The Zojirushi NP-NWC rice cooker combines induction heating, pressure-cooking and artificial intelligence into a top-notch kitchen appliance that cooks a great bowl of rice. Be that as it may, this Japanese pressure induction heating rice cooker is not for everyone. In fact, very few people will spend this amount of money on a rice cooker. Furthermore, using and cleaning an induction heating pressure rice cooker is not as quick and easy as using a pot-style or non-pressure electric rice cooker.
The Zojirushi NP-NWC has a list of features that would make an Aroma rice cooker blush. This review provides you with an overview of the most important parts and functions of the Zojirushi NP-NWC10/18 rice cookers.
Zojirushi NP-NWC vs. NP-NVC
By the way, what ever happened to the previous model, the NP-NVC? It seems like it is no longer listed on the Zojirushi website. I guess it was replaced by the NP-NWC.
So, are there any significant differences between the older and the newer Zojirushi IH pressure rice cookers?
I do not think that there is any real difference in the construction and parts of these induction heating pressure rice cookers, except for some small color changes (stainless black versus stainless brown). However, there is difference between the menu settings.
These Zojirushi IH pressure rice cookers both have these menu settings in common: White, Umami, Quick, Mixed, Sushi, Sweet, Porridge, Brown and GABA Brown.
However, the NP-NVC10/18 has a Steam-Reduce and Scorched Rice setting that is not found on the new model.
Conversely, the NP-NWC10/18 has menu options for jasmine rice, congee and steel cut oatmeal. These new menu options make the NP-NWC model more suitable for the American market because steel cut oatmeal is much more popular than scorched rice (shop now on Amazon).
Cooking Rice Under Pressure
There seems to be some benefits to cooking rice under pressure. The pressure-cooking process modifies the starch in the rice to make the cooked rice softer and easier to digest.
If you want to use the NP-NWC10/18, then you should definitely read and follow the instructions. There is a risk of the rice boiling over and causing burns if you use the pressure rice cooker inappropriately. Check these parts before cooking rice under pressure:
- inner lid gasket and inner lid filter
- lid hooks and hook holes
- pressure control valve
- safety valve
- steam vent
If rice gets stuck in these parts, then the rice cooker might not close completely. This could cause steam or rice to escape from under the lid or push the lid open. For that reason, the essential parts should always be free from debris.
The outer lid should be closed carefully until it clicks shut. Obviously, you should never open the lid while the contents inside are under pressure. Make sure that the indication for Pressure on the display is inactive before opening the outer lid. And do not exceed the maximum water fill line that is marked as Max inside the cooking pot.
Which foods should never be cooked in the NP-NWC?
The Zojirushi NP-NWC10/18 are rice cookers and warmers, not multi cookers. Hence, do not use it for cooking anything other than rice. Well, except for cooking oatmeal porridge with the special Steel Cut Oatmeal setting.
There are foods that you should not cook in this IH pressure rice cooker since it will clog the steam release channel:
- baking soda
- beans
- curry dishes
- green vegetables or herbs
- jam
- noodles
- stew
- unpeeled tomatoes
You should cook beans, vegetables and herbs separately before adding it to the cooked rice after it has finished cooking.
The operating instructions for the Zojirushi NP-NWC10/18 contain other warnings that you should read before plugging in the rice cooker for the first time, but I am not going to go into those details in this review.
What is a platinum infused nonstick inner cooking pan?
The nonstick inner cooking pan is infused with platinum that is supposed to change the quality of the water to make the rice taste sweeter. I do not know how much of a difference it really makes to the taste of the rice, but it sounds sweet.
The cooking pot is coated with a nonstick coating, so be careful not to damage it during cooking or cleaning. Here are a few things that should be avoided if you want the pan to last as long as possible:
- Do not hit the pot with a spatula to get rid of rice grains
- Do not use metal utensils to stir the rice
- It is not safe to clean the pot in the dishwasher
- Use a soft sponge for cleaning, but avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing brushes (metal and nylon)
- Vinegar should never be used inside the pot
The nonstick coating will eventually wear out with regular use, yet this does not present a significant threat to the rice cooker or your health. Be that as it may, no one likes using a nonstick pot that is scratched or worn out. You can order a new inner cooking pot to replace the old one.
The outer surface of the cooking pot will probably show some discoloration due to the heat, but this does not interfere with the cooking process. Just make sure that the outer surface is not dirty or dented.
What types of rice can you cook with the NP-NWC?
The LCD of the Zojirushi NP-NWC10/18 is compact and surrounded by the menu options. The buttons are clearly marked in English.
The selected menu setting changes each time that you press the Menu button. The small triangle moves along the edge of the display to show you which setting is currently selected. The NP-NWC10/18 has these menu options available:
- White (regular, softer or harder)
- Umami
- Quick
- Mixed
- Sushi/Sweet
- Jasmine
- Porridge
- Congee
- Brown
- GABA Brown
- Steel Cut Oatmeal
Now, the Porridge setting is meant for making rice porridge using short or medium grain white rice (do not use brown rice). Please note that the green leafed vegetables should not be added on top of the rice with the other ingredients. Instead, boil it separately before adding it to the cooked rice porridge.
The Zojirushi NP-NWC10/18 has a Congee setting for making this rice dish with jasmine white rice.
There are two settings for cooking short or medium grain brown rice: Brown and GABA Brown. The GABA Brown setting activates the rice grains to increase the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid. Furthermore, the brown rice will be softer and more edible.
Please note that the rice cooker does not apply pressure when the following menu settings are used: Sushi, Sweet, Porridge, Congee and Steel Cut Oatmeal.
