$135 Rice Cooker Vs. $15 Rice Cooker (Zojirushi vs. Black & Decker) - Rice cooker comparison

[@HonestReviewsChannel]

Rice cookers shown in this video from left to right: Zojirushi Rice Cooker- amzn.to/32JBtW9 Instant Zest Rice Cooker - amzn.to/3ceOX0f Black & Decker Rice Cooker - amzn.to/2I1gAfc

[@ksoman953]

Fair video. A little ownership bias shows :). One thing I'd point out is that the quality of plastic is not decided by how flexible, thin, or thick it is. That only matters if the stiffness, or dimensionality has any performance impact. In this case, the quality of plastic should be decided by how many VOCs and other harmful chemicals will it leach into your steam and food when used inside a hot appliance. My hope is that the Zojirushi with it's Japanese build and quality does less to kill us.

[@redstrike88]

The, Instant Zest Rice Cooker sells for double the price you stated on Amazon. $60

[@mariahjohnson5017]

Am I able to cook Steelcut oatmeal in the InstantPot rice cooker?

[@samuelgomes1646]

I noticed on Amazon that there are zojirushi one at the price from China being in the 100 price range and then another one made in Japan being 400$ what is your thoughts on that?

[@samuelgomes1646]

Great review

[@jerrypie]

I'd like to add that the more expensive rice cookers also do a better job with the "keep warm" function. Cheaper rice cookers tend to dry up the rice at the bottom if you leave it too long.

[@yissssss]

They also handle different grades of rice better. I know in North America people just think rice is rice but especially with Japanese rice there are various grades. You can cook cheaper rice in a better cooker and it'll come out better than expensive rice in a cheap cooker.

[@My2Deities]

We bout a rice cooker in the 80’s when living in Japan and our (my parents) zojirushi is still running strong. We came back to the states and I got lucky at found a zojirushi from a military family who bought one because they were told they needed one. They didn’t like Japanese rice and never used it so I got it new for $20. I was 16 and got it from them at their yard sale. It only has the in and keep warm button. I just turned 42 and still use it. I love love love my zojirushi.

[@colloquialduck]

That's a good deal

[@kukthomas]

I missed the rice cooker from the 80s. They last longer (the inner pot as well) than the one that are made now

[@hansenli5573]

the non stick coating is not off?

[@tz7710]

Thats Japanese quality

[@lanlam2114]

Omg mean it lasts a lifetime

[@Kenko706]

I-- being a single guy who's into Japanese cooking-- had been using the Black and Decker type (if not that brand) for some 20+ years. Gone through three, four of them. Serviceable, yeah, decent enough rice. Recently I finally, after years of debating it, too the plunge and bought a smallish Zojirushi Micom type cooker. I REGRET NOTHING. Seriously, best rice I have ever had. Best $140 I ever spent.

[@SoopaFlyism]

You could've spent more. There's the Tiger JPB G109 ($1280).

[@JackSparrow-fl3zw]

I had a black and decker for 14 years. But when I needed to replace it, the same brand only lasted for 2 years. I think the quality went down by a lot.

[@DistopiaKosaki]

Following

[@dc2610]

Same thing happened to me. Black and Decker products are nothing but cheap junk now. Never buying any of their products again.

[@MINI500HP]

Why pay more when you have one under $150 and use it.​@@SoopaFlyism

[@cyaf5499]

I found a 3cup Zojirushi rice cooker at a thrift store for $10. I came on here to see what this product was about before reselling it. So glad I did, I am no longer going to resell it, but am excited to try it out. Thank you!!

[@velavanlaack9134]

Where? Same as this one?

[@GonzalezEzekiel]

$20 for it?

[@Sesquac]

Aren't those stores there to help less fortunate people?

[@exi9164]

@@Sesquac who cares

[@Ben-fq4wp]

All I want from a rice cooker is for it to do a song when it's done.

[@RealCarlWheezer]

then get the one with the elaphant on it

[@razraze]

Me too! 😂❤❤❤🎉

[@TheAguydude]

Analog rice cookers like the Black & Decker rice cooker should be left on the warm setting for at least 15 minutes before serving the rice (this is mentioned in the manual).

[@Riyame]

The cake function works so well. I have the smaller Zojirushi model and have used it to make pancakes and banana bread. They come out nicely browned, never burnt, never dry. Cakes and breads might take longer than a single 60 minute cooking session though.

