Photo: Zojirushi
Sushi is basically rice with a vinegar flavor that is accompanied by a garnish of vegetables, fruit, egg or seafood. This Japanese dish is very popular worldwide but if you want to make it, there are a couple of things that you need to get right.
Most importantly, you should cook the rice with less water so that it’s not too soft. Otherwise, it can be mashed when you mix it with vinegar, which will ruin the sushi’s quality.
To avoid making such mistakes, simply get a rice cooker with sushi settings, and it will handle all the cooking complexities for you. That said, these are the best rice cookers for sushi to buy.
In this post:
- 10 Best Rice Cookers for Sushi – Review
- 1. Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB – Best Small Sushi Rice Cooker
- 2. Zojirushi NS-ZCC18 – Large Capacity Sushi Rice Cooker
- 3. Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH – Sushi Rice Cooker with an Induction Heating System
- 4. Aroma Housewares ARC-5000SB – Affordable Sushi Rice Cooker
- 5. Zojirushi NS-TSC18 – Intelligent Rice Cooker for Sushi
- 6. Cuckoo CRP-P0609S – Best Multi-Menu Sushi Rice Cooker
- 7. Cuckoo CR-0631F – Self-Cleaning Sushi Rice Cooker
- 8. Zojirushi NP-NVC10 – Good Sushi Rice Cooker
- 9. Cuckoo CRP-P1009SB – Sushi Rice Cooker with 3 Navigation Languages
- 10. Cuckoo CRP-G1015F – Sushi Rice Cooker with an Aluminum Inner Pot
- How to Buy the Best Rice Cooker for Sushi
- Conclusion
10 Best Rice Cookers for Sushi – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB (Best Small) |
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 | 2. Zojirushi NS-ZCC18 (Large Capacity) |
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 | 3. Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH (With Induction Heating System) |
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 | 4. Aroma Housewares ARC-5000SB (Affordable) |
| |
 | 5. Zojirushi NS-TSC18 (Intelligent) |
| |
 | 6. Cuckoo CRP-P0609S (Best Multi-Menu) |
| |
 | 7. Cuckoo CR-0631F (Self-Cleaning) |
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 | 8. Zojirushi NP-NVC10 (Good) |
| |
 | 9. Cuckoo CRP-P1009SB (With 3 Navigation Languages) |
| |
 | 10. Cuckoo CRP-G1015F (With Aluminum Inner Pot) |
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PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB (Best Small)
|
2. Zojirushi NS-ZCC18 (Large Capacity)
|
3. Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH (With Induction Heating System)
|
4. Aroma Housewares ARC-5000SB (Affordable)
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5. Zojirushi NS-TSC18 (Intelligent)
|
6. Cuckoo CRP-P0609S (Best Multi-Menu)
|
7. Cuckoo CR-0631F (Self-Cleaning)
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8. Zojirushi NP-NVC10 (Good)
|
9. Cuckoo CRP-P1009SB (With 3 Navigation Languages)
|
10. Cuckoo CRP-G1015F (With Aluminum Inner Pot)
|
1. Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB – Best Small Sushi Rice Cooker
Photo: Zojirushi
- Electrical Rating: 120 volts/ 450 watts
- Capacity: 3 cups uncooked
- Cooking Settings: 7
- Inner Pan: Nonstick
- Exterior: Clear-Coated Stainless Steel
With a capacity of 3 uncooked rice cups, this Zojirushi rice cooker is the smallest unit in this review. However, it is one of the best of its size because of a couple of reasons.
For starters, the unit has a triple heater design (bottom, side, and lid), which ensures even heating all around. This heating process plus the timing is run by a microcomputer-controlled advanced fuzzy logic technology, delivering perfect cooking outcomes consistently.
This ensures that you get the best quality sushi rice every time, once you engage the special sushi setting.
That said, the cooker also has 6 other cooking settings (including healthy brown rice options) and selection is done on a large LCD screen that is easy to read.
Other features include interchangeable beep and melody signals, a retractable power cord for easy storage and a removable steam vent cap that prevents messy overflows. However, there is no self-cleaning steam function built-in.
Pros:
- Triple heaters for even cooking
- Fuzzy logic technology ensures perfected cooking all the time
- Large and easy-to-read LCD screen
- Interchangeable beep and melody signals
- Easy-to-store retractable power cord
Cons:
- Small size. Not ideal for a large family
- Lacks a self-cleaning function
2. Zojirushi NS-ZCC18 – Large Capacity Sushi Rice Cooker
Photo: Zojirushi
- Electrical Rating: 120 volts/ 1000 watts
- Capacity: 10 cups uncooked
- Cooking Settings: 8
- Inner Pan: Nonstick
- Exterior: Plastic
Coming in a 10-cup size, Zojirushi’s NS-ZCC18 has a very large capacity; it is suitable for a large family. If this is too big for you, there is a 5.5-cup option for this model, which is cheaper, but still has similar features.
These features include 8 cooking settings (including white sushi, soft or hard rice) while an extra-large, easy-to-read LCD color display is used for the selection process.
Once cooking is complete, a programmable melody or beep indicator gives you an alert, then automatic keep-warm extended keep-warm and reheating cycles kick in.
Other than that, you get micro-computerized advanced neuro-fuzzy logic technology for controlling the cooking process, a programmable timer with two settings that can help you extend the cooking time and a fold-down handle for easy carrying.
On the downside, the unit has a white plastic exterior that is not as easy to clean, and it lacks a steaming function.
Pros:
- Large 10-cup capacity. A 5.5-cup option is available
- Large colored LCD display for easy reading
- Programmable melody or beep indicator
- Automatic keep warm
- Programmable timer for extending the cooking time
Cons:
- The white plastic exterior is not very easy to clean
- Lacks a steaming function
3. Zojirushi NP-HCC10XH – Sushi Rice Cooker with an Induction Heating System
Photo: Zojirushi
- Electrical Rating: 120 volts/ 1230 watts
- Capacity: 5.5 cups uncooked
- Cooking Settings: 9
- Inner Pan: Nonstick
- Exterior: Clear-Coated Stainless Steel
Though it has quite a high electrical rating of 1,230 watts (which means more power draw and higher bills), this sushi rice cooker is equipped with a high-tech induction heating system, which is able to make precise temperature adjustments