Does the Zojirushi NP-NWC cook delicious rice?
It cooks tasty rice if you follow the instructions for cooking rice very carefully.
First, you need to measure the rice with the included measuring cups. The 6.1 oz. (180 ml) clear measuring cup is used for most types of rice. However, the green cup has a 5.8 oz. (171 ml) capacity and is only used for measuring rinse-free rice.
The next step is going to take a few minutes because the uncooked rice grains need to be rinsed a few times, then washed a number of times and finally rinsed again. Do not use hot water for rinsing and washing the rice because it might modify the cooking results.
Now that the rice grains are clean and free from excessive starch or bran, it is time to add the right amount of water. The inner cooking pot is marked with water levels. For example, if you have added 6 cups of uncooked white rice into the pot, then you add water up to the level 6 mark for white rice.
Jasmine, sushi and porridge rice have their own water level markings. You should never use alkalized water with a pH of more than 9 because it will make the cooked rice too glutinous or even slightly yellow.
I probably do not need to tell you to stir the rice after it has finished cooking to release excess moisture, keep it loose and prevent the cooked grains from becoming too glutinous and clumping together. Just make sure that the contents are not under pressure before opening the lid.
How does it keep the cooked rice warm?
The NP-NWC10/18 rice cooker switches to keeping the rice warm after it has finished cooking. The Regular Keep Warm light will be on. This keeps the rice warm and decreases the chance of funky odors. However, you should not keep steel cut oatmeal, congee, rice porridge, sweet or mixed rice warm. Brown rice should not be kept warm for longer than 12 hours. White rice and jasmine rice can be kept warm for up to 24 hours.
If you want to keep the rice warm for a longer time, then you should press the Keep Warm button to change the mode to Extended Keep Warm. Please note that the Extended Keep Warm function does not work after cooking with the Brown, GABA Brown, Congee, Mixed, Porridge and Steel Cut Oatmeal settings. Moreover, it will not work if the rice has already been in Regular Keep Warm for 12 hours.
It is possible to modify the keep warm temperature settings if the default setting is not optimal for your environment. If the rice develops an odor, then you could try increasing the temperature. If the rice becomes too dry or changes color, then you might lower the temperature. You can always return it to the original setting if there is no improvement.
Can the Zojirushi NP-NWC reheat rice?
This rice cooker can reheat the rice if it has been kept warm, but not if it is cold or if it has been previously reheated. White rice can be reheated, but other types of rice might be scorched by the process. In addition, trying to reheat a large amount of rice is not recommended.
First, take the spatula and stir the rice to loosen it. Then, add extra water (about one tablespoon per bowl of rice). Mix the rice and gather it into the center of the pot to prevent it from becoming too dry.
It is important that the rice cooker is in keep warm mode when you press the Start/Reheat button, otherwise the rice cooker will start cooking the rice instead of reheating it.
Reheating rice takes between 4 and 8 minutes to complete. You should use the spatula and loosen the reheated rice before serving it.
Does the Zojirushi NP-NWC have a timer function?
It has a timer function with two settings for automatically cooking rice. Obviously, the current clock time should be accurate or the rice will not finish cooking at the correct time.
There is both a minimum and a maximum time limit for the timer function. The minimum timer setting is slightly different for each rice type, but it is usually under 2 hours. The maximum timer setting is up to 13 hours, although cooking rinse-free rice and steel cut oatmeal should not be delayed for more than 8 hours to prevent it from spoiling. In particular, do not use the timer function for mixed rice dishes because the ingredients or seasonings might spoil.
Is this induction heating pressure rice cooker easy to clean?
The most important point when it comes to cleaning is that the NP-NWC10/18 should be cleaned after every use. Well, that is true of any rice cooker, yet there is a world of difference between cleaning a pot-style rice cooker and a Japanese induction heating pressure rice cooker.
I like eating tasty rice, but I did not know there would be so much washing, cleaning and maintenance involved:
- Avoid using hard sponges or brushes that might scratch the various surfaces.
- Detach the steam vent set and wash it with running water.
- Do not use a dishwashing machine to clean any of the removable parts. It might cause discoloration or deformation.
- Do not use bleach or abrasive cleaners when washing the various parts of the rice cooker.
- The bottom of this rice cooker has both an air intake and an air exhaust duct: use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from these ducts.
- The cooking pot and accessories can be washed with a neutral kitchen detergent and a soft sponge.
- The exterior of the NP-NWC10/18 can be wiped with a soft cloth.
The interior of this induction heating rice cooker needs a little more attention. The inner lid set and filters will be hot after cooking, so leave the cleaning until it has cooled down. Here is a list of parts that need cleaning:
- condensation collection area
- filter receptacle
- inner lid filter
- inner lid gasket
- lid hooks and lid hook holes
- outer lid gasket
- pressure control valve
- safety valve
- side sensor
Are we done cleaning yet? I think I have mentioned everything. Oh, wait. If you smell an odor in the rice cooker, then you can fill the inner cooking pan with water and start the Quick menu setting. Wait for the program to finish and then discard the water. This probably produces steam that cleans the interior of the rice cooker. You might compare it to the steam cleaning menu setting of certain Cuckoo rice cookers.
Conclusion
At this point I am tired of writing about the Zojirushi NP-NWC10/18. It is too expensive for me, and it has too many parts that need cleaning. I do not need this kind of pressure when cooking rice every day.
However, you might feel differently and have a bigger wallet and a bigger appetite. If you desire this Japanese induction heating pressure rice cooker, then you do not need my permission to buy it (purchase on Amazon).