12 Best Japanese Rice Cookers | Tried And Tested Japanese Rice Cookers Reviews You’ll Love!

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Are you looking for the best Japanese rice cooker? Your search ends here as I have a curated list of the same- Best Japanese rice cooker.

I love rice. If my meals do not contain rice, I never feel fully satisfied or satiated. Do you feel me? I cannot get over rice ever. It really is one of my staple foods. 

Best Japanese Rice Cooker: Quick Summary

Best Japanese Rice Cooker	Capacity
Panasonic 5 Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker	5 cups
Tiger JNP Rice Cooker and Warmer	5.5 cups
Cuckoo Rice Cooker and Warmer with LCD Display	6 cups
T-Fal Rice and Multicooker with Automatic Functions and Delayed Timer	10 cups
Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer	5.5 cups
Aroma Housewares Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker and Steamer	8 cups
Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker and Food Steamer	7 cups
Toshiba One-Touch Cooking Rice Cooker	6 cups

Why? It’s because it is one of the most versatile food items ever that can be paired with almost anything. Just use rice and you are done.

Rice is also a staple food item in Japan, as you may already know and best Japanese rice cooker are needed to make it!

It is something that is used everywhere. And if you ever visit Japan, you will realize that cooking rice is considered to be an art by the Japanese people. They are always trying to find the best way to cook rice is cooking in the best rice cooker.

 No matter which appliance store you decide to visit in Japan, there is one thing that you will notice. You will find a huge variety of the best Japanese rice cookers that are all pretty awesome. They also make your job of cooking excellent rice very easy. 

The Japanese way of cooking rice is also quite different. It is fancier than anywhere else in the world. Japanese are known to use a special absorption technique that makes rice fluffy, light, and slightly sticky. So, you really need an excellent rice cooker to achieve this.

Today, for all you rice lovers, I have brought to you some of the best Japanese rice cooker that you can check out.

Which Is The Best Japanese Rice Cooker?

I have been using a rice cooker for a very long time because I love rice. I found Tiger JNP Rice Cooker and Warmer to be the best Japanese rice cooker in terms of easy usage, functioning features, technology and capacity.

Tiger JNP Rice Cooker and Warmer has an inner base of non-stick cookware and an easy cleaning process. It has detachable parts for convenient usage and keeps the rice warm for a long time (up to 12 hours). Tine JNP rice cooker and warmer has a good capacity cooker of 5.5 cups, ideal for a small family.

Panasonic 5 Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker

This Panasonic rice cooker is one of the best Japanese rice cookers for its advanced technology and features. It’s got a micro-computer that makes delicate adjustments in cooking times and temperatures for precise cooking and more consistent results. 

I love this rice cooker because one can easily choose a pre-programmed setting to cook any kind of rice in it. I also like that it has a keep warm feature that activates automatically when cooking is complete, holding contents at an ideal serving temperature for up to 12 hours. 

The best part is that it doesn’t overcook the rice. You’ll also find a special measuring cup for portioning your desired amount. The dome lid of the cooker prevents the water from dripping in the food and it also has 6 auto cook programs. Its size is compact making it one of the best small Japanese rice cookers in the market. 

Key features:

• 6 auto cook programs
•  Keep warm feature 
• Advanced technology for consistent results
•  Compact size 
• Cooks all types of rice

Ratings: 

• Cooking results: 9.5/10
• Features: 9/10
• Affordability: 10/10

Tiger JNP Rice Cooker and Warmer

Here is another new technology for cooking rice at once. Rather than using the container and water, get this rice cooker for effortless cooking. The inner base of the cooker is non-stick in nature which also makes the cleaning process easier and better.  This isn’t like the traditional rice cooker

You can move it here and there as the cord is detachable. One of the best advantages of this cooker is keeping the food warm inside for up to 12 hours. Undoubtedly, the best Japanese rice cooker for its fancy features.

This is obviously my favourite because of the perfection and texture it gives to my rice. I have cooked all kinds of rice in this cooker and the results are beyond amazing. I also low the fact that it keeps my food warm for such a long time. However, it’s price is quite daunting as you have so many cheaper options available in the market but trust me, it’s worth it.

 This keeps the rice moist and soft for a long time and you can enjoy eating it any time of the day without making a mess. Regarding its capacity, it is versatile and can be measured with the help of a measuring cup provided.