[@henryshokellam311]

Excellent review! My mom still has a Zojirushi from Japan. It is about 30 years old and still makes perfect rice. I asked for one for Christmas and this review made me so excited!!

[@almightydawnthegreat]

I bought the cheapest one, and brought it to work. I make instant noodles, oatmeal, teriyaki chicken, congee etc. I can use it at home to have hotpot. There is always a good use for a cheap rice cooker.

[@DR-wp6gy]

I have the B&D. I have cooked soups, rice, fried beans, pasta, steamed fish and veggies. I love it.

[@yourfriendgen4427]

I would LOVE to see you bake a cake in the zojirushi

[@colebarnes9192]

Just ordered the $15 Black & Decker rice cooker off of Amazon thanks for the video!

[@aprilmurray4315]

I just used mine and it leaked water all over my counter but I put in exactly the measurements of rice and water. It’s going into the trash!

[@aprilmurray4315]

Today was my first time using it by the way. And the rice came out like baby food! Lousy! Straight to the trash can!

[@Luvsofine]

This is as enjoyable as any rice cooker review could be. Actually it was just great! Thanks for this informative, easy-to-watch review.

[@MorningJoySC]

my Zojirushi rice cooker lasted 20 years... I bought mine in Japan in the 90's and it was expensive, but worked all the buttons, brown rice, had it cook a few hours before I got home, steamed while cooking my rice... and I ALWAYS had a PERFECT POT OF RICE~ I will go back to Zojirushi AGAIN & AGAIN!!!! tried to buy a cheap model - the rice was crusty on the bottom!

[@AWESOME777ize]

Seems like i made my decision Thanks 👍

[@xiaoyanghan8789]

most expensive zojirushi like nanbu tekki model can cook crusty bottom rice

[@AmerikiDork]

Have had a 5 cup capacity Zojirushi for several years. Very good product

[@alpark3024]

I have the black and decker rice cooker. I put 2 sheets of aluminum foil inside rice cooker and cut hole in middle for temperature sensor to move up and down. The rice came out perfect. Aluminum foil slows the increasing temperature so rice cook longer.

[@mdshaifnoor7475]

I like black & decker.because it’s very easy to clean .and easy to use.others two are really difficult to properly clean.

[@marvin19966]

Thanks!!

[@charleez9407]

Thanks for quite thorough review. I was just looking to upgrade and one of my criteria (besides affordability) is the materials the inner pot is made of. My former rice cooker was telflon, which does scratch and flake off, which is reportedly unhealthy. I understand that teflon has improved over the years, but still not my top choice. Most rice cookers just describe the pot as being non-stick, but I know the Instant Zest one advertises as ceramic (and another brand advertises as bonded granite), and they would be my preference over a cooker just described as 'non-stick'. When it states it's non-stick, it should say also that it's PFOA-free, and even better to describe what material it is made of. While I've only watched a couple of video reviews its rare that the material is one of the features talked about, but these days with people wanting such information, it would be helpful.

[@tracyhouser4100]

You kept me interested the whole time. Such a pleasant review:)

[@mylittlerebornlove8851]

I had a $20 rice cooker and made rice for me perfectly each and every time.

[@mariana7j]

I love my Zojirushi rice cooker. I have the same one. I have yet to try the cake and porridge settings. I can say that brown rice comes out fluffy in my Zojirushi, it’s so much more enjoyable. My grandma uses the more economical ones and she goes through them a lot so she keep the pot and lid and uses it on the stovetop. For me, my Zojirushi is an investment because they last long, and I make a lot of rice for my family of 5.

[@petertrefren5372]

I have a Zojirushi 3-cup induction rice cooker and I agree it is a delightful appliance to own.

[@marvin19966]

Thanks!

[@susancuello4073]

When I have unexpected visitors, my blac and decker rice is ready in 15 minutes, I stir it after about 7 to 10 minute. I have had no problem with the coating and have used it practically everyday almost a year now.I have the Panasonic and I use it when I know guest are coming.

[@noahhuckleby6517]

I bought my mom the Zojirushi NS-TSC18 as a Christmas gift and we are all enjoying it. Has not messed up making rice once. It was a great investment and I would definitely recommend it to friends and family.

[@Hansimans]

Why? Why did I enjoy watching this?

[@alejandrorivas4585]

Charm

[@vajayna_eklhabouh]

You probably lowkey love manly lesbians making rice..

