I used to work in a restaurant that used that exact model of Zojirushi. I swung by that same restaurant 10 years later and they still had the same two rice cookers in the back, still working after all those years. Impressive machines.

My mom got her Zojirushi rice cooker when she was in college and it's the one we used constantly as I was growing up. Now it's mine and probably 30 years later it still works just as good! It's not fancy, just one tab that switches between cook and keep warm, but it's amazing. A few years ago I stopped measuring my rice and water and it still works perfectly! (Err on the side of more water). Such a reliable machine.

as a asian person. i knew right away just by looking at the machines which one was gonna be on top. u look for the elephant logo of the brand. its the same one my family used throughout my entire life. when u eat rice everyday, ur gonna pay for a nice machine thats made well

I haven't used any of these brands but my grandmother who immigrated to USA from Japan after WW2 gifted me a Tiger brand rice cooker and that thing is still making perfectly cooked, no nonsense rice without frills today. It's easy to use and easy to clean. I recommend Tiger rice cookers.

Japanese rice cookers were always the gold standard for rice cookers. I still remember the days when you had to decipher buttons with Japanese script. Now you can find English language versions easily.

I've owned multiple $30 Aroma rice cookers, I abandoned that for a pot, and then finally one day, there was a sale on a Zojirushi and it was down to $80. I said, ya know what, I'm just gonna buy this thing and see if the price is worth it. Yup. The price was 100% worth it. I heard stories about Zojirushi's being the KitchenAid Stand Mixer of rice cookers and it definitely is. Makes perfect rice, every single time, and it sings a song when it starts and finishes. Sushi rice? It has you. Brown rice? It has you. Just absolute perfection every time

Not only is the cooked rice perfect every time, but it will stay that freshly-cooked texture for hours on the warmer cycle, and the unit is so durable! I have had my own Zojirushi 5-cup cooker for more than 12 years (& I’ve chosen it as wedding presents for several friends & they love it too)

I bought the Aroma cooker that's next to their current winner based on a previous ATK recommendation. He's right about how hard it is to see the embossed measuring lines on the bowl. I have to use a flashlight to see it.

When I moved out my Korean grandmother gifted me a Zojirushi rice cooker and a Philips air fryer. The perfect combo and still in tip top shape 6 years later.

I've had a Zojirushi rive cooker for over a decade and use it 2-3 times a week and it still works perfectly.

I bought the zojirushi used on craigslist for $80, and it has made me perfect rice over and over again despite never having glanced at the manual. A gift from the japanese electronic appliance heavens.

I needed a new rice cooker right when you posted this, bought the 3 cup capacity Zojirushi. It works great, and I'm very happy with the first batch. I'll be making those super fluffy pancakes in it next.

Spent extra for a Zojirushi cooker and was SO WORTH IT! I plan on gifting them during the holidays.

The winner 🏅 is the one I’ve been using for a couple years!! Love it and does a great job of keeping rice at a perfect temp for days after!! Mom has also used for years, as an Asian family we do eat a lot of rice 🍚🥰

I love my Oyama all stainless (inside) (no teflon) - it has a clamp down lid so it will cook harder grains - about $55 to $75 depending on size.

I have a different model Zojirushi rice cooker that’s well over 50 years old. We use it all the time and it still makes perfect rice.

I still have the Zojirushi I bought in 2001. It's been making 4-5 batches of rice a week for more than 20 years and still works great.

I have had a Zojirushi rice cooker for like 30 years and it's still working fine, except with the old design it has a small center vault that started to keep falling off into the rice last couple of years. I finally bought a new Zojirushi rice cooker this week with one-piece inner lid and no separate inner lid parts to fall, hope this one will last just as long as the old one. Perhaps I can even pass it on to the next generation 😄

The question is, is the Zojirushi 2x better than the Toshiba? One is $112 the other $208. That's a steep $$ difference. Also just learned not all Zojirushi are made in Japan. Some are actually manufactured in China. In the past, the runner up or value buy usually gets some love. Why no details on the 2nd place cooker that was easy too at half the cost?

