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In the world of electronic appliances, a lot of trust comes with a Japanese brand or Japan made product. You just simply know that they’re going to be well made and well worth your money.
When it comes to rice cookers, there is a wide range of brands, models and features that are available for as little as $30 and upwards $200 (or even $500). That’s an insane range of prices. But since you’ve made the decision to go for a Japanese made rice cooker, that narrows down your search.
The Best Japanese Brands for Rice Cookers
There are two particular Japanese brands that we trust with rice cookers, Zojirushi and Tiger. Zojirushi is a 90-years old Japanese brand that started by selling vacuum sealed bottles, and it’s still famous for them. It has expanded to manufacturing many household appliances, including rice cookers of course. Funny enough, Tiger, just like Zojirushi, is a Japanese brand that started with Vacuum bottles back in 1920s, and it has expanded to become one of Japan’s leading brands ever since.
It is worth mentioning that not all Japanese brands manufacture their rice cookers in Japan. Actually, even the brands we just mentioned, don’t make all their appliances in Japan. That’s why we’re handing-picking the rice cookers we know are made in Japan. If you choose another model, do check if it is made in Japan before you make your purchase.
Best Rated Japan-Made Rice Cookers
Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH:
- Uses induction heating for precise temperature control and exceptional cooked rice.
- Choose from many cooking features: White rice, Jasmine, mixed, brown rice, Sushi rice, Porridge, Sweet rice and more.
- Triple heater heats from the bottom, sides and lid for even heating.
- Automatic Keep Warm feature keeps rice at the perfect serving temperature.
- Black thick spherical inner cooking pan
- Detachable and washable inner stainless steel lid.
- Stainless steel exterior that is easy to clean and maintain.
- LCD display and push button control panel, including clock and timer.
- Made in Japan.
- Available in capacities 1L and 1.8L
Tiger JAX-T10U-K 5.5-Cup Micom Rice Cooker with Food Steamer & Slow Cooker:
- 5.5 cup capacity yields 10 cups of cooked rice.
- 4 functions: rice cooking, Tacook Synchronized cooking, slow cooking and steamer.
- Tacook Synchro cooking allows you to cook two things at the same time (for example: rice at the bottom and meat on the top plate).
- 10 pre-set functions: Synchro-cooking, plain rice, quick rice, porridge, mixed rice, sweet rice, brown rice, multi-grain rice, slow cooking, steam cooking
- Automatic Cooking Logic system monitors the cooking temperature and automatically adjusts it for the best results.
- 2 Pre-set cooking timers.
- Removable steam cap and inner lid for easy cleaning.
- Removable nonstick pot.
- Stainless steel exterior.
- Includes spoon, steaming tray and Synchro plate.
Zojirushi vs. Tiger? Which Of These Rice Cookers To Choose?
- The Tiger JAX-T10U-K does not have induction heating like Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH, but it does offer multiple programs like it.
- The Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH has more specific programs like Germinated Brown rice, Jasmine Rice or GABA Brown settings, which give you precise cooking metrics for these type of rice grains. The Tiger cooker cooks all those grains under one single setting called ‘Multi-grain’.
- Both cookers are available in 5.5 cups and 10-cup capacity.
- The Tiger, although it has less features, makes an affordable choice for a ‘Made in Japan’ appliance. Going for the same features from Zojirushi, which refers to model NS-TSC10, you get a China made appliance. Which puts the Tiger JAX-T10U-K at a great position for a non-induction rice cooker that is made in Japan.
Further Read: Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH vs. NS-TSC10 Rice Cookers
Why Are Japanese Rice Cookers More Expensive Than Other Cookers?
At the beginning of this post, we said that the price of rice cooking can vary tremendously. Why can one rice cooker be sold for $20 to $30 while others cost over a $100? Obviously, there’s a clear difference between these cookers, and that is the technology.
With a cheap or basic rice cooker, the appliance performs simple tasks, it brings the water to boil, then it starts to steam and reduce. A thermostat controls this temperature control to mimic traditional rice making on a stove. There are no time pre-sets, no functions, no temperature settings. But there’s a major problem with this:
- Not all rice and grain types cook at the same time and same temperature.
With the more expensive rice cookers, namely Zojirushi and Tiger, have Fuzzy Logic and Automatic Cooking Logic. These technologies is why the rice cookers cost what they cost. Thanks to these technology features, whatever type of rice you’re cooking, the appliance’s smart feature will adjust the cooking time or temperature to bring you consistent results every time. It doesn’t matter if you make a mistake (add less or more water, miss up the rice measurement a bit), your mistakes are fixed with such technology.
So if you’re cooking one type of rice only, you’re probably fine with a low-cost rice cooker. But if you want a rice cooker that will actually help you make a variety of delicious meals, and one that will do the work for you, you’ll want a cooker with these technologies.
Video Reviews
Zojirushi Rice Cooker Reviews:
How To Use Tacook Synchro Cooking on Tiger Rice Cooker: