Must-Have Kitchen Appliance: The 4 best Japanese rice cookers reviewed

You’ve probably heard about Japanese rice cookers’ functionality and versatility but are unsure which is the best Japanese rice cooker to buy. The market for this steaming appliance is quite saturated. However, I have made it easy for you to choose by carefully researching some of the best rice cookers you can get for your home.

A rice cooker is worth having if you eat rice a lot. You will always get perfect and uniformly cooked rice while escaping the messiness of using a stove. Also, it can keep your cooked rice warm for about 4 – 5 hours. Nonetheless, if you want to eat your rice hot beyond five hours, check out how to reheat leftover cooked rice.

All your rice cooking disappointments will come to an end with a Japanese rice cooker. Compared with regular cookers, this pressurized pot makes your rice more fluffy and soft. As a result of the versatility it offers, you can prepare different varieties of rice automatically. All you need to do is select the grain button for the rice you want to cook. That said, let me walk you through my top four best Japanese rice cookers.

Best Japanese Rice Cookers

I have examined each product and the value they offer. You can compare them to each other to select the best Japanese rice cooker for you.

Product Image	Product Name	FoodLve Rating	Pros	Cons	Link
	Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker	Best Overall	– It is durable. – It is non-stick and easy to wash – It can cook many varieties of rice – The cooking process is adequately automated because of the advanced fuzzy logic design.	– It is a bit expensive.	Check Price Here
	Toshiba Mini Rice Cooker	Best Value	– It is programmed using 3D heating and smart fuzzy logic – It is multifunctional in purpose – It is durable and easy to use – It is dishwasher safe – It has a 1-year warranty available	– The manual is not well-detailed.	Check Price Here
	Thanko Rice Cooker	Best Single Use	– It is lightweight and portable – It can be washed using a dishwasher – It is easy to use – You can cook two things simultaneously, one in each cup	– It can’t cook more than two cups of rice.	Check Price Here
	Iga-Mono Kamadosan Clay Rice Cooker	Best Traditional	– It is durable and easy to use – It is multipurpose – It cooks fluffy rice with an added smoky flavor – It is a convenient way to enjoy traditionally prepared rice	– It lacks the convenience of an electric cooker	Check Price Here

1. Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker (Best Overall)

Best Overall

The advanced fuzzy logic design of this rice cooker means it can literally think for itself. It can make adjustments in its temperature and heating time based on the type of rice so you can get the perfect cooker meal every time. Needless to say, it is the best Japanese rice cooker in the market.

It is 13 x 8.13 x 10.13 inches in size, weighs 3 pounds, and has a fold-down handle for easy carriage. You can make five cups and more of every type of rice with this cooker. You can also make porridge and steam your favorite foods with it. 

The inner lid of this cooker is easily detachable for easy washing. And the inner cooking pan is spherical to ensure even cooking of your rice.

Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker is suitable for:

It is the best Japanese rice cooker if you prioritize ease in cooking your rice. It is designed to operate with minimum supervision while offering a variety of cooking functions.

2. Toshiba Mini Rice Cooker (Best Value)

Best Value

Versatile and professional, this mini rice cooker Japanese is one you can never go wrong with if you want your rice fluffy. This rice cooker is 11 inches x 9 inches x 8 inches in size, weighs 6.6 pounds, and cooks up to three cups of rice. It is elegant, convenient, and portable. The advanced fuzzy logic technology used in its design generates all-around heat to ensure your rice is evenly cooked with its texture and flavor well preserved.

The Toshiba Mini Rice Cooker has a digital panel that is easy to read. The non-stick inner pot, inner lid, and steam vent are easily detachable for cleaning. The 24-hour delay timer is easily programmable to deliver hot dishes on the go. There are also markings in the pot to help you achieve the perfect rice-to-water ratio needed

It is highly multifunctional. You can use it to prepare other meals like porridge, cakes, and eggs. The Quick Cook, Slow Cook, and Keep Warm features can be harnessed to suit the need of all kinds of food.

Toshiba Mini Rice Cooker is suitable for:

It is the best Japanese rice cooker for a family of up to three people that eat rice regularly. For people who also love trying out new dishes, the variety of control features that come with this cooker makes it a perfect choice. 

3. Thanko Rice Cooker (Best Single Use)

Best Single Use

This cooker is perfect for sole use. The two containers in it jointly can cook two cups of rice. The whole device has a size of 5.31 x 8.86 x 6.1 inches and weighs 2.4 pounds. As such, it doesn’t occupy much storage space and is easily carried about. 

This is the best Japanese rice cooker for single use, and its process is easy. All you need to do is add your rice and some water to create the steam to cook it. Close the cooker, press the control button, and cook for about 35 minutes until the indicator goes off.

This cooker is not limited to just rice. You can prepare soups, vegetables, eggs, and any food that requires steaming or boiling. With this device, you can carry out healthy cooking on the go, including in your office. The power cord is long enough to reach hidden power outlets in your office. After cooking, washing up this cooker is easy because it can be washed in a dishwasher.

Thanko Rice Cooker is Suitable for:

If you want the freedom of enjoying freshly cooked rice everywhere you go, then this is the best Japanese rice cooker for you.

4. Iga-Mono Kamadosan Clay Rice Cooker (Best Traditional)

Best Traditional

Some people would prefer a traditional Japanese rice cooker instead of a high-tech one. And this donabe rice cooker ensures no one’s interest is left out. You can cook your rice in the most traditional way using this Japanese rice pot made from clay. It is 7.7 x 9.2 x 9.2 inches in size and weighs 8.9 pounds.

The Japanese rice cooker is made of earthenware and functions like a slow cooker when placed over an open flame. You can use it in an oven if finding an open-flame grill proves difficult. Once you have set the heat for this steamer to cook your rice, you don’t need to change the heat level until your rice is ready. The far-infrared effect of the cooker makes your rice fluffy. It retains heat well and the double lid prevents spillage

Some people particularly love the cooked rice at the bottom of this cooker because of its crispness. Much more, this rice cooker is not left out of the versatility that most rice cookers offer. You can use the donable cooker to prepare stews and soups.

Iga-Mono Kamadosan Clay Rice Cooker is suitable for:

This is the best Japanese rice cooker if you want your rice prepared the traditional way. It can serve as a good gift to much older Japanese folks who want to enjoy traditional Japanese rice without using high-tech modern cookers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I buy a Japanese rice cooker?

Japanese manufacturers have the best rice cooker you would find in the market. This fact is not far-fetched because the Japanese people eat a lot of rice. In fact, rice has a deep cultural significance in their society, so you can expect that they are committed to developing the best ways to prepare it.

Is a rice cooker a good investment?

Yes, it is! Especially if you cook rice a lot. You will never be concerned about getting your rice cooked the right way. Moreso, a rice cooker can serve other purposes than just cooking rice.

Can I get an anime rice cooker?

Yes, you can. Although they are not so popular, some manufacturers design and produce anime-themed rice cookers.

Conclusion

You’ve made the right choice when you select a rice cooker that meets your demands without hassle. As such, being able to appreciate the peculiar value that each rice cooker provides makes all the difference. Nonetheless, I believe no one can go wrong with the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker because it is easy to use, versatile, and robust enough to cater to almost every need.

After cooking your rice, there are many ways to enjoy it. One staple rice dish to consider is sushi. However, if you think your rice steamer is not the best Japanese rice cooker for sushi, here are our top six picks of the best sushi rice cookers for you.