I've always wanted a rice cooker, but never knew what one to get. Thanks for the information.

My rice cooking appliance preference is the Instant Pot pressure cooker for medium grain Calrose and Jasmine rice for steam cooking. However, when making steamed basmati, Mexican, and Cuban style rice, the stove top works best for me.

I have owned that exact model of rice cooker for about 20 years. I still use it all the time and my rice is still perfect.

We love our Zojirushi rice cooker. It gets used at least once a week. Great to have the rice taken care of while the rest of the meal is being prepped and cooked.

And they have great customer service too! I don't use mine as much as I used to, but I'm glad a bought it. It makes really good brown rice which is really a pain without a good rice cooker.

Though not the winner, the Toshiba made for a fantastic rice cooker. I've owned it for about a year, and love the results. The only complaint I have is there's no easy way to remove the bowl while it's hot. Otherwise, big fan.

I've owned this rice cooker for 15 years. It cooks rice and slow cook oats perfect everytime. 100% agree with paying a little more for the best out there.

If you don't make rice often and are just using a pot on the stove, try a cheap rice cooker if you have the space for it. Even the low-end $10-20 rice cookers make rice better, more easily, and more reliably than on the stovetop unless you're an expert with lot of experience. Even the cheapest rice cooker does a decent job with white rice, and the brown rice is usually acceptable. The cheap cookers are easy to clean, just a nonstick (Teflon) pot and glass lid, and operate like an electric kettle or slow cooker. Just one switch. Pour into the bowl rice, water, salt, and optionally some fat and spices. Cover and hit the switch. It'll automatically switch to keeping it warm when it finishes cooking, so you can just come back anytime to hot rice ready to eat after the pot finishes cooking in 40 minutes or so. I have a small rice cooker I bought for around $10 that easily makes acceptable rice for 2-4 people at once. It's not a Zojirushi, it's not a Cuckoo, it's not a Cuisinart, it's not a Hamilton Beach. It's a Black & Decker! But it works well enough for someone that only cooks rice a few times a year. And sometimes I make my rice pot-in-pot in an Instant Pot if I'm making a pressure cooker curry. By all means, if you make rice often and/or you can afford it, get the superior, more expensive machine and eat better rice. I would if it was my staple. I'm just saying that people who aren't willing to spend the money on a high-end model can still benefit from a cheap rice cooker. And if they enjoy using that, perhaps they'll eventually upgrade. I want to have a better rice cooker some day, it's just not a priority for me at the moment since I don't use my rice cooker often. But it makes cooking rice so much easier when I do, even though it's the cheapest rice cooker I could find that I was willing to eat out of.

I always love it when my decisions are validated by professionals. I had a rice cooker I bought in Japan at the airport on impulse as I was leaving for the US over FORTY years ago, which was a star. I became embarrassed about the amount of scratching and starch on the outside. Then I went hunting for a replacement. From very plain I went glamorous and neurofuzzy.

Their ( Zojirushi) thermal mugs are awesome too. Very well designed...great manufacturer

The Tiger rice cooker found at Costco is usually like $90-$100 and is pretty good.

I’ve had Tigers and cheap “Aromas” in the past. Made the jump to a Micom Zojirushi and it takes rice to an unbelievable level of amazing.

I've used zojirushi rice cookers for years now. I currently use the umami model and the umami mode is amazing

I saw a video by this smart man suggesting how the least expensive rice cooker $20/30 ones are the best. Simplicity ,ease of cooking , cleaning so on and so forth. I am a craze rice lover and have 10 rice cooker of all kinds and honesty I put the most expensive ones aside and cooking in a simple one using one push button and I can't be any happier. Sometimes you need to put aside the fuzzy logic and use your own make sense logic.

Got one for Christmas 2023. It’s amazing. No more burn rice stuck to the bottom of a cheap cooker.

