Best Rice Cooker in Japan: Expert Review in 2023

In today’s modern life, people are mostly shifting towards electronic appliances. As electronics home appliances are becoming very affordable, it saves your time greatly, so having a rice cooker is highly recommended. In this article, we have reviewed the 12 best rice cookers available on Amazon. Rice cookers make it easy to cook a significant amount of rice quite easily, and the rice also stays fresh inside the pot for a long time. If you can maintain it properly, a rice cooker lasts for years and years. It is compact in design, and it can cook any grain you want in it.

If you are in a hurry, you can use the comparison table below to buy the most suitable item. The comparison table summarizes the different items described in this article. You can buy the best item based on your budget, preference, and recommendation. Based on our study, we concluded that-
– The Overall Best – Hitachi Rice Cooker (Model: RZ-AX10M R)
– The Editor’s Choice – Panasonic Rice Cooker (Model: SR-SZ100-K)
– The Premium Quality Product – Hitachi Rice Cooker (Model: RZ-V100CM R)

12 Best Rice Cookers in Japan

1. Panasonic Rice Cooker (Model: SR-SZ100-K)
2. Hitachi Rice Cooker (Model: RZ-V100CM R)
3. IRIS OHYAMA Rice Cooker
4. MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC Rice Cooker
5. Sharp Rice Cooker
6. ZOJIRUSHI Rice Cooker (Model: NW-VA10-TA)
7. Smart Basic Rice Cooker
8. ZOJIRUSHI Rice Cooker (Model: NP-BJ10-BA)
9. Tiger Rice Cooker
10. Hitachi Rice Cooker (Model: RZ-AX10M R)
11. Panasonic Rice Cooker (Model: SR-JX058-K)
12. Toshiba Rice Cooker

Comparison of the 12 best rice cookers in Japan

Here are the details of each item compared in the above table-

1. Panasonic Rice Cooker (Model: SR-SZ100-K)

Brand: Panasonic (パナソニック)
Power rating: 1200 W
Made in: Japan

Short description of Panasonic Rice Cooker (Model: SR-SZ100-K):

Panasonic rice cookers rank in the top list of best available rice cookers all around the world. Build quality of these rice cookers are stylish. This Panasonic rice cooker equips with the diamond coating that comes with the pyrogenic ‘broad-brimmed cooker.’ It also comes with the heat accumulation capacity of a stove that helps transmit the heat to the core of rice by a large flame force throughout and optimizes the sweetness and flavor while cooking. This cooker has five different layers for ultimate protection. You can find different sizes of rice cookers in the shop. 

Usually, the rice cooker’s size or capacity depends on the number of family members in your house. This Panasonic rice cooker is one-liter where you can make rice for about two people. If you belong to a family with several members, then this cooker might not be of that much help to you. Moreover, this cooker has the latest IH technology. This IH or induction heating technology ensures energy efficiency and high quality. It is easy to use, and its cleaning procedure is also simple. You can equip this kitchen appliance to reduce the hassles of making rice manually.

2. Hitachi Rice Cooker (Model: RZ-V100CM R)

Brand: Hitachi (日立)
Made in: Japan

Short description of Hitachi Rice Cooker (Model: RZ-V100CM R):

Hitachi is another well-known brand for electronic appliances. Hitachi rice cookers usually come with different specifications. If we talk about this RZ-V100CM R model, it appears with a metallic red outlook and the latest IH technology. Its easy control and cleaning system will surely attract most of the buyers. It is one of the most premium quality rice cookers available in the marketplace. You can have a fluffy and sweet cooking experience with this cooker. The large container is developed by multilayered metal that combines aluminum and iron. These materials increase the durability of the rice cooker.

Moreover, the quality and texture of the rice are also maintained properly for these high-quality materials. The inner surface of the inner cauldron is carbon-fluorine processed so that it can be washed with rice. The water level line helps to adjust the water level. The steam produced from the cooker keeps rice moisturized for a whole day. For all these features and specifications, this Hitachi rice cooker takes position among the top priorities of many customers.

3. IRIS OHYAMA Rice Cooker

Brand: IRIS OHYAMA (アイリスオーヤマ)
Made in: China

Short description of Irish Ohyama Cooker:

Iris Ohyama’s cookers are probably the most efficient and intelligent rice cooker in recent times. This rice cooker is found in four different variants. Each of them has multiple specifications. The great part of this cooker is, you can manually adjust your desired rice texture which makes this cooker different from all other cooking appliances. This rice cooker is structured to make your rice even more delicious. Besides, you can operate in six different modes to ensure perfect cooking according to your needs. Healthy and delicious food is easy to digest. So this brand should be a good choice as a cooking appliance.

