
- Synchro-cook function
- Includes cooking plate and cookbook
Cons:
- The cooker tends to be quite loud when in use
- Non-removable cooking pot
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13. MOOSUM Electric Rice Cooker and Auto Warmer – Under $60
The MOOSUM Electric Rice Cooker and Auto Warmer is a great addition to any kitchen.
It features a convenient one-touch operation and can cook up to 20 cups of cooked rice, making it great for large families or for preparing lots of rice. This basic rice cooker also comes with an adjustable keep-warm setting and two different cooking settings, allowing you to customize your cooking experience.
The rice cooker’s nonstick inner pot is easy to clean, and the lid and steam vent allow to keep the rice from sticking and burning. The included accessories include a measuring cup, rice spatula, and a steam basket, making it easy to prepare other types of food.
Pros:
- Auto Warm functionality
- One-touch operation
- Perfect cooking up to 5-cups of rice
- BPA-free plastic part
- Nonstick FDA inner pot coating
- Accessories included
Cons:
- Perfect only for a small family
- Hardens rice while it’s on keep warm mode
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14. Panasonic 5-Cup Rice Cooker with Fuzzy Logic – Under $100
The Panasonic 5-Cup Rice Cooker with Fuzzy Logic is a great way to make perfect rice every time. With advanced Fuzzy Logic technology, this rice cooker ensures you get the ideal moisture and temperature for the perfect batch of rice. The 5-cup capacity is suitable for small to medium-sized households, and the cooker comes with a stainless steel nonstick inner pot for easy cleaning.
The cooker also includes a convenient warming feature to keep your rice warm and ready to eat when you’re ready.
Pros:
- One-touch cooking
- Keep warm feature
- Advanced fuzzy logic technology
- Automatic shutoff function
- Includes a special measuring cup
- Preprogrammed setting
Cons:
- Not suitable for large households
- Frequent cases of not cooking some types of rice properly
CLICK HERE to see the current price on Amazon.
15. Aroma Housewares Professional 20-Cups Digital Rice Cooker – Under $60
The Aroma Housewares Professional 20-Cups Digital Rice Cooker is the perfect choice for quickly cooking different types of rice.
This digital rice cooker is easy to use and has preprogrammed settings that make it easy to cook different rice types. It also has a large 20-cup capacity, allowing you to cook enough rice for a large group of people.
With its keep-warm feature and delay timer, you can have delicious rice ready for your guests whenever you need it.
Pros:
- 15-hour delay timer
- Measuring cup, serving spatula, and steam tray included
- Cheaper price point
- Programmable digital controls
- Automatic Keep Warm mode
- Full-view tempered glass lid
Cons:
- Large size takes up storage space
- Reports of rice sticking to the bottom of the pot
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16. Crux 12 Cup Non-Induction Rice Cooker – Under $70
The Crux 12 Cup Non-Induction Rice Cooker is a great choice for busy cooks who want to simplify their cooking process.
With an easy-to-use digital control panel and a non-induction heating plate, you can cook up to 12 cups of perfect rice in a single batch. The removable nonstick inner pot and tempered glass lid make for easy cleaning, and the adjustable keep-warm function ensures that your rice stays warm until you’re ready to serve.
With its simple operation and a delay timer, you can easily prepare the perfect pot of rice in the time it takes to prepare other dishes.
Pros:
- Easy-to-read LED display
- 600-watt heating system for faster heat-up time
- Ten preset cooking functions
- Automatic warm setting
- Easy and safe to use
- Easy clean removable dishwasher-safe cooking pot
Cons:
- Thinner and cheaper inner pot
- Reports of cooked rice center always wet and mushy
CLICK HERE to see the current price on Amazon.
When preparing delicious meals, having the right tools is essential. For example, the right rice cooker is necessary when preparing tasty rice quickly.
But do you really need a rice cooker?
You should visit my most recent article for answers. I get into exactly why a rice cooker is better than just a pot and some water. But also all of the pros and cons and what else you can do with them aside from rice.
Just click that link to read it on my site.
17. Mishcdea Rice Cooker 10 Cups Uncooked & Food Steamer – Under $70
The Midea Rice Cooker 10 Cups Uncooked & Food Steamer is a powerful and versatile kitchen tool that helps you quickly cook various dishes.
It features 10-cup uncooked rice capacity, digital controls, and a steamer basket that allows you to steam vegetables, fish, and other foods. It also has a 24-hour preset timer, delay start, and a keep warm function that keeps your cooked food warm until you’re ready to serve.
Pros:
- One-touch design
- Easy to clean
- Keep warm function
- Food-grade nonstick coating and steam basket
- Additional accessories included in the packaging
- 10-cup large capacity
Cons:
- No automatic shutoff when cooking is complete
- No warming mode for foods other than rice
CLICK HERE to see the current price on Amazon.
18. CUCKOO CRP-N0681FV 6-Cup Pressure Rice Cooker – Under $210
The CUCKOO CRP-N0681FV 6-Cup Pressure Rice Cooker is a great rice cooker for anyone looking for a high-quality appliance. It comes with a stainless-steel inner pot and a detachable inner lid, making it easy to clean.
The 6-cup capacity is enough to make a large batch of rice, and the pressure cooking technology ensures even cooking and great flavor.
Similar to the Cuckoo CR-0655F, it also comes with an adjustable pressure setting, allowing you to customize the cooking process to your preference. This pressure cooker also has an LCD and menu control panel making it easy to set the timer, temperature, and pressure levels.
Pros:
- 12 Menu Options
- Full Stainless Steel Inner Pot
- Non-stick Coating
- Voice navigation
- Heating plate pressure
- Removable inner lid for easy-clean
Cons:
- Absence of adjustable temperature setting
- Does not have a timer setting
CLICK HERE to see the current price on Amazon.
19. Offacy Smart 3 Cups Mini Rice Cooker – Under $80
The Offacy Smart 3 Cups Mini Rice Cooker is an excellent addition to any kitchen.
It is perfect for cooking small portions of rice quickly and easily. It has a nonstick inner pot, making cleanup a breeze. It also has an adjustable thermostat that allows you to choose the right temperature for your specific needs.
Plus, it comes with a one-touch cooking button that makes it easy to start and stop the cooking process. So when looking to make a perfect home cook sweet rice, the Offacy Smart 3 Cups Mini Rice Cooker is an ideal choice.
Pros:
- 24 hours delay timer
- Built-in 8 preset cooking programs
- Triple heating technology
- Easy to use and clean
- LED smart panel display
- Removable steam hole and inner cover for easy cleaning
Cons:
- Relatively small capacity
- Not suitable for cooking other types of grains such as quinoa
CLICK HERE to see the current price on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
There is a wide range of Japanese Rice Cookers options to suit everyone’s needs.
From budget-friendly to high-end models, you can find a Japanese Rice Cooker that will fit your budget and cooking needs. With the proper maintenance, these cookers will last for years and provide perfect, fluffy rice.
If you are still attempting to figure out where to start, this list can be your buying guide to finding the best appliance for your kitchen. This review’s best Japanese rice cooker brands include Aroma Housewares, Zojirushi, Panasonic, Toshiba, Hamilton beach, and Reishunger.
So, if you’re searching for a new rice cooker, check out one of these 19 Best Japanese Rice Cookers for the best quality and value.
Image by David Smeke from Pixabay
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