Increase your hand in the event you’re sick of your stovetop rice turning right into a sticky, starchy, scorched mess—or simply discover the cooking course of too time consuming and labor intensive. If that is you, it’s time to spend money on among the finest Japanese rice cookers. Whereas there’s nothing unsuitable with a conventional rice cooker, which usually has a one-cooks-all setting, Japanese rice cookers are tremendous intuitive–mitigating points with mismeasuring and accommodating totally different cooking nuances. These machines alter timing and temperature to accommodate no matter type of rice fits your subsequent dinner; plus, the pressurized cooking methodology makes for extra-tender, fluffy rice. They’re kitchen multitaskers too. Toss in a number of dumplings for an ideal steaming session, and even the egg custard chawanmushi—as chef Joanne Chang, the culinary drive behind Boston’s Meyers & Chang and Flour Bakery, suggests. She’s our resident knowledgeable for this story and remembers a Tatung rice cooker as a outstanding a part of her childhood kitchen. Discover the mannequin that fits your kitchen (in addition to some useful procuring ideas) under with our picks for the very best Japanese rice cookers.

Our Prime Picks

Finest Total: Zojirushi NL-GAC10

Capability: 5.5 cups | Dimensions: 9.1″D x 9.1″W x 9.1″H | Micom enabled/Fuzzy logic: Sure

Execs


  • Quite a few customizable settings
  • Included twin hotter function
  • Easy interface
  • Nonstick-coated inside vessel

Cons


  • Increased value
  • Not as appropriate for bigger batches

Why we selected it: With a setting for practically each kind of rice and different helpful additions, this small-but-mighty machine makes probably the most tender, fluffy grains.

Zojirushi has been slinging top-notch Japanese rice cookers since they hallmarked the type in 1983, and this successful mannequin isn’t any exception. When you can’t actually go unsuitable with any of the choices supplied by the model, this one hits the candy spot between the costlier cookers and the less complicated choices (although we all know it does sit nearer to the dear finish of the spectrum). Plus, we will confirm it churns out wonderful rice tailor-made to the consumer’s preferences. Not solely does it have specialised settings for jasmine, candy, and brown rices, however the equipment additionally boasts distinctive cooking settings you’ll be able to mess around with together with the extra customary warming and fast/gradual cook dinner modes. (We’re a fan of the “umami” mode, which is designed to coax extra taste out of your grains by soaking and steaming the rice longer.)

We additionally love the cook dinner timer, which helps you to time your rice completely with the remainder of your dinner, and the low-touch expertise of utilizing this cooker. Merely use the inside bowl measurements to achieve your required quantity, add the suitable quantity of water, and push a button. You’ll have good rice in roughly 50 minutes. Bonus: While you rice has completed cooking, it’ll mechanically shift into warming mode to maintain your rice prepared for second helpings.

Finest Worth: YumAsia Panda Mini Rice Cooker

Capability: 3.5 cups | Dimensions: 8.86″D x 11.81″W x 8.27″H | Micom enabled/Fuzzy logic: Sure

Execs


  • Myriad settings for a small mannequin
  • 24-hour warming setting
  • Straightforward cleanup
  • Fast cooking

Cons


  • Solely obtainable in small capability
  • Ceramic bowl coating might scratch simply

Why we selected it: This little powerhouse is the epitome of small, however mighty—exact performance and some helpful bells and whistles for a extra modest value.

This compact machine is an actual workhorse—together with simply sufficient helpful options to face out with out being overly sophisticated, and likewise clocking in on the decrease finish of the value spectrum for this souped-up type of rice cooker. From the outset, you’ll be able to inform it’s constructed with consideration to element in thoughts. There’s a helpful built-in holder to your spatula to maintain it clear and off the counter, in addition to a transport deal with that nestles into the cooker completely when not in use.

