I was really impressed by this rice maker, it is the 3rd one i have owned and the one of many others i have tried. I purchased it to replace my very old neuro fuzzy model from the 90's which is being retired after near constant use for 20 years.
In brief - this machine produces outstanding taste and texture of rice. It is very well built and good to use, and easy to clean. And lastly it provides astonishing energy savings over previous models.
The long version -
This review is geared to people to have owned rice machines before, it explores the improvements.
Every rice maker i have either tried or owned i have run energy/timing tests and taste tests to see what to buy next. We live off-grid and energy consumption is a very important part of purchasing decisions.
For the zojirushi induction models we have tried out the old original white model, the newer HBC brown stainless model, and now this pressure one we bought. The original white induction version made so so to OK rice, frankly not as good as our older neuro fuzzy machine, and the keep warm function was a disaster, the rice went yellow quickly and was not good to eat. Our old neuro fuzzy model would keep rice fresh for up to 3 days, the white one was a couple of hours. The HBC model was pretty good, and a major improvement over the original white one. So we decided to invest in this pressure model. It certainly makes sense as the traditional Japanese way to cook rice is in a large nabe with a lid held down by stones or blocks to create an elevated pressure environment.
I can report that the energy consumption is very impressive, to cook 3 cups of brown rice in the neuro fuzzy took 0.28KWh, and 4 hours of keep warm added a further 0.14KWh. Total 0.42KWh.
The HBC18 model uses 0.29KWh to cook and 0.12KWh to keep warm for 4 hours. Total 0.41KWh
This pressure model, which we were concerned would actually use more power, comes in at 0.26KWh to cook and 0.07KWH to keep warm for 4 hours. Total 0.33KWh that is a minimum of 20% energy saving for a machine that produces higher temperatures, i am very impressed.
Taste of the rice is wonderful, it reminds me, at last, of eating back in Japan at the better restaurants. The brown rice comes out so fragrant and tasty. Even my wife who was born in Asia and really does not like brown rice, now loves to eat it. For white rice such as haiga the Umami setting is the way to go, really incredible taste and fragrance. For long grains such as basmati use extra water or the softer setting, but not both.
All in all it is hard to imagine how the rice could be so drastically improved over the neuro fuzzy machines, but this machine really does deliver incredible taste and succulent rice. The keep warm feature works as well as the old neuro fuzzy machines as well, the rice stays in a near perfect state, no yellowing or drying out (assuming you follow the manufacturers instructions).
It should also be noted that this new machine is whisper quiet, i makes a soft fan sound quieter than a laptop playing games. In fact the sound of the steam is greater than the machine itself. The previous machine (HBC series) was a bit noisier and the older white induction model sounded like an engine.
The sound produced is comparable to my old neuro fuzzy machine, and perhaps less.
Our old neuro fuzzy machine is still working fine after 20 years, and this one is well built and solid. I see no reason why it should not last equally as well. I always treat the inner bowl with care, never wash the rice in it, never use harsh cleaners on it, and one should never ever put it in the dishwasher. It is so easy to clean, why would anyone want to destroy it in a dishwasher.
My only complaint about the older neuro fuzzy machine was that the backup battery was soldered to the control board, and was an expensive pain to replace when it went dead. However there was actually no reason to ever replace it, as the machine continues to work fine without it. Mine has for 20 years. Hopefully they have made a design improvement there by now in these new machines.
I highly recommend this machine to anyone who wants authentic asian rice, or who loves to eat brown rice. It is worth the price, but even better if you can find a deal :-)
If someone is used to eating uncle bens or rice-a-roni etc this machine is probably a waste of money for them, unless they want a major change in how rice tastes.
If someone is looking at their first real rice cooker then perhaps an older reliable and cheaper neuro fuzzy model is a good way to start. But if you have the interest go straight for a top class machine such as this.
There is a newer model of this item:
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
Discover similar items
& Up
Color: Black
Color: Grey
Capacity: Up to 2.99 L
Capacity: 3 to 4.99 L
Slow Cooker Capacity: Under 4 Quarts
Slow Cooker Capacity: 4 Quarts
Product Grade: Commercial Grade
Power: Up to 1499 W
Power: 1500 to 1599 W
Heat Source: Gas
Heat Source: Electric
Material: Aluminum
Material: Cast Iron
Fryer Material: Aluminum
Fryer Material: Stainless Steel
Slow Cooker Type: Manual
Slow Cooker Type: Programmable
No results available. Please adjust the filters and try again.
$485
$133List:$181.00
$134List:$199.00
$279
$172List:$232.50
$159List:$187.50
24% off
$83List:$109.99
$75List:$99.00
$84
$159
$224Typical:$274.08
$181
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the manufacturer
Zojirushi's top-of-the-line Pressure Induction Heating Rice Cooker & Warmer utilizes pressurized cooking and Artificial Intelligence, and features a platinum infused nonstick inner cooking pan to cook perfect fluffy rice. Made in Japan.
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
AI (Artificial Intelligence): Rice cooker "learns" from past cooking experiences and adjusts to the cooking "flow" to cook ideal rice. |
Induction Heating (IH) system for precise temperature control. |
Automatically selects from three pressure levels according to the menu selected. |
Platinum infused nonstick inner cooking pan changes water quality for sweeter tasting rice. |
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Detachable and washable stainless inner lid. |
Easy-to-clean flat interior. |
Measuring cups, spatula, spatula holder accessories. |
Special CONGEE menu setting. |
About Zojirushi
In 2018, Zojirushi Corporation celebrated its 100th anniversary, and a century of products designed to improve customers' quality of life-bringing comfort, ease, vitality and affluence to people around the world. Striving to remain faithful to the principles that embodied the company's first 100 years, and the reputation of quality and durability it earned them, Zojirushi looks forward to a future of continued innovation and inspired design.
Compare with similar items
This Item  Zojirushi NP-NVC10 Induction Heating Pressure Cooker and Warmer, 5.5 Cup, Stainless Brown, Made in Japan |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | Currently unavailable. | $344.95 | -33% $134.00 List: $199.00 | -20% $243.48 List: $303.00 | $485.47 | $465.00 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 9 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 9 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 9 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 9 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 9 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Easy to use | ||||||
| Easy to clean | ||||||
| Timer function | ||||||
| Flavor | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Sold By | — | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Japan_Dealz |
| capacity | 1 liters | 5.5 cups | 1 liters | 1.05 quarts | 10 cups | 1.05 quarts |
| material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel, Polycarbonate (PC), Ceramic | — | — | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| lid material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Plastic | — | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| voltage | 120 volts | — | 120 volts | 120 volts | — | 120 volts |
| wattage | 1240 watts | — | 610 watts | 770 watts | 880 watts | 1370 watts |
| model name | NP-NVC10,Induction Heating Pressure Cooker and Warmer, Made in Japan | — | NS-WTC10 | Umami Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer | Zojirushi NP-NWC18XB Pressure Induction Heating Rice Cooker & Warmer | Zojirushi NP-NWC10XB Pressure Induction Heating Rice Cooker & Warmer |
Reviews with images
Best brown rice I have ever cooked right out of the gate!
I just got the rice cooker and used it twice yesterday, making sure to let it cool down completely and wash all the parts. First I made oatmeal porridge using the porridge setting. I used old fashioned oats. I may have needed more liquid. Next time I’m going to try steel cut oats. It was okay but pretty chewy. Then I made brown basmati rice. I rinsed and washed the rice per the instructions. I had never done that before. Then once it was finished cooking I fluffed it right away also per the instructions. It was perfection. I can’t believe I waited this long to get a rice cooker. I burned another pot of rice earlier in the week, and that is what led me to this purchase. I am so glad I took the plunge! It was a bit tedious reading the manual, but I’m glad I took the time to do it. Also you have to be willing to clean it well, taking the inner lid off and the filter and wiping all the surfaces. I had read that so I was prepared for it. I am glad I waited and bought the best rice cooker on the market.
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
For those who need a soft but healthy food
Reviewed in Canada on April 10, 2020Ricardo Gallardo
No lo pienses, es lo que buscabas
Reviewed in Mexico on August 26, 2019Jose Armando Bonilla Dominguez
Excelente arrocera si gustas de un arroz excelente
Reviewed in Mexico on September 6, 2019