Moreover, this rice cooker is easy to control and easy to wash. So, no need to worry about that too. This Iris Ohyama rice cooker’s features are not limited to only these few. It also provides the latest IH(Induction Heating) technology that makes this rice cooker even more popular than other brands.

4. MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC Rice Cooker

Brand: Mitsubishi Electric (三菱電機)
Power rating: 1210 W
Made in: Japan

Short description of Mitsubishi Electric Rice Cooker:

If you know about the brand name ‘Mitsubishi,’ you will surely think about a brand that has earned most consumers’ trust with its quality products. Mitsubishi has launched many handy electronic appliances in recent times. The electric rice cooker is one of them. Mitsubishi rice cookers have different shapes and features. As the ultrasonic waves are used for different textures of rice, so, you can adjust your rice texture with this rice cooker.

The latest IH technology ensures how authentic this product is. This model has already earned the trust of many consumers with its quality products. Maintenance of this machine is also easy. This rice cooker can be an amazing option for your kitchen appliance.

5. Sharp Micron Rice Cooker

Brand: Sharp (シャープ)
Power rating: 350 W
Made in: China

Short description of Sharp Micron Rice Cooker:

Sharp rice cookers come with the high build quality. The width of the inner rice pot is thick enough to prevent the rice cooker from heat injuries. The capacity is a little less than the previous models. Sharp rice cookers ensure fluffy and delicious rice. The ‘black pot’ installed inside the rice cooker helps transmit the heat to the core of the rice that making this rice more delicious. LED indicators are on when the rice cooker is functioning. Besides, the water level indicator makes it easy to cook. You can set the timer according to how long you want to cook your rice. The operation of this rice cooker is very user-friendly. The Sharp Micron rice cooker is the best possible option for those looking for a budget-friendly kitchen appliance. 

6. ZOJIRUSHI Rice Cooker (Model: NW-VA10-TA)

Brand: Zojirushi (象印マホービン)
Power rating: 1105 W
Made in: China

Short description of Zojirushi rice cooker (Model: NW-VA10-TA):

Zojirushi is another well-known brand in this listing. This brand’s rice cookers are famous for their stylish outlook. You can cook in different modes like white rice, brown rice, etc. With the capacity of one liter, this rice cooker offers an induction cooking method. In most cases, when rice is cooked, it produces a lot of dew which then falls into the rice and changes the actual taste of the rice. In this rice cooker, the powerful lid heater allows the lid to escape dew. Therefore, it won’t drip off when the lid is opened or closed. So overall, this is a very handy and well-structured rice cooker with a beautiful outlook. Moreover, the whole rice cooker is fully washable and easy to use.

7. Smart Basic Rice Cooker

Brand: Smart Basic (スマートベーシック)
Power rating: 675 W
Made in: China

Short description of Smart Basic Rice Cooker:

SmartBasic has earned its place in the top list among the chaos of other famous brands. The cooking experience with this brand’s rice cooker is also pretty decent. SmartBasic’s rice cookers are compact and lightweight. So you can place it anywhere easily. Besides, this rice cooker has a good enough cooking capacity. It will offer you rice with all nutritions and decent flavor. The rice pot is ultra-thick and coated with copper. That’s why it is heatproof and safe to use. SmartBasic’s rice cooker also includes rice brand-specific cooking functionality. Power consumption rate, efficiency is above average scale. Moreover, you can adjust the timer for cooking according to your desired rice form. This rice cooker can also be a good choice for a budget-friendly user.

8. ZOJIRUSHI Rice Cooker (Model: NP-BJ10-BA)

Brand: Zojirushi (象印マホービン)
Made in: China/Japan

Short description of Zojirushi rice cooker (Model: NP-BJ10-BA):

Already we have talked about this famous Zojirushi brand’s rice cooker. Here we have another model with the same brand in the listing. This rice cooker model also conquers the latest IH technology, which is now in high demand. This model also has different shapes and colors. High-end black, high-grade black, middle class, standard black are some of them. You can easily choose the outlook that suits your home decor. Because of being steel-type body material, this rice cooker is durable and strong in build quality. You can also enjoy flavorful rice with this cooker. Customer satisfaction with this rice cooker is on top. Most of the functionalities are almost similar to the previously described brand. You can surely own this kitchen appliance without any doubt.

