Whether you’re looking for small to large capacity or affordable to high-end options, I’ve reviewed the best Japanese rice cookers for every household size and budget. Find my recommendations here!
If you’re serious about cooking Japanese food, perfectly cooked Japanese rice is indispensable. We find that having one of the best Japanese rice cookers on the market will give you perfectly steamed rice every time. With so many options available, choosing which model is right for you can be tricky.
The rice we serve to accompany meals is called uruchimai (粳米), which is the staple diet for Japanese cuisine. With my decades of experience cooking rice, I’m bringing you my favorite Japanese rice cookers that I’ve personally used, as well as top-rated options from respected food publishers and reviews.
I recommend reflecting on your needs to pick which rice cooker is best for you. Are you looking to cook for yourself, or do you have a large family to feed? Do you mostly cook white rice or brown rice? Do you value basic functionality and affordability, or are you looking for a top-of-the-line model that may be expensive but offers luxurious performance to match its high price? Regardless of your needs, I’ve found the best Japanese rice cookers for you!
Our Top Picks
- What’s in My Kitchen: Zojirushi Pressure Induction Heating Rice Cooker & Warmer – $454.43 at Amazon
- Best Budget Pick: Toshiba Japanese Rice Cooker with Fuzzy Logic Technology – $120 at Amazon
- Best Small Rice Cooker: Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer – $154.99 from Wayfair
- Best Multipurpose Rice Cooker: Panasonic Rice Cooker with Fuzzy Logic and One-Touch Cooking – $79.11 at Amazon
- Best For Rice Connoisseurs: Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Cooker – $194.39 from Amazon
Reviews of The Best Japanese Rice Cookers
1. What’s in My Kitchen: Zojirushi Pressure Induction Heating Rice Cooker & Warmer
This is the model I use, and I find that it makes perfect rice to serve with my Japanese Chicken Curry. With this rice cooker, I’ve never had to worry about dry or mushy rice. It is absolutely one of the must-have kitchen gadgets I can’t live without! It uses AI and induction heating to ensure every grain is evenly warmed and high pressure to increase cooking temperatures, decreasing cooking time without sacrificing rice quality.
It offers all the cooking modes I need and more, including standard sushi rice mode, quick mode (for when I’m in a hurry), and brown rice mode. It also comes with a built-in timer and warmer, so you can set it and forget it, then wake up or come home to freshly steamed rice. I’ve had this rice cooker for more than 10 years, and it has yet to let me down, so it’s very durable and known by some as the Cadillac of Japanese rice cookers!
The Specs:
- Heating: Induction
- Cooking functions: 10
- Warming function: Yes
- Wattage: 1370 watts
- Dimensions: 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches
- Capacity: 5.5 cups
The Pros:
- Very durable
- Near perfect rice every time
- Adjusts firmness of rice within each mode
- Operate with the press of a button
- Made in Japan
The Cons:
- Expensive
- Bulky power cord
- Inner bowl and lid must be washed by hand
What Others are Saying:
Both Epicurious and Bon Appetit named the Zojirushi Pressure Induction Heating Rice Cooker & Warmer the best rice cooker. It also has a 4.7-star rating from more than 400 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the Zojirushi Pressure Induction Heating Rice Cooker & Warmer:
2. Best Budget Pick: Toshiba Japanese Rice Cooker with Fuzzy Logic Technology
If you can’t justify the high price of my top pick from Zojirushi, this 6-cup model offers most of the same functionality at about a third of the price. Designed by the similarly well-respected Japanese brand Toshiba, this model uses Fuzzy Logic technology to measure the moisture content of your rice as it cooks, then adjusts temperature and time accordingly, so you’ll get perfectly cooked rice each time. This is important if you’re making something like Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls).
I like that it offers all the cooking modes I use most, including white rice, brown rice, and quick rice. Reviewers seem to agree that this rice cooker from Toshiba packs a lot of functionality into a conveniently compact and affordable package, which, most importantly, just makes great rice.
The Specs:
- Heating: Fuzzy Logic
- Cooking functions: 7
- Warming function: Yes
- Wattage: 655 watts
- Dimensions: 10.66 x 14.48 x 8.34 inches
- Capacity: 6 cups
The Pros:
- Affordable
- Cooks consistently fluffy and tender rice
- Comes with steamer basket for vegetables, buns, dumplings, and more
- Easy to clean
The Cons:
- No induction or pressure cooking options
- Not aesthetically pleasing
What Others are Saying:
This Toshiba rice cooker has more than 4,600 Amazon reviews and a 4.7-star rating. Epicurious also named it one of the best rice cookers.