Key Features:

• Non-stick inner base
• Detachable parts for convenient usage
• Keeps the rice warm for a long time
• Good capacity cooker

Ratings: 

• Cooking results: 10/10
• Features: 10/10
• Affordability: 8.5/10

• Related: Best Panasonic Rice Cooker
• Related: Types of Japanese Rice: A Guide To Japanese Rice

Cuckoo Rice Cooker And Warmer With LCD Display

Get this electric cuckoo rice cooker for a small family as it is just an appropriate one with all the amazing features. It is multi-functional as you can cook things like porridge, rice, brown rice, gaba rice and steam various vegetables.

 On the rice cooker, there are many options like timer, mode, keep warm, etc. The capacity is sufficient for a medium family and is a great investment for your kitchen. 

It is an electric rice cooker and that is why updated technology has been used to provide fast and perfect cooking. My mum uses this rice cooker and she’s had it for about 3-4 years now, it’s really durable. Our entire family of 4 can suffice in just one shift of rice in this rice cooker. I also love this rice cooker because it has a display which makes working with it super easy.

Other than that, it has a Teflon coating that is known to keep the product durable and safe. The best Japanese rice cooker for its capacity.

Key Features:

• Rice cooker used for multiple things
• Non-stick coating keeps it durable
• Sufficient for a small family
• Perfect and fast cooking technology

Ratings: 

• Cooking results: 9.5/10
• Features: 9/10
• Affordability: 9.5/10

T-Fal Rice and Multicooker with Automatic Functions and Delayed Timer

This rice cooker is one of the famous cookers of Japan and is highly recommended to all. It has an amazing new technology that adjusts the cooking for perfection. 

In this rice cooker, you get options that you can choose for whatever you are cooking such as oatmeal, reheat, etc. When you cook rice in this cooker, it stays warm for a longer time without affecting the taste and aroma of the food. 

The inner pots have ceramic layer coating that helps in keeping the quality intact and also have a removable lid and container for easy cleaning.

Also, it is dishwasher safe and an amazing investment overall. One of the best Japanese rice cooker for its capacity.

Key Features:

• Modern technology cooker
• Ceramic coating and non-stick base
• Easy to clean as well as dishwasher safe
• Keeps the rice warm for hours

Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer

If you are looking for a multi-functional rice cooker then you are in the right place! Have you heard of a rice cooker baking cake for you? Well, here is the one that belongs to the category of best zojirushi rice cooker. 

This one is in a stainless steel outer body that looks classy and has a non-stick interior base that makes the dispensing easier. Even in terms of cleaning, it is convenient. One of the best Japanese rice cooker, must say.

You get the removable and easily washable container and a steaming lid of light material. Other than that the retractable cord helps to take it anywhere you want. This one is just a perfect deal for you!

Key Features:

• Rice cooker with multiple features
• Easy to clean
• Durable material lasts long
• Non-stick interior

Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker is a high-end rice cooker that uses advanced Neuro Fuzzy logic technology to cook perfect rice every time. It has a variety of settings for different types of rice, including white, brown, sushi, and porridge. It also has a quick-cook setting for when you’re in a hurry.

The NS-ZCC10 is a very well-made rice cooker. The inner pot is made of a non-stick material that is easy to clean. The exterior is made of a durable plastic that is resistant to scratches and stains. The rice cooker also has a keep-warm function that keeps your rice warm for up to 12 hours.

I have been using the NS-ZCC10 for a few months now, and I am very impressed with the results. The rice is always cooked perfectly, regardless of the type of rice I use. The keep-warm function is also very convenient. I can cook a batch of rice in the morning and have it ready to eat for lunch or dinner.

The only downside to the NS-ZCC10 is that it is a bit slow. It takes about 45 minutes to cook a batch of white rice, and over 90 minutes to cook brown rice. However, I think the wait is worth it for the perfect rice that I get every time.

Overall, I highly recommend the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker. It is a high-quality rice cooker that will make perfect rice every time.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker:

Pros:

• Cooks perfect rice every time
• Variety of settings for different types of rice
• Quick-cook setting
• Keep-warm function
• Durable construction
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Slow cooking time
• Expensive

Overall, the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker is a great choice for anyone who wants to cook perfect rice every time. It is a bit slow, but the wait is worth it for the perfect rice that you get.

Tiger JAX-T18U-K 10-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker with Food Steamer & Slow Cooker

The Tiger JAX-T18U-K is a versatile rice cooker that can also be used as a slow cooker and steamer. It has 10 different cooking settings, including white rice, brown rice, sushi rice, porridge, mixed rice, sweet rice, brown rice, multi-grain rice, slow cooking, and steam cooking. It also has a keep-warm function that keeps your rice warm for up to 12 hours.

The inner pot of the JAX-T18U-K is made of a thick, non-stick material that is easy to clean. The exterior of the rice cooker is made of a durable plastic that is resistant to scratches and stains. The rice cooker has a clear lid that allows you to see the rice as it cooks.

