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Zojirushi Induction NP-HBC18

*Est. $300

Reviewed October 2009
Zojirushi Induction NP-HBC18

Luxury rice cooker

pros
  • Programmable
  • Cooks all types of rice perfectly
  • Easy-to-clean detachable inner lid
cons
  • Expensive
  • Longer cooking times
 
 
Where to Buy
  • Amazon

    for $286.25

  • eBay

    for $238.00

  • CutleryAndMore.com

    for $334.95

 
 
 

Experts say induction heat, as used in the Zojirushi NP-HBC18, cooks rice more evenly than the standard hot plates used in other rice cookers. Testers agree, saying that the Zojirushi cooks every type of rice perfectly. Users at Amazon.com are especially impressed with the rice cooker's ability to produce excellent brown rice. The downside is the Zojirushi's expensive price tag. Experts say that you can get good results from a less expensive model, such as the Sanyo Micom ECJ-D55S (*Est. $115). The Zojirushi NP-HBC18 is capable of cooking up to 20 servings (15 standard cups) of rice and comes with a spatula, spatula holder and measuring cup.

We found the best review of the Zojirushi NP-HBC18 at Food & Wine magazine, where editors test it and compare it to 75 other countertop appliances. About.com doesn't test rice cookers, but lists the top five. Comments by owners at Amazon.com echo the opinions of professional testers.

Where To Buy
 
 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
AmazonAmazon rated 3.50 (1652 reviews)1652 store reviewsIn Stock. Get free shipping on orders over $25!$286.25
eBayeBay rated 4.00 (1176 reviews)1176 store reviewsIn Stock. New$238.00
CutleryAndMore.comCutleryAndMore.com rated 4.50 (195 reviews)195 store reviewsIn Stock. Ships in 24 hrs$334.95
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. Food & Wine Magazine

Editors at Food & Wine magazine claim that the Zojirushi NP-HBC18 produces perfect results every time, regardless of the type of rice used. It is chosen as the best rice cooker in their testing of 76 countertop appliances.

Review: The Best Rice Cookers, Kristen Donnelly, March 2008

2. About.com

Setsuko Yoshizuka, About.com's guide to Japanese food, is impressed with the induction-heating method used on the Zojirushi NP-HBC18. She also says that it has a detachable inner lid, making for easy cleanup. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but they don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Japanese Rice Cookers, Setsuko Yoshizuka

3. Amazon.com

Users at Amazon.com give the Zojirushi NP-HBC18 excellent ratings and praise it for cooking perfect rice. Some reviewers claim that it makes the fluffiest brown rice they've ever had. Some, however, complain it doesn't offer anything more than less expensive models.

Review: Zojirushi NP-HBC18 10-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer, Contributors to Amazon.com

4. ConsumerGuide.com

This article explains how induction heat works and explains the benefits of using it in a rice cooker. Note, however, that the Zojirushi Induction NP-HBC18 isn't specifically reviewed here.

Review: How Rice Cookers Work, Jessica Toothman

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