Stainless Steel Rice Cooker Finding The Best Stainless Steel Rice Cooker

We thought we knew what rice was supposed to be like when we used our Costco Aroma Rice Cookers–we would just, as a matter of course, replace the old ones with the same brand… Until this time.
After reading up on consumer reviews and Japanese sites, we opted to try the Zojirushi Induction Heating Rice Cooker. The stainless steel is STUNNING–the pictures do NOT do it justice–it is gorgeous on my countertop–a piece of furniture, like the KitchenAid Mixer. It is easy to set up (clock time, etc) and easy to use. (The directions are very clear.) I tried some Jasmine Rice in it for our first try–and WOW! I was totally amazed! Each piece of rice is perfect in every way. I have never had such results before. Perfect temperature, perfect texture, perfect stickiness, perfect taste. The aroma in the kitchen fills the house and it’s wonderful.
There is very little steam (unlike most rice cookers) and it is very easy to clean up. It keeps the rice at that perfect temperature for hours–even longer with the extended warm feature.
I know it’s expensive–but in this case, I truly believe you get what you pay for. If you want to know what rice is supposed to be like–you must get one of these! Zojirushi makes a couple of different types of rice cookers–and I have heard that they are all terrific. This one cooks with induction heating, which uses magnets… the unit doesn’t get hot…
If you can–get this one!

5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Stuff
Wow have owned several cookers and this is far superior to any I have owned. I have had rice everyday of my life and this is the best ever.

I purchased this rice cooker about a month or so ago. I cannot say enough good things about this rice cooker. It is absolutely fantastic! Everything I’ve made (rice and non-rice) has come out wonderfully!

I have a cook/warm rice cooker that I’m going to sell at a yard sale. I will never be able to go back to using that type of machine again. The difference between the Zojirushi and the cook/warm is more than night and day. The difference between the quality in the rice bowls alone is unbelievable. The Zojirushi has a bowl that is very thick and heavy, not unlike my stove top cookware. My old cook/warm rice bowl feels like one of my cheap mixing bowls.

Prior to purchasing the Zojirushi, we never really cared for brown rice. It was too crunchy/chewy. Now my family and I love brown rice. The GABA Brown Rice setting is amazing. I have never made, nor eaten, brown rice that was so light and fluffy before in my life. Because of that, we mostly eat brown rice now – which is much healthier for us anyway.

You will not be disappointed with this machine. It’s looks beautiful sitting on the counter top. Clean up is a breeze – the stainless has some sort of coating and does not show fingerprints or smears!

Update: We have owned this rice cooker for about 2 years now and it continues to cook good rice every time. Some Tips:
1. Add 10% more water than is indicated, this will make fluffier rice
2. In order to make Persian-style rice, throw in one tablespoon butter and salt to taste with the water: when used with Basmati rice, this would produce fragrant rice with every grain standing apart.
3. For long-grain rice, use the “Soft” option.
4. Please use it to cook brown rice on GABA setting. Exquisite.
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We have had this rice cooker for a week now and have already tried all its settings. It’s unbelievable how this cooker makes fluffy, moist rice where each grain stands out without getting sticky. This happens whether you put in Basmati rice, Sushi rice or brown rice. It’s astounding how the rice remain fresh, warm and hardly dry out. That was a big change for us, having used no-good Oster rice cookers until we went to a Japanese supermarket and saw how cool and functional this unit looked. We are now eating more (healthier) brown rice and not throwing away any rice the following day. The Japanese sure know how to cook rice.

The menu is simple but offers plenty of choice. The inside bowl is heavy and made of Stainless Steel and has deep and clear marking to help you add the right amount of water without having to use cups. The melodies are a bit of a nuisance, but you wouldn’t hear them over your dishwasher, so that’s quite all right. The cooker does take twice as long as other, cheap rice cookers, but the ensuing taste is worth the wait.

Without a doubt, the machine is beautiful. If you really want to eat great rice every time and can afford the price, this is your best choice.

4.0 out of 5 stars
rice lover
I have come to love Gaba rice because of this unit. I never knew the various brown rice varieties could be so flavorful, and have such a delightful mouth feel.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Zojirushi
Zojirushi NP-HBC18 10-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer with Induction Heating System, Stainless Steel
Excellent,high quality, and makes great rice.