Rice is one of the most versatile foods around the world, and if anyone has perfected the art of cooking rice in different ways, it’s the Japanese. And, if you want it made to perfection, the best Japanese rice cooker can be a handy device in your kitchen. Japanese rice cookers come with incredible features to let you cook rice in different ways. With different models out there, ranging from simple electric heaters to advanced inductions, choosing one becomes challenging. Thus, we have rounded up the best Japanese rice cookers on this list. Take a look.

Types Of Japanese Rice Cookers

Here are a few major types of rice cookers available in the market. This type of cooker can prepare the most uniformly cooked and fluffy rice in less time. Such high-frequency rice cooker devices also have LCDs with touch buttons to select from the different cooking modes. They have a state-of-the-art design that complements a modern kitchen too.

11 Best Japanese Rice Cookers

1. Best Ergonomic:Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker

The Zojirushi Fuzzy electronic rice cooker with neuro-fuzzy logic technology enables you to set temperature and heating time to make perfectly cooked rice. It has several cooking modes such as white rice (sushi, softer, harder), mixed rice, porridge, sweet, semi brown, brown rice, and quick-cooking that can be selected from the panel as per your preference. The one-liter capacity cooker has triple heaters to cook the rice evenly from the bottom, sides, and the top. The ergonomically designed cooker has a retractable power cord,a folding handle for easy transport, and a keep-warm mode that can keep your rice warm for more than 12 hours. It has a clock and delay-timer function and includes a spatula and a measuring rice cooker cup. Take a look at this video to learn more about this rice cooker. Pros

Multiple cooking modes with LCD Sturdy build with quality components Beep-audio to indicate cooking completion Easy-to-clean detachable cooking pan and lids

Cons

May take longer to cook Battery cannot be replaced

2. Best Compact:Tiger Micom Rice Cooker

The Tiger multi-functional cooker has gained immense popularity among rice lovers for its synchronized cooking mode to steam cooking. It also has an automatic logic system for active temperature monitoring. The cooker’s easy-to-understand button layout with four cooking modes, namely plain, synchro – cooking, brown and slow cook, lets you prepare the most delicious and steamed rice dishes. You can use the warm mode to keep your rice warm after it is cooked. The cooker comes with a spatula, measuring cup, cooking plate, and a recipe-book for synchro cooking ideas. Watch this brief video for more information about this rice cooker. Pros

Compact size, one-liter capacity Super-fast cooking in less than 20 minutes Synchro-cooking in the upper tray Easy to clean and wash

Cons

Timer or clock functionalities are absent Doesn’t have audio indicators

3. Best Multiple Cooking Modes:Zojirushi Induction Heating System

Equipped with induction heating (IH) technology, the Zojirushi rice cooker uses magnetic fields instead of electrical conduction to heat the rice pan. This special heating method lets you prepare the fluffiest, evenly-cooked, and tasty rice in conjunction with the highly intelligent temperature sensors. You can cook various rice dishes,including plain rice, brown rice, porridge, and sushi rice in the cooker, by selecting the right mode. Once the rice is cooked, the keep-warm mode automatically sets in for hours. It also has a timer to set the desired cooking time in advance. Pros

Advanced induction heating technology Modern design with stainless steel body Multiple cooking modes Easy-to-operate front panel and LED screen One-liter capacity

Cons

May take longer to cook Power cord may not beretractable

4. Best Touch Panel:Comfee’ Asian Style All-in-1 Multi Cooker

If you are looking for a multipurpose cooker,the Comfee all-in-one cooker can be a good choice. You can use this five-liter appliance as a rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, slow cooker, yogurt maker, and soup pot. It also includes a 24-hour delay timer to set the time of cooking conveniently. It has good build quality with a stainless steel outer body and non-stick cooking pot. This brief video has more information about the product. Pros

Multi-cooker, cook more than just rice Touch panel and timer with LED display Automatic keep-warm mode Removable pot and lids for easy cleaning

Cons

May take longer to cook Could be heavy for some

5. Best Safety Valve:Zojirushi Induction Heating Pressure Cooker

The induction heating pressure cooker and warmer is an advanced and top-of-the-line offering by the Japanese brand Zojirushi. With a combination of induction heating (IH) and pressurized cooking in conjunction with fuzzy logic technology and AI, this rice cooker ensures uniform heating of the rice. It has three different pressure levels and micro-adjustments suitable for cooking different types of rice at the desired temperature. Available in one and two-liter capacity, the cooker has basic features such as LED display, touch control, timer, and keep-warm mode and advanced safety features, such as a pressure control valve, safety valve, and pressure indicator. Pros

High-finish stainless steel exterior Multiple cooking modes High-quality components and parts Easy-to-clean parts

Cons

May not be suitable for food items other than rice

6. Best Warmth-Retaining:Toshiba One-Touch Cooker

The Toshiba cooker brings innovation to rice cooking with advanced fuzzy logic, 3D, and six-step cooking technology. With a capacity of 3l, this cooker is capable of cooking white rice, brown rice, mixed rice,and other food items, such as oats, porridge, and multiple grains. A well-lit LED display, ergonomic design,and single-touch buttons enable easy selection of cooking modes or timer settings. The sturdy and durable cooker has a carry handle and detachable cooking pan and lid for portability and efficient cooking. Pros