I’ve had had a 3 cup Zojirushi for close to a decade, and it still works great. The only time it didn’t work perfectly was when I accidentally left some rice on the ‘keep warm’ setting for several days (probably close to a week). After that it wouldn’t work for at all for a few days, but then it came back to life, and it hasn’t had a glitch since. I wish it did have handles on the pot, like the larger one which won here. The Aroma rice cooker that was their previous winner is cheaply constructed and makes mushier rice. I bought that one about two years ago, to use at work (to make lunch for myself and a couple of coworkers), and while it is ok, it is far less satisfying to use, and the nonstick surface has not held up nearly as well, despite being used less often, for a much shorter period of time.

I've had that same Zojirushi for nearly 30 years. The clock no longer works but everything else is exactly the way it was the day it came out of the box.

The rice Cooker that won is the one my mom has been using for decades and no wonder it tastes so good every time

Anyone who owns that zojirushi knew the winner before clicking on the video. Mine is used 4 nights a week and is still making perfect rice 15 years in.

I use an Instant Pot and it makes perfect rice every time.

I have the same one. It cooks perfectly. I bought it about 10 years ago and 5-6 years in the battery for holding the time when it is not plugged in died. It still works but you need to plug in the unit and input the correct time if you want to use the timer function otherwise plug it in and go through the menu you want and press the cooking button and it will start cooking. Changing the battery is not a simple "open the compartment and put in new batteries" You need to use security bits and unsolder /resolder the old battery and new battery. Or do what I did, buy a coin battery holder and wrap wires to the + and - leads of the old coin battery. Someone added a YT video on how to change the battery and I add a comment on how I did it through his video. Now it has been two years since I change the battery and it's working fine. And if the batteries dies again all I need to do now is to open up the unit and swap out the batteries from the battery holder. These cookers are great but the batteries do die but it can be fixed if you are handy.

This Zojirushi makes great rice. The more expensive model with induction heating makes better rice, because it heats the whole bowl evenly. The top-end model, which runs around $600, adds pressure cooking for even better rice. Honestly, I bought it to replace my induction model (the bowl wore out from 15 years of use and was no longer available) on a whim, because I could; I was surprised at the difference. The pressure-cooked rice is just lighter and fluffier. For most people, it's not worth the price. But if you eat a lot of rice, if you have debates over which rice grown where is best-and you have the money to spare-it's not a waste of money.

I’m considering buying the zojorushi, but I currently have a 20c (cooked) and I wonder how small this one is. We currently fill with a little more than 4 c water. It seems that would work.

We eat rice everyday. We have the Zojirushi because our Tiger rice cooker died after 20 years. The Tiger was nice too, mainly because it was so simple.

This reminds me about my backup zojirushi I got 3 years ago. Got it as a backup to my tiger. Maybe its time to use it.

I clicked the link for the 5.5 cup rice cooker & it says $213.31. Quite a difference in price than $164.

This randomly came up on my KZfaq page and glad to see the one I have won lol

Please can you tell me where the steam , when cool flows out. Normal rice cooker had at the back. Here I can't figure it out. Thank you.

I have the red one. It is impeccable. I use it nearly daily, and I love it. Sure, the lines a little hard to see, but that's what good lighting is for.

One of my sisters has that model, my mom has an older model, and my other sister has the newer model. There's also a model that uses induction cooking.

I have the Zojirushi and I love it. I got it with reward points. I’d say it’s worth the money if someone bought it outright. I freeze any extra rice.

I have been using a Zojirushi rice cooker for about 30 years. Did ATK just discover this brand? For years ATK picked the Aroma rice cooker. So what gives, or would ATK still recommend the Aroma rice cooker for a less expensive option?

Note to myself: The _Zojirushi_ Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker, is *Made in Japan* Must look the nonstick inner pan is made of which material. PFOA?

As a Cuban American, HITACHI with the Chime back in the 70's and 80's was the BEST! Rice Cookers do not have to be expensive. Just use the Extra Long Grain White and add the correct water to rice ratio....a little cooking oil and salt. BINGO! Perfect fluffy rice!!

