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A process which needs constant monitoring, cooking rice and can be quite cumbersome, especially with all the starch. Avoiding both these hassles would help greatly and this is where an electric rice cooker comes in handy. Read below for details about the Zojirushi NS-TGC10 Micom 5-1/2-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer, Stainless Steel. It really is very handy indeed!
What are electric rice cookers and why use them?
Traditionally a cooking process which requires attention to ensure the rice is cooked properly, electric rice cookers automate the process by mechanically or electronically controlling heat and timing. The rice cooker does not necessarily speed up the cooking process. However, the cook’s involvement in cooking rice with an electric rice cooker is reduced to simply using the correct amount of water. When the rice is determined to be fully cooked, the unit will automatically switch to the “warm” setting, thus preventing the rice from being overcooked, while also keeping it warm until it is ready to be served. The Mitsubishi Electric Corporation of Japan, in 1945, was the first company to produce a commercially available electric rice cooker.
Basic principle of operation
Usually removable, the bowl in the rice cooker can be easily cleaned. Beneath it is a heater and a thermostat. Pushing the thermostat against the bottom of the bowl for good thermal contact is a spring and this ensures accurate temperature measurement. Heated at full power, the rice/water mixture is eventually cooked. The temperature does not go above 100°C (212°F) — the boiling point of water. By the time the cooking is done, some of the water will have been absorbed by the rice. And, the rest is boiled off. When the heating continues past that point and the temperature exceeds the boiling point, the thermostat trips, switching the rice cooker to low power “warming” mode. In this mode, the temperature is approximately 65°C (150°F). Simple rice cookers may just turn off at that point.
What to look for when buying an Electric Rice Cooker?
- Are you a discerning cook?
- How much do you want to spend on the electric rice cooker?
- Which pieces/sizes are you looking for?
- How often do you cook rice?
- Other than rice, what else do you intend to use the electric rice cooker for?
- Is it dishwasher safe?
- Are the handles comfortable?
Designed use / How does it work
This Japanese rice cooker, Zojirushi NS-TGC10 Micom 5-1/2-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer, offers a variety of cooking functions.
What is included?
5 ½ cup capacity with fuzzy logic technology: This Japanese rice cooker is a very versatile product with 5 ½ cup capacity and features advanced fuzzy logic technology for a variety of cooking functions. It even bakes cakes!
Inner cooking pan & heating system: A thick, black cooking pan and heating system make for perfectly cooked rice every single time.
Other features – Detachable, washable inner lid and easy to read LCD control panel: The Japanese rice cooker features a detachable and washable inner lid. An easy to read LCD control panel, a keep warm and extended keep warm facility, and a delay timer with two settings and a retractable cord are other features. The LCD control panel offers an interchangeable melody and beep signal.
Clear coated stainless steel exterior :Making for easy cleaning, the clear coated stainless steel exterior also matches with any kitchen décor.
Accessories: A spatula, a spatula holder and a rice measuring cup are the included accessories.
Product details / Does it include warranty?
The 610 watt Japanese rice cooker, Zojirushi NS-TGC10 Micom 5-1/2-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer, Stainless Steel , measures 14 by 10 by 8-1/2 inches and comes with a standard 1-year warranty.
Ok, so this works but this isn’t the only brand out there – how does it compare?
The Zojirushi Japanese rice cooker has been rated highly for its superb performance given that fact that rice does not come out mushy or stick to the bottom of the pan. Other features that consumers have really appreciated are the retractable power cord, the non stick coating bowl, the music indicator, the spatula and the spatula holder.
Any Complaints?
Some consumers have had an issue with the fact that there is no condensation collector and that they have to clean the inner lid every time. This, however, is not a major issue really and can be quite easily done with a clean, wet cloth. For the functionality and performance offered by this Zojirushi Japanese rice cooker, this tiny complaint is not much to cause trouble.
What others are saying?
This Zojirushi Japanese rice cooker has earned terrific reviews on the net. Here are a few sample comments from customers
- “Perfect Size & Perfect Rice – Glad I Got This Instead of the NS-LAC05,”
- “All types of grains,”
- “Best Rice Cooker Ever Used,”
- “Even great for small 1-cup batches of rice,”
- “Zojirushi 5-1/2-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer. It;s great !,”
How much should you expect to pay?
The Zojirushi Rice Cooker is available online at $183 and upwards. The cheapest we have seen it is on Amazon who consistently sell this electric Zojirushi NS-TGC10 Micom 5-1/2-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer, Stainless Steel for under $135.
Where can you expect to buy the Zojirushi NS-TGC10 Rice Cooker and Warmer?
You can buy this Zojirushi NS-TGC10 Micom 5-1/2-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer, Stainless Steel from Amazon. At the moment they include free shipping and from what I can tell when comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon do currently have the best deal especially with the free shipping option and you do not have to pay sales tax. Click Here to view on Amazon.
Where can you read more reviews for the Japanese rice cooker, Zojirushi NS-TGC10 Rice Cooker and Warmer?
The best place for reviews from people who actually use the Zojirushi NS-TGC10 Micom 5-1/2-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer, Stainless Steel is Amazon. Click Here to read more.