Will an expensive rice cooker make rice tastier? 

Lol I like that all the elders were enthusiastic about running some random test on rice

Just a short note. We didn't do any extensive testing. We could have tried many more rice cookers, different qualities of rice, and had chefs cook and test the rice. This was simply a little experiment with our family and friends. We hope it gives you a basic insight into Japanese rice and rice cookers. By the way, I think this is the updated model of Akko's rice cooker (not an affiliate link) amzn.asia/d/cTwknAw

Well, this provides some context! I thought my $160 10-year-old Zojirushi was in the "high end" price range, but it's actually closer to "low end".

I love these "in the grand scheme of things, pointless" videos, especially when they're made with such high production value

I splurged a bit on a Zojirushi bread maker and the bread it makes is amazing compared to other bread makers I've owned. It also has tons of options for different types of bread, crust color, different flours, etc. They really seem to make great products.

As a Japanese-American born and raised in Hawaii, rice cooker makes a huge difference. In 2020 we splurged on the $350 zojirushi made in japan rice cooker and continued to buy cheap rice. It’s SO much better cooked in a high quality rice cooker!

I love these type of videos and Akko's natural and happy mood is always great to see in your videos. She always end up doing silly bits that crack me up. ahah

We bought that expensive black Zojirushi first day moving to Tokyo and I have zero regrets. Been using mid range cookers in SEA my whole life and didn’t know rice could taste this good. Niigata rice + もちもち setting on the cooker is already incredible and I haven’t even fine-tuned it yet!

In the states, we have rice cookers ranging from $10-thousands. I am VERY picky about my rice growing up around a lot of desis who use primarily basmati rice which can be tricky to make well. I make many different kinds of rice and never thought a rice cooker could make them well since Arabs and desis typically always use a stove and often don’t like sticky rice. I got a $40 cooker for $10, it was life changing! It makes most types of rice almost as well as I do with so much less effort

This is a great premise for a video and an amazing demonstration of A-B comparisons...thanks for sharing your work!

Yes. My instant pot makes rice too gooey often. Or porridge too dry. My rice cooker (my dad’s $300 one) makes both perfect. Any amount of rice, any type of rice.

I really like this topic and Greg's video style. It feels like listening to a friend talking some daily things. Just like most of Japanese series. Haha...

Greg, this was the hard hitting journalism the world needed. THANK YOU!

Love it! More tests like this one! :D Oh, I bet whatever you want that the cheapest low quality rice in Japan still taste miles away better than even the expensive "Japanese-type" rice we get here... which is still way better than the local rice. Our local rice, it'd be just considered inedible by Japanese people. xD And I'm talking about the good quality stuff. It's not only the industrial aspect of it, it's that our rice is made to be hard, non-sticky and way too bland... it just doesn't fit Japanese tastes. It's very rare for me to find rice in restaurants, or made by local rice cookers, that I'd say is good enough to be eaten by itself. It's made to be mixed with other stuff here, beans in particular. And up until I went to Japan, this kinda sounded a bit like an exaggeration to me. But then I tasted the rice served there, and it's really true. I did taste rice in some places that I'd be plenty satisfied eating it without anything else. Plain white rice with side dishes, stuff like ochazuke, onigiri with just a single umeboshi in the middle, it all makes far more sense when you have good quality rice like that.

As a lifetime rice eater, I completely stopped paying attention to whether the rice is good or not. As long as it's not abysmally bad, I wouldn't notice. What is important for the rice cooker is the cooking and cleaning experience. Don't make it too difficult and most people would be satisfied with it.

I appreciate these short videos.