Buy the Toshiba Japanese Rice Cooker with Fuzzy Logic Technology:
3. Best Small Rice Cooker: Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer
If you plan to cook rice just for one or have limited kitchen space, there’s little need for a larger model that takes up a lot of counter or storage space. That’s where this smaller Zojirushi comes in. Combining the Fuzzy Logic tech with stylish black and stainless accents in a compact footprint, this rice cooker fits into small spaces. You’ll be able to cook up to 3 cups of rice or make quinoa, steel cut oats, and even a cake, thanks to its 6 different cooking functions. The warming function also comes in handy if you can’t eat all 3 cups at once, too!
The Specs:
- Heating: Fuzzy Logic
- Cooking functions: 6
- Warming function: Yes
- Wattage: 120 watts
- Dimensions: 9.38 x 12.88 x 7.88 inches
- Capacity: 3 cups
The Pros:
- Compact size
- Stylish black and stainless steel look
- Simple to use and clean
- Dedicated reheat function
The Cons:
- No induction or pressure cooking
- Cook time can be longer
- Pricey for size
What Others are Saying:
This Zojirushi rice cooker has more than 1,600 Amazon reviews and a 4.7-star rating.
Buy the Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer:
4. Best Multipurpose Rice Cooker: Panasonic Rice Cooker with Fuzzy Logic and One-Touch Cooking
If you’re in the market for a large-capacity rice cooker and steamer combo that can do just a few things but do each well, this model from Panasonic may be for you. While it lacks the bells and whistles of the flashier and more expensive models on this list, it offers the baseline functionality that I like to see in a rice cooker—namely, settings for white rice, brown rice, and quick cook. An included steaming basket allows you to cook vegetables, steam buns, and more. And if you’re in the mood for Japanese Rice Porridge or soup, this cooker has you covered!
The Specs:
- Heating: Fuzzy Logic
- Cooking functions: 4
- Warming function: Yes
- Wattage: 750 watts
- Dimensions: 11.06 x 11 x 15.13 inches
- Capacity: 10 cups
The Pros:
- Large capacity
- Affordable
- Very intuitive to use
- Steamer basket included
- Porridge/soup mode
The Cons:
- Fairly bulky
- Limited cooking settings
- No screen to see cook time
What Others are Saying:
The Panasonic rice cooker has a 4.3-star rating from more than 1,200 ratings. The Strategist also named it the best less expensive rice cooker.
Buy the Panasonic Rice Cooker with Fuzzy Logic and One-Touch Cooking:
5. Best For Rice Connoisseurs: Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Cooker
For the connoisseur who loves a perfectly cooked bowl of rice but doesn’t want to break the bank to make one, the NS-ZCC10 from Zojirushi may just provide the perfect middle ground between the budget and luxury options on our list. With Neuro Fuzzy technology, an even more advanced version of the fuzzy tech noted in other entries on this list, this rice cooker makes fluffy and perfect rice.
While this model lacks the induction heating and pressure cooking found in Zojirushi’s flagship model that I own, it’s great for those who want to eat really good rice frequently.
The Specs:
- Heating: Neuro Fuzzy Logic
- Cooking functions: 8
- Warming function: Yes
- Wattage: 750 watts
- Dimensions: 13 x 10.13 x 8.13 inches
- Capacity: 5.5 cups
The Pros:
- Has an ‘Extended Keep Warm Mode’ and can keep rice good for up to 20 hours
- Attractive design
- Retractable power cord for easy storage
- Firm or soft rice options
The Cons:
- No induction or pressure cooking options
- Doesn’t work with a steamer basket
What Others are Saying:
This Zojirushi has more than 10,700 reviews on Amazon and a 4.8-star rating. CNN Underscored also named it the best overall rice cooker.
Buy Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Cooker:
Other Rice Makers to Consider
IMUSA USA Electric Nonstick Rice Cooker, 3-Cup
For a single person or small household, it’s hard to beat this smaller capacity rice cooker on price. It’s one of the least expensive rice cookers out there and will likely get the job done if you’re simply trying to cook a small quantity of white rice in a short time (about 30 minutes or less) with minimal effort. However, it lacks different cook settings—there is only one ‘on’ switch and I’m not super familiar with this brand. IMUSA USA Rice Cooker 3-Cup is available at Amazon for $22.57.
Cuckoo 6-Cup Micom Rice Cooker
This rice cooker from Cuckoo, a Korean brand with over 40 years of experience in the industry, offers smart functionality similar to the fuzzy technology noted in many of our top picks. At a very reasonable price point, this model offers ten different modes and can cook all the major types of rice. But it might not be as durable as other options on this list. The Cuckoo Micom Rice Cooker is available at Amazon for $122.90.