I have been using the JAX-T18U-K for a few months now, and I am very impressed with the results. The rice is always cooked perfectly, regardless of the type of rice I use. The slow cooker function is also very convenient. I can cook a batch of soup or stew in the morning and have it ready to eat for dinner.

The only downside to the JAX-T18U-K is that it is a bit large. It measures 14.6 x 11.1 x 9.8 inches, so it may not be suitable for small kitchens. However, I think the size is worth it for the versatility of the rice cooker.

Overall, I highly recommend the Tiger JAX-T18U-K 10-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker with Food Steamer & Slow Cooker. It is a high-quality rice cooker that can be used for a variety of purposes.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Tiger JAX-T18U-K 10-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker with Food Steamer & Slow Cooker:

Pros:

• Cooks perfect rice every time
• Variety of cooking settings
• Keep-warm function
• Slow cooker function
• Steamer function
• Durable construction
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Large size
• Expensive

Overall, the Tiger JAX-T18U-K is a great choice for anyone who wants a versatile rice cooker that can be used for a variety of purposes. It is a bit large and expensive, but the quality of the rice and the variety of cooking settings make it worth the investment.

 Yum Asia Panda Mini Rice Cooker

The Yum Asia Panda Mini Rice Cooker is a small, compact rice cooker that is perfect for singles or couples. It has a capacity of 3.5 cups, so it can cook enough rice for 1-3 people.

The rice cooker has 4 different cooking functions: white rice, brown rice, sushi rice, and porridge. It also has a keep-warm function that keeps your rice warm for up to 12 hours.

The inner pot of the Panda Mini Rice Cooker is made of a non-stick ceramic material that is easy to clean. The exterior of the rice cooker is made of a durable plastic that is resistant to scratches and stains. The rice cooker has a clear lid that allows you to see the rice as it cooks.

I have been using the Panda Mini Rice Cooker for a few months now, and I am very impressed with the results. The rice is always cooked perfectly, regardless of the type of rice I use.

The keep-warm function is also very convenient. I can cook a batch of rice in the morning and have it ready to eat for lunch or dinner.

The Panda Mini Rice Cooker is also very easy to use. There are just a few buttons to press, and the cooking process is very straightforward. The rice cooker also has a built-in timer, so you can set it to start cooking at a later time.

Overall, I highly recommend the Yum Asia Panda Mini Rice Cooker. It is a small, compact rice cooker that is perfect for singles or couples. The rice is always cooked perfectly, and the keep-warm function is very convenient. The rice cooker is also very easy to use.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Yum Asia Panda Mini Rice Cooker:

Pros:

• Small, compact size
• 4 different cooking functions
• Keep-warm function
• Built-in timer
• Easy to use
• Non-stick ceramic inner pot
• Durable plastic exterior
• Clear lid

Cons:

• Only 3.5 cup capacity
• No steamer basket

Overall, the Yum Asia Panda Mini Rice Cooker is a great choice for anyone who wants a small, compact rice cooker that can cook perfect rice every time. It is easy to use and has a number of convenient features. The only downside is that it only has a 3.5 cup capacity, so it is not suitable for large families.

CUCKOO CRP-P0609S

The CUCKOO CRP-P0609S is a high-end rice cooker that uses induction heating to cook rice perfectly every time. It has 12 different cooking settings, including white rice, brown rice, sushi rice, porridge, mixed rice, sweet rice, brown rice, multi-grain rice, GABA brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, and yogurt. It also has a keep-warm function that keeps your rice warm for up to 12 hours.

The inner pot of the CRP-P0609S is made of a thick, non-stick material that is easy to clean. The exterior of the rice cooker is made of a durable plastic that is resistant to scratches and stains. The rice cooker has a clear lid that allows you to see the rice as it cooks.

The CRP-P0609S also has a number of advanced features, including:

• A built-in voice assistant that announces the different stages of the cooking process
• A delay timer that allows you to set the rice cooker to start cooking at a later time
• An auto-clean function that cleans the inner pot after cooking
• A keep-warm function that keeps your rice warm for up to 12 hours

I have been using the CRP-P0609S for a few months now, and I am very impressed with the results. The rice is always cooked perfectly, regardless of the type of rice I use. The keep-warm function is also very convenient. I can cook a batch of rice in the morning and have it ready to eat for lunch or dinner.

The only downside to the CRP-P0609S is that it is a bit expensive. However, I think the price is worth it for the quality of the rice and the advanced features.

