Question: Which Rice Cooker To Buy?
By: Flo
Published: March 8, 2010

After 13 years, my Zojirushi rice cooker died (OK - I admit I also dropped it). 

Fully automatic "neuro&fuzzy" is the way to go and I'm willing to pay for it but do I need "induction heating" (100% more expensive?).

Cooking rice and working on the computer inevitably result in a burnt pot so a rice cooker is de rigueur and I love toys but how far do I need to stretch this?

Answers:
Chris Paulk

It looks like the Neuro Fuzzy has the induction heating. I have a friend who has one and love it. I have never owned a rice cooker- perfect rice is too easy to make without one. Just put your rice and water (and seasonings) in a pan bring to a boil. Cover with a lid. Boil one minute & turn off. Let it sit while you make dinner- perfect rice every time.
Chris Paulk

"The heating method known as Induction Heating (IH) occurs when a magnetic material is placed in a magnetic field. In our case, coils within the bottom of the rice cooker create the magnetic field. When the aluminum nonstick inner cooking pan with stainless steel outer lining is placed into the rice cooker and the unit is activated, a magnetic field is generated to create instant heat. Through this technology, the inner cooking pan itself becomes the heat source utilizing both high heat and fine heat adjustments to control the cooking process. The result—quicker, more evenly distributed heat for perfectly cooked delicious rice every time."
They have a cooking time comparison chart (go to the web site- look for frequently asked questions) Look for a question about the cooking time. They refer to the chart- click on it. As far as I can tell it's a different method of cooking. A different type of heat source. Which may maya difference in the long run or not.
They have a Facebook fan page.
Chris Paulk

Maybe it's just cuter. It's name sounds like it would be a hampster or something. I read through all the literature and charts and couldn't find any significant difference. For double (almost) the price, you'd think they would give the technology a bigger plug.
Curt

Rice takes 20-30 minutes to cook, depending on the kind of rice, on a stove top. In a rice cooker it takes a bit longer. Rice cookers hold rice like nothing else and cook rice consistently every time.. A Thai friend of mine has warm rice in a rice cooker 24/7, making it every couple of days. Go to your local asian market or the international neighborhoods down there is sunny Southern California and find the one you want. Don't try and make a big deal out of cooking one of the most basic foods in the world. Please don't take this wrong, but food professionals find the easiest, quickest and best ways of preparing everything and we use simple things to help us do our jobs. One of the simpliest things we all use are 'timers'. Every oven & microwave come with a timer and they can be purchased everywhere in a variety of sizes, shapes & sounds. Use a timer...it's a no-brainer and will keep your rice from burning when you are on your computer. I put a timer on everything that's sitting on a live stove.
Melinda Tai

I have tried Zojirushi and other brands, the best is still Panasonic. I had it for almost 10 years and still working fine
Rey Xerxes A. Dizon

My mother had this rice Cooker made in japan the Mitsubishi ( I know it sounds like a Car) Lols! hehhe! and its wonderfull She had it for almost 15 years! but now its busted..