Are you obsessed with perfectly cooked rice? Or do you want to make good Japanese rice and lack a Japanese rice cooker? Either way, you are on the right page as we have compiled the best Japanese rice cookers to help you make perfect Japanese rice or other types of rice at home.
Our article discusses the benefits of having the best Japanese rice cooker in your home, the types of Japanese rice cookers, and the brands you should consider during your rice cooker purchase. So let's get into the article!
What Are the Benefits of a Japanese Rice Cooker?
If you are shopping for a regular rice cooker, you might wonder why the Japanese rice cooker receives praise. So, here is a list of why you should switch to using Japanese rice cookers.
They are easy to use: Japanese inner pots are marked accordingly for easy filling. The rice cookers also recall the last settings, so if you regularly make the same type of rice, it automatically cooks by pressing the start button.
They are easy to clean: Japanese rice cookers have non-stick inner pots that are easy to wash. Some have removable lids that are dishwasher safe. If you are looking for ones with the auto-clean feature, go for Cuckoo brands.
Most cook several types of rice: If you choose the best Japanese rice cooker with multipurpose settings, you can cook different types of rice on your first attempt.
They make the perfect rice: You will not have to break your bank to buy an expensive Japanese cooker, as even the lower-priced models will give you perfectly cooked rice.
They switch from automatic to keep warm function: When your rice is nicely cooked, the Japanese rice cooker switches to keep warm mode to ensure the rice is warm and fluffy for hours. Some rice cookers can keep your rice warm for up to 3 days.
Types of Japanese Rice Cookers
1. Electronic Rice Cooker
These are the advanced rice cookers that function on electric control panels. They use microprocessors and sensing devices to control and manipulate cooking settings such as temperature, pressure, and time. In addition, they are designed to fit different cooking modes for rice.
2. Regular Electric Rice Cooker
It is also referred to as a mechanical rice cooker. It functions by switching off automatically once the rice is cooked. It uses the bottom-to-top heating principle, ensuring the rice cooks uniformly. This rice cooker should be the first on your list if you are looking for an affordable or easily available rice cooker.
3. High-Frequency Induction Cooker
Induction cookers use magnetic fields to heat the whole cooking pan instead of the bottom. The technology is always indicated by the IH( Induction Heating) label on the rice cooker. Induction rice cookers are considered the most advanced type as they prepare the most uniform and fluffy rice in less time.
Sometimes you will find these cookers with LCDs and touch buttons to select different cooking modes. They are designed to complement most modern kitchens.
Our Top Picks
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1. Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker
- 5-1/2-cup computerized rice cooker and warmer with advanced Neuro...
- Multi-menu selections; automatic keep-warm, extended keep-warm,...
- Spherical, nonstick inner pan allows for uniform heating; LCD...
- Menu settings include white (regular/sushi, softer or harder),...
- Measures approximately 14 by 8 by 9 inches; 1-year limited...
We recommend the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy rice cooker to people who are looking for the best Japanese rice cookers. It functions on a fuzzy technology that enables you to set heating duration and temperature to achieve perfectly cooked rice.
Image Credits: Amazon.com
We used it as a multi-functional rice cooker and prepared different types of rice ( sushi, harder, softer), mixed rice, brown rice, semi-brown, brown rice, and porridge.
The rice cooker has a one-liter cooking capacity and cooks rice evenly from the bottom and top sides. Zojirushi rice cooker is ergonomically designed with a retractable power cord for easy storage, a folding handle for easy transportation, and a keep warm mode that keeps the rice warm for up to 12 hours.
Other features included a clock, a delay time function, a spatula, and a measuring rice cooker cup. We could also select the quick cooking feature and the panel per our preference.
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2. Tiger JAX-T18U-K Micom Rice Cooker
- 10-Cup Microcomputer controlled rice cooker and warmer with...
- 4-in-1 functions and 10 computerized cooking menu settings
- 1.8-mm thick inner pan
- Easy to remove and wash inner lid and steam cap
- Includes cooking plate and cookbook
We loved how the Tiger JAX-T18U-K Micom multi-functional rice cooker prepared steamed rice. It had automatic logic systems that enabled active temperature monitoring.
Image Credits: Amazon.com
The rice cooker had an easy-to-understand layout with four cooking modes; slow cook, brown, plain, and synchro-cooking. We recommend it for people who love to prepare delicious rice or steamed rice dishes.
It also has a warm mode function that lets you keep your rice warm after preparation. Its additional properties included a spatula, cooking plate, a recipe book for synchro cooking ideas, and a measuring cup.
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3. Cuckoo CRP-P0609S 6 Cup Electric Rice Cooker
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: Its LED display panel has 12 menu options...
- EFFICIENT & SMART: Features simple touch controls, a preset...
- SAFE STEAM RELEASE: Automatically releases pressure softly and...
- PREMIUM QUALITY: Includes a stainless steel X-Wall inner pot with...
- TRUSTED KOREAN BRAND: Internationally known for superior quality...
If you are looking for functionality in a rice cooker, the versatility of the Cuckoo CRP-P0609S 6 Cup Electric Rice Cooker will leave you in awe. We loved its 13-plus unique cooking menus for preparing delicious dishes. In addition, it had a sleek design with an ergonomic handle for portability.
