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
Get info about new reports and updates
Luxury rice cooker
- Programmable
- Cooks all types of rice perfectly
- Easy-to-clean detachable inner lid
- Expensive
- Longer cooking times
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.
| Featured Stores | Store Rating | Notes | Total Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  1652 store reviews | In Stock. Get free shipping on orders over $25! | $286.25 | See It |
 |  1176 store reviews | In Stock. New | $238.00 | See It |
 |  195 store reviews | In Stock. Ships in 24 hrs | $334.95 | See It |
| See All Stores | ||||
Our Sources
1. Food & Wine MagazineDetails/Subscribe
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
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
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.
Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5-1/2-Cup Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer, Premium White
 from Amazon.com New: $139.00 In Stock.
Average Customer Review:   |
||
|
|
Sanyo ECJ-F50S Micro-Computerized 5-Cup Rice Cooker and Steamer
from Amazon.com New: $103.27 In Stock.
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
Sanyo ECJ-D100S 10-Cup Micro-Computerized Rice Cooker/Steamer, White with Stainless Accent
from Amazon.com New: $99.98 In Stock.
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
Zojirushi Micom 3-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer, Stainless Steel
from Amazon.com New: $120.00 In Stock.
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
Krups FDH212 10-Cup Automatic Rice Cooker with Slow Cooker and Steamer
from Amazon.com New: $79.68 In Stock.
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