[@Bkob1471]

I had an older rice cooker for years from my college days…I finally was used up and I bought a mid level Zojirushi. It makes perfect rice every time! Just a better texture overall and you don’t have to wait for 10-15 minutes after its done cooking to open the top IYKYK

[@cheryls4526]

This was very educational as I’ve just ordered my first rice cooker. You solidified my choice. You made me smile.

[@fisharefriends598]

Japanese family buy more expensive rice cookers because they use premium rice grains. Also people can tell the diff between rice quality For cheap rice grains a cheap cooker is fine

[@TehVaporSnake]

Excellent video. You've earned a sub. I think I'm going with the Zojirushi.

[@adriannacook313]

Smart decision! I have one and it hasn’t ever failed me once.

[@MrBluesluver]

Nice job. Very informative video. I just got the Instant Zest (your middle pot) today, but won't use it until tomorrow. I got it for one of the reasons you mentioned, I wanted to try a less expensive model, but still be able to cook more than just white rice. I also wanted a smaller one for now. Keep up the good work.

[@tsurumonetally4531]

Because of the timer on the instant pot around 11:00 we can see all the cuts and how long they took breaks ext. So cool, like a behind the scenes hack.

[@ChaoSasuke]

Why was this video the most joyful thing iv watched in forever...you made me buy this thing instantly! The song part just blew me away lol 😂 let’s go can’t wait!

[@aanatachristy6515]

I chose the instant pot zest because of the ceramic coating. The other two are teflon coated with pfoa's.

[@kallenvlogs123]

I have the insrantzest and it’s good. No sticking at the bottom. Easy cleanup. And perfect rice everytime. I love it for the price point it’s a steal

[@ph11p3540]

My Instant Pot MAX multi cooker has a rice cooking function but occasionally it slightly scorches the rice. The issue is uneven heating. For this reason, I put my rice in a Pyrex oven glass bowl and set it on a trivet. The water goes into the pot as usual as per instructions but your rice now sits off the bottom and only heated by steam for perfect, extra fluffy rice.

[@anitas5817]

Ooh good tip thanks. I was just thinking about using my instant pot for brown rice.

[@holyfox94]

You need a high end rice cooker if: you eat rice at least twice a week or you’re a asian food nerd. I have a “Yum Sakura” from Amazon. It’s pretty much the same, from Korea if I’m not mistaken and I love it. Zojirushis are difficult to get here in Europe, like everything Japanese; although we have a trade deal with Japan🤷🏼‍♀️

[@marvin19966]

please STOP the trait!!!!!

[@MsLouisVee]

I don’t think you can beat the Zoruishi rice cooker after all in Japan, it’s all about rice. also the fact that they put cute little happy songs on it kind of tells you to kind of love and care they put into it because it’s that important and I can tell how much joy it brings you😀

[@scbbc8186]

Thank you for your review - all though I can not afford a Zojorushi I went with an Aroma 8 cup rice cooker that looks similar to the instant pot (just without the quinoa or oatmeal setting) and I am glad that the particular model uses a granite non-stick coating rather than PTFE. Also it cooks rice so much better than my old Oster where the rice would stick to the bottom of it even with it's PTFE coating which started to wear off quickly even using sponges that were designed for non-stick things.

[@fuzeebear8716]

When it comes to rice, I will trust Zojirushi to not stick. Plus it has a reheat mode that works great.

[@EvendimataE]

i cook rice everyday. im using a basic National rice cooker(now Panasonic) that my mom bought in 1976. cooking rice is very easy if you do it regularly. in 2 to 3 trials you can easily figure out the amount of water you need to use for the softness you want

[@andrewt248]

October 2020 - Instant Zest still 4.6 stars on Amazon now with 3,340 ratings. I'm no rice maven, so just pulled the trigger on the Zest. Thanks!

[@eBag944]

To be fair, you could have blind tasted it so you wouldn't know which cooker cooked your most favorite rice.

[@bconsilio3764]

YES

[@marlenesvanity1480]

Yea i feel like their mind was already made up beforehand

[@SigbinNinja]

I think any Asian would know. I've been eating rice 3 times a day every single day of my entire life. I think I'd be able to tell

[@eBag944]

@@SigbinNinja I think you are over exaggerating if not lying. No, and I mean no one eats rice "3 times a day of their entire life". I am also asian and I don't eat rice like you said you do. I sometimes eat mashed potatoes, french fries, a sandwich, etc...

