The best quality electric rice cooker uses fuzzy logic, induction heating and pressure to prepare perfect rice. However, is an induction heating pressure rice cooker worth its expensive price? I review a few of the best induction heating pressure rice cookers that I could feast my eyes on.
Benefits Of Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cookers
A normal electric rice cooker uses a heating element to transfer heat to the bottom of the inner pot. This might lead to inconsistent cooking results, with the rice on the bottom burnt, the rice at the top being slightly dry, and the middle portion of rice just right.
However, an induction heating system heats up the whole pot. The energy is transferred from the surrounding magnetic coils to the ferrous material in the pot, which causes it to become hot. Therefore, the heat is distributed much more evenly when compared to a conventional heating plate system. Anyway, I am no scientist, so please excuse my rather flimsy explanation. At the end of the day, it is the results that are the most important. Induction heating cooks the rice evenly from top to bottom.
Where does the pressure system fit into the picture? Well, rice that is cooked under pressure tends to be even softer because moisture penetrates deeply to the center of the rice grain. The pressure inside the cooking pot increases the boiling point of the trapped water beyond the normal 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is An Induction Pressure Rice Cooker Worth The Cost?
If you believe that the extra pressure is going to decrease rice cooking times, then think again. This is not an electric pressure cooker. It seems like there is not much difference in cooking time between pressure and non-pressure rice cookers.
For example, the estimated cooking time for regular white rice in the Zojirushi NP-NVC10 induction heating pressure rice cooker is between 49 and 55 minutes. The estimated cooking time for regular white rice in the Zojirushi NP-HCC10 induction heating rice cooker is between 47 and 54 minutes. Therefore, it appears that the pressure system does not decrease the cooking time for rice!
If you are only going to use it for cooking white rice, then it might not be worth the cost. A non-pressure induction heating rice cooker will cook white rice just as well. However, if you regularly cook brown rice, then a pressure rice cooker might be worth the higher price. The extra pressure forces more moisture into the brown rice grains to produce a truly tasty rice with a softer texture. This also holds true for cooking brown rice with the GABA brown setting.
The bottom line is that the combination of both induction heating and pressure-cooking produces the best possible results. There is no other type of rice cooker that can cook tastier rice. So, why does everyone not own an IH pressure rice cooker? The reason is simple: the price is not right for everyone. Most people cannot afford to pay hundreds of dollars for this type of electric rice cooker.
Cuckoo Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cookers
In contrast to Zojirushi, the Cuckoo company seems to have about a dozen different IH pressure type rice cookers, too many to mention here.
Cuckoo CRP-HY1083F
I chose the CRP-HY1083F as an example for this buying guide because it has voice guidance in three languages: English, Chinese and Korean. Other Cuckoo models only offer voice guidance in the Korean language. The control panel buttons are labeled in both English and Korean. The LED display shows text in English. I also like the way the CRP-HY1083F model looks: it is one of the models in the “Black Pebble” series.
The Cuckoo CRP-HY1083F has 13 menu selections which include options for brown rice, baby food, chicken soup, glutinous rice, mixed rice, Nu Rung Ji, nutritious rice, porridge, sushi rice and turbo glutinous rice. The names of the menu selection are sometimes unusual, but not incomprehensible. For example, the Nu Rung Ji menu option prepares scorched rice. The Glutinous Rice menu selection is suitable for preparing sticky, sweet rice.
The inner cooking pot has a nonstick coating and a 10-cup uncooked rice capacity. The marketing material says that the coating contains diamond particles (Diashield) which is supposed to increase heat conductivity and overall durability. I do not know much about that, but it looks like a sparkling idea. Shop now on Amazon (paid link).
Cuckoo CRP-EHSS0309FG
The Cuckoo CRP-EHSS0309FG is a highly regarded 3-cup induction heating pressure rice cooker that is praised for its quality, stylish appearance, and versatility. Users particularly enjoy its quick rice cooking, modern design, and suitability for individuals or couples. While some find it convenient and fast, opinions vary on its price and ease of use.
This IH pressure rice cooker can handle different types of rice, including white, brown, GABA brown, and scorched rice. It excels with white and brown rice but lacks a porridge setting and may rattle slightly when the lid is opened. The compact size is ideal for small households, although some users may prefer a larger capacity. Nevertheless, the Cuckoo rice cooker is reliable and user-friendly, featuring a turbo setting for faster cooking and a reheat function.
Despite some drawbacks like cost and size, users consider it a worthwhile investment due to its exceptional rice cooking capabilities. Many customers view it as a delightful and efficient addition to their kitchen.
