Finest Japanese Rice Cookers In 2022

Elevate your hand in case 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 put money into probably the greatest Japanese rice cookers. Whereas there’s nothing flawed with a standard rice cooker, which generally has a one-cooks-all setting, Japanese rice cookers are tremendous intuitive–mitigating points with mismeasuring and accommodating totally different cooking nuances. These machines modify 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 just a few dumplings for an ideal steaming session, and even the egg custard chawanmushi—as chef Joanne Chang, the culinary pressure behind Boston’s Meyers & Chang and Flour Bakery, suggests. She’s our resident professional for this story and remembers a Tatung rice cooker as a distinguished a part of her childhood kitchen. Discover the mannequin that fits your kitchen (in addition to some useful purchasing suggestions) beneath 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

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

Zojirushi has been slinging top-notch Japanese rice cookers since they hallmarked the type in 1983, and this profitable mannequin isn’t any exception. Whilst you can’t actually go flawed with any of the choices supplied by the model, this one hits the candy spot between the dearer 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 person’s preferences. Not solely does it have specialised settings for jasmine, candy, and brown rices, however the equipment additionally boasts distinctive cooking settings you possibly can mess around with together with the extra commonplace warming and fast/sluggish cook dinner modes. (We’re keen on 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 succeed in your required quantity, add the suitable quantity of water, and push a button. You’ll have good rice in roughly 50 minutes. Bonus: Whenever you rice has completed cooking, it’ll routinely 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

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 in addition clocking in on the decrease finish of the value spectrum for this souped-up type of rice cooker. From the outset, you possibly can inform it’s constructed with consideration to element in thoughts. There’s a useful 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 sensible decisions lengthen 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 disadvantage for these with bigger households: the capability is one the small facet. Nevertheless, the dimensions 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 utilize the extra-precise warming mode, which occasions by the minute fairly than the hour as different fashions sometimes do. And with its rounded physique form and 4 nubby toes, this rice cooker seems actually lovable 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

Why we selected it: A wise algorithm makes the suitable cooking changes to get fluffy rice each time, whereas high-end strain cooking know-how 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 sorts. Although this might sound a bit intimidating, it’s nonetheless fairly intuitive. This rice cooker is enabled with a particular algorithm that detects your grain kind and works to take care of the correct inside temperature. 

Different intelligently designed cooking options embody: a managed steam launch that limits condensation, strain cooking mode to advertise consistency, and an induction-heated inside pot (cast from sturdy stainless-steel and cloaked in a scratch-resistant nonstick coating no much less). Heating the pot fairly 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 manage the warmth and strain contained in the machine. And if you’re completed cooking, have interaction the automated cleansing cycle with the contact of a button.

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

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

Why we selected it: This beloved fan favourite cooker makes foolproof rice in large 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” listing. This mannequin is straightforward, versatile, and—in fact—produces tender 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 sorts or rice as many high-end cookers do (in addition to congee and porridge settings) in addition to probably the greatest “maintain heat” features round; it does wonders to take care of the standard rive it makes, and people used to making ready rice on the stovetop comprehend 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 should maintain checking the timer, and the candy-colored buttons and general retro aesthetic of the factor. 

The retractable wire and inside 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 you will need to hand wash the lid inside and pot, and general cooks rice on the slower facet than different fashions, a bit beneath double the time. However consistency is vital in terms 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