Awesome video! The interaction of everyone is heartwarming. For us... I keep THINKING about getting a new rice cooker... and a sparkly full-of-bells-and-whistles one to replace the ultra-low-tech one I bought when I was stationed in Iwakuni back in the 1980s. BUT... it works well & is the right size, sooo... We have an Instant Pot, but we mainly use that to make Purple Rice or Japgokbap. My Bae lived in South Korea for 16 years and Japan for 3, so we eat rice like an Asian family. I use my rice cooker for always having rice on-hand for snacks, quick meals, etc. (For the same reason we have our Samovar going 24/7 - for tea and that quick bowl of Miso LOL). For meal-meals, I tend to make it in a special rice-only pan I have. I'm so used to making Korean/Japanese short-grained rices that when I go to make other kinds (Basmati, Jasmine, Jeerakasala, etc.) It really is better for me to use the rice cooker... which is also why I'm thinking of getting a cooker - just having to press a button instead of remembering LOL

I actually bought a zojirushi rice cooker two months ago in Europe. More expensive than most brands here. But it is foolproof for me and very convenient when I can set the timer when I want the rice to be finished and forget about it.

Love this video! It's fun and informative. I love the interaction too. Would love to see more videos like this in the future! :D

I have that exact same Sanyo rice cooker in NYC! I've never seen anyone else with one. I've always liked it, though I guess it lacks the fine grained controls that you demonstrated. But it's built well, and will make fantastic quality rice. A Japanese grocer here sells new harvest rice, about $25 for 5 pounds. It really is lovely stuff, though expensive to serve regularly. Thanks so much for the video!

I love this video so much. it was a pleasure to watch with all reactions but it included really useful information for rice lovers like myself. Thank you!

I am happy with my midrange Zojirushi. Your sister in law, Akko-san, is as always a charmer.

Very insightful and such a sweet family

I like these taste tests especially with well-seasoned test tasters!

Absolutely loved this. Thank you for doing this! I've compared a cheap rice cooker to (careful) stovetop rice and it's a night and day difference. This does make me want a Japanese rice cooker!

Fascinating. I had no idea that the range of variations of rice was so vast.

Ok so I'm super embarrassed now. Lol. My rice cooker was $10 at Target. It plugs in, and has an on switch that clicks off when it's done. 😮

Your videos always express warm human feelings. Thank you!

For a wedding present, my aunt got my wife and me a ~$300 Zojirushi IH non-pressure model that has been making us amazing rice for over a decade. My aunt was so impressed by the reviews that she bought one for herself and at Thanksgiving told us that she never knew that rice could taste so good.

In the next test, you should see which rice cooker holds rice the best after 24, 48, 72 hrs. To me the most amazing part about rice cookers is how long they can maintain freshness of hot rice. Because rice takes 45 to 50 minutes to cook, I usually plan several rice based meals over the course of two or three days.

I love the sincere discussion regarding rice

The review and test were great. Even better was getting to spend time with your beautiful family.

I can cook perfectly good rice in a saucepan. I cook rice in a $130 Sanyo rice cooker. This rice cooker will not only cook “easy” rice, it will also do brown rice, delay cooking, steam eggs, slow cook, make yogurt, overnight oatmeal, etc. So, sure it’s all about convenience, but if that’s what is desired, sophisticated rice cookers DO deliver.

Great video; I lived in Tokyo for five years (from the US) many years ago and really enjoyed this video (and Japan in general). I had a mid priced zojirushi when I lived there and bought a zojirushi in the US.

This is so cute the way the elders discuss. I've been eating rice all my life and loves Japanese rice cooker, even the cheap ones are way above the rest in terms of quality.

Love seeing videos like this

i'm learning so much from this video! interesting!!! Thank you for the awesome content.

This is quality content. Deserves more views!

Expensive rice cooker doesn't mean it last longer. Don't waste money on very expensive rice cooker. I had a Japan Tiger IH rice cooker (S$800+). The inner pot coating came out after 2+ years of usage. My old Toshiba rice cooker ($200+) the coating is still very good after 11+ years except the LCD display is faded.

Im noving there soon, now THIS is the real question that needed answering 😂

Big thanks! I was thinking about it for a long time. Now I know that investing in better rice pays off.

I buy Japanese rice from a vendor in NY. I've definitely learned to taste the difference! But I only have a low range rice cooker (about $150 - 3 cups). When I have a family, I'll get a mid-range. Thanks for the video. But I didn't know there was a name for the age of crops and how they can be used differently. Thank you.