[@elizabethaja]

I am watching this as I am cooking in my 20 y.o. Aroma cooker (my non stick coating is failing). Exactly as the Zojirushi sings its song in your video, my Aroma chimes a shrill BEEEP BEEEP. I've been planning to buy a Zojirushi, thank you for the tour. :) Great reviews.

[@BodyBruiser]

you convinced me to buy the Zojirushi the moment I learned it could sing to me. I need that joy in my life. :D

[@Ray-ku1sj]

You did a good job on this review of rice cookers. Keep up the good work. Ray

[@wathalb]

This was a great review. I’m in the market for cooker and this was just what I was looking for.

[@Lawman212]

Well shot! Nice set. And talking about how you liked the Zojirushi song was charming.

[@ferring.2154]

I’ve had the rice cooker from black + decker for a couple yrs now and all I gotta say is that if you don’t have money but need a rice cooker, it ain’t so bad. I seriously use it almost everyday and it’s never broken on me. You really can’t beat the price but if you want a nice cooker it’s an investment I definitely dream abt getting one of these days. Zojirushi I will have you someday

[@UnveiledShadows]

I LOVE a soft rice, and have reasonable use from time to time to have rice ready in the morning, so I'm very glad I bought the Zojirushi. What I SHOULD mention is that after I bought the NS-TSC10, I noticed that the pot got de-gunked a lot easier than the 4-cup Aroma rice cooker I had, since all the starch I couldn't wash out found its way to the bottom of the pot; the Zojirushi cleaned up A LOT easier. I can't speak for any Instant users, but I don't regret the purchase I made.

[@highlander2871]

We would LOVE to see you bake a cake in the zojirushi

[@Izaya_Orihara]

There's a good reason why all Asian families will have a Zojirushi brand rice cooker. Not only is the cooking quality and engineering superior, but in the unlikely event that something breaks or gets worn, spare parts are available for purchase and you won't have to buy an entire new unit. My Zojirushi rice cooker from 20+ years ago is still working like new.

[@theaouch4749]

I bought Zoji 1,000 years ago it's still here and alive and working well.

[@wentingzhang1277]

Here’s an honest review…for you. I loved your reaction to the rice melody is done. You really came alive after that!

[@JJ-yu6og]

Thoroughly enjoyed your review on these!! Please do one for the pressure cookers!!! And the cake in the Zojirushi. By the way, the spendy rice cookers made for Japanese and Korean users talk and sing to the user. 😊 They do charge well over $200, though. 😂

[@unexplodedbombshell3998]

I'm seeing a lot of Zojirushi reviews about at the moment. I had one, and I couldn't stand it and got rid of it. I thought it was overly designed and the 'songs' drove me nuts. I can't stand appliances that beep, whistle or sing to me - I just don't see the point, and I didn't think the rice it cooked was that much better than I made by other methods, that justified the extra 20 minutes or so it took to make. I go through about 5kgs of rice a month, so I cook a lot of rice. I cook it microwave pressure cooker these days, and find it comes out perfect every time. 2 cups of thrice washed rice, 3 cups of water, 10 minutes in the microwave, give it a shake and allow to rest for 15-20 minutes (leaving it sealed). No fuss and very little messing about. But to each his own, that's what works for me and I can appreciate that everyone has their own methods and expectations. One other thing, I'm surprised you would need a 'reminder' that you need to wash the insert and lid insert after each use. I would have thought that would be something everyone does as a matter of course.

[@gladyslai5092]

Thank you for the review. Would love to see you bake a cake in the Zojirushi! haha

[@lennchen5432]

I have a middle class rice cooker for around 35Euro. It would be placed between the black+decker and the INSTANT rice-cooker. It merely cooks rice by 15 minutes and no options on what kind of rice is used. It has the lever for cooking/keep warm. BUT I am happy to have it, because I only use white rice.

[@magicgordo4878]

For great info on the fuzzy logic cooker see: The Ultimate Rice Cooker Cookbook (revised and updated) by Hensperger and Kaufmann. Cakes can be done in the fuzzy logic cooker and as well in Instant pots. They are basically steamed instead of baked. The fuzzy logic cookers also come as induction cookers and are about a thousand bucks.

[@catnip3141]

This was enjoyable, but an honest review as a Japanese. Big size Zojirushi rice cooker with $135 is a low end in Japan. Expensive ones cost more than $2000 (e.g.: Zojirushi NP-WT10-BZ). Even kids can tell the taste difference. But your rice looks broken and mushy. Price will not compensate.