My Zojirushi is my favorite kitchen/food purchase of anything. Ever. It also sings me twinkle-twinkle little star.

I have the cheapest, smallest, simplest zojirushi. It doesn't have all the fancy features but the build quality is noticeably higher than the several others I've owned of the same type. The high end models must be nice but the basic one is all I need

I only buy japan made rice cookers, I eat rice 6-7 days a week with most every meal, so spending more is worth it for me. I had my last Tiger cooker for 15 years and decided to replace it not because of failure but because the outside was really sorry looking and the inner pot was scratched up because of using metal spoons. I wanted a IH (induction) cooker cause I can actually taste the difference and its faster, plus no burned bottoms, you like the burned bottom get a japanese made Tiger JNP type cooker (that will last you until you die) they usually have a flower pattern on the outside or are silver, the heating element will last forever. For a premium cooker that will tailor its method according to the type of rice you eat, the two models I'd advise people to look at (not cheap) I'd go either the Tiger JKT line or the Zojirushi NP-HCC line, both of these are induction type and yes it does taste better if you notice that sort of thing in rice. The fuzzy logic model they recommend here is nice, and has more features than the JNP line, but its not induction so does not cook quite the same nor as fast it is cheaper though than the two I recommend. I prefer the Tiger JKT line and bought it for myself causse the inner pot is concave shaped as has a nicer form, the zojirushi is just straight stamped. Does that make a difference? probably not, functionally and performance wise they are very similar. I guess get the one you can find a better deal on the size you need.

I’ve got a little 3 cup Zojirushi and I love it💖

Which ones add a container for steaming? Also retractable cords?

Nice thing some of the rice cookers, Zojirushi for certain have a aftermarket for the pot/basket/liner. So it’s possible to get a stainless steel replacement if using nonstick is an issue.

I use my Breville Fast Slow Pro using the pressure cooker feature. I’ve even made mushroom risotto with it.

I own a Panasonic which does a fine job but takes 40 minutes. I now use my instant pot, 3 minutes high pressure, 10 minutes natural release and perfect rice every time

That rice cooker doesn't cost $160, it costs $240. Quite possibly still worth it, but that's a dramatically higher price. In fact, you could almost buy an extra one of the red Cuckoo with the price difference.

If Zojirushi hadn't won, it would be a huge fail on their part. They've been basically the top company for it for as long as I can remember.

The Cuckoo rice cooker is really amazing if you’re on a budget. Cooks almost as well as a zojirushi.

My little zoji is over 25 years old, and used twice a day, every day. While they ARE expensive, you can get rice cookers for less than 30 bucks, by the time you average out the service life, the zoji is probably LESS expensive per use than budget model. If you only cook rice once a week or a few times a month, by all means save money, but if you want something that will withstand heavy use, a zoji is worth it. And yes, it is true that even super high end Asian restaurants use multiple zojis for sushi spaced out in time so that way rice is always at it's peak (when we hand "vinegar" and hand fan small 18 cup batches, it is a BIG difference between that experience and a huge 55 cup cooker with the vinegar mixture put into the water.)

You forgot to tell us about the most economical by end or the second one with the fuzzy logic that worked well also. You always have a choice of two.

Which one reduces arsenic levels?

I've got a several years old Black and Decker rice cooker I bought on sale for about 20 dollars. It resembles a crock pot has a removable pot and glass lid so it's easy to use. I just push a button and wait. Those look fancier and more like bread machines.

Amazon prices can change within seconds. I was searching for an item, looked at several items, decided I was going to buy one and the price had gone up in the few minutes I was looking at the other models. Another time I was shopping for a gas burner, Amazon wanted $89.00 for it, the exact same burner was $22.00 from ebay. Delivery time was about the same. The burner is made in the UK. It pays to shop around. Today I noticed a lot of products have high shipping costs.

Zojirushi are great rice cookers but cuckoo is amazing for Korean rice. I used to have one and somehow it always made rice stickier and amazing compared to other rice cookers. And I currently have a zojirushi rice cooker. I’m also surprised they didn’t test any more expensive models.