Overall, I highly recommend the CUCKOO CRP-P0609S. It is a high-quality rice cooker that will make perfect rice every time.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the CUCKOO CRP-P0609S:

Pros:

• Cooks perfect rice every time
• Variety of cooking settings
• Keep-warm function
• Auto-clean function
• Built-in voice assistant
• Delay timer
• Durable construction
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Expensive

Overall, the CUCKOO CRP-P0609S is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality rice cooker with advanced features. It is a bit expensive, but the quality of the rice and the convenience of the features make it worth the investment.

Aroma Housewares Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker and Steamer

Cooking rice is going to be an absolutely fun moment from now on. Get this rice cooker that is going to prepare full meals for you while using amazing techniques and interesting features.

 You can cook rice, steam vegetables, and even make a cake that stays nicely moist and doesn’t lose its nutritional values and genuine taste. It’s the best Japanese rice cooker for capacity and functions.

You can put eight cups of product in this which is quite sufficient for a small family. It is easy to use this rice cooker with digital functions and keeps the inside warm for quite a good amount of time.

Key Features:

• Good quality material
• Can be used for different things
• Enough capacity for a small family
• Easy to use functions

Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker and Food Steamer

Invest in this best Japanese rice cooker right away and minimize your work at once. This rice cooker can help you make the whole meal at once without wasting your time and energy and making your kitchen a mess.

 You get two in one rice rinser/basket which can be used for steaming rice and vegetables at the same time. You can use this for cooking soups and other amazing dishes with the help of this rice cooker. 

There are features for different types of rice such as white rice, quick rice, whole grain, etc. As per which you can choose the program and work upon it. The non-stick coating just keeps it away from sticking and burning when extremely hot. It’s one of the best Japanese rice cooker brands.

Key Features:

• Two in one container
• Used for various other dishes
• The non-stick interior base for easy cleaning
• Smart programming functions

Toshiba One-Touch Cooking Rice Cooker

Here is another best Japanese rice cooker made with innovative Japanese technology to assure perfect cooking.

It cooks the rice even when the timer stops as the non-stick base keeps the heat intact and keeps the rice warm for a long time without affecting the texture. 

It has various preheating programs that help in cooking different types of rice. Also, this doesn’t make any type of mess at all. With all these amazing features, it also has the capability to keep the rice warm for 24 hours.

 This can be a  great deal for your kitchen. If you are planning to gift something to your mom, get it right away. This is one of the best Japanese rice cooker.

Key Features:

• Innovative technology cooker
• Preheating program
• Keeps the product warm and moist for a long time
• Mess-free cooking

Related: Check out these best Japanese utility knives for a good chop-chop!

Types Of Japanese Rice Cooker

Basic Rice Cooker

Basic rice cookers are great cause they are pretty easy to use. It’s basically made up of a bowl and heating element that will boil the water and cook rice.

It has very basic features and does not have features that allow you to steam veggies and rice at the same time.

Induction Heat Rice Cooker

Induction heat rice cooker is different from the others as it uses a magnetic coil to heat rice and not boiling water as a traditional rice cooker would.

Unlike the normal rice cookers that uses the heat from the electrical plate under the cooking pan to cook, the induction heat rice cooker uses current from the wall outlet directly which results in perfectly cooked rice every single time!

However, induction heat rice cookers are more expensive that other types of Japanese rice cookers since it comes with multiple features and precision cooking.

Digital Rice Cooker

Digital rice cooker comes with with digital settings. It is designed to to measure and the temperature and cooking time, depending on the type of rice you’re cooking.

Other than that, a digital rice cooker allows you to pre set your cooking or temperature time.

Multi-function Rice Cooker

This type of rice cooker offers multiple cooking features. Usually, a multi-function rice cooker may also feature a steamer or a slow cooker.

With a multi-function rice cooker, you can cook rice and also steam veggies and even make soup amongst other things.

With multi-function rice cookers, you can save a lot of time since it allows you to cook multiple things at the same time.

How to Choose A Japanese Rice Cooker

Volume of Rice Cooker: This suggests the amount of rice that can be cooked in one cycle. 5.5 Cups cooker is ideal for a small family while 10 cup size feeds 8-10 members.

The Quantity of Bowl: Usually available in stainless steel or aluminium. The former is a little expensive and of great quality than the latter. Aluminium heats faster than stainless steel but usually chips off.

Machine Logic: Rice cookers have a lot of features than just displaying minutes. It has a lot of additional features and controls like:
•Long-simmered cooking option
•Keep-warn option
•Digital display windows
•Scheduled cooking and delay-start options
•Remaining time display
•Real time adjustment of temperature and humidity options
•Quick cook options

Heating Method: Buy the best Japanese rice cooker that has an induction heating method because coiled ones are cheap but really cause uneven heating. The induction heating method ensures that the rice is properly cooked.