[@Gator1699]

I have a Kmart rice cooker $14 I have had 2 over the years 1st the pot got scratches chucked it. It's the rice you use cheap won't work full of starch what I do use more is a ceramic pot with lid in the microwave and it comes out spot on no drama works well great rice sushi rice is the drama.🐊

[@erikolsen148]

I can’t speak to the Instant Pot rice cooker, but the bog standard cheap rice cookers don’t cook based on time. It’s all temperature. The quick version is that water boils at 100°C, so if the temperature goes over 100°, the water has either absorbed or boiled off. If there’s still water, it can’t get hotter than that.

[@zoo3708]

This is such a good review thank you.

[@michaelmoon4925]

I got three black and decker rice cookers for maybe 4 years and broke almost every year so I gave up on the brand. It cost only $19 each so every time it brokedown, I threw it away and bought a new one but I felt bad for the landfill. I bought a no name brand with mostly plastic and very small that cost only $24 at Frys electronics and still running for 7 years but already beat up even the brand name came off. I'm shopping for a rice cooker and checking on durability first so would spend as much as $150 so I'll try Zojiroshi, Tiger or Cuckoo.

[@Rabbit-sr3ez]

Thanks so much for posting this video, it will help me a lot to make a decision on my first rice cooker.

[@zachmiller9175]

I've always been sceptical of the expensive rice cookers but I think im sold on zojirushi.

[@metalmayhem3622]

I've been breaking my balls all day trying to learn about these 3 exact rice cookers.(researching the Zojirushi has been more of a fantasy) This video told me exactly what I wanted to know, including washability (which I don't think any other resource goes into that aspect of it, but is information that I value).

[@davidjd123]

what are u going with

[@metalmayhem3622]

@@davidjd123 I went with the cheap one while I save up for a zojirushi

[@davidjd123]

@@metalmayhem3622 just got a zojirushi after using cheap rice cookers most my adult life, ( i actualy can make good rice in a pot but rice cookers are so easy.) im yet to try the zojirushi, ill let u know how it is if i remember. im making some rice today.

[@yourfriendgen4427]

@@davidjd123 yes, let us know

[@davidjd123]

YourFriend Gen it simply makes perfect rice every time.

[@phillipisland1]

Top notch review. Well done.

[@hedwigpearlbaidoo2891]

I would like to see a Pressure cooker comparison

[@zionlee175]

My choice is same as yours, I bought 3 cups Zojirushi rice cooker cost CD$299 + tax from The Bay yesterday.

[@itstomiB]

We need to see that cake...

[@jammyd101]

This is an AMAZING review! You answered all of my questions & it was organized & well executed! I bought Instant rice & grain cooker! #subscribed

[@hinahassan9826]

Very good comparison but you are missing one thing that is which rice cooker cooked the rice fastest. You should also include how long each rice cooker takes to cook.

[@alexbia5689]

Nutri Bullet just released a grain cooker and love it works great and also love the look of it I recommend it.

[@dib7161]

I would love to see a review of a cake baked in the Zojirushi.

[@Cyanogener]

I actually use the black Decker, it does help me save time because I used to make my rice on a pan and it would take a long time plus staying near it so I would have to move it around so it doesn’t burn

[@lucretius8050]

Technically rice on a pan/pot shouldn't take a lot longer, you shouldn't have to move it around. You just kind of just need to boil the water and allow it to steam inside to work its magic. Search around for guides on how to cook rice with a pot might need a few small failures before you get the right formula for your pot and the rice you use. A lot of trust is needed cause if you have an opaque lid you can't tell what state it is in.

[@mommat5101]

Well done video! ✔ I love the quality of japan products, definitely can't go wrong. But since my kids are grown and I just cook for myself mostly I can't justify the price. So I'm going with the Instant Pot cooker.

[@lexispatino1551]

I gotta say this video was a great influence in my decision to invest in the Zojirushi. It's expensive but THATS JAPANESE RICE :9 Totally worth it! Thank you!

[@allgoo1990]

It's a matter of frequency of use too. If you use it every day for 10 years, it'll justify just about any price. But if you cook same type of rice every time,you may not need that many functions.

[@elijahb7352]

Almost 4 and a half years since this video was posted. I would love to see a cake made in the Zojirushi!

