I found the Zojirushi NW-JEC pressure induction heating rice cookers intriguing when I first saw them. However, my excitement waned when I discovered the higher-than-expected suggested retail price. Then again, the Zojirushi NW-JEC series utilizes both induction heating and pressure-cooking to consistently cook flawless rice. Available in 5.5-cup and 10-cup sizes, these cookers incorporate advanced fuzzy logic technology with AI for precise cooking adjustments. Below is my review of the Zojirushi NW-JEC10/18 pressure IH rice cookers.
Zojirushi NW-JEC Series: Summary
The Zojirushi NW-JEC series of pressure induction heating rice cookers are manufactured in Japan. It features a customizable My Rice button function, which allows you to tell the rice cooker whether you enjoyed the cooked rice or not. It can then make small adjustments to the cooking process to get the rice closer to how you want it to be.
These rice cookers utilize advanced fuzzy logic technology with AI to adjust the cooking process, resulting in optimal outcomes. Customers value the ease of cleaning, high quality, and durability. Menu options consist exclusively of cooking programs for rice, so you will not find menu settings for making anything other than rice on this expensive rice cooker.
Through pressurized cooking and steaming, these pressure IH rice cookers enhance gelatinization for sticky rice, while top-notch induction heating technology ensures fluffy rice. Zojirushi prioritizes safety in design, with fail-safe measures for pressure-cooking and a sizable integrated steam vent to prevent spills.
Users generally commend the performance and user-friendliness of the Zojirushi NW-JEC rice cookers, although views on value vary. My view is that the NW-JEC series rice cookers looks and cooks great, but that I will never be able to afford one of these units. These pressure IH rice cookers are far above my pay grade. To see what I mean, you may click here for current pricing on Amazon (paid link).
What menu settings are available on the Zojirushi NW-JEC rice cookers?
As far as I can tell, the Zojirushi NW-JEC10 and NW-JEC18 models have the following menu options:
- Brown
- Congee
- GABA Brown
- Jasmine
- Mixed
- Porridge
- Quick Jasmine
- Quick White
- Steel Cut Oatmeal
- Sushi
- Umami
- White (Regular, Soft, Softer, Firm, And Firmer)
As you may see from the list above, the Zojirushi NW-JEC series has almost all the menu options that you could want in a rice cooker. You can cook white rice, brown rice, Jasmine rice, rice porridge, and even steel cut oatmeal porridge. Moreover, it has settings for making sushi rice and umami rice.
Although, it does not have any menu options for steaming vegetables or making other dishes like soup or stew. Therefore, the Zojirushi NW-JEC series focuses solely on cooking rice, and does not provide you with menu settings to cook anything else.
What kind of cooking pot does this induction heating rice cooker have?
The Zojirushi NW-JEC pressure induction heating rice cookers feature a 2.2 mm thick inner cooking pot coated with iron and infused with platinum.
These models come with a two-layer inner pot consisting of an aluminum layer with nonstick PTFE coating and an outer layer made of stainless steel. The inner cooking pot is covered with a nonstick coating.
As you may tell, I am not entirely sure how the pot is put together, but it does have enough iron in it to make it work with the induction heating system.
Does this Zojirushi rice cooker have a self-cleaning function?
The Zojirushi NW-JEC pressure induction heating rice cooker features a convenient self-cleaning function that aids in reducing unpleasant odors caused by dirty steam vents. The self-cleaning process of the NW-JEC rice cooker contributes to odor reduction. Given that the steam vent of this rice cooker model is integrated into the lid and cannot be detached for cleaning, the self-cleaning function becomes crucial.
Nonetheless, regular cleaning of removable parts like the inner lid and inner cooking pot are still necessary. It is recommended that you wash these components by hand, as they are not dishwasher safe.
Compared to non-pressure induction heating Zojirushi models such as the NP-HCC10/18, this pressure IH Zojirushi model is notably more demanding to clean. The cleaning process for this rice cooker requires more effort due to the pressure elements it incorporates.
Do people like these Zojirushi NW-JEC pressure IH rice cookers?
Generally, users are highly satisfied with the Zojirushi NW-JEC pressure induction heating rice cooker, despite its high price. They appreciate its ability to consistently produce perfectly cooked rice and its various cooking modes for different rice grains.
Although this pressure induction heating rice cooker is slower than non-pressure heating plate rice cookers, users value the quality, convenience, and ease of use it offers. The Zojirushi NW-JEC rice cooker is known for its high quality, modern design, and the delicious, fluffy results it delivers without stickiness.
What do people dislike about these pressure IH rice cookers?
Even though the Zojirushi NW-JEC pressure induction heating rice cooker is praised for its excellent white rice, it is sometimes criticized for being difficult to clean. Users find the LCD screen hard to read, and the electric cord too short and stiff.
Despite its quality construction, some feel the high price is not justified. However, for those prioritizing quality and willing to invest, the Zojirushi NW-JEC model is recommended.
While some users find the price and functionality drawbacks, the consensus is that it offers the best value for producing high-quality rice in the US market.
Conclusion
All things considered, people who own these Zojirushi NW-JEC pressure induction heating rice cookers are highly satisfied despite its high price due to its ease of cleaning, self-cleaning mode, and consistent delivery of high-quality rice. The cooker’s durability, performance, umami setting, and accurate cooking detection are praised, with recommendations to wash rice thoroughly and follow maintenance instructions.
For the most part, the Zojirushi NW-JEC pressure IH rice cooker is deemed a valuable investment for rice enthusiasts for its well-made inner pan, modern design, and superior results. While minor issues like a non-retractable power cord and lack of backlighting for the LCD screen are noted, the Zojirushi rice cooker’s excellent performance and fluffy rice justify any longer cooking times, making it a top choice for quality-conscious consumers (shop now on Amazon – paid link).