(checked 2026-10-10)
The classic, very well-reviewed fuzzy-logic Zojirushi still makes great sticky-chewy rice, but it is slow, its brown rice can turn gummy, and newer models beat it in recent tests.
Top complaints
- Slow, especially brown rice
Serious Eats says brown rice took a long time, and Wirecutter says all its Zojirushis are slow. A Walmart reviewer says cooking takes notably longer than their previous cooker.
- Gummy brown rice, poor single-cup batches
Wirecutter found its brown rice gummy and porridge-like, and a single cup of jasmine came out with a carpet-like texture. A Walmart 2-star reviewer also found it hard to cook one cup.
Source: Wirecutter, Walmart reviews (lowest rated) - Units failing early
Amazon's summary says durability is mixed, with some owners reporting it broke within 4 months. A Walmart reviewer also notes stiff buttons and a vent plate that must be in place before the lid closes.
What owners love
- Consistently great rice
Serious Eats calls it its test kitchen's favorite for years and a shining example of fuzzy logic, nailing slightly sticky, chewy rice. Wirecutter found its jasmine and sushi rice fragrant and tender.
Source: Serious Eats, Wirecutter - Owners love it
Amazon shoppers call it one of the best investments they've made and say the nonstick pan cleans in seconds. It is rated 95% 5-star on Walmart.
- Handy design details
Bon Appétit notes the retractable cord, the pot's side handles, and an intuitive interface with many presets.
Source: Bon Appétit
- You need fast rice
- You mostly eat brown rice
- You cook just one cup at a time
- Japanese-style slightly sticky rice
- Set-and-forget daily use with a timer
- Owners who want a proven model
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Serious Eats: The Serious Eats test kitchen rice cooker: consistently great rice thanks to fuzzy logic, though brown rice takes a long time.
- Wirecutter (NYT): A former top pick that is still good, but the cheaper NL-EAC slightly outperformed it; it made gummy brown rice and poor single-cup batches.
- Bon Appétit: Rice wasn't as fluffy as the NP-HCC10's, and at over $240 the quality doesn't justify the price.