Zojirushi NS-LAC05 Micom 3-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer, Stainless Steel

I purchased this rice cooker based on the reviews that I had read and honestly it only does an adequate job considering the cost.

I have yet to produce Batsami rice that doesn't come out like mush from it. I have used two different brands of rice and have the same problem each time. White rice and some of the other brown rices come out perfect but not the Batsami. I have read that other less expensive cookers perform just as adequatly without the high dollar tag.

It sure does look good sitting on my counter though...

Great rice cooker. It can cook brown rice very well and I love it so much.

All these great reviews ... I don't get it. I have tried several ways to try and make rice without success. Whether its a half cup or a whole it takes well over 1.5 hours to cook and I end up with moush. A few minutes in the microwave comes out so much better. I should have returned it when I had the chance.

I'm one of those people who believes in "the less clutter, the better," so I'm always loathe to purchase kitchen equipment that I might never use. I fear complicated and difficult-to-clean devices in particular. In my house, things that aren't dishwasher safe go to Goodwill in a hurry.

No part of the Zojirushi cooker is dishwasher safe, but that didn't stop me from falling in love with it after the first batch of perfectly-cooked rice. Unlike the pots I used to use to cook rice, this little machine's solid non-stick coated bowl sloughs off any and all bits of rice with the lightest brush of my hand. It's a cinch to clean. Handwashing the rice cooker bowl takes thirty seconds. That's less time than it used to take me to prewash/scrub the pots I used to use to cook rice before putting them in the dishwasher.

What's more, the rice comes out perfectly and evenly cooked; the machine plays cute songs when starting and stopping the cooking process, making cooking seem a little less awful (I hate cooking); the timer function means I don't lose any sleep getting fresh rice ready at 5 AM when I pack my husband's lunch; and the mixed rice function lets me throw in bits of chicken or other items to be cooked at the same time.

I couldn't be happier with this rice cooker and would recommend it to anyone who is considering a small cooker for their own family.

For years, I had one of those inexpensive rice cookers that always burned half the rice. I kept looking at this rice cooker, but didn't take the plunge for a few years--the cost made me hesitate. It's been worth every penny, and you shouldn't hesitate if you're looking to make smaller amounts. I've made all kinds of rice, as well as steel cut oats, and the quality is always superb. It's easy to use, program, and clean. Highly recommend!