9. Tiger Rice Cooker

Brand: TIGER (タイガ)
Power rating: 1200 W
Made in: Japan

Short description of Tiger Rice Cooker:

Rice cooker from the Tiger brand is now in high public demand. Because of its high build quality and multi-function capability. The pot inside the rice cooker is of 3 layers far infused with copper coating. It helps to make the rice more fluffy. The latest IH technology helps to intact the actual taste of the rice. You can have a variety of cooking menus with the help of this rice cooker. You will also have some additional instruments like a measuring cup, rice scoop, wheat cup, cooking basket with this rice cooker. The Tiger brand also provides a one-year warranty with this rice cooker. That’s why this rice cooker is now in high demand. Besides, the power consumption rate of this Tiger Thermos rice cooker is also high that proving its high efficiency.

10. Hitachi Rice Cooker (Model: RZ-AX10M R)

Brand: HITACHI (日立)
Made in: Japan

Short description of Hitachi Rice Cooker (Model: RZ-AX10M R):

We have already discussed the Hitachi brand and one of its rice cookers. Here we have another model of rice cooker from Hitachi brand in our listing. This rice cooker has a beautiful metallic red outlook. Rice can be cooked in three different ways with this cooker. The cooker’s inner pot has a carbon-fluorine coating and one inch of thickness with six years of warranty. It proves the durability of this model.

This Hitachi model is a pressure steam cooker that traps heat and steamed with steam. Steamed with high-temperature steam helps to cook delicious rice. Besides, it is equipped with Superior Cooking technology to choose between crisp, regular, and mochi textures. The power consumption rate of this rice cooker is pretty good. Overall, this Hitachi rice cooker is very efficient and more durable than most rice cookers available now.

11. Panasonic Rice Cooker (Model: SR-JX058-K)

Brand: Panasonic (パナソニック)
Power rating: 700 W
Made in: Japan

Short description of Panasonic rice cooker (Model: SR-JX058-K):

We have also discussed the Panasonic brand and its rice cooker earlier. This brand’s rice cookers are the most premium quality cookers available in the marketplace. It is easy to operate. The buttons are marked with large fonts for easy visibility. This rice cooker contains some cool features. Delicious ripened water helps to bring out the sweetness and flavor of rice. Diamond Kagara helps with excellent heat generation and heat retention processes.

Besides, this rice cooker uses a pressure induction system for cooking. The customer satisfaction rate is also pretty high with this model. It is light and easy to handle. Most of the consumers are fully satisfied with all the features and specifications of this rice cooker. So, it can also be a good choice for you.

12. Toshiba Rice Cooker

Brand: TOSHIBA (東芝)
Power rating: 1420 W
Made in: Japan

Short description of Toshiba Rice Cooker:

This Toshiba brand’s rice cooker is the last one in our listing. It is a good-looking rice cooker with a gran black outlook. This rice cooker also has some exciting features. The ‘flamitoki cooking’ technology helps with flame power and flame resistance. Five different modes are available to cook with this cooker.

This Toshiba rice cooker helps you to have your desired rice texture and flavor. The inside panel is flat that helps with easy cleaning. You can easily adjust the timer according to your desired rice texture. This model is particularly newer than the other models of rice cookers. These new ones are getting better day by day.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about rice cookers:

How to choose a rice cooker?

Usually, this procedure depends on the daily quantity. If you cook about 1-2 cups of rice daily, a 3-cup rice cooker would be the most suitable size. If you cook around 2-5 cups of rice, a 5-cup cooker would be most suitable. And finally, if you cook any more than 5 cups, in that case, a 10-cup cooker would be most suitable.

Can a rice cooker only cook rice?

Some people might disagree, but a rice cooker can cook more than just rice. This popular kitchen appliance can prepare meals, like ribs, pizza. It can also be used to cook barley. You can even use this to prepare your breakfast like oatmeal, pancake, etc.

Disadvantages of a rice cooker

Most of the rice cookers use non-stick technology. So while scooping out the rice, you must use the specific material for that. The sharp materials will harm the surface of the rice cooker. It may decrease the taste of rice over time.

Why are rice cookers sometimes so expensive?

Branded rice cookers are made of quality materials. This is the main reason why Japanese rice cookers are usually so expensive. Manufacturers always try to make their products stand out. So they make sure to use good quality materials even if it costs high.

Conclusion:
All the information stated above has been published after analysis of information found from different resources. So, before buying a rice cooker, try to know the necessary specifications. To read more reviews on home appliances such as the best vacuum cleaner, toilet washlet seat, robotic vacuum cleaner, floor mat, microwave oven, and washing machine, you can check our home appliance category articles on the Sakuron Japan website.

– Our editorial team reviewed this article and approved it for publication according to our editorial policy.

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