And these good decisions prolong to the performance of the machine, too. It has specialised settings for lengthy and brief grain rice together with some much less run-of-the-mill decisions. Rice cooker cake, anybody? One potential downside for these with bigger households: the capability is one the small facet. Nevertheless, the scale additionally helps the rice cook dinner faster, shaving off round 20 minutes in comparison with the usual 5.5-cup cooker. Upon getting your moist and flavorful batch of rice cooked, you should use the extra-precise warming mode, which occasions by the minute relatively than the hour as different fashions sometimes do. And with its rounded physique form and 4 nubby ft, this rice cooker appears actually cute sitting counterside.

Finest Bells and Whistles: CUCKOO CRP-BHSS0609F

Capability: 6 cups Dimensions: 10”H x 14.7”L x 10.6”W inches Micon enabled/Fuzzy logic: Sure

Execs


  • 16 totally different customizable settings
  • Stress cooking capabilities pace up cook dinner time
  • Auto adjusts throughout the cooking course of
  • Constructed-in voice steering

Cons


  • Costly
  • Slightly intimidating

Why we selected it: A wise algorithm makes the suitable cooking changes to get fluffy rice each time, whereas high-end strain cooking expertise retains issues transferring shortly with out sacrificing high quality.

There’s not a lot this R2-D2-like equipment can’t do (it may well even speak you thru the rice cooking course of in three totally different languages). With 16 totally different settings, this cooker goes past simply rice—with choices to cook dinner beans, reheat leftovers, and make bread—however in fact, it will get into the nitty-gritty of grain making, too with a sturdy lineup of modes for various rice varieties. Although this may appear a bit intimidating, it’s nonetheless relatively intuitive. This rice cooker is enabled with a particular algorithm that detects your grain kind and works to keep up the right inner temperature. 

Different intelligently designed cooking options embrace: a managed steam launch that limits condensation, strain cooking mode to advertise consistency, and an induction-heated internal pot (solid from sturdy stainless-steel and cloaked in a scratch-resistant nonstick coating no much less). Heating the pot relatively than an exterior supply helps distribute the warmth extra evenly throughout the underside and sides of the vessel, so that you gained’t have to fret about some grains getting mushy and others staying crunchy. It additionally speeds issues up, cooking white rice in round 20 minutes or so. To not point out, there are security options in place to control the warmth and strain contained in the machine. And once you’re completed cooking, interact the automated cleansing cycle with the contact of a button.

Finest for Cooking for a Crowd: Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker & Warmer, 10 Cup

Capability: 10 cups Dimensions: 11″ x 14¼” x 9½” Micon enabled/Fuzzy logic: Sure

Execs


  • Massive measurement good for large households or celebrations
  • Intuitive operation with computerized changes
  • Retro aesthetic
  • Retractable twine for simplified storage

Cons


  • Slower cook dinner time
  • Hand-wash internal pot and lid

Why we selected it: This beloved fan favourite cooker makes foolproof rice in massive batches—now that it’s obtainable in two occasions its unique measurement.

That is the darling of Japanese rice cookers, so it’s no shock it secured a spot on our “finest” checklist. This mannequin is straightforward, versatile, and—in fact—produces delicate grains with sweetness, nuttiness, and a contact of nice chewiness each time even in a big quantity (a rarity). It has setting for a number of varieties or rice as many high-end cookers do (in addition to congee and porridge settings) in addition to among the finest “preserve heat” capabilities round; it does wonders to keep up the standard rive it makes, and people used to making ready rice on the stovetop realize it’s all too straightforward to finish up with crusty grains after your cooking is full. We like the little melody this cooker performs when your rice is completed, so that you don’t must preserve checking the timer, and the candy-colored buttons and total retro aesthetic of the factor. 

The retractable twine and internal pot handles additionally add slightly extra finesse to your rice cooking expertise, together with the extraordinarily clear measurements markings on the pot’s inside. It may be a bit fickle to scrub, as it’s essential to hand wash the lid inside and pot, and total cooks rice on the slower facet than different fashions, a bit underneath double the time. However consistency is essential in the case of rice cookers, and aren’t good issues value ready for?