The Cuckoo CRP-EHSS0309FG has received high praise for its quality and performance, positioning it as a valuable choice for rice enthusiasts. While it may not be the quickest rice cooker available, it is seen as a premium option for those seeking a reliable rice cooking solution. You may read my Cuckoo CRP-EHSS0309FG review for an expanded overview.
Overall, the Cuckoo CRP-EHSS0309FG is great for preparing rice efficiently and promptly, although its high price and compact size could deter some potential buyers. It is recommended for 1 to 3 individuals, with larger families advised to explore larger models. Despite the lack of a porridge setting, its sleek design and effectiveness make it an excellent choice for those in search of a high-quality small induction heating pressure rice cooker, even though the price may be a barrier for some prospective customers (check price on Amazon – paid link).
Zojirushi Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cookers
Zojirushi has far less IH pressure rice cooker models than Cuckoo, so it should be easier to choose a few examples. I will discuss the models that I chose below.
Zojirushi NW-JEC Series
The Zojirushi NW-JEC series of pressure induction heating rice cookers, which are manufactured in Japan, come with a unique feature called the My Rice button. This feature allows users to make small adjustments to the cooking process according to their personal preferences. These rice cookers utilize advanced fuzzy logic technology with AI to ensure optimal results. Additionally, they are easy to clean and have a long lifespan.
The menu options are specifically designed for cooking rice, incorporating pressurized cooking and steaming techniques that enhance the stickiness of the rice. The induction heating technology guarantees fluffy rice. Safety is a key consideration in the design, with fail-safe measures for pressure cooking and a large steam vent to prevent any spills.
Despite the higher price, users are generally satisfied with the performance and user-friendliness of the Zojirushi NW-JEC rice cookers. People appreciate the ease of cleaning, the self-cleaning mode, the consistent delivery of high-quality rice, the durability, the performance, the umami setting, and the accurate cooking detection.
While there are a few minor issues, such as a non-retractable power cord and the absence of backlighting for the LCD screen, the exceptional performance and fluffy rice produced by the Zojirushi rice cooker make it a top choice for consumers who prioritize quality. Click here for current price on Amazon (paid link).
Zojirushi NP-NWC Series
The Zojirushi NP-NWC induction heating pressure rice cooker is a top-of-the-line kitchen appliance that utilizes induction heating, pressure cooking, and advanced technology to prepare perfectly cooked rice.
Pressure cooking rice has its advantages, as it results in a softer texture and easier digestion. However, this Japanese rice cooker may not be suitable for everyone due to its premium price point. Moreover, the operation and maintenance of this cooker require more time and effort compared to other models.
The Zojirushi NP-NWC10/18 boasts a wide range of cooking options, such as White (regular, softer, or firmer), Umami, Quick, Mixed, Sushi/Sweet, Jasmine, Porridge, Congee, Brown, GABA Brown, and Steel Cut Oatmeal. While these rice cookers come at a high cost, they are guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning rice connoisseurs. Get yours today on Amazon (paid link).
Zojirushi NP-NVC Series
The Zojirushi NP-NVC induction heating pressure rice cooker is known for its ability to cook white rice to perfection, with multiple menu settings available. It also has settings for brown rice, including a special GABA BROWN setting that increases levels of a beneficial amino acid. The cooker can also make rice porridge, but should not be used for cooking steel cut oats to avoid malfunctions. The NP-NVC offers two keep warm settings and is relatively easy to clean, though some parts may require extra care.
Overall, the Zojirushi NP-NVC (click here for my review) is a versatile and high-quality rice cooker for those who enjoy white rice on a regular basis. However, I suspect that the Zojirushi NP-NWC Series has replaced the NP-NVC Series, so I do not know if you can even buy a NP-NVC model anymore.
Conclusion
The best induction heating pressure rice cookers that I could find were either made by Cuckoo or by Zojirushi. Unfortunately, I could not find a Tiger electric rice cooker that had both induction heating and pressure-cooking. Well, there are such models, but they are only available in Japan with Japanese text on the buttons and LCD screen. In that case, those Japanese models are of no use to me (I cannot read Japanese).
After all is said and done, if you put me under pressure, then I might choose the Zojirushi NP-NWC10 model. It is probably the best Japanese IH pressure rice cooker (made in Japan) that you might buy online. It is also costs less than the Zojirushi NW-JEC10 model, which is way too expensive for most people. Therefore, I will stick to my decision that the Zojirushi NP-NWC series is the best induction heating pressure rice cooker (buy now on Amazon – paid link).
That concludes my review of the best induction heating pressure rice cookers. You may buy one of those high-priced rice cookers if you want to, no pressure.