Zojirushi Umami Rice Cooker Review

Price Range: Expensive

Rice Quality: Excellent

Benefits & Features: Multiple

Performance: Excellent

Pros vs. Cons: Pros Outweigh Cons

Overall Rating: Excellent

The Zojirushi Umami rice cooker is their latest model and with it comes two new features not previously found on Zojirushi's older units.

These settings are a new slow cooking feature, and a Umami setting which further enhances the flavor of the rice. From what we have gathered, Umami does make a flavorful difference with better texture. Please note that the Umami setting is for white rice.

Using the Umami setting is optional as this cooker can also prepare rice without selecting this feature. Something we found folks should find useful since "Umami" does require a longer cooking process.

Like other Zojirushi rice cooker models, this latest one also takes advantage of fuzzy logic technology which means it will monitor how the selected rice type is cooking and will make adjustments in cooking time and temperature along the way yielding an unmatched rice texture and quality when compared to lesser rice cookers on the market.

A New Slow Cooking Setting

Another big plus which was something we were waiting for Zojirushi to put out is the slow cooking setting the cooker comes with allowing the user to prepare healthy stews and soups. A great benefit to have in the kitchen and something which we feel will help justify the investment in this unit.

However, we are not sure of the total cooking times this Zojirushi Umami rice cooker model offers or how it compares to the Sanyo ECJ-HC55S & HC100S models which give both a high and low 12 hour cook time option. For folks who own this model, please contact us with more information regarding the slow cooking feature on this model.

Rice Settings

The Zojirushi Umami rice cooker has specific rice settings for: white rice, brown rice, mixed, sushi, sweet rice, GABA (brown rice), and rinse free rice. Other settings included the slow cook feature and a quick cook setting for rice (lowered quality).

Cup sizes offered are a 5 cup model (NS-YAC10) and a 10 cup model (NS-YAC18).

What Others Think So Far?

Currently, this latest rice cooker from Zojirushi has earned a majority of 4 and 5 Star customer reviews on Amazon.com and a few other overall positive reviews on other sites like aibento.net (which gives a very thorough review).

Many like the fact it is an all-purpose machine, is easy to use and clean, and above all makes high standard quality rice with flavor and enhanced nutrition options.

Some dislikes are that it is twice the price as other rice cooker and slow cooker models like the Sanyo ECJ-HC55S/100S series and the updated Panasonic SR-MS103/183 cookers.

The Zojirushi Umami rice cooker also lacks a retractable cord which is rather thick and clunky to begin with and some say the lid produces a small effort to snap shut. Why Zojirushi missed the rewind-able cord feature is disappointing.

We are also bummed to discover the Zojirushi Umami cooker does not come with a steaming tray for preparing other foods. A benefit found on the mentioned Sanyo and Panasonic models.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

So, the Zojirushi Umami rice cooker is expensive but offers a lot of Zojirushi pluses such as the great fuzzy logic rice cooking technology, a GABA setting mode for healthier, more nourishing brown rice, a new Umami setting for white, and a slow cooking feature. And so far, many seem to favor it and are pleased with the performance and results.

The Zojirushi NS-YAC10 and NS-YAC18 lacks an Induction heating system and pressurized cooking method found in Zojirushi NP premium models (which sell for around $400), but quite recently remains the next best thing in their lineup.

We feel it is worth purchasing should folks plan on using it frequently, will cook several types of rice, and who will benefit from the new slow cooking option along with the other multiple features.

If cooking white rice is all you will find yourself doing, perhaps less expensive Zojirushi cookers are a better choice. Also, for a model that offers most of the other benefits please check out the Sanyo ECJ-HC55S (5 Cup) or the Sanyo ECJ-HC100S (10 Cup) rice cooker and slow cooker models.

Folks Can Get This New Model From Amazon.com Here

Tip: keep your Zojirushi Umami rice cooker plugged in to prolong the internal battery life...please note the unit will still continue to perform properly without it as it just runs the clock when the unit is unplugged. Life of battery is approx. 4 years.

Back From Zojirushi Umami Cooker Page