Brand: It’s very important to buy a nice and branded best Japanese rice cooker as they last for a longer time than buying regular brand cookers that is short-lived.

Price: It will be smart to invest a good amount of money if you use rice cooker regularly and get something that has additional features. Otherwise, you can get it at regular prices.

Easy to Clean: If the rice cooker isn’t cleaned properly, it will be difficult for you to cook after a couple of times. Check out the best Japanese rice cooker that has an easy cleaning process

The right way to cook rice!

I love using electric rice cookers as they make my rice super fluffy and soft. It just adds a delicious flavour to the rice, which makes my eating experience so much better. Hope my list of best Japan rice cooker helped you.

If you have never used a rice cooker in your life, you need to get one today. These were some of the best ones that you can try your hands on. So, what are you waiting for? Get these best rice cooker brands in Japan today!

Best Japanese Rice Cooker Brands: FAQs

Why are Japanese rice cookers better?

Japanese rice cookers are better because of the quality and workmanship behind the product that renders great results. They’re known for their simplicity, user-friendliness, and kitchen space-saving design. They offer great-tasting rice, they are a breeze to use and they are very space-saving.

Is there a difference between rice cookers and slow cookers?

Yes, there are some key differences between rice cookers and slow cookers.

• Purpose

Rice cookers are designed to cook rice perfectly every time. They use a combination of heat and steam to cook the rice evenly, without burning or overcooking it. Slow cookers, on the other hand, are designed to cook food slowly over a long period of time. They use a low, consistent heat to cook food, which helps to tenderize meats and vegetables and develop deep flavors

• Cooking method

Rice cookers use a combination of heat and steam to cook rice. The rice is placed in the inner pot of the rice cooker, and water is added to the pot. The rice cooker then heats the water until it boils, and then it switches to a simmer setting.

The steam from the boiling water cooks the rice evenly, without burning or overcooking it. Slow cookers, on the other hand, use a low, consistent heat to cook food. The food is placed in the inner pot of the slow cooker, and then the lid is closed.

The slow cooker then heats the food until it reaches a desired temperature, and then it switches to a warm setting to keep the food warm until it is ready to be served.

• Features

Rice cookers typically have a few basic features, such as a timer and a keep-warm function. Some rice cookers also have more advanced features, such as a delay timer or a steaming basket. Slow cookers, on the other hand, typically have a wider range of features, such as a timer, a keep-warm function, a browning function, and a sauté function.

• Price

Rice cookers are typically more affordable than slow cookers.

Which one should you buy?

The best appliance for you will depend on your needs and preferences. If you cook rice often and want a machine that will cook it perfectly every time, then a rice cooker is a good option. If you like to cook slow-cooked dishes, then a slow cooker is a good choice. If you are on a budget, then a rice cooker is a more affordable option.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between rice cookers and slow cookers:

Feature	Rice cooker	Slow cooker
Purpose	Cooks rice perfectly every time	Cooks food slowly over a long period of time
Cooking method	Heat and steam	Low, consistent heat
Features	Timer, keep-warm function	Timer, keep-warm function, browning function, sauté function
Price	More affordable	More expensive

Do professional chefs use rice cookers?

Rice cookers are inexpensive, yet do a much better job than one can do with their stove. Some chefs even prefer cooking rice in a rice cooker because they can control the texture of the rice more precisely. The rice cooker makes sure that the rice is cooked through properly and it also keeps the rice warm after it has finished cooking. It is very easy to use and it cooks rice almost perfectly every time!

What rice cooker is most used in Japan?

The most popular rice cooker brand in Japan is Zojirushi. They have been making rice cookers since 1948, and their products are known for their high quality and durability.

Zojirushi rice cookers are also known for their advanced features, such as fuzzy logic technology, which allows the rice cooker to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on the type of rice being cooked.

Other popular rice cooker brands in Japan include Tiger, Toshiba, and Panasonic. These brands also make high-quality rice cookers with a variety of features.

Here is a table of the most popular rice cooker brands in Japan:

Brand	Popularity	Features
Zojirushi	Most popular	Fuzzy logic technology, keep-warm function, steaming basket
Tiger	Second most popular	Induction heating, delay timer, multiple cooking settings
Toshiba	Third most popular	Keep-warm function, steaming basket, multiple cooking settings
Panasonic	Fourth most popular	Fuzzy logic technology, keep-warm function, steaming basket

Also Read:

1. Best Japanese Kitchen Appliances Brands