Tiger Micom Rice Cooker with Food Steamer Basket
From Japan’s Tiger Corporation, this budget-friendly smart rice cooker is built to cook consistently excellent rice. With only four cook settings (including white and brown rice but no quick cook mode), what makes this particular rice cooker stand out is its synchro-cooking feature. According to Tiger, this allows the device to cook rice and another dish simultaneously on a designated “tacook” cooking plate, saving time. But personally, I would opt for a dedicated rice cooker with more settings. The Tiger Micom Rice Cooker with Food Steamer Basket is available at Amazon for $107.82.
Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer
This multi-purpose cooker is designed to cook up to seven cups of dry rice or other grains while simultaneously steaming vegetables, fish, poultry, or other foods. It has all the cooking modes I typically look for, including white rice, quick cook, and whole grain (which should cover brown rice). Personally, though, I would opt for a dedicated rice cooker, particularly one that is specifically designed to cook Japanese short-grain rice. The Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer is available at Amazon for $59.99.
Aroma Housewares One Touch Rice Cooker
If affordability and quick cooking are what you’re after, this Aroma rice cooker could be a solid choice. It’s not too complicated and consistently delivers evenly cooked rice each time. Again, though, if it were up to me, I’d opt for a rice cooker specifically designed for Japanese short-grain rice and which has multiple cook modes for different types of rice. The Aroma Housewares One Touch Rice Cooker is available at Amazon for $19.68.
Why You Can Trust Me
I can’t tell you how much I love my own rice cooker, but I also researched the internet to find the ones that other people really like. In this list, you’ll find rice cookers that earned thousands of positive reviews; there are also the ones examined by other expert product reviewers who share the same passion for rice cooking. Regardless of your rice-cooking preferences, there’s one for your kitchen.
Everything to Know Before Buying a Japanese Rice Cooker
What to Consider Before Buying a Japanese Rice Cooker
There are a few things to consider before choosing the best Japanese rice cooker for you:
Capacity: Depending on the size of your household, you may be looking for rice cookers with capacity that will suit your needs. A good idea is to start with a 5-cup rice cooker, which is standard for a household of two. The more people in one’s household, the bigger the rice cooker you’ll need, which can go up to making 10 cups of uncooked rice. If you’re cooking for one, a 3-cup rice cooker would work well, too.
Technology: The more advanced rice cookers are typically equipped with technology that optimizes rice cooking, meaning they have a computing system that allows for human error when water and rice are added before cooking. Look for labels such as “Fuzzy Logic” or something in the same vein that indicates smart cooking technology is adopted.
Versatility: A rice cooker is an investment, and it’s wise to make the most out of it by using it for different purposes. Look for a rice cooker with presets for congee, oatmeal, and other types of rice dishes to stretch your dollar further.
Is a Rice Cooker Worth It?
Yes! A rice cooker makes the perfect rice batch after batch without any hard work from you — other than getting the measurements correct. A good rice cooker should be your most trusted kitchen helper, who churns out soft and plump steamed rice daily. It will also free up space on your stovetop so you can use your burners to cook other things.
Is a Rice Cooker Different From a Pressure Cooker?
A rice cooker uses steam to heat up and cook rice, whereas a pressure cooker works by building up pressure to increase heat and speed up the cooking process. However, some advanced rice cookers also have pressure-cooking settings that incorporate pressure to cook rice. You can also make rice in your pressure cooker — check out our guide on how to make Japanese rice in the Instant Pot!
How Long Does a Rice Cooker Take?
Depending on the specific rice cooker, cooking a batch of rice can take anywhere from 30 minutes to more than an hour. We have a guide on how to cook rice perfectly in your rice cooker every time. Also, check out our guides on how to make sushi rice and how to make brown rice in a rice cooker.
What’s the Best Way to Store Cooked Rice?
What’s the best method to store cooked rice? Simply freeze the rice in airtight containers and reheat to enjoy later on! This is by far the best approach to keep your rice fresh and moist. Do not keep it in the rice cooker or store it in the refrigerator!
The Best Recipes to Serve with Japanese Rice
We eat rice almost every day, and you can serve it with pretty much anything! Here are some of my favorite recipes to serve with rice:
- Japanese Chicken Curry チキンカレー
- Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls) おにぎり
- Takikomi Gohan (Japanese Mixed Rice) (炊き込みご飯)
- Shrimp Fried Rice 海老チャーハン
- Donburi (Japanese Rice Bowl) Recipes
Prices were accurate at time of publication.
Hello Namiko!
I’m reaching out because I’m thinking of getting a rice cooker, but I’m struggling due to a simple fact. On my country, Japanese short grain rice is rare and expensive. It’s more normal to find long grain rice (a Portuguese type called Agulha, or Basmati or even Thai), and I don’t know if these rice cookers are suitable (or which rice cookers are suitable) for these types of grain rice. Can you help me?
Arigatou!
P.S.: We also have another Portuguese type called Carolino, which is shorter, but it’s usually very hard to get a loose and fluffy rice with it.
