The built-in "Micom Neuro Fuzzy" automatically adjusts the temperature and cooking time to deliver you perfectly-cooked rice or porridge. Thanks to the "cake" setting, you can even bake cakes inside.
The instructions are too complicated.
Those that are looking for a versatile rice cooker with a bundle of useful functions and a capacity large enough to feed a big family, should definitely consider buying the Zojirushi NS-TSC10 rice cooker. The model with a larger capacity is also available for purchase.
~ 5.5 cups
11 cups
Durable rustproof inner pot
White/sushi, Quick, Mixed, Porridge, Sweet, Brown, Cake, Steam, Automatic keep warm, Extended keep warm and reheating cycles
Easy-to-clean clear coated stainless steel body, Heat-stable plastic elements
A large programmable control panel with 2 delay time settings, Interchangeable melody and beep signal, Built-in retractable power cord, Steaming basket, Spatula, Spatula holder, Rice-measuring cup
1 year
Besides the 5.5-cup option, the unit is offered in 3-cup, 4-cup, 8-cup, and even enormous 10-cup capacities. In addition, you can also select neutral Silver or Lovely Flower design.
It might emit a sort of petroleum smell at first uses.
The Tiger JNP-S55U-HU is a frills-free rice maker that does its job perfectly. It may seem a bit pricey, but considering its amazing performance, it’s certainly worth every cent. You can be sure you’re getting a super-durable product from a trusted brand.
5.5 cups
11 cups
Non-stick inner pot
Rice cook, Automatic 12-hour keep warm
Metal body, Heat-stable plastic elements
Retractable power cord, Spatula and rice measuring cup (about 1 cup) included, Removable and washable steam vent
1 year limited
This rice cooker is based on the unique Sensor Logic technology, which allows it to provide excellent results each time, regardless of what type of rice you use.
It has no actual clock, which might be a little inconvenient.
The Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD is a real bestseller on the market. Produced by a trustworthy manufacturer, it deftly combines the decent quality and a fairly low price. With an 8-cup capacity, the cooker can provide healthy and hearty meals for a whole family.
1 year limited
The model has a smart design with stable and non-slip feet, cool grips, and a removable lid with a steam hole. In addition, it looks super cute and is available in five different colors.
The cook button seems to be a little wonky.
The Dash BAQ04 Mini Rice Cooker has a small footprint and can fit pretty much anywhere, so it may be an ideal appliance for small kitchens and dorm rooms. And since it needs just 200 Watts of power, it can be used with a portable generator in a camper. Ideal for travel.
2 cups
4 cups
Removable pot with PFOA-free nonstick coating
Cook, Keep warm
Metal body with enamel coating
Glass lid with steam vent, Cook light indicator, Cool-touch handles, Feet, Rice paddle, Measuring cup, Recipe book and recipe database access
1 year
Thanks to the built-in lid holder, you can prop the lid conveniently on the side handles. The lid is made of tempered glass, making it easier to control the cooking process and to see whether the rice is done or not.
Too hard to see the markings on the measuring cup.
3 cups
6 cups
Removable nonstick bowl
Cook, Automatic keep warm
Metal body, Heat-stable plastic elements
Tempered glass lid with steam vent, Steamer basket, Measuring cup and spoon, Ready indicator light, Built-in lid holder
2 years limited
Ingenious Cooker
If you are looking for a premium-quality cooker, the Zojirushi rice cooker/warmer will fit the bill. It's an ingenious appliance that is made of stainless steel. It's sleek and stylish, so it will fit nicely on any counter. And it works just as great as it looks. Due to a bunch of different settings it offers, you can always get fluffy porridges and delicate rice. The appliance accepts long-grain, sushi, basmati, jasmine, and brown rice. Just select the type of grain from an intuitive menu, set time, and push a button. The menu modes include: white/sushi, porridge, mixed, sweet, cake, brown, steam, quick cooking (if you don't want to wait), and 2 delay settings. The cooker is supplied with a steaming basket, so it can also double as a steamer. Once the cycle is complete, the device beeps and automatically switches to the warming mode. It keeps meal at a serving temperature for quite a long time.
