NS-RPC18FJ Rice Cooker and Warmer, 1.8-Liter, Tulip

I finally upgraded to a Zojirushi rice cooker and WOW—total game changer. The rice comes out perfect every single time: fluffy, evenly cooked, and never soggy. The settings are easy to use, and the keep-warm function—it makes meal prep so much easier. Plus, it’s super quiet and easy to clean. If you eat rice daily (like me!), this is 100% worth the investment. 🍚👌

This machine makes absolutely wonderful rice! Even leftover rice is wonderful! Previously we had a small, 3-cup rice cooker. That machine would burn the rice a bit, even if the rice was removed immediately. And the leftovers were always clumpy and disappointing. Not so with this rice cooker! Rice was not burned, even after leaving the rice in the machine on warm for hours. And the leftovers were not at all clumpy and still had a delicious texture. No water leaked from the machine. The inside metal parts detach for easy cleanup. I was skeptical about the high cost but having tried the rice this machine makes I threw away the other small cooker. I can't imagine using anything else to cook rice! If you're like us and frequently make rice and have leftovers, this machine is worth the higher cost.

Purchased this because it was $105 on sale. Great prices for the old school type of rice cooker. I came from using a Tiger fuzzy logic cooker. I will say that this cooker is great. My rice came out fluffy and didn't overcook the rice at the bottom of the pot like some of the cheaper/crappy cookers. The rice I cooked was the 3 ladies brand of jasmine rice. This is the best jasmine rice. Remember that after done cooking (when it changes to the Warm function), let it continue to cook for another 15/30 mins. This helps the rice from drying out if you open it right away. This is really important because the steam helps keep the rice moist. Open the cooker right when it's done cooking will cause the steam to escape and you'll notice that the rice will seem dry when you eat it later. The only downside was that there's no off button so you have to unplug it if you've finished all the rice. There's only ON (cooking) or WARM functions. The build quality is sus since it does feel like cheap plastic. Build quality was better like 20 years ago.

This rice cooker is the perfect size. I’m so glad I didn’t get the 10 cup. The 5 cup makes enough rice for our 3 adults and 2 kids. We always have leftover rice. I follow the rice instructions on the bags of rice and it’s perfect every time. I love the understated Hello Kitty design, as I am 40 years old. It is great quality, and I expect it will hold up over a few years. The non stick bowl, spatula, and little water collector on the side are all great features. It was worth the cost for sure. It would make a great gift for any college student or anyone who loves having rice on hand for sushi. I love it.

UPDATE 10/4/2020: Of course just about when the return window expires, I started having a problem. As I reviewed before, the inner lid is flimsy and the overall build is not as good as the Tiger brand....this kinda proved it. I noticed that the lid did not close as flush anymore and it started to leak out more condensation/steam into the dew collector than ANY of my previous brands. So when I took a look, the lid looks like it did not shut as tightly about the front to back lip side....which lead to some escape and more condensation forming and traveling the channel into the dew collector. I had to chat amazon CS and they help process a return. When asked if I wanted a replacement, I said NO. Credit me so I can go back in and get a Tiger. So, I guess that's why Tiger has been a household staple when it comes to rice cookers in my friends' homes that I've been in. So I tried something different, and it reinforced my gut feeling. Original: I had a Tiger 5.5 cup that lasted long time before the lid had trouble latching closed. Unfortunately, the latch is not easily repairable it seems. So I wanted something that matched the decor a little more and perhaps smaller to declutter the counter. I mistakenly tried the smaller SS Cuisinart. Yikes.....returned. After much research, It seems I could not find a Tiger in stainless or similar color with it being 10 cup or 500 bucks. I have read good things about Zoji and the designs seem similar. I had to go back to a 5 cup but at least this finish was closer to the decor. Pros: - good, simple design. Nothing fancy but that also means minimal stuff to break. No doubt will be a workhorse - simple, clean design - came in the grey instead of white (vs a dark counter top with ss appliances) - good rice paddle, non stick raised dots design - solid feeling cook/warm button - solid power cord - better locking feel of the lid but the lid itself is not as a solid "thud" as the Tiger Cons: - non-retractable cord. The Tigers usually have them - black and grey finish....why give a white paddle with a white paddle holder?! - power cord is the same cord off a computer or monitor (thick round with the D shaped end) - this is the most obvious - the basin and the inner lid is a little thinner than the Tiger's. The basin is ok...the inner lid is much thinner than I would expect and would like. If I could switch out my Tiger's lid for it I would. This is what cost it a star big time! - Top lid overall is lighter build than a Tiger's - measure markers are not as deeply pressed as a Tiger I think if it wasn't for the cosmetics, I would have returned this and gotten the Tiger. Don't get me wrong... It's like comparing Honda with Toyota. Honda doors shut and sound and felt solid, Toyota not so much but they've never fallen apart on me either. Both are reliable and solid in their own way, but to me...both have certain merits but the feel is a personal decision. I like the feel of the Tigers slightly better, but again, no SS or grey to match the kitchen. the price range is close to each other so neither would break the bank either way. I expect this to last a long time and so far it has made very good rice.

We are a rice family. And we know good rice. This makes good rice. I will agree that the cord sucks compared to our older rice cooker. It’s fat and doesn’t retract. I will also agree that the spoon holder shouldn’t be white, while the machine is charcoal gray. And the spoon itself seems to be eroding; the plastic appears to be melting off. Yes. Good rice, a few things could be better.

I bought this to replace a similar rice cooker that lasted me 20 years. The only reason I had to replace it was because the bowl is no longer sold, and it's all scratched up. For me, this is the gold standard of rice cookers. My entire family (8 households) owns this brand and have been using them their whole lives. My Korean grandparents and parents used the brand too. The size of this unit is large enough to feed my household of 5 easily. It's super easy to clean and use, and won't have any issues like those fancy rice cookers with all the electronics and buttons. It works exactly as it should and what it is intended for: cooking rice, perfect every time!

Easy to use, extremely sturdy. Makes great rice!