I paid about US$200 for my Zojirushi cooker about 15 years ago. It does an excellent, consistent job. And I use it to cook steel-cut oats (also perfect), as well as my mixed grains. Also a good option: the timer! I can preset at night, then have rice ready to go for breakfast. VERY HAPPY customer! 👍

As a daily rice consumer myself, I’ve invested in a decent Zojirushi rice cooker from Amazon and it was worth every penny in my opinion. Couldn’t be happier!

This was very educational and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m still looking for the best rice maker with English introductions. 🙏🤗

I have a zojirushi and trial and error has taught me even the smallest water or timing difference when you do things after it's ready creates different flavor and texture. The measurements are a bit off but if I account for that it makes rice better than pretty much any restaurant around me. I think the best thing is to get one that seals the lid on to provide steam pressure. I'd also recommend finding a model that is sold in Asia and America and has a proven track record. Don't buy a black and decker lol. The ones that have a loose lid cook unevenly and should be avoided at all cost unless you can't afford it.

I still remember first time I went to Japan for vacation. The quality of rice is so good, I can eat it by itself. The best rice is Tamaki gold, it is still good for next day rice cooker.

what a great crowd, an entertaining video!

Love these type of videos

Where I live, in Düsseldorf, has a huge Japanese expat population, and from time to time, family expats would hold a flea market. In one market, I managed to get a mid-range Hitachi rice cooker for only €5. This rice cooker makes waaay more better rice than the standard 1 button rice cooker we had.

I've tried these in Japan and also those from Korea. They do make the rice yummier but I've always been a fan of Tatung rice cookers. Simple and gets the job done

Actually, when people are comparing low end rice cookers, they are the ones where you have a normal see through round lid sitting on top. You tend to have a non-stick that deteriorates faster. However, all the ones you've shown are of reasonable quality - you can tell by the closed lid (I can't see the rice type) with multiple functions. They're all pretty much the same in that range and above. Try the cheap ones with the see through lids and only one button for cook. Use it for 6 months and also see how the non-stick becomes yes-stick. Those are the only ones to avoid and you'll probably find it hard to find them in Japan.

I like your sense of humor.

Haha this is a video i didnt know I would enjoy soo much. Very interesting!

very enjoyable. Well done.

This is a great video! As a Filipino guy, I generally believe that I would be able to tell the difference so this was an interesting watch! Also a bit of a sidenote, but those categories helped me learn some new Kanji! なまら便利でありがとう！

i never thought a video on rice cookers could be so interesting

very good useful information.

Loved the ending XD

I have 2 different Zojirushi rice cookers and it is true. They both make great rice, but it definitely takes practice and playing with the controls to get the rice just how you want it.

Very informative. 👍

I'm convinced all the settings on the high-end rice cookers are so you feel like you're to blame for not being able to make a $200 better bowl of rice.

Looks like a good conversation starter... 🙂

I used to have a large (family sized) rice cooker, but as I now live alone, I bought a small 2 cup one for €30. Surprisingly, it's pretty good for such a cheap thing at making sushi rice. I tried looking for something affordable that comes close to even your cheap rice cooker over here (Netherlands), but even those can go for €200 or more, let alone a slightly better one. And availability isn't great, as this is a potato eating country, so rice is considered a luxury item. Meaning specialised cookers are unnecessary for most, and for those that want it, they have to pay a premium. Unfortunately importing one from Japan doesn't work, the voltage is wrong and with all the options I would get lost, as I still don't read Japanese :(

Very interesting video! thanks Greg. but I think the testers may influenced each other's opinion since they were together talking and discussing which rice is better. think it would be better if they tested it in isolation!

I was gonna say I haven't seen Sanyo in a long time, but the fact it is still working shows even cheaper rice cookers can last. I own a Zojirushi rice cooker I bought in 2006. I dropped it on the cement stairs outside when moving, it has a huge crack on the side, but it still works well.

