Although the Panasonic SR-DE102 may be smaller, look slightly different, and even sport a different model number, it is very similar to the larger capacity SR-MS182 model we previously reviewed.
Granted the screen on the SR-DE102 (as seen above) is much smaller, overall, it produces the same quality rice, shares the same benefits & features, and performs pretty much the same as its larger cousin.
The only major difference we found so far is that folks report greater quality brown rice with this unit as opposed to the average quality brown rice the SR-MS182 produces. We will update as we gather more information.
A Fuzzy Logic Cooker
This unit, like most rice cookers in this price range takes advantage of a rice cooking monitoring technology called "Fuzzy Logic".
What Fuzzy does is cook rice types (as offered by the on board menu) to an above standard quality with moist, fluffy, and consistent results. Seldom is there rice crusting at the bottom of the bowl, and thanks to the air-tight secure lid folks will not experience starchy boil over issues that happen with cheaper rice cookers.
Did we mention that the inner bowl is non stick too?
White Rice, Brown Rice, Steam Cooking, and Slow Cooking
Aboard the Panasonic SR-DE102 come several features and benefits making it a great kitchen mulitasker.
Folks are not just limited to cooking great tasting white rice as there is also a brown rice cooking mode along with sticky rice, quick cook, (slightly lower quality) steam cook, cake, porridge, and a slow cooking mode for making hearty stews.
Just keep in mind that the bowl size is only ideal for serving 2 people at max! Also keep in mind that you cannot simultaneously steam while rice is cooking.
The Panasonic SR-DE102 cooker comes with a measuring cup, non stick bowl, rice paddle, steam tray, and manual. It is pretty straightforward to operate and folks can get started in seconds. We just wish the panel was a wee bit larger.
Pros
multiple cooking modes, not limited to just rice
above standard white & brown rice quality
non stick serving and clean up
great modern stylish design
stay cool carrying handle for easy transport (detachable power cord)
Cons
size not ideal for larger households
small screen/panel size
no "high" or "low" temperature control when slow cooking
some folks state manual is confusing
lacks a sushi and mixed rice setting offered by other Fuzzy Logic units
For the price, this 5 Cup Panasonic rice cooker is a very good buy with more pros than cons along with a nice amount of positive consumer feedback. But it is worth comparing to the Sanyo ECJ-HC55S as well.
Overall, the Panasonic SR-DE102 remains a good entry level fuzzy logic rice cooker for folks who do not wish to spend an extra hundred or two for a slightly more advanced Zojirushi rice cooker!
Also perfect for those who eat white or brown rice daily who prefer hassle free preparing and/or guess work for consistent rice.
Tip: to prolong the internal battery life keep the unit plugged in. Keep in mind that the cooker will still perform properly without the battery as it just runs the clock when the unit is unplugged. Life of battery is approx. 4 yrs.
Measures: approx. 13 x 10 x 8.2 Inches | 5 Cup Capacity (approx. 15 Cups Cooked)
Leave Your Review for Posting!
Please help Rice Cooker Guide by contributing your personal findings.
Do you own the Panasonic Rice Cooker mentioned on this page? If so, giving us your own personal review will not only help make this site better, but will also help aid folks who are searching for great reviews.
Everybody loves to discover many details about a product before buying, (and there's only so much we can give) so please help us make our visitor's experience a better and more trusted result by sharing your findings.
Message us using our contact form for more details about posting.
cooker comes with a measuring cup, non stick bowl, rice paddle, steam tray, and manual. It is pretty straightforward to operate and folks can get started in seconds. We just wish the panel was a wee bit larger.