I was afraid I was over spending on my Zojirushi rice cooker … absolutely not it’s perfect every time and you can cook other things in it too. Great buy. Well worth it.

I was gonna get the Tiger rice cooker which is a great rice cooker but what really changed my mind was the “FUZZY Technology” literally you can just throw the water you think is right and the Zojiroshi would make it Perfect all the time!!! I’m glad I spent the $170 for it…

Well I just bought the 10 cup. IS the 10 cup one just as good?

You don't need those measuring lines. Use your finger. Water to the first knuckle.

Could have used a better ranking system than just the #1 pick. Maybe a graph showing which ones performed what task, but failed others. That being said!! ... I am purchasing a Zojirushi right now.

I get great rice out of my instant pot. I would have liked to see those included in the testing.

You’ve recommended the Aroma in a previous review and I’ve been using it for years. It’s easy to use and very affordable. I’m surprised you didn’t mention it as a runner up.

I wanted to buy a rice cooker and thought: "I'm sure ATK has a video for that!". Your timing is insane!

The best rice cooker I ever used is my microwave. It has a button that say "Rice". When pushed, it makes perfect rice every time.

Super durable too. I've thrown the Zojirushi across a room out of anger after I stubbed my toe while carrying it. I immediately freaked out cause I love that rice cooker. Well other than a small crack by the handle it still works like new. It makes a great gift too because most americans won't spend that much on a "rice cooker", til they have a Zoji.

Zojirushi is the Bentley of rice cookers!!! Cuckoo is another amazing great rice cooker.

When budget allows please do the pressure cooker/rice cookers, they're a bit out of reach to be testing solo 😅

My Zojiroshi 3 cups last 10 yrs n I ❤️ it .

Bought my cheap Aroma cooler 13 years ago and still going strong. However, I'm interested in that zorjiroshi

The moment I saw this title I already knew the winner was going to be a Zojirushi. It's the Le Creuset of rice cookers

That little "red" rice cooker that this guy shrubbed off is the most sold rice cooker in Korea. That exact model, just saying.

Out of curiosity, where does it retail for $164? Their link to Amazon has it listed at $212 right now. Not sure when the review was from, but it was only posted a day ago.

I just got this rice cooker for free brand new! 😅 I’m so excited

You can’t beat Zojirushi.

any with stainless steel, or all use toxic teflon?

I make mine in my Instant Pot and it works great. I don’t need to have another single-use appliance cluttering up the kitchen and I get a lot more utility out of a multi-cooker.

I live at very high elevation (~7k ft) and this makes cooking rice difficult. Would a rice cooker be able to take that "into account" when cooking the rice?

Picked up the Tiger at Costco and so far seems to be pretty darn good 😊

To be honest, you can also make fantastic rice in an instant pot and just have one less small appliance around. I've barely used my rice cooker since getting the instant pot.

Hands down best, if pricey rice maker is Le Creuset's analog rice cooker. An high-sided enameled cast iron pot with an internal and external lid. Equal parts rice and water, a dash of salt and bring to a boil, put both covers on and reduce heat to a slow simmer for 10-12 minutes then shut off the heat and don't lift the lids for another 1-12 minutes and voilà, perfectly cooked rice, no microchips needed.

ah.... of course, Zojirushi and other Japanese brands have been making electric rice cooker from 60s and for us, main dish is rice as Japanese word for "meal" and "cooked rice" are the same word. So they have spent whole lotta time, efforts, testing, and money to keep improving

I like and I own a Zojirushi but if you keep the rice for 2 days it will get bad so make sure to put the leftover rice in the fridge.

I have the toshiba one since it’s significantly cheaper than the zojirushi.

That was a bit disappointing. It would have been nice to hear about the top 3 choices or maybe best overall, best budget, etc. Most people can expect the most expensive to be among the best. I've been using a Toshiba for about 15 years and it's finally time for a new one. Unfortunately, this video didn't really compare any of the models tested. Ah well.

The correct choice was made. Creditably saved.