EmailBest Reviewed
Rice Cookers
- Best programmable rice cooker Sanyo Micom ECJ-D55S *Est. $115
- Budget multifunction rice cooker Sanyo ECJ-N55W *Est. $60
- Basic cooker for white rice Panasonic SR-G06FG *Est. $30
- Luxury rice cooker Zojirushi Induction NP-HBC18 *Est. $300
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Best programmable rice cooker
- Computerized cooking controls
- Countdown clock
- Includes steamer basket
- Removable lid for easy cleanup
- Poor instruction manual
- Long cooking times
According to reviews, the Sanyo Micom ECJ-D55S is the best programmable rice cooker for the money. This cooker has the same capacity (a bit more than 4 cups of cooked rice) as other highly rated models, but it is less expensive and has more features. Like the well-loved Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy NS-ZCC10 (*Est. $180), the Sanyo rice cooker is programmable for cooking different types of rice. Unlike the Neuro, it comes with a longer countdown clock and a steamer basket. As with other computerized rice cookers, it takes longer to make rice than with a basic cooker. Although we read good reviews overall for its ability to cook brown rice, some say you'll get the best results if you soak rice first. If you're looking for a faster rice cooker, experts recommend the less expensive basic Panasonic SR-G06FG (*Est. $30), but this model isn't recommended for specialty rice types.
The best review we found details tests by editors at Cook's Illustrated. MetaEfficient.com claims the Sanyo ECJ-D55S is the best affordable fuzzy logic cooker. Judy Yao's article in the Los Angeles Times reviews the larger Sanyo Micom ECJ-D100S. Dozens of users on Amazon.com and Cooking.com review the rice cooker.
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Our Sources
1. Cook's Illustrated MagazineDetails/Subscribe
In this detailed and critical hands-on test, editors rate eight rice cookers for quality of the cooked rice, efficiency, ease of use and features. They note this model is comparable to the Zojirushi Neuro, but is less expensive.
Review: Rice Cookers, Editors of Cook's Illustrated, Oct. 2007
MetaEfficient.com calls the Sanyo ECJ-D55S, the "best pick for an affordable fuzzy logic rice cooker," and notes its excellent performance with brown rice.
Review: The Best Rice Cookers, "Siel", March 5, 2009
Judy Yao tests six rice cookers, including the 10-cup Sanyo ECJ-D100S, the larger sibling to the ECJ-D55S. White rice comes out fluffy: "the best among the non-Zojirushi brands." Brown rice is tender but has some crunchy grains.
Review: For Every Kitchen, a Rice Cooker, Judy Yao, July 27, 2005
4. Amazon.com
More than 90 users give the Sanyo ECJ-D55S rice cooker an average of 4.5 stars (out of five). They note it's a bargain among computerized machines, though some bemoan the instructions as difficult to follow.
Review: Sanyo ECJ-D55S 5.5-cup Micro-Computerized Rice Cooker/Steamer, Contributors to Amazon.com
5. Cooking.com
About 35 reviewers here give the Sanyo ECJ-D55S micro-computerized rice cooker 4.5 stars out of five overall. They say it makes quality rice and is a nice, compact machine that's easy to clean. As found elsewhere, a few complain about the instruction booklet.
Review: Sanyo Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer, Contributors to Cooking.com
Rice Cookers Runners Up:
3 picks including: Amazon.com, Cooking.com…
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks including: Amazon.com, Cooking.com…
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
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