Finest Analog: Hario GohanGama Japanese Rice Cooker Pot

Capability: Small: 1.5 cups Massive: 2.25 cups Dimensions: Small: 7.00″ D x 8.00″ L x 7.00″ H; Massive: 9.00″ D x 11.00″ L x 8.00″ H Micon enabled/Fuzzy logic: No

Execs


  • Warmth resistant lid 
  • Out there in small or giant sizes
  • Beautiful stoneware look
  • Gentle whistle sound signifies cooking completion

Cons


  • Costly
  • Small choice very small; giant choice additionally small

Why we selected it: Made in Japan from conventional Banko ware, this candy little pot cooks rice shortly and effectively on the stovetop (and appears nice doing it, too).

We all know Japanese rice cookers are famed for his or her good technological capabilities and hands-off reserving expertise, however we couldn’t resist together with this pot-style rice cooker made in Japan for cooks on the lookout for a digital detox. You is perhaps acquainted with Japanese model Hario for his or her iconic gooseneck kettle and low gear, however their culinary attain extends a lot additional. Hario is the one heat-proof glass manufacturing facility in Japan and has been producing top-notch merchandise for over a century, so it’s no shock that the glass lid on this earthy ceramic rice pot is almost indestructible (and a good way to control your rice because it simmers away). The physique is crafted from Japanese Bankoware, a kind of pottery initially made for tea and recognized for its constant heat-holding and wealthy rust hue, and outfitted with considerate options like an inner measuring information, a steam vent to stop starchy overflow splashes, and helpful helper handles on all sides coated in heat-resistant silicone. Each pots are fairly small in measurement, however in the event you’re cooking for one or two folks it shouldn’t be a difficulty, because the petite stature of those pots assist them cook dinner rice in round quarter-hour. And although it’s fully analog, this cooker is just not with out its “computerized” options, so to talk. The pot makes a lightweight whistling sound when your rice is completed, akin to a less-aggressive tea kettle.

Issues to Contemplate Earlier than Shopping for a Japanese Rice Cooker

Materials

Chef Chang recommends choosing a mannequin with components crafted from stainless-steel to allow them to maintain as much as years of frequent use. Aluminum is one other widespread materials used to assemble rice cookers, however it’s rather more flimsy and susceptible to warping over time. Many cookers even have a nonstick coating on their inside pots, which is a godsend in stopping clumpy, crusty rice. 

Capability & Dimension

In the event you’re shopping for a rice cooker within the first place, it’s most likely protected to imagine you cook dinner/eat fairly a little bit of rice. However the measurement of your family (and the scale of your kitchen) each would possibly affect the capability you want. Rice cookers are often marked by the dry cup quantity, and that often multiples by 2x-3x as soon as it’s cooked. Word: A rice cooker’s “cup” is just not the identical as the usual cup we’re used to cooking with. Whereas a metric cup measures 240ml, a rice cooker’s cup clocks in at round 180ml. Hold this in thoughts when selecting and utilizing your rice cooker. The excellent news is the measuring cup that comes with the home equipment is suited towards the Japanese measurement, so there gained’t be a lot guesswork. 

Pre-Units

In the event you’ve already chosen to go for a Japanese-style rice cooker over an easier traditional model, chances are high you’re looking forward to a extra “good” expertise that may be tailor-made to your preferences and totally different forms of rice. Most choices embrace settings designed for various sorts of rice, so in the event you’re somebody who prefers a nutty, chewy brown rice over its fluffy white counterpart, you need to preserve an eye fixed out for a rice cooker with a delegated brown rice setting. Extra tricked out fashions would possibly embrace buttons for reheating rice and even fast (strain cook dinner) and gradual cooking choices to completely time your rice to be completed with the remainder of your meal. 

Particular Options

Our article knowledgeable, chef Joanne Chang, says a hotter is her most important function in the case of a rice cooker. It’ll preserve your rice not solely heat, but additionally recent (no crusty grains right here) till you’re able to serve it. Most Japanese fashions will embrace “neuro fuzzy” or “micom” expertise, which applications your cooker to be delicate to components like water degree and temperature if they alter all through the cooking course of. Most choices may also embrace a rice paddle and a measuring cup, and a few very elite fashions may have an auto clear perform (as if cooking with one in all these infants couldn’t get any simpler).

