Zojirushi NP-HBC18 10-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker and Warmer Reviews

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List Price: $431.00
Sale Price: $301.82
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We thought we knew what rice was supposed to be like when we used our Costco Aroma Rice Cookers--we would just, as a matter of course, replace the old ones with the same brand... Until this time.

After reading up on consumer reviews and Japanese sites, we opted to try the Zojirushi Induction Heating Rice Cooker. The stainless steel is STUNNING--the pictures do NOT do it justice--it is gorgeous on my countertop--a piece of furniture, like the KitchenAid Mixer. It is easy to set up (clock time, etc) and easy to use. (The directions are very clear.) I tried some Jasmine Rice in it for our first try--and WOW! I was totally amazed! Each piece of rice is perfect in every way. I have never had such results before. Perfect temperature, perfect texture, perfect stickiness, perfect taste. The aroma in the kitchen fills the house and it's wonderful.

There is very little steam (unlike most rice cookers) and it is very easy to clean up. It keeps the rice at that perfect temperature for hours--even longer with the extended warm feature.

I know it's expensive--but in this case, I truly believe you get what you pay for. If you want to know what rice is supposed to be like--you must get one of these! Zojirushi makes a couple of different types of rice cookers--and I have heard that they are all terrific. This one cooks with induction heating, which uses magnets... the unit doesn't get hot...

If you can--get this one!

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I purchased this rice cooker about a month or so ago. I cannot say enough good things about this rice cooker. It is absolutely fantastic! Everything I've made (rice and non-rice) has come out wonderfully!

I have a cook/warm rice cooker that I'm going to sell at a yard sale. I will never be able to go back to using that type of machine again. The difference between the Zojirushi and the cook/warm is more than night and day. The difference between the quality in the rice bowls alone is unbelievable. The Zojirushi has a bowl that is very thick and heavy, not unlike my stove top cookware. My old cook/warm rice bowl feels like one of my cheap mixing bowls.

Prior to purchasing the Zojirushi, we never really cared for brown rice. It was too crunchy/chewy. Now my family and I love brown rice. The GABA Brown Rice setting is amazing. I have never made, nor eaten, brown rice that was so light and fluffy before in my life. Because of that, we mostly eat brown rice now which is much healthier for us anyway.

You will not be disappointed with this machine. It's looks beautiful sitting on the counter top. Clean up is a breeze the stainless has some sort of coating and does not show fingerprints or smears!

UPDATE 08/12/2012: Well, after years of using this fabulous rice cooker numerous times a week, I needed to replace it. I ordered another one because my husband and I love the way this makes brown rice, other grains, and steel cut oats. The rubber seal on our original model was worn out. If we weren't around to take the food out right away, it was drying out and wasn't hot enough. I looked at the new pressure cooker model, read the various reviews, and decided to re-order this model. However, I am going to look to see if I can do something to prolong the life of the seal on my new one.

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Update: We have owned this rice cooker for about 2 years now and it continues to cook good rice every time. Some Tips:

1. Add 10% more water than is indicated, this will make fluffier rice

2. In order to make Persian-style rice, throw in one tablespoon butter and salt to taste with the water: when used with Basmati rice, this would produce fragrant rice with every grain standing apart.

3. For long-grain rice, use the "Soft" option.

4. Please use it to cook brown rice on GABA setting. Exquisite.

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We have had this rice cooker for a week now and have already tried all its settings. It's unbelievable how this cooker makes fluffy, moist rice where each grain stands out without getting sticky. This happens whether you put in Basmati rice, Sushi rice or brown rice. It's astounding how the rice remain fresh, warm and hardly dry out. That was a big change for us, having used no-good Oster rice cookers until we went to a Japanese supermarket and saw how cool and functional this unit looked. We are now eating more (healthier) brown rice and not throwing away any rice the following day. The Japanese sure know how to cook rice.

The menu is simple but offers plenty of choice. The inside bowl is heavy and made of Stainless Steel and has deep and clear marking to help you add the right amount of water without having to use cups. The melodies are a bit of a nuisance, but you wouldn't hear them over your dishwasher, so that's quite all right. The cooker does take twice as long as other, cheap rice cookers, but the ensuing taste is worth the wait.

Without a doubt, the machine is beautiful. If you really want to eat great rice every time and can afford the price, this is your best choice.

Honest reviews on Zojirushi NP-HBC18 10-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker and Warmer

Yes, this rice cooker is crazy expensive, but worth it. I agree with all the other reviewers that the rice comes out perfect every time, even if you leave it warming for hours. We only eat brown rice, and were disappointed with previous rice cookers that left the rice crunchy, with that disgusting hard crust at the bottom of the pan. With this cooker, every grain is perfect. We also use the "porridge" setting to cook steel cut oats and hot cereal. We do reduce the amount of water the cooker recommends for porridge, to create a thicker end product. This is just a personal preference, however. This cooker is goof proof. The timer is simple to set, and I find the little melody that plays when the cooktime begins and ends to be adorable. Since buying this product, we've been using it several times a week and eating healthier as a result. It's expensive, but take a deep breath and make this investment. You won't be disappointed.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Zojirushi NP-HBC18 10-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker and Warmer

Great machine for cooking rice of all kinds. Very easy to clean, too, even when cooking brown rice with azuki beans. Has a steam capturing devise which prevents too much steam from escaping into your kitchen.