ZojirushiNS-TSC18 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer – 1.8 Liters

I love this rice cooker! The UI was super simple, especially when you reference the handbook. I haven’t owned a nicer rice cooker before—I previously had a $20 one from Walmart that burnt the bottom of my rice no matter what I did.The rice does take a long time to cook, about 65 minutes, but this hasn’t been an issue for me. I just wash the rice put it on when I get home, which takes less than 5 minutes, and let it cook while I get into my comfy clothes and prep the rest of dinner. It always comes out soft, perfect, and with separated grains.I haven’t tested the quick-cook function out yet, or the oatmeal option, but it’s so amazing for rice.It’s very easy to clean. Since this was definitely a splurge purchase for me, I was very concerned with having to keep it clean and dry so that it doesn’t begin tarnishing on me. Cleaning it is super easy since the pot is nonstick and nothing sticks to the plastic spatula. You just pull out the metal lid piece, super easy to wash, the rice basket, and the paddle. Takes no more than 5 minutes to wash by hand. I haven’t experienced any water leakage, and the machine’s size and handle make it very easy to pick up and move around my counter. It’s lightweight without feeling cheap or flimsy.I have a 5.5 cup capacity machine and it easily feeds around 4-5 adults. If you have a larger rice portion with your meals, I’d say it feeds 3-4.Gone are my days of cooking rice in stainless steel pots on the stove—this Zojirushi really does pay for itself. I’m eating rice at least twice a day now, it’s just so convenient and so nice to use and clean up. The praise and recommendation the Zojirushi brand receives isn’t for no reason. It truly is worth the coin.

Purchased in June 2016, used at least weekly since then (often 3-5 times a week)Before I say anything else, a note about cooking rice - RINSE YOUR RICE, PEOPLE. IT'S IN THE DIRECTIONS AND IT'S CRUCIAL FOR GOOD RICE.Fit & Finish:- Despite the shell being mostly plastic, this rice cooker feels a bit luxe and everything is nice and tight. The super shiny plastic is extremely easy to wipe down whenever it gets dirty.- The retractable power cord is an amazing feature, such a creature comfort. It works just like it did when we got it, albeit slightly slower now. I've never had a problem with getting it to go in the direction I needed.- The lid and hinge mech is solid and easy to use, just one big button to release. An interesting thing to note is the hinge only opens just beyond far enough for the rice pan to be insertable into the machine, so if it didn't pop up all the way and your hands are full, you'll need to use an elbow to nudge it the rest of the way open. My solution is to just pop it open and make sure it's fully open before I start doing anything else.- The handle is light and plastic but has not cracked at any point, not even the joints. This was something I was worried about since the unit feels like it could be an issue, but I kinda swing this thing around when moving it in/out of my pantry, and it's still totally solid.Product in use:- The user interface (buttons and screen) is intuitive, easy to use, and there are no seams between the buttons for any water ingress. The buttons on my unit haven't even started to wear down after 7 years.- As far as functions go, I only really ever use the White or Quick rice features - I don't eat brown rice at home, and haven't felt the need to use any of the other ones. I've also never used the timer feature as I am not the best planner. But this thing sure does make the most perfectly cooked rice every single time. It's honestly kind of rough having such high quality, easy to cook, white rice at home, and then go out to eat and the rice you're eating is just mushy and overcooked or gummy. This thing spoils you.--- A note about Quick Rice - I have found that the quicker cook time /can/ lead to slightly tackier/gummier rice if you open the lid as soon as the cycle ends. I would give it a few extra minutes to steam out before opening and the rice will be almost as perfect as the regular cycle.- Volume of rice cooked - I don't think I have ever maxed this thing out, but I have gotten close. What is MORE impressive, is that I can cook 1 single 'cup'** (**OF THE CUP THEY GIVE YOU TO MEASURE THAT CORRESPONDS TO THE LINES IN THE RICE PAN, WHICH IS ACTUALLY 3/4 CUP) of rice and it comes out just as perfect as if I cooked rice for 6 people. This amount of rice has never been short of enough for one meal for two adults. On quick rice, this amount cooks in like...15 minutes? And on White it'll start at 50, but will actually skip a few and be done in 25min or so.Summary:I thought for sure that $130 (at my time of purchase) was a bit overkill for a rice cooker, but I will 1000% buy another one of these whenever my current unit dies, if that ever happens. I thought 7 years was a good run (< $20/year for perfect rice at home?!) so any more time after this is just a big bonus.10/10, and 10/10 with rice.

I've always used single-switch rice cookers, and you have to use the perfect ratio in order to even come close to a decent result.I've never been able to hold it more than an hour or so without the bottom becoming crispy, but with this rice cooker, it's more forgiving, as it soaks for 30 mins then cooks for the other 30, holding and releasing steam as it goes.I made white rice then added a homemade ragu after cooking, and it lasted nearly 24 hours before starting to get crispy on the bottom.Even if you only cook rice once a week, this is well worth the investment, especially now when it's only around $170.

Why did I not buy this earlier?!?! I was making my rice almost 2x a week using the good old pot method. When I switched tho this, it blew my mind. I LOVE this rice cooker. The rice some out incredible.PROS: Amazing rice cooker. Rice is perfect. I can cook for a large group of people and the quality of the rice is still phenomenal. Trust me, I have been eating rice ALL my life. Growing up, I ate rice daily. I know my rice and this rice cooker does a GREAT job. The functionality is easy and self-explanatory. the size is what I wanted (bigger) so I can cook for large parties. I LOVE this rice cooker.CONS: None that I can think of. Maybe price is a little high? But to me, you get what you pay for. Pony up and spend the money if you want GREAT QUALITY.I would recommend this to ANYONE. 5/5 - hands down

Easy to setup, rice taste great and correct texture, easy to clean, looks nice on the counter. Good size for counter doesn’t take up too much space