Zojirushi NL-AAC10 Micom Rice Cooker Uncooked and Warmer 5 5 Cups 1 0-Liter

I've wanted a Zojirushi rice cooker for several years, but wondered if it really was THAT much better than the inexpensive Chinese-built 10-cup cooker that had been in regular weekly use for the last 10 years. Short answer: yes. It's THAT much better. My old rice cooker was a very basic, made in China, 10-cup flip top rice cooker. The non-stick coating in the rice pot was very thin and fragile, and from day one, there was always some overcooked, crunchy rice in the very bottom of the pan near the heating element. I learned to immediately uplug the rice cooker as soon as the rice was done, or even with a minute or two showing on the timer. With the Zojirushi, there is nothing tricky or fussy. I mostly cook medium grain (sushi) rice, and use the recommended water/rice level as indicated on the inside of the rice pot. It's important to remember that "one cup" of rice is not the 240 ml US cup standard, it's the 180 ml rice industry standard, so use the cup that's included with the purchase if you use the water level indicators on the pot. It's also a good idea to let the rice rest for five minutes after the cook time has concluded to allow the moisture to evaporate a bit, and the heat to distribute evenly through the cooked rice. This resting period is not mandatory, but it's become a habit for me, and I just factor it into the meal prep time. After the resting period, fluff the rice with the included paddle, and it's good to go. There are two warm settings on the Zojirushi, I generally use the lower setting. I don't need to use the rice cooker for anything other than rice, and indeed, all I really use are the white/brown/quick and warm settings. The quick rice feature is nice if you really are in a hurry, but I'd suggest you avoid using it unless necessary. The white/sushi rice settings cook perfectly. Every grain, every time. The rice is tender, and never gummy. According to Zojirushi, micro computer, fuzzy logic tech allows the rice cooker to make cooking temp and time adjustments on the fly to insure perfectly cooked rice. This model, the NL-AAC-10 is Made in Japan, unlike many cookers in the Zojirushi line. That is important to me, but it does come at a price. Less expensive models, made in China, are also available, and likely work just as well, so you may choose savings over the country of origin. Overall, I'm extremely happy with this purchase, and can attest to the fact that it really does produce a superior cooked rice as compared to my older, basic rice cooker. I could have saved over 100 dollars by buying another cheap, generic rice cooker, but we do a LOT of Asian cooking in our house, so really felt that the upcharge was worth it, especially after we've used this one for a few weeks. Highly recommended Read more

The media could not be loaded. Calling a rice cooker life-changing might sound dramatic, but for anyone who hasn’t experienced the convenience of a high-quality smart rice cooker, it truly is. We recently replaced our first-ever rice cooker, a compact Aroma model that served us well but whose inner pot didn’t stand the test of time. I might replace the pot someday to keep it as a backup, but for now, the Zojirushi NL-AAC18 has become our new kitchen hero. Key Features and Highlights: Versatility: This rice cooker is a gem, offering far more than perfectly cooked rice. The porridge setting has revolutionized our mornings—I use the delay timer to prepare oatmeal (1:2 oats-to-water ratio), and it’s ready the moment we wake up. No more rushing to get breakfast going! Steamer Basket: One of the standout additions is the included steamer basket, which allows me to steam vegetables or proteins while cooking rice or other dishes below. This feature makes it a multitasking powerhouse, perfect for quick, healthy meals. Ease of Use: The quick-start guide and user manual are clear and helpful, but honestly, the buttons are so intuitive you might not need them. Consistent Performance: I made a soothing congee when my husband was under the weather, and it turned out beautifully. While I haven’t tried sushi rice yet, I’m confident this cooker will handle it flawlessly based on its performance so far. Convenient Functions: The keep-warm feature is surprisingly useful—it ensures food stays warm without overcooking or drying out. The delay timer is another game-changer for meal planning. Durable Design: The inner pot’s non-stick lining feels robust, but I’m careful to use only the included spatula or other gentle utensils (like a plastic KitchenAid spoon). Additional Notes: Customer Service: Zojirushi’s customer service is outstanding. I contacted them for a user manual for an older product, and they responded promptly. Even detailed questions about material safety were answered quickly and professionally. Conclusion: The Zojirushi NL-AAC18 is not just a rice cooker—it’s a versatile appliance that simplifies meals and saves time. If you’re on the fence, I can’t recommend it enough. With the added bonus of a steamer basket, it’s a multitasking dream that has upgraded our kitchen and given me peace of mind in the mornings. ---- Update: Several months down the line. We still love our Zojirushi Rice Cooker! It's a little workhorse. Homemade Sushi is a breeze with the Sushi rice setting. I never liked brown rice because it was always hard and dry, now we love brown rice, and I can even make Basmati, even though it doesn't have a setting for it, I just follow the brown rice water guide and cooking time. I make one-pot-meals at least once a week; KFC Rice is our favorite for leftover KFC Chicken (look up Emmy Made), you get a whole meal from 2 pieces of leftover chicken. On nights when I can't think of what to make, sausage and rice with some veggies on the side is ideal. Enough raving from me, GET YOURSELF A RICE COOKER :D Added Notes: It sings the most cheerful tunes, when you start it and another when it's done, I adore it, but you can follow the instructions in the user manual and turn it off if you want. It has a built in battery that keeps the time, so even if there is a power dip, the power trips, or you accidentally unplug it while it is on or programmed it doesn't affect the settings. I love this, because it has spared me so much frustration, especially during a power dip at night when the timer setting is in use for breakfast. Read more

I had a Zojirushi I got in Japan in 1993, and it finally died. I had to get another Zojirushi since the first one lasted so long. This one takes longer than the last one, but the rice is great. I do like that this one is in English, and you can make more than just traditional rice. The old one just beeped when done, this one sings when you start it and sings when done. You can turn that function off though. It has a clock in it, but needs to be unplugged between uses. It is a good value and makes a lot of rice. It doesn't fit well in my cabinet but I make it work Read more

Wonderful rice cooker! I've waited so long to own a Zojirushi and it didn't disappoint. However, I was used to my old cooker making rice in 30 minutes. This one takes 60 minutes so I have to remember to start my meal cooking with the rice first. The rice is cooked sooo evenly and the keep warm function doesn't make the bottom layer crusty. Read more