[@orrinbelcher6593]

Nice video fun and informative, I agree with you the Zojirushi gets my vote

[@briand2614]

I have 3 Zojirushi Rice cookers. I’ve had other cheaper models of rice cookers and for me there really is no comparison. If I had one complaint it would be that the Zojirushi will outlive it’s clock battery, and when that happens it needs to be disassembled and a new one soldered in. Not easy. I would like to see a comparison with a Tiger. They seem to be of a similar high quality, but less expensive. $80??

[@willyanthem9694]

Hey, that Zojirushi is now $199.99, and Amazon has a price cut from $235.00, is this cause of COVID and people investing in cooking more?

[@Bri-ln5hm]

I recently bought the black and decker and absolutely hate it! I only had 1/4th of rice(and appropriate water)yet it spewed and spouted and made a mess in my kitchen as if I had overfilled it(which I didn't). The bottom was also solid and rubbery despite being immediately taken out after cooking. I'm going to return and try again with the instant pot.

[@bruceholmes3599]

I bought a Geepas rice cooker. Analog electro mechanical . Keep it simple plus steaming basket. And it,s repairable.

[@jarikinnunen1718]

The steam meaning energy loss. When it start boil, turn it to warm up for rest of cook . Choice to model which stay coolish to touch. It have better insulate.

[@bconsilio3764]

Yes compare pressure cookers and compare rice from the instapot (rice feature) and instapot rice cooker! I want to know if I can get a ‘2-for’ saving $ and space!!

[@Lorei71]

I would love to see a comparison between an Instant Pot pressure cooker and the IP rice cooker!

[@jakemcavoy2554]

Interesting presentation & useful info. I noticed that the middle one appears to have stainless cap although she didn't show the rice bucket; the B&D brand has a glass top. The fancy and the 3rd one, appears to have aluminum top, which lost likely has aluminum bucket. Most buckets are coated Teflon, which over time leaks abundant chemical substance that can cause cancer and fetal deformity. Rice taste is important discriminating palate. However, health is more important; Aluminum is known for chemical leaching, therefore glass or stainless top would bring less health concern over chemical leaching. Unfortunately presenter didn't show the rice bucket. I eat a half cup of cooked rice daily. My cooker is not a fancy 4-cup cooker and the entire cooker (bucket, the top & body) is made of food grade stainless steel. I feel safer.

[@wormraper]

I thought spending a lot (comparatively) of money on a Japanese rice cooker was bullsh!t for years. That is until I grabbed a Tiger rice cooker and was simply blown away. Now I make rice 4x a week at a bare minimum, and its' perfect each and every time....Although I will begrudgingly admit that the Instant Pot (regular one, I haven't tried the trimmed down rice cooker only version) does a dang good job at cooking rice. The Tiger or Zoji WILL be better, but it's not like it's night and day different

[@DennisNowland]

Want it to be more or less dry? Alter the water amount and also use decent quality rice as well.

[@rukiichi85]

thank you a lot i am gonna buy the middle one

[@ethanf.6848]

Those with the stainless steel pots have a very clean taste.

[@oz6123]

Need a review between the different Zojirushi models. What's the point of comparing a $300 cooker to a $15. Do you compare a Lambo to a Lada?

[@teslarob4790]

Rice out of a Zojirushi vs a Black and Decker style of the 1960's is like night and day. If you eat a lot of rice it is WORTH the splurge.

[@joandanza]

Did you bake a cake? I'd like to see that if you did. How is the keep warm feature?

[@PapaMojo75]

Great review. I love how you're hilarious giving info without even trying to be. LOL

[@ShabwahBoy]

Beautiful production and beautiful presentation just subscribed

[@DarkAvenger1234]

There’s really no point without a blind taste test at the end.

[@youtubehand]

The tasting outcomes were so largely affected by the quality of rice used. The expensive machine can't magically make bad rice taste amazing. You may want to try high quality Japanese rice (available on Amazon or your local Japanese supermarket). Otherwise, it might be just like test driving Ferrari and Toyota Camry at school zone, then came to the conclusion that there were not much of the difference in turn of the speed and handling...with Camry became a smart buy. (Which I agreed ironically.) Btw, IH version of the rice cookers are miles better than the non-IH models. Pressured versions are not necessary. Try Zojirushi NP-HCC-10/18 at least.

[@KBTCaseyFlynn]

I like that you chose smart buy that was not the one you had. I’m like you in that I will pay more, and often substantially more, for the one that has all the bells and whistles.