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 sensible 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 conversant in Japanese model Hario for his or her iconic gooseneck kettle and occasional tools, however their culinary attain extends a lot additional. Hario is the one heat-proof glass manufacturing unit 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 sort of indestructible (and a good way to keep watch over 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 inside measuring information, a steam vent to forestall starchy overflow splashes, and useful helper handles on both sides coated in heat-resistant silicone. Each pots are fairly small in measurement, however in case you’re cooking for one or two folks it shouldn’t be a difficulty, for the reason that petite stature of those pots assist them cook dinner rice in round quarter-hour. And although it’s solely analog, this cooker shouldn’t be with out its “computerized” options, so to talk. The pot makes a light-weight 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 way more flimsy and liable 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 case 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 dimensions of your kitchen) each may affect the capability you want. Rice cookers are normally marked by the dry cup quantity, and that normally multiples by 2x-3x as soon as it’s cooked. Observe: A rice cooker’s “cup” shouldn’t be 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 case you’ve already chosen to go for a Japanese-style rice cooker over a less complicated conventional mannequin, chances are high you’re longing for a extra “sensible” expertise that may be tailor-made to your preferences and totally different sorts of rice. Most choices embody settings designed for various sorts of rice, so in case you’re somebody who prefers a nutty, chewy brown rice over its fluffy white counterpart, you must maintain an eye fixed out for a rice cooker with a delegated brown rice setting. Extra tricked out fashions may embody buttons for reheating rice and even fast (strain cook dinner) and sluggish cooking choices to completely time your rice to be completed with the remainder of your meal. 

Particular Options

Our article professional, chef Joanne Chang, says a hotter is her most important function in terms of a rice cooker. It’ll maintain your rice not solely heat, but in addition recent (no crusty grains right here) till you’re able to serve it. Most Japanese fashions will embody “neuro fuzzy” or “micom” know-how, which packages your cooker to be delicate to components like water stage and temperature if they modify all through the cooking course of. Most choices may also embody a rice paddle and a measuring cup, and a few very elite fashions may have an auto clear operate (as if cooking with one in every of 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 typically, the time period is used to explain high-tech fashions specializing in fast cooking and embody myriad extra options in distinction to a standard 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-about Japanese rice cookers). Japanese rice cookers sometimes are thought-about “micom” or “fuzzy logic,” which primarily means they’re powered by a microchip that may sense environmental adjustments and modify to take care of your rice’s ideally suited temperature and texture. 

What’s the ideally suited capability of a Japanese rice cooker?

As touched on within the “issues to think about” part above, the standard 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 sensible to go bigger or smaller relying in your cooking habits (are you a meal prepper or somebody who cooks for crowds typically?). Consider, rice cookers sometimes are at the least medium-sized home equipment, so contemplate your kitchen area 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 inclined 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 several types of rice (from white, to brown, to Jasmine) with some even together with auto features for making ready congee and porridge. Extra settings for warming or sluggish cooking are widespread in high quality cookers as nicely. 

What else can I exploit Japanese rice cookers for?

Along with making extra easy, simple dishes like porridge and dumplings, Chang says: “You need to use the rice cooker as a steamer for different meals not only for rice. With eggs, you can also make chawanmushi (a steamed egg custard with mushroom, scallion, and soy that’s a standard Japanese breakfast and a scrumptious snack). It’s also possible to marinate rooster or pork in sake and salt and pepper and steam within the rice cooker for a easy fundamental course if you don’t wish to saute or fry or bake. Make sure to observe the directions on the rice cooker for the water to rice proportion.”

Closing Ideas

All the finest Japanese rice cookers showcased on this listing will give you tender, fluffy grains with minimal guesswork and hands-on work. The best choice to fit your kitchen largely will depend on the area you’ve gotten, frequency you’ll use it, and in case you’re loyal to 1 kind of rice or many. Since Japanese rice cookers typically run costly, since they’re outfitted with so many sensible options, we love the Zojirushi NL-GAC10, which presents 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 concerning the options, so helpful settings and high-tech capabilities have been the components we thought-about initially when deciding which fashions made it on our winners listing. 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 residence in our “finest” listing. We then moved on to different manufacturers each small and enormous to get a greater sense of which of them are well-liked 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 essential half in our determination making, too. We’ve heard of rice cookers turning into kitchen heirlooms and, to verify our picks would operate for many years, selected these with elements constructed from sturdy stainless-steel (our professional’s suggestion).