It's not just about the rice. I have a Midea lower range rice cooker, but it has settings for other things, and use those settings I do. It makes AMAZING stews, burgers (you read that right), sausages, soups, pasta dishes, cakes - Very little doesn' work well (it won't brown bacon, but we have discovered the most amazing new dish -butter bacon, where the fat is rendered out and what is left is super tender and flavourful and melts in your mouth like butter, thus the name). And ya, I occasionally make rice with it, but with everything else it can do, I either need a second one OR just make the rice on the stove (which is dead easy once you have the knack - rice cookers are just more consistent and even easier)

Love to hear the wisdom of the older generation(s). Really insightful!

Thanks for sharing. In Thailand, we also use Japanese rice cooker to cook Thai rice. I gather Thai and Japanese rice are a bit difference in terms of taste, texture, smell and price. The price of Japanese rice is normally higher the ours. However, we enjoy eating both of them.

SE Asian here, imo the cheap old rice cookers with cook/warm settings only are the best. Specifically the National brand. They got one at the Smithsonian Museum.

My rice cooker/steamer was 40$ and that felt like mid-range to me. truly a different world :D

Daamn, the best review I have ever seen. I literally trust them

Although it may have been out of your budget, I think this test would've benefited to have included rice cooked in a rice cooker costing more than 50,000 yen. The quality when you cook rice in an expensive rice cooker is absolutely insane. I was fortunate to eat locally grown rice cooked using a 110,000 yen rice cooker. To this day, I still think that tasted better than any of the rice I had in restaurants, including high-class restaurants, while living in Japan, which was six years.

My rice cooker is a 17,000円 IH type. I think it is also a vacuum type as well. I also use 新米のつや姫 just like in your test. I find that it always tastes great!

Interesting test! For the high-end rice cookers, fine-tuning to the tastes of the family members rather than the rice's properties may make them shine even more.

Interesting test.

Zojirushi rice cooker is the best, you need to experiment with the settings and selecting the setting you are using the rice for. You also need to play with the water a bit imo. Increase the water for older rice etc. Stick with one type of rice and try all the settings and different water ratio. Also the water you use also make a difference, using good water makes a HUGE difference.

3:31 You mixed up the pictures for IH and Microcomputer. Besides that, great and interesting video as always.

I saved up for 3 months for my $300 dollar zojirushi rice cooker (non pressure IH) model and it is the best money I've ever spent. Every type of rice I make in it is outstanding and tastes delicious. My favorite is the GABA brown rice omg I could literally eat it straight out of the bowl. Takes forever to make but the machine keeps it warm for days so I have always have rice!

Thank you very interesting. I love rice and Asian food, so always wondered if I should invest in a expensive rice cooker. It seems that I can save my money. Also I never knew what new crop meant. I understand better now.

The quality of rice is not just the cooker. 1) how much water YOU measured prior to turning on the machine 2) whether you wash the rice with water or NOT 3) if you add salt or other flavoring to the rich or NOT 4) how long you have it at "keep warm" BEFORE you serve it and how long you have it at "keep warm" after its done (equally important) 5) what brand of rice was USED in the pot.

I have a very old Panasonic rice cooker (1960s) and it still makes amazing rice. one button to start and that's it 😊

This is like the blind taste test for wines. This result is on par 😂 I tried to buy the mid range rice cooker but the voltage didn’t work state side. I was able to get the fuzzy logic one with the romanized settings

I have a really small rice cooker which I think I paid 8AUD for at a charity shop. I am probably a rice-heathen but I love the taste of the rice it makes (very limited options for sushi rice in Australian shops too).

As a person who lived in the US for almost 8 years and live in Indonesia. In the US, seems like even the cheap rice cookers can even do well. But in Indonesia, stores generally import rice cookers that are just bad quality that no stores in Japan or US will ever think about importing it ever. That is why rice cookers in Japan and US, are still usable rice cookers. In Indonesia, cheap rice cookers are practically rice cookers that has risk of burning the rice at the bottom. And "cheap" rice cookers that's from other developed countries are seen as "Medium Range" in Indonesia.

