Zojirushi Micom Automatic Rice Cooker, 5.5-Cup

Last updated: January 12, 2022

Zojirushi Micom Automatic Rice Cooker, 5.5-Cup
Show Contents

We looked at the top Rice Cookers and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Rice Cooker you should buy.

Overall Take

This rice cooker's induction heating warms your rice and water from all sides. The two-setting delay timer keeps your rice warm and tasty. It wipes clean in seconds and looks great to boot. In our test kitchen, we liked that the water measurement lines were delineated by the type of rice, as well as the digital timer. We also liked the cute jingle that plays when you press the start button.

In our analysis of 82 expert reviews, the Zojirushi Micom Automatic Rice Cooker, 5.5-Cup placed 3rd when we looked at the top 16 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

superior induction heating (IH) technology efficiently provides high heat and prepares flawless rice every time. Multi-Menu cooking functions include settings for white rice (regular, softer or harder), jasmine white rice, mixed rice, sushi rice, porridge, sweet rice, brown rice, GABA brown rice and quick cooking. The clear-coated stainless steel exterior fits any kitchen decor and makes cleanup a snap. The triple heater (bottom, side and lid) generates heat all around for even heating. Includes black thick spherical inner cooking pan, easy-to-read and use orange LCD control panel with clock and timer. 1 year limited warranty on parts and labor.

Expert Reviews


What experts liked

The problem with most rice cookers is the cleaning. With the Zojirushi rice cooker, the cleaning is made easy by the materials used in its making, which means you simply need to wipe it with a clean cloth and it is clean. Very simple.
To go with the looks, this rice cooker indeed knows how to entice you well with its modern design.
Being able to plan ahead is a must for busy people, and the delay function in this rice cooker lets you do just that. All you need to do is fill the cooking pot with rice and water, set the timer, and come back to perfectly cooked rice at the time specified time.
This rice cooker is a great product for a family which is busy but needs that proper nutrition in their diets to keep them functioning in a healthy manner.
The “Keep Warm” function is something you will really enjoy about the Zojirushi Induction Rice Cooker. If you want to wait to serve your rice, this cooker can keep it warm for several hours until you’re ready to serve it.
-
The cooking pot has a nonstick coating for easy cleaning, and the cooker includes a measuring cup and rice paddle.
This cooker comes with triple heating technology meaning the rice is heated from all side including the lid so that the rice is cooked quickly and evenly. Once your rice is cooked the device will enter a keep warm mode so that your rice is kept perfect even if it is ready before the rest of your meal.
This Zojirushi rice cooker has a darker gray stainless steel on black exterior with orange control panel, overall oblong shape, kind of resembling older/formal sushi chef style.
It is a very good looking machine, some of the rice cookers that we looked at were just ugly.
It also has an automatic keep warm function that keeps rice, thereby, making sure that it is at the perfect temperature.
In fact, it features a two-setting delay timer so you might enjoy a delicious and hot pot of rice any time that you want.
Like pretty much all rice cookers, it has proper steam ventilation. It also has a push release button to open the lid.
The Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH is made of Stainless Steel. It features hardened stainless steel on the exterior and most of the body parts. This is paired with light accents of plastic which is added for styling and functionality.
The rice cooker’s stainless steel coated exterior is so easy to clean and so as its non-stick cooking bowl.
It’s got all the bells and whistles of a Micom rice cooker with the cooking power of induction heating, which means it’s easy to make excellent quality rice every time. There is just no contest between the regular direct-heat cooking method and induction heating method – rice made by an IH cooker is far superior.

What experts didn't like

This is a little bit difficult to understand at first, and you may need to seriously read the menu in order to navigate this area.
Fan sound could be annoying.
The magnetic field in the induction heating system means that this rice cooker shouldn't be used by individuals with pacemakers.
Price tag
-
Slow – making great quality rice but among the slowest cooker
for some, the price tag may be a little too much for their budget
A little too costly
However, it might cause some trouble when it comes to opening and closing the lid and the non-stick finish might scratch over time.
The one thing you might have issue with is the fact the cord isn’t retractable. Not sure why Zojirushi didn’t think to add that feature here, since they have with other models before.
This among the highest rated and selling rice cooker on the website! It is somewhat criticized for its high price.
With a price tag of around $250, this rice cooker might not be necessary for people who can’t cook often.

Our Expert Consultant

Julie Chernoff
Culinary Expert

Julie Chernoff is a long-time member of Les Dames d’Escoffier (past president of the Chicago Chapter, and current co-chair of the LDEI Legacy Awards Committee), the Association of Food Journalists (AFJ) and the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

Chernoff is the dining editor of Better, a lifestyle website and print magazine. Her journalism started in the test kitchens of Weight Watchers Magazine. She holds a BA in English from Yale University and is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy. She has spent the last few decades styling, photographing, teaching, developing recipes, editing, thinking and writing about food.

View our Rice Cooker buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

More to explore