FAQs

What defines a Japanese rice cooker? 

By definition, a Japanese rice cooker is any rice cooker that’s made in Japan. However extra usually, the time period is used to explain high-tech fashions specializing in fast cooking and embrace myriad further options in distinction to a conventional cooker’s easy bucket heater, pot insert and lid. (And sure, there are numerous manufacturers who don’t produce these in Japan, however they’re nonetheless thought of Japanese rice cookers). Japanese rice cookers sometimes are thought of “micom” or “fuzzy logic,” which basically means they’re powered by a microchip that may sense environmental adjustments and alter to keep up your rice’s very best temperature and texture. 

What’s the very best capability of a Japanese rice cooker?

As touched on within the “issues to think about” part above, the everyday capability of a Japanese rice cooker is round 5.5 cups (which is able to yield sufficient rice for round 3-5 good servings), however clearly it’s good to go bigger or smaller relying in your cooking habits (are you a meal prepper or somebody who cooks for crowds usually?). Take into accout, rice cookers sometimes are at the very least medium-sized home equipment, so take into account your kitchen house and storage limits earlier than you select a mannequin. 

What number of totally different settings does a Japanese rice cooker have?

By definition, Japanese rice cookers are likely to have extra elaborate settings than conventional fashions. Whereas the precise quantity ranges from product to product, we discovered most choices have a number of settings for cooking various kinds of rice (from white, to brown, to Jasmine) with some even together with auto capabilities for making ready congee and porridge. Extra settings for warming or gradual cooking are widespread in high quality cookers as properly. 

What else can I exploit Japanese rice cookers for?

Along with making extra easy, easy dishes like porridge and dumplings, Chang says: “You should utilize the rice cooker as a steamer for other foods not only for rice. With eggs, you can also make chawanmushi (a steamed egg custard with mushroom, scallion, and soy that’s a conventional Japanese breakfast and a scrumptious snack). It’s also possible to marinate hen or pork in sake and salt and pepper and steam within the rice cooker for a easy essential course once you don’t wish to saute or fry or bake. You should definitely observe the directions on the rice cooker for the water to rice proportion.”

Last Ideas

The entire finest Japanese rice cookers showcased on this checklist will give you tender, fluffy grains with minimal guesswork and hands-on work. The best choice to fit your kitchen largely is dependent upon the house you might have, frequency you’ll use it, and in the event you’re loyal to at least one kind of rice or many. Since Japanese rice cookers usually run costly, since they’re outfitted with so many good options, we love the Zojirushi NL-GAC10, which affords simply sufficient little luxuries in a compact, user-friendly bundle. No matter which mannequin you go along with, you’re positive to have nice grains forward. 

Methodology 

Japanese rice cookers are all in regards to the options, so helpful settings and high-tech capabilities have been the components we thought of at first when deciding which fashions made it on our winners checklist. We started with checking in with chef Joanne Chang of Boston’s Meyers & Chang restaurant to glean some preliminary rice cooker intel earlier than sifting via the choices from Zojirushi. This firm pioneered the Japanese rice cooker within the early Nineteen Eighties and we knew they’d have some choices that might discover a house in our “finest” checklist. We then moved on to different manufacturers each small and enormous to get a greater sense of which of them are standard available in the market and if their merchandise stack as much as their reputations. Japanese rice cookers are additionally recognized for being on the costly facet, given the entire included bells and whistles, so we additionally aimed to incorporate a variety of costs whereas nonetheless maintaining high quality in thoughts. Sturdiness performed an necessary half in our choice making, too. We’ve heard of rice cookers changing into kitchen heirlooms and, to ensure our picks would perform for many years, selected these with parts constructed from sturdy stainless-steel (our knowledgeable’s advice). 





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