Combination of advanced cooking features Not limited to just cooking rice Includes steam basket, spatulas, soup spoon, and measuring cups Quick rice feature for faster cooking Keep-warm mode for 24 hours

Cons

Power cord is not retractable

7. Best For Advanced Cooking:Aroma Housewares Japanese Style Cooker

The budget-friendly multipurpose rice cooker has three main cooking modes to steam meat and veggies and cook white and brown rice. It also has the automatic sauté-then-simmer and keep-warm functions to cook moist and well-textured rice with a button price. The additional steam tray can be used to steam your favorite dishes simultaneously with the rice. You can use the delay timer for up to 15 hours for planned cooking. Pros

Advanced cooking features work in sync Sauté and steam functions Includes steam basket and standard accessories Multipurpose cooking One-liter capacity

Cons

Cleaning may not be easy Panel display is not backlit Condensed water may drip from the sides

8. Best Two Heating Bowls:Thanko Handy Rice Cooker

If you are looking for an ultra-portable rice cooker,the Thanko handy cooker can be a reliable choice. You can carry this to work or picnics and have freshly cooked rice for lunch. It has two heating bowls for cooking rice and vegetables separately. It is a simple and portable electric rice cooker to prepare small portions for a single person. Pros

Compact and easy-to-carry Suitable for warming food Made of premium-quality material Durable and convenient

Cons

May lack advanced heating technology May take longer to cook

9. Best LED Screen: Tiger JKT-D10U Rice Cooker

This rice cooker by Tiger works effectively on advanced induction technology. The temperature adjustment feature encourages you to cook fluffy rice within a short time. It also comes with 12 preset menu settings for quick cooking, and the new express limited cup setting enables you to cook a limited amount of rice in 17 minutes. The cooker can also keep the cooked rice warm when you select the ‘keep warm’ setting. You can conveniently cook multigrain rice, long grain rice, porridge, and sweet rice, and bake using this versatile rice cooker.  Pros

Comes with side handles Non-stick coated ceramic inner pot Precise temperature adjustment Available in 1.3 and 2.3 liters

Cons

May take time to get familiar with the features

10. Best Durable:Tatung Micom Fuzzy Logic Multi-Cooker

The Tatung multi-cooker works on advanced fuzzy logic cooking technology and boasts eight cooking presets and three main quick-cooking modes, including quick rice cooking, white rice cooking, and congee rice cooking.With a capacity of 1.5l, this cooker is relatively compact with a stainless steel body in rose-gold and includes a keep-warm, preset timer, and other advanced features. Pros

Durable and high-quality LED screen with single-touch buttons Versatile, can steam and slow cook Foldable handle for portability

Cons

LED screen may not have enough light for visibility

11. Best For Outdoor Cooking:Hitachi Portable IH Rice Cooker

If you want to have a portable rice cooker with advanced induction heating (IH) technology, the Hitachi cooker can be an ideal choice. Its 0.36-liter capacity, various cooking modes, and iron kettle can help you get perfectly textured rice. This cooker also works on battery-powered technology, which makes it convenient for outdoor cooking. Pros

Induction heating Compact and travel-friendly Multi-cooking modes Timer functions available

Cons

Could be noisy May not be easy to wash and clean

How To Choose The Right Japanese Rice Cooker?

With the plethora of features and various Japanese rice cooker brands, it may not be easy to pick what is best for you. To make your decision-making easier, here is a list of key features that you should look for in Japanese rice cookers. Akino Ogata, a Japanese culinary expert, says, “Consider how often you cook rice before buying a rice cooker. If rice is your staple food, choose a medium to high-end product. If not, choose a reasonable but reliable one. Whichever product you select, know that rice tastes best when it is freshly cooked.” She adds, “Also, I don’t recommend keeping rice warm for long hours. Freeze it and reheat it just before eating.”

Why Trust MomJunction?

Wedetso Chirhah offers expert assessments of furniture, home appliances, and kitchenware. He has compiled a list of the best Japanese rice cookers for you based on his extensive study and analysis of various forums. These cookers come in various models and types, allowing you to cook rice in a variety of ways. Wedetso has also included a detailed description of each product and a buying guide to help you buy as per your requirements based on bowl capacity, pan quality, ergonomics, and aesthetics.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Sakshi John offers high-quality information and expert assessments of furniture, home appliances, and kitchenware. She has compiled a list of the best Japanese rice cookers for you based on her extensive study and analysis of various forums. These cookers come in various models and types, allowing you to cook rice in a variety of ways. She has also included a detailed description of each product and a buying guide to help you buy as per your requirements based on bowl capacity, pan quality, ergonomics, and aesthetics.

Remove the inner bowl and place it in the dishwasher. If it is not dishwasher-safe, soak it in a solution of warm water and soap for some time. While the bowl is soaking, wipe the outer part of the rice cooker with the same solution using a cloth, then wipe it carefully with regular water. Take out the inner bowl from the soap solution and scrub it using a slightly gritty washing cloth, then wipe it clean with regular water.

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