My (very) old rice steamer is losing steam, so to speak. So I'm interested in finding a replacement.

My current one is so old, it's not even computerized, but some of those new ones look pretty slick. If anyone has one, does it have nice features you really like to use?

Another option I was considering was just go back to basics and get a nice thick steel pressure cooker. They have many uses and really do a nice job on rice, but of course, are not all techno-whizzy.

I doubt I'd find a computerized one in the local stores, so I'm considering buying one online. If anyone can recommend a brand (or which to stay away from), or give an opinion on the best features to look out fore, I would appreciate it.

Thanks.

�� wrote:

My (very) old rice steamer is losing steam, so to speak. So I'm interested in finding a replacement. My current one is so old, it's not even computerized, but some of those new ones look pretty slick. If anyone has one, does it have nice features you really like to use? Another option I was considering was just go back to basics and get a nice thick steel pressure cooker. They have many uses and really do a nice job on rice, but of course, are not all techno-whizzy. I doubt I'd find a computerized one in the local stores, so I'm considering buying one online. If anyone can recommend a brand (or which to stay away from), or give an opinion on the best features to look out fore, I would appreciate it. Thanks.

i have a dependable japanese rice cooker....one of the more popular, famous brands...Zojirushi....works like a charm. digital display, timer,
fuzzy logic chip, etc. etc.

www.zojirushi.com/ourproducts/ricecookers/ricecookers.html

Those look pretty cool indeed.

I do wonder about the non-stick surface material. I've read some news reports that said they might have health implications. I'll have to look into that.

(edit: I might have to buy the Neuro Fuzzy just for the name alone! )

I've got your basic white National rice cooker... I've had it for 15+ years with no problems.

Speaking of that, maybe I'll have gyoza for dinner tonight...

Was it cheap? Some of those Zojirushi ones are upwards of 200 clams. Not sure I can justify that on my budget. I'm probably more in the < $100 market. I like Japan a lot, but I'm not signing up to fix their busted economic bubble just yet.

�� wrote:

Was it cheap?

We're talking about 15 years ago, but I think I paid about $20 for the thing, if that.

Whoops my mistake: my rice cooker is a Toshiba.

But it's still 15+ years old.

I guess Neuro Fuzzy are hard to find in stores. Do you need to import it? Their online store only has parts.


It looks great, but I'm not sure if I can buy it in a local store. The only thing I've found so far was the same old crap you see at Walmart.
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If you just need to cook rice, why do you need all those bells and whistles?

bmwracer wrote:

If you just need to cook rice, why do you need all those bells and whistles?

Because we love electronics and whizbangs....ok that's just me.

dochira wrote:

Because we love electronics and whizbangs....ok that's just me.

For some things, like rice cooking, Less is More: Less gimmicks means More money stays in your wallet.

bmwracer wrote:

For some things, like rice cooking, Less is More: Less gimmicks means More money stays in your wallet.

Oh, when it comes to takoyaki: less is definitely more. So I would have to agree with you.

dochira wrote:

Oh, when it comes to takoyaki: less is definitely more. So I would have to agree with you.

I hope you're talking about food.

bmwracer wrote:

I hope you're talking about food.

If you want me to.


...it can go both ways.

dochira wrote:

If you want me to. ...it can go both ways.

At least you're flexible.

dochira wrote:

Because we love electronics and whizbangs....ok that's just me.

Like the microwave. I wanted all the bells and whistles. I bought one full of settings and gimmicks, but in the last 10 years I think I only used the popcorn and potato buttons.
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tabana wrote:

I wanted all the bells and whistles. I bought one full of settings and gimmicks, but in the last 10 years I think I only used the popcorn and potato buttons.

I rest my case.

i dunno, for me: I'd prefer the ones with not all the bells and whistle, but at least some options because it WILL be used. I'm in the market for one as well, and the one I'll be looking for at least should match the options i had before:

- it should have a timer (so i can wash the rice the night before and leave it there over night)
- one that has okayu capabilities.
- Non-stick easy to clean inner pot

other than that, it's all good!
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we just retired our Zoji after 25 years. It still worked, but we needed a new metal bowl thingy and that alone was $100. So we got a newer Zoji for less.

http://www.zojirushi.com/ourproducts/ricecookers/ns_rnc.html

bmwracer wrote:

If you just need to cook rice, why do you need all those bells and whistles?

same here, I got my National, plain n sober. and they never ever break down. I think the one my mom is using is like 20years old haha.

Mine's about 10 years old.