I prefer a mix of unpolished long grain and sticky rice. They offer a lot of texture. Opposite to Japan, new rice here in Thailand is considered to be bad rice. Jasmine rice are a lot softer than medium grain, so new rice is too wet and produce almost congee-like texture. The best rice here in Thailand is the cheapest one (but also rarest) because you have to find and buy it off of the farmers, rather than ones sold in supermarket. I bought some off of a fair--it was practically being given away, but the taste and smell was divine. Cookers don't matter quite as much. But I prefer cheap ones because I can intentionally "burn" the bottom a bit, giving it a texture that is half way between mochi and senbei. Most people hate it, but I swear by it.

I got a 200 dollar Zojirushi back in 2009. That was considered expensive back then. Its still working. My household is all Asian rice eaters, we're using it all day every day. Made in Japan model. The same time exactly, we bought a Panasonic water boiler, that is still also working perfectly. Pay for quality and you will save money in the long run.

I've got a Aroma Housewares $30 3-Cup (cooked) rice cooker and the rice tastes great to me XD

Good episode and topic. At 3:28, are the English translation labels mis-ordered?

Splurged a bit on a basic 3 cup Zojirushi - good rice every time with near zero effort.

For most of my life I've never really thought to buy rice cookers more than 40usd. The best cooked rice I've tested were the newly harvested/processed one.

I've had the $200 Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 since 2014 and have to say it does a much better job than an instant pot or other cheap rice cookers. It is also very consistent.

I think one thing that's just as important as the quality of the rice is the kind of water you use.

I'll stick with my 20 year old $20 us dollar magnetic cooker that has a cook and warm switch, because honestly; I'm not that picky about rice. Yes, I keep different types of rice on hand depending on what I'm making; but after 20 years, I know how much liquid and how long each type of rice needs to get a good result with my cheap-o Martin Yan Signature Aroma 6 cup cooker.

Truth be told, this experiment was a fascinating idea. I myself am a proud owner of an Aroma 20-cup Rice cooker and can't help but appreciate how much easier kitchen tasks in general become with a good rice cooker. not only does my rice cooker cook rice (and other grains) passively it can also function as a steamer basket for things like Baozi, Jiaozi, and Vegetables. I can literally cook a whole, simple meal using just a rice cooker without even firing up my oven or stove. It is a shame western households in general, don't appreciate rice cookers like the Japanese or Chinese do. They are well ahead of us when it comes to simplifying this critical kitchen task.

I still have my national rice cooker from the 80's, still cook rice like a champ multiple time a day. Price shouldn't matter in term of taste, different in taste should be attributed to placebo effect. The only thing that matter is your skill to cook rice, expensive rice cooker just make thing convenient. Most important thing in cooking rice is determining water level. Before cooking, grab some rice in your palm to gauge the wetness of the rice and adjust the water level accordingly.

I'm from Hawaii and my family loves the cheap rice cookers because they're easier to clean. If you want to keep rice hot and moist for a long time the expensive rice cookers are better a keeping the cooked rice fresh. But the cheap $20 rice cookers cook faster.

Made in Japan rice cooker is such super duper high quality that the National brand my sister has got back in 1976 is still working flawlessly in 2023.

I live in Acadiana, where it's pretty much expected that everyone owns a rice cooker. However, few people here own expensive Japanese models, even "low end" models. The people here typically go out and buy a cheap $60ish Taiwanese model with only one setting. The reason most people would probably give is "it's good enough". Lately however I have been going to more houses where people have upgraded to more expensive Japanese models because "hey we eat a lot of rice, why not splurge on a rice cooker"

"Invest" in good rice cooker is important for daily rice eater. Induction rice cooker gave a perfect tasty cooked rice, but now it is stored in the garage after a friend gave me Tuppeware microwave rice cooker, quick and quality as close as induction cooker