You Need a Zojirushi Rice Cooker-however Which One?
By Genevieve Yam
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If you’re looking for a stress-free method to make fluffy, tender rice, you want a Zojirushi rice cooker. Utilizing a rice cooker takes all of the unpredictability out of the equation: There’s no have to babysit a pot of rice on the stovetop and no threat of below- or overcooking your rice. Though making a great batch of rice is possible with none kitchen appliances, having a machine-particularly one with the ability to cook several types of rice-can streamline weeknight cooking and make life simpler. With the proper mannequin, good rice for pilafs and hearty grain bowls is only a rinse and press of a button away.
Why are Zojirushi rice cookers so good?
Whereas they aren’t the most affordable in the marketplace, the Japanese model’s appliances constantly produce flawlessly cooked rice. Zojirushi’s 19 rice cookers range in worth and functionality and are cut up into two categories: conventional electric rice cookers and the more technologically advanced Micom rice cookers.
Zojirushi’s standard rice cookers keep things easy-and cheaper-with a single change, whereas the Micom machines are outfitted with a micro pc and “fuzzy logic” expertise that helps every machine modify cooking time and temperature as needed. (If you by accident added too much liquid to the pot, it’s in a position to sense that and regulate so your grains don’t end up mushy.) The LCD control panel on the Micom models have specific cook settings for different types of rice, comparable to lengthy-grain, white, brown, or sushi rice.
Not sure which mannequin to get? Not only does it cook flawless rice consistently, but the worth tag is a little more funds-friendly compared to the brand’s greater finish induction model, beloved by rice obsessives everywhere. We think the NS-TSC10 is the most effective Zojirushi rice cooker for most individuals. Read on for the full run-down of our favourite models-but when you’d reasonably skip the small print and go with the machine our meals editors use on daily basis in the check kitchen, look no additional than the Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Micom Rice Cooker.
Automated Rice Cookers
This automatic rice cooker could not have an elaborate management panel or the power to prepare rice upfront, but its single switch-which toggles between “cook” and “keep warm”-makes it one of the best rice cooker for many who want a machine that’s simple and simple to use. As soon as your grains are cooked, the machine routinely shifts into “keep warm” mode.
The three heaters positioned on the bottom, middle, and prime of the internal pot be sure that the rice stays at the best temperature, while the tight-sealing lid locks moisture in and prevents grains from becoming dry. The spatula holder connected to the aspect of the machine means you won’t must journey far for a serving utensil if you lastly get round to enjoying your batch of rice.
Zojirushi NS-RPC10HM Rice Cooker and Hotter
Just like the brand’s different automatic rice cooker, this machine solely has a single change and transitions into “keep warm” mode once your rice is completed. The glass lid also lets you test on the cooking strategy of your rice in its nonstick inner pot. Although it doesn’t include a spatula holder, its accessories embody a spatula, a steamer basket, and handles that permit you to simply move the rice cooker.
Zojirushi 3-Cup Rice Cooker
Micom Rice Cookers
This versatile Zojirushi Micom rice cooker tackles both sweet and savory cooking. You’ll be able to program its menu settings to organize white or brown rice, porridge, or mixed grains, and use the steam or bake setting to rustle up desserts like cheesecake. Set yourself up for success with the delay timer and keep warm options: Merely measure the grains and water in the morning, set the desired cooking begin time, and you’ll come home to a fresh batch of rice after a long day of work.
This sleek rice cooker comes with a steamer basket, a non-stick spatula for scooping rice, and a measuring cup that corresponds to the lines on the inside of the pot. Use the basket to cook veggies and rice concurrently for straightforward weeknight dinners, or steam puddings like flan or crème brûlée once you want a dinner party dessert pronto.
Zojirushi Micom 5.5-Cup Rice Cooker
Not like rice cookers which can be heated from the bottom with an electric coil and thermal sensor, this model relies on an induction system that creates heat instantly within the inside pot by electromagnetism. Like the primary automatic rice cooker mentioned above, this model comes with three heaters too-one at the bottom, one on the facet, and one within the internal lid-for evenly cooked and fluffy rice. It additionally has a delay timer that will help you plan forward; all you need to do is place uncooked rice with the correct ratio of water in the pot, then program when you’d like it to start out cooking. The machine comes with settings for various kinds of rice, and its stainless steel exterior is easy to wipe down.
Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH Induction Rice Cooker
Much like “fuzzy logic,” Neuro Fuzzy know-how permits the rice cooker to sense what’s occurring within the internal pot and adjusts time and temperature as needed. Like the other rice cookers, the detachable internal lid makes for straightforward clear-up. The machine’s intuition for preparing perfect rice-separate grains that handle to simply cling to each other-means you’ll rarely find yourself with mushy, overcooked grains or a burnt mess at the bottom of the pot. The Neuro Fuzzy, nonetheless, is the one machine with heat-proof handles on the facet of the interior pot to prevent potential burns whilst you carry the bowl out of the rice cooker.
Not only can the Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker put together white rice, porridge, and extra, it has a “keep warm” and “extended keep warm” setting, plus the ability to reheat rice. Use its non-stick rice spatula to scoop out sticky grains, and return it to its useful holder on the side of the pot when executed. But the most interesting factor about this mannequin could also be its “rinse-free” and “quick cooking” choice. Lest you’re nervous about utilizing the proper water to rice ratio, the rice cooker comes with two measuring cups: one regular one, and one for musenmai, a rinse-free rice selection well-liked in Japan.
Zojirushi NS-ZCC18 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker & Hotter
Micom, induction heating, and pressure cooking technology come together in what could also be Zojirushi’s most superior rice cooker but. Based on the brand’s site, the pressurized cooking and steaming “promotes gelatinization and produces sticky and plump rice.” Like different Micom fashions, this machine makes use of fuzzy logic to regulate cooking instances and temperatures as needed so that every batch of rice is ideal.
The Pressure Induction Heating Rice Cooker has forty nine customization settings; for one, the “My Rice (49 Methods)” setting allows you to present the machine feedback so it knows the best way to make rice precisely the way in which you need it, whether that’s slightly stickier or barely fluffier. However for those who want a machine that can make rice the way you favor it, then the worth tag may be value it. Neat! The platinum-infused nonstick interior pot and detachable interior lid are each simple to clean-but in the event you don’t feel like hand-washing, the rice cooker has a self-cleaning perform too. At $701, this is Zojirushi’s most expensive rice cooker.
Zojirushi NW-JEC10BA Strain Induction Heating Rice Cooker & Warmer
Zojirushi’s Umami rice cooker claims to produce more flavorful rice by soaking and cooking rice for longer. What appeals to me most is its specific setting for making congee. Like the other Micom models, this machine has automated and prolonged settings to keep your rice heat, as well as the ability to reheat rice. Depend me in. Should you don’t have room for single-use appliances, this model also doubles as a sluggish cooker-think about using it for braised meat, soups, or stew. Most machines have a button for porridge, however this one has particular settings for each. A batch of comforting congee with the press of a button?