A black thick inner cooking pan with non-stick coating ensures even heating to give your dishes a deep savory taste. It has 5-1/2-cup capacity and allows you to get up to 11 cups of perfectly cooked rice. There are markings on the inside of the pan to show you the amount of water you need to add. You can also follow the instructions (included in the manual) for the type of rice you are using or watch recipes through their YouTube video links. The cooking pan and the detachable inner lid are pretty easy to clean. Just wash them with a splash of dish soap under hot tap water.
If you aren't going to use the cooker often, you can retract the power cord back for storage (the swing-up handle makes storage and transportation even easier). The good point is that the clock won't need to be reset if the appliance is unplugged for several days. The cooker is supplied with a rice measuring cup, nonstick rice spatula, and spatula holder so that you never have to worry where your spatula is.
MICOM (Microcomputer) Technology
The beauty of this Zojirushi cooker is its "fuzzy logic" programming that ensures perfect rice. Everytime! Thanks to a built-in microchip, the appliance easily adapts to different rice types (it adjusts cooking time and temperature). Furthermore, due to a timer, you don't need to control the cooking process anymore. The device automatically turns itself off when the rice is ready. However, if you want to engage yourself in cooking, an easy-to-read LCD display will allow you to set the proper temperature/mode by yourself.
Enrich Your Menu With...
Brown Rice
This setting can help you cook wonderful and very chewy brown or black rice. In this mode, rice is cooked at a lower temperature so that it won't become mushy.
Sushi Rice
This mode is similar to "white rice" but it uses less water to ensure a firm finish. It's ideal for those sushi-making nights.
Mixed Rice
Mixed rice mode extends preheating for the better absorption of various seasonings. The temperature is slightly lower than regular "white rice". You'll get sweet, delicate, perfectly steamed rice here.
Porridge
The porridge mode will help you cook fluffy porridges with a soft texture. Throw in some porridge and water and then set the timer. The dulcet tones of Zojirushi singing like a songbird will notify you that the cooking cycle is finished.
Cake
Yes! You can bake delicious cakes in this rice cooker.
Steamed Food
Steam veggies and other ingredients to preserve as many nutrients as possible.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $142.44 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B0074CDG6C |
What customers say about this product
Key Specs(4.4)
Size & Weight(4.7)
Features(4.1)
Made in Japan
If you're looking for an easy-to-use yet robust rice cooker that won't break down during the first few months, choosing a model made in Japan is a wise decision. As rice is an important part of Japanese culture, the Tiger folks really know how to produce rice cookers that will always be exceptionally good at making perfect rice. A case in point is the JNP-S55U-HU.
A quick look at this appliance is enough to notice that it's a solid product. Every part of it, including the pot, inner lid, and even the drip catch, are made to stand the test of time. The inner lid mechanism is heavily spring-loaded, and the latch placed on the outer lid is durable and strong.
However, when it comes to the cooking approach, it is not much different from other brands of other rice cookers. The unit has only one "On/Off" switch and offers a hassle-free one-push operation, so there are no difficult manipulations to do. The heating element is placed across the entire bottom of the cooker. In this way, once you turn the unit on, the inner pot will be evenly warmed up without hot or cold spots, resulting in fluffy and delicious rice without sticking to the surface.
Cooks Any Rice to Perfection
The rice maker figures things out for itself—it adjusts the cooking time based on how much rice and water you put in the pot. Naturally, different types of rice require a different amount of water. For example, for short grain sushi rice, you would use 1-1/4 cups rice to 2 cups water with no oil or seasonings. Basmati and Jasmine rice require 1.5 cups water for 1 cup, while Brown long grain rice requires 1 1/4 cups water per 1 cup rice.
The cooker automatically recognizes the rice/water ratio and cooks any rice type to perfection. Once it’s done, it keeps the rice warm and fresh for 12 hours without getting crispy or soggy.
To round things up, if you are looking for a frills-free rice maker that does its job perfectly, the Tiger JNP-S55U-HU is a great investment. It may seem a bit pricey, but you can be sure you’re getting a super-durable product from a trusted brand.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $112.49 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B0029274LK |
Great Entry-Level Model
If you're just about starting your way to a healthy diet, you may need a simple, entry-level model with good functionality. The Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD fits that bill perfectly. With nearly 10,000 of positive reviews, this cooker has made a big splash on the market owing to its moderate price tag, versatility, and simplicity of use.
For less than $30, you can get a good-quality rice cooker with the 8-cup capacity. This generous capacity will allow you to serve from 4 up to 20 cups of restaurant-quality rice per one preparation cycle. Besides rice, the unit is capable of cooking a wide variety of other meals such as jambalaya, steamed veggies, and fluffy cakes. This multicooker includes special settings for White or Brown rice, as well as Flash rice and Steam. Also, it offers unique options of Slow Cook and Saute-then-Simmer (STS) to make meals as flavorful and tasty as possible. Moreover, this wonderful device lets you steam veggies, meat, and beans in the upper steaming basket while the rice is cooking below.
As just mentioned, the cooker comes with both a steam basket and an aluminum inner cooking pot. The pot has a high-quality Teflon coating that not only guarantees no food will stick to the surface but also makes cleanup a breeze. Both the cooking pot and the removable inner lid can go into a dishwasher.
Nice Extras
When it comes to smart functionality, we would like to highlight that this electric rice maker is made with the advanced Sensor Logic technology. Due to this technology, the built-in computer can "think" and optimize the perfect time and the temperature level for delicious cooking results.
Despite the affordable price, the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD comes with a bundle of accessories that make a cooking process more convenient. They include a recipe booklet, a steam tray, a spatula, a soup dipper, and a measuring cup. As you can see, the set includes everything to get started. So, if you're looking for a great mid-range rice cooker able to cook different types of white rice and provide you with a healthy and delicious meal that is seconds away from eating, the Aroma digital cooker is a nice choice. It has very little quirks and it's very respectful of the wallet.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $29.92 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B007WQ9YNO |
What customers say about this product
Key Specs(4.5)
Size & Weight(4.8)
Features(4.1)
Small, Cute, Simple
Need a super portable and compact cooker? Then, you should definitely check this product. The Dash mini cooker is a super-cute appliance that can prove itself very useful in small apartments, confined kitchens, college dorms, or RVs. It has ridiculously small dimensions and very low price but at the same time, it has a lot of benefits to offer. Plus, it is available in five bright color options - classy Black or White, as well as vibrant Pink, Red, and Aqua - so you can choose the one that matches your kitchen decor best.
Available at a price about $20, the unit does a great job of rice cooking granted that you've figured out the right rice/water ratio for the particular type of rice. The built-in microcomputer accurately detects the water level in the pot and estimates the time required for preparing fluffy rice. Actually, there's almost nothing for you to do. The model has no dials or complicated buttons to change temperature or time and all you need is just to plug this cooker into a power outlet and switch the toggle to the "cook" position.
As you can see, the Dash mini cooker a very low-tech appliance that has only an "on/off" switch. However, it does its job flawlessly. What's more, it requires considerably less power than many similar models (~200 W) which allows using it with a small portable generator. All this makes it a perfect choice for campers and frequent travelers, as well as those having confined and small kitchens.
Cooks Small Servings
With a 2-cup capacity, the cooker can make 1-2 generous servings per one go. On average, it needs about 20 minutes to cook most types of rice to fluffy perfection. Then, the unit will automatically switch to the Keep Warm function.
Besides rice, the unit is capable of cooking soups, casseroles, oatmeal, veggies, pasta, and even steamed fish. As a nice touch, the box includes an informative recipe booklet with different recipes from chili turkey and macaroni with cheese to banana bread and chocolate cakes. The book even has full-page color photos of most of the offered dishes.
All in all, just anyone looking for a simple unit to start preparing delicious meals will benefit from getting the Dash mini cooker. With only one toggle, it's pretty much a no-brainer, so even if you have zero cooking skills, you'll be able to enjoy easy breakfasts, lunches, dinners, or snacks. Also, it's ultimately compact, lightweight, and portable enough to become a trustworthy companion during your trips.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B07DTPC1QB |
Small but Mighty
The BLACK+DECKER RC506 cooker and steamer is a great little thing to carry on your trips and vacation. It fits in checked luggage and can serve 1-2 person per cooking, meaning it's an ideal option for small families. And since it's so compact and has a small footprint, it will easily find its place on any countertop as well. This rice cooker boasts a nice, minimal design and easy-readable controls. Plus, it features a handy steaming basket for vegetables, fish, or baby food.
With just one cooking setting, the appliance is extremely simple to use. Just fill it, push a plunger (like on a toaster) and you'll get delicious rice in 20-30 minutes. It distributes heat evenly and doesn't burn rice if you follow the instructions. Also, it doesn't overflow or spit water throughout your kitchen. The cooker comes with a plastic serving spoon to prevent accidental scratches, and includes a measuring cup to help you put the right amount of rice and water. The nonstick rice pot is removable and dishwasher-safe.
When the rice is ready, the unit automatically switches to "Keep Warm" mode. Thanks to handy indicator lights, you will always know whether the BLACK+DECKER RC506 is cooking rice or keeping it warm.
Glass Lid
This cooker is made with a user's convenience in mind and that's why it's equipped with a durable glass lid. Transparent lid gives you an opportunity to control the cooking process - it allows you to see if your rice is done or not, and stop the cooking cycle if needed. The BLACK+DECKER RC506 has a plastic cool-touch handle on the top, which is incredibly useful when you want to open the lid and add some water, for example. There is also a small vent on the top for releasing hot steam.
Doubles as a Steamer
The set includes a food steaming basket that you can use while your rice is cooking or independently. It lets you make healthy meals with veggies, fish, and many other ingredients. Now, we're going to tell you how to cook delicious fish in this cooker.
- First of all, rinse the whole fish or fish fillet under the warm running water. Then, dry your fish and put it on a cutting board. If you're planning to cook fish fillets, take a sharp knife and make three or four 1/2-inch slits on both sides. As for the whole fish, cut three 1/2-inch clefts on each side.
- Season the fish. You can use soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, scallions or to cook a Chinese dish. Such seasonings as cayenne pepper, green peppers, chopped onion, garlic, lemon juice and diced tomatoes are good for Cajun-style fish. You can also create an Italian fish sauce with tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, basil, thyme and olive oil
- Add 1 to 3 cups of water into the bottom of the cooker, then place a food steaming basket, and put seasoned fish into it. Turn the appliance on. Check your dish for doneness after 15 minutes, and if needed, recheck every two minutes. The fish should flake easily when poked with a fork.
- Serve fish with fresh lemon slices and steamed vegetables.
| Last updated price | $19.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B016Y8JSK4 |
What customers say about this product
Key Specs(4.5)
Size & Weight(4.8)
Features(5)
Infographics
What Is a Rice Cooker?
A rice cooker is a popular kitchen appliance. It does not require constant manual control and supervision, which is a big plus if you have a bunch of other household chores to perform. Moreover, rice makers exclude the risk of undercooking or overcooking. As a result, you will always prepare rice that will be perfectly cooked and fluffy.
Another appliance, which is very popular among consumers, is a slow cooker. It is very similar to a rice cooker by design and functions but it can be used for a greater variety of cooking tasks besides cooking rice. Similar to rice cookers, slow cookers run at low temperatures, consume little energy, and can prepare rather complex dishes without your supervision. They do not dry food nor do they scorch it, plus they allow excellent distribution of flavors, sprucing up all your meals.
For those looking to buy an appliance for cooking quick recipes, a pressure cooker will be the best bet. Able to cook 70% faster than almost any other appliance, with pressure cookers, you will be able to cook healthy and incredibly tasty meals without washing out their vitamins and minerals.
What Features to Compare
Cooking Pot Capacity
One of the first things to check out when purchasing a rice cooker is its cooking pot capacity. This will determine how much food you'll be able to prepare per one go. Obviously, if you need a compact appliance with a small footprint for home use, it'd be better to consider models with standard 5-8 -cup capacity. For bigger families though (and for professional use in cafes, restaurants and pubs) we'd recommend looking in the direction of rice makers with at least 10-20 -cup capacity. Keep note that the size of a pot will also determine how long it will take to prepare your meal: bigger models usually take more time, too. One other thing worth checking is the surface of a cup. For non-stick performance and easy maintenance, it should feature a high-quality non-stick coating.