Hello, there! Thank you very much for reading Nami’s post!
Zojirushi NP-NWC10XB (the first on the list) can cook a variety of grains. If you look closely at the panel, you can see the various types that you can select. It’s a little pricey, but for its functionality, it’s the best option for your needs. 🙂
We hope this helped!
I bought a 3 Cup Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker from Amazon a few weeks ago. The first time I used it, it was great but ever since then my rice is sticky and mushy. I have looked on the Internet but can’t decide was is wrong. I buy rice in bulk and then store in a plastic container without a label so I am not sure what type of rice I used the first time. I read the rice might not be washed thoroughly so yesterday I washed it 5 times but got the same result. I tried long grain and jasmine but also got the same result. And my husband doesn’t like sushi rice. Any suggestions would be appreciated. We have decided to cut out beef and are making a lot of chicken with rice recipes. That is why I sprung for a more expensive rice cooker. Any suggestions on what I am doing wrong would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Love your website and books. bp
Hi, Becky! We’re guessing the first time you made rice, it was short grain.
Have you checked the amount of water? There should be a line inside the bowl. You can also use Nami’s recipe for short grain rice.
https://www.justonecookbook.com/how-to-make-rice/
We hope this helps!
I’m seeing some (including the Toshiba 5.5 cup on Amazon) include a Low Carb/Sugar option, can you advise anything on that please? Something that can keep sugar levels from spiking so much would be great, but I’m wondering if there’s any real world experience with these yet?
Hi, Nyala! Thank you so much for reading Nami’s post.
Unfortunately, we have not tried this type of rice cooker and are unaware of the results. According to their website, the method is meant to cut carbohydrates and sugars while cooking, and we’ve seen that other manufacturers use the same approach.
If you give it a try, please keep us updated!
+1 on the Zojirushi induction pressure rice cooker. Some years ago, I found myself not using my current gen gaming console very often, so I sold it and used the money to buy this rice cooker. Sometimes it’s just a matter of figuring out what adds the most to your life for the money. I have no regrets! You really can just set it and forget it and get such good rice every time. I especially love the “umami” setting that cooks white rice a little slower, but gives it this very umami-sweet taste. Better rice than any restaurant!
Hi Lion! Wow! We are glad to know that the Umami setting produces delicious rice!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us!
I love my Zojirushi 3 cup induction rice cooker, I decided not to get one of the pressure IH models because my understanding is that for the sushi rice setting (the main reason I wanted a rice cooker was for perfect sushi rice), the pressure function is not utilized? As another commenter noted, the battery is annoying to replace yourself but can be done, and replacement bowls can be purchased separately (I’ve been careful with my bowl and don’t wash/rinse the rice in it, have a specific drainer bowl for that). Also… the “twinkle twinkle little star” song when you start cooking is fun! ♪
Hi T J, Thank you for reading Nami’s post and providing your feedback.
We’re glad that you’ve found your favorite rice cooker! 😊
According to the Zojirushi website, the pressure function is also utilized for the sushi rice setting. 🙂
After over 10 years of service, I retired an older model Zojirushi with the model from #5. 🙂 And you’re right, it’s in that “middle” price range that worked for me!
Hi Eva! Awesome! Thank you so much for reading Nami’s post!🤗
Hi Nami,
I love your articles! I have been searching for a great rice cooker that does NOT use a non stick liner. With all the forever chemicals in the non stick lining I am surprised that I can’t find one. Any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated.
Hi Michele, Thank you for reading Nami’s post!
How about the Instant Pot? It can also cook delicious rice. The inner pot is stainless steel.
https://www.justonecookbook.com/instant-pot-rice/
https://www.justonecookbook.com/instant-pot-brown-rice/
We hope this helps!
Been following JOC for years and every recipe has been a success for me!
Hi Erica! We are very happy to hear you like Nami’s recipes!
Thank you for your continuing support. Happy Cooking!
Heh…. I still use my Okasan’s 30 year old Hitachi rice cooker. Just one button that makes the “pachi” noise when it’s done to let you know that you’re not supposed to open the lid for 20 minutes or else you get your hand smacked with a spoon.
Hello, Jii Jii. Amazing! 30 years of love and care resulted in this!🫶🏻
One thing that is a disadvantage of the Zojirushi fuzzy logic rice cookers I (and my family) have owned (now using an older version of the 3 cup fuzzy logic) is that the battery that powers the clock and timer is soldered into the circuit board. To replace it takes specialized skills and a hard to get battery (but is possible to DIY). Also replacement of the cooking bowl should be more economical as the bowl can get scratched a long time before the rest of the cooker fails and causes more ewaste. Would I give up my Zojirushi? No, but this are problems I wish they did not have.
Hi David! Wow! Thank you for sharing this information.🙂