Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Rice Cooker: Full Review

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 is a premium 5.5 cup rice cooker that delivers excellent rice cooking performance in a compact and stylish design. Part of Zojirushi's Neuro Fuzzy logic rice cooker line, it utilizes advanced technology to cook fluffy, restaurant-quality rice every time.

With a sleek stainless steel exterior and clear LCD control panel, the NS-ZCC10 has an elegant look that will complement any modern kitchen. Though compact in size, its 5.5 cup cooked capacity can make enough rice for 2-3 people. It's an ideal rice cooker for singles, couples, and small families who want great rice but don't need a large cooker.

The NS-ZCC10 comes loaded with features found in many of Zojirushi's high-end rice cookers, including multiple cooking menu settings, delay timer, keep warm, and extended keep warm functions. The Neuro Fuzzy technology allows it to make fine adjustments during the cooking process for precision cooking. This intelligent cooker delivers delicious rice automatically, freeing up your time in the kitchen.

Appearance and Design

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 is a compact and stylish 1-liter rice cooker with a sleek stainless steel exterior. It measures approximately 9 x 8 x 8 inches, making it well-suited for small kitchens or dorm rooms where countertop space is limited.

The rice cooker comes in a brushed stainless steel finish that gives it a modern and elegant look. The outer housing has a smooth, fingerprint-resistant finish that is easy to keep clean. The control panel on top has a simple and intuitive interface, with push buttons for basic functions like cooking and keeping warm.

Despite its small size, the NS-ZCC10 doesn't feel flimsy or cheaply made. The stainless steel construction makes it durable and gives it some heft. The inner cooking pan is made of thick, nonstick coated aluminum with measurement markings etched inside. This ensures efficient heat distribution for evenly cooked rice.

Overall, the Zojirushi rice cooker has an attractive, compact design with premium materials that justify its higher price point in this product category. It looks nice on any countertop without taking up too much space, making it ideal for smaller living spaces.

Another great option is the ICOOK URC-5P07B. The ICOOK URC-5P07B is a modern rice cooker that features a sturdy build and user-friendly controls. It also emphasizes a small footprint, making it suitable for compact kitchens. The cooking pot is designed for consistent heating and easy cleaning. For more details, visit the ICOOK URC-5P07B page.

Features and Settings

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 rice cooker comes with a variety of features and settings that allow you to customize your rice cooking.

Cooking Settings

The rice cooker has 5 menu settings for different rice types including white, mixed, porridge, sweet, and brown rice. This makes it easy to cook the perfect rice regardless of type. The cooker senses the water temperature and adjusts heating time and temperature accordingly.

Keep Warm Function

The keep warm function automatically switches on after cooking is complete. This keeps rice at an ideal serving temperature for up to 12 hours without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Timer

The programmable timer allows you to set delayed cooking up to 15 hours in advance. This means you can add rice and water in the morning and have freshly cooked rice ready when you get home.

Non-Stick Pot

The inner cooking pot has a durable non-stick coating that prevents rice from sticking and makes cleanup much easier. The non-stick material also helps resist staining and corrosion.

The Aroma Housewares ARC-743-1NG is another great rice cooker option. It features a simple, user-friendly design and can cook up to 6 cups of rice. This model includes a standby mode and a non-stick pot, which simplifies cleaning. One notable aspect is its versatility, as it can prepare not just rice but also soups, stews, and even steamed vegetables. The compact size and efficient cooking make it ideal for small kitchens. For more information, visit the Aroma Housewares ARC-743-1NG page.

Ease of Use

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 rice cooker is incredibly easy to use thanks to its straightforward control panel and clear instructions. The control panel is simple, with buttons for white rice, brown rice, quick cooking, cake, and keep warm/reheat. Each cooking function has a dedicated button, so there's no confusion over modes or complicated menus to scroll through.

The digital display counts down the cooking time and switches to keep warm when finished, so you know exactly what's happening at all times. The included instructions walk through measuring rice and water, choosing settings, timing guides, and care instructions in an intuitive way. First-time users will have no trouble getting perfectly cooked rice thanks to the easy guidelines.

Everything about this Zojirushi model focuses on simplicity and convenience. The inner lid detaches for easy cleaning, and the exterior wipes down nicely. Loading rice and water is straightforward with the nonstick inner pot. Overall, the intuitive design makes this rice cooker extremely simple for anyone to operate.

Cooking Performance

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 rice cooker delivers excellent cooking performance for all types of rice. Users praise the cooker for producing exceptionally fluffy and tender white rice with separated, individual grains.

The rice texture is consistently soft and sticky with a pleasing chew, similar to rice made in premium Japanese restaurants. The cooker evenly distributes moisture throughout each grain, avoiding any overly wet or mushy areas.

Many owners mention the rice comes out perfect every time, with no undercooked crunchy centers or dried out pieces on top. The intelligent cooking algorithm and precise temperature control ensures thorough and even cooking from batch to batch.

The cooker is also extremely fast, able to cook a full batch of white rice in under 30 minutes. The quick cooking speeds make it easy to prepare rice on a whim without needing to plan ahead. Owners love having delicious, restaurant-quality rice ready so quickly for meals or sides.

Capacity

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 is a 1.0 liter capacity rice cooker, which can cook up to 5.5 cups of uncooked regular white rice. This yields about 11 cups of cooked rice, which is enough to serve 5-6 people.

The inner cooking pan is nonstick and detachable for easy cleaning. It has measurement markings in cups and milliliters to make it easy to measure the correct amount of rice and water.

The rice cooker uses "fuzzy logic" technology to make adjustments during the cooking cycle for optimal results. This allows it to cook a variety of rice types perfectly including white, brown, basmati, sushi, and porridge.

The cooker's microcomputer can also remember cooking cycles for specific rice/water ratios so the results are consistent each time. Overall, the generous 1.0 liter capacity and smart cooking features allow you to reliably prepare the right amount of delicious rice for family meals.

Cleanup

The inner cooking pot of the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 is nonstick and wipes clean easily after use. The detachable inner lid makes cleaning the underside simple as well.

The steam vent on the lid can be removed for cleaning. This is an important feature, as rice particles and other debris can get stuck in the vent over time. The removable vent allows you to thoroughly clean this area and prevent clogging.

The exterior body of the cooker is made of stainless steel and wipes down nicely with a damp cloth. There are no exterior control panels or electronic components to worry about getting wet.

Overall, the cleanup process for the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 is quick, simple and straightforward. The removable inner pot and vent, along with the water-resistant exterior, allow you to easily clean all parts of the cooker as needed. This helps maintain the appliance and prevent any buildup of old food or debris over time with continued use.

Durability

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 rice cooker is known for its durability and longevity. The outer housing is made of thick, brushed stainless steel that resists dents, scratches, and rust. The inner cooking pan has a nonstick coating that allows rice to release easily for years of use.

Users report this rice cooker lasting over a decade with regular use. The components are high-quality and engineered for maximum longevity. The lid, handles, and control panel are all durable and continue to function properly after years of service.

Zojirushi offers a 1 year limited warranty on parts and defects. While the warranty is decent, most customers feel comfortable using this rice cooker well beyond the warranty period due to its reputation for reliability. The brand is known industry-wide for making long-lasting appliances designed to withstand frequent use.

Overall, the durability and reliability of the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 make it an appliance that will continue cooking perfect rice for many years to come. Its solid construction and proven track record give consumers confidence in its lasting performance. For those seeking a rice cooker that will provide great results for the next decade or longer, the NS-ZCC10 is an excellent choice.

Price and Value

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5-1/2 cup rice cooker costs around $90-100 depending on where you buy it from. This puts it at the higher end of small rice cookers, but lower than many mid-sized and larger models.

The price is quite reasonable and delivers good value given the cooker's excellent performance and durable construction. While not cheap, it's a worthwhile investment for reliable everyday use and lasts for years of service.

Compared to other cookers of similar size and features, the Zojirushi is competitively priced. More basic cookers with less settings and lower cooking ability cost $20-50 less, while equivalent cookers from luxury brands run closer to $150-200.

Given the top-tier cooking ability, versatile programs, stainless steel construction, and Zojirushi's reputation for quality and durability, this model offers excellent value for money. It cooks restaurant-quality rice and provides advanced settings found in pricier models.

For cooks who make rice frequently, the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 delivers lasting value and reliability that makes it worth the extra cost over cheaper disposable models. The long warranty and proven durability justify the price for a high-performance small cooker.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Produces tasty, fluffy rice every time due to smart cooking technology that measures temperature and adjusts heating
• Keep Warm function maintains temperature for hours without drying out rice
• Easy one-push button operation makes it simple for anyone to use
• Versatile with options for sushi, brown rice, mixed rice, porridge, and more
• Durable and high-quality construction built to last
• 1 liter capacity makes 5-10 servings depending on rice type

Cons

• More expensive than basic rice cookers
• Bulky size takes up significant countertop space
• Beeping sounds are loud and cannot be turned off
• Nonstick coating tends to peel after 1-2 years with daily use
• Exterior gets hot to the touch while cooking