Cooking Functions
Another thing to consider is what cooking modes are included in the chosen model. Though primarily designed for cooking rice, rice cookers can be used for preparing many other dishes. So, along with the rice cooking setting, many models will also feature steaming, pressure-cooking and slow cooking modes, providing you with the functionality of several kitchen appliances. What's more, some of the best rice cookers will also include a baking function so that you can also prepare homemade bread and buns in it. In addition to being that versatile, rice cookers offer one more advantage - they preserve all the useful elements in the food and cook using neither fats nor oil. Perfect for people with healthy eating habits.
Extras
Finally, consider the extras. Even if you don't need bells and whistles, some essential features ensuring the convenience of use of the device should be present. For example, a timer will shut the device down when the cooking process is over. The heat-up function will keep the meal warm until you're ready to serve and eat it. An LCD screen and alert system will make it easy to control the process. Moreover, many modern devices feature special auto-detecting systems. Such systems can easily determine a water level and turn the machine off when the water drops down below it. Rice makers that do not have special measuring capacities usually have a volume marking on the inner surface of a cooking pot.
And, of course, a very important feature of every kitchen appliance is the material it is made of. For example, a body frame can be either steel or plastic. If you are going to use a rice maker constantly, then you should consider buying a stainless steel appliance. It will serve you for a long time. However, if you plan to use it from time to time, you can buy a plastic model. It will not cost you a fortune and yet will please your family with delicious meals.
Did you know?
Here, we’ve selected some facts you probably didn't know about rice.
How Does It Grow?
Rice is the edible seed which is harvested from the long stalk of the Oryza sativa plant (Asian rice) or the Oryza glaberrima (African rice). Apropos African rice has been cultivated for more than 3500 years now. There are more than 40,000 varieties of cultivated rice in the world today. The highest rice plants can grow up to 6 ft tall, mostly depending on the soil fertility.
One more interesting fact is that wild rice isn't actually rice. It’s a very distant relative to all of the other types of rice, which belongs to the Zizania genus family rather than Oryza sativa.
Where Is Rice Cultivated?
Though you may think that Rice is grown in Asia, in reality, it’s widely grown on every continent, except Antarctica. Of course, rice cultivation is most widespread in countries with low labor costs and high rainfall - China, India, Indonesia, and Thailand. However, rice can be grown just anywhere with the use of water terrace systems. Rice is extremely adaptable and easy to grow. Plus, it has a very high yield, making it possible to feed a large population. Unbelievable, one seed of rice can generate over 3,000 grains.
The USA consumes more than 20 pounds of rice per year, but it's nothing compared to some other countries. Asian countries alone consume more than 90% of the world’s rice. People there eat up to 300 pounds of rice a year, while residents of the UAE consume 450 pounds annually.
Nutritional Value
Rice is rich in carbohydrate, B vitamins, fiber, iron, zinc, magnesium, and other useful components. It doesn’t contain sodium or cholesterol and is extremely low on fat. Additionally, rice is gluten-free.
The cooked white, long-grained rice provides 130 calories per 100-gram serving. It contains 68% water, 28% carbohydrates, 3% protein, and negligible fat.
The benefits rice brings to our health are numerous. It not only provides fast and instant energy but regulates and improves bowel movements as well. Also, it regulates blood sugar and slows down the aging process. Other major advantages include its ability to regenerate skin, help in weight loss, improve the immune system as well as prevent cancer and heart disease.
Non-Typical Uses
Did you know that rice holds the famous Great Wall of China? In the 15th and 16th centuries, people used a porridge (rice and calcium carbonate) as a mortar to hold the Great wall's stones together. This mortar was super sticky and strong. And the fact that the Great Wall of China is still in a relatively good condition is a proof.
Speaking of today non-typical uses, you can find rice in personalized pieces of jewelry. Some designers can write your name on a grain of rice to create a unique pendant or another piece of jewelry.
Shelf Life
Any type of rice is good for long years except for Brown. White rice can stay fresh for up to 30 years, however, uncooked brown rice is edible only from 3 to 6 months. That’s because the Brown rice coating is easily oxidized.
Symbolism
Rice has been long a symbol of life and fertility. Therefore, it’s traditionally thrown at weddings.
The First Electric Rice Cooker
The first electronic rice cooker was created in 1945 by the famous Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. It was extremely simple and consisted of an aluminum pot with an attached heating coil inside. It had neither automatic turn-off facility nor keep warm function, thus, it required constant monitoring.