Image Credits: Amazon.com
Its six-cup capacity made it perfect for feeding small gatherings or medium-sized families. In addition, unlike other Japanese rice cookers, it included a smart heating mechanism that cooked rice perfectly with a simple button press.
You will also never deal with scratched or sticky pots again since the inside of its pot is scratch-proof and stainless steel.
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4. Zojirushi Induction Heating System
- Induction rice cooker and warmer. Electrical Rating : 1,230 Watts
- Multi-Menu cooking functions. Dimension: 10 inch W x 14 inch D x...
- Automatic keep warm & extended keep warm keeps rice at the...
- Healthy cooking options: brown rice, GABA brown rice and...
- Note-please ensure to measure rice in the cup that comes along...
If you are looking for the best Japanese rice cooker with multiple cooking modes, we recommend you try the Zojirushi induction heating system. It used induction heating technology that works on magnetic fields instead of electric induction to heat the rice pan.
Image Credits: Amazon.com
Induction rice cookers prepare the fluffiest, evenly cooked, delicious rice thanks to their highly intelligent temperature sensors and timer.
You can switch to its different cook modes and prepare several healthy rice dishes, including sushi rice, white rice, plain rice, brown rice, and porridge. We loved that it was also a rice cooker and warmer as it switched to keep warm mode hours after the rice was cooked.
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5. Panasonic 5 Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker
- JAPANESE-STYLE RICE COOKER* – Industry leading induction...
- ADVANCED FUZZY LOGIC TECHNOLOGY – A Micro-computer makes...
- ONE TOUCH COOKING – Easily choose a pre-programmed setting to...
- KEEP WARM FEATURE - The rice cooker's automatic shut-off function...
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES - Along with the steaming basket, the rice...
If you have a busy household and want to cook in less time, you should not miss the Panasonic 5-cup rice cooker on your kitchen countertop. W liked how it used induction cooking to regulate temperatures and heating power to attain the most nutritious Japanese-style rice.
Image Credits: Amazon.com
It simplified our cooking workload with a one-touch button. We also liked that it had 4 pre-programmed settings: white rice, brown rice, glutinous rice, or mixed rice.
If you are used to a traditional rice cooker(like a wok) with a large capacity, you will be glad to know that the Panasonic rice cooker has a large 3-liter capacity.
It ensures you spend less time in the kitchen while delivering the best results on rice cooking. We loved its automatic shut-off function that prevented overcooking. Its keep warm function ensured the rice was warm up to the time we ate it.
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Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Japanese Rice Cookers
Different brands of Japanese rice cookers in the market can confuse you during selection. However, your selection process will be easier if you know what you want to achieve or the key features you want. Therefore, we have included some key factors to consider while purchasing the best Japanese rice cookers.
Look Out For:
1. Heating Technologies/ Elements
Most Japanese rice cookers are built with standard technologies such as induction heating(IH), fuzzy logic heating, and 3D heating. You can also get all the technologies combined in a few brands. If you get a multi-functional rice cooker with all these technologies, you can cook rice at the temperature and consistency you desire.
2. Bowl Capacity
Most Japanese rice cooker brands have a standard capacity of one liter (5.5 measuring cups). However, if you intend to cook more rice, you can opt for the two-liter capacity, approximately 10 cups. A standard capacity rice cooker can be sufficient for two or three people, but the two-liter one can sustain many people.
3. The Quality of the Cooking Pan
The quality of the cooking pan can affect the taste of your rice. So if you want to dodge this, you can go for a better-insulated pan with proper heat propagation and retention, ensuring thorough and uniform rice cooking. While at it, check for the best hard-adonized cookware sets for easy cooking of your other foods.
4. Functionality and Aesthetics
When choosing a Japanese rice cooker, consider its form, whether it is portable, or its overall design. Will it compliment your kitchen? Don't go for a basic rice cooker; instead, choose brands that provide touch panels for easy usage. Also, look for detachable inner parts that aid easy cleaning and a foldable handle for portability.
5. Price
Buy a Japanese rice cooker that fits your budget and has a warranty. There are many Japanese rice cookers with a wide price range, so you can never miss out on one. However, most rice cookers have limited warranty on parts and labor. So, before you purchase one, ensure you register it to activate the warranty.
6. Additional Features
Look out for these additional features while purchasing the best Japanese rice cookers:
Smart Features
Some Japanese rice cookers have smart features like voice activation and operation using your smartphone. We did not review these types, but if they interest you, put them on your list.
Indicators
These are lights or sounds that alert you through the rice cooking progress. Most Japanese rice cookers have indicator sounds that you can set accordingly. This is not a major factor to consider, but you can re-adjust your settings if you don't like the beeping sounds while cooking rice.
Retractable Power Cord
A retractable power cord makes it easier to store your rice cooker once you finish cooking. You can find this feature on many Zojirushi rice cookers.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Japanese Rice Cookers
1. Which Is the Best Japanese Rice Cooker Brand in the Market?
Zojirushi rice cooker is our top pick since it has high-tech and diverse functions that fulfill user preferences. However, you can go through our guide to get other great brands we have recommended. Also, if you love Japanese cookware, you can also purchase the best Japanese kitchen knives for professional chefs and home cooks.
2. Is There Something Like Microwave Rice Cooker?
Yes, the keep warm setting in a rice cooker is what most people call a microwave rice cooker. You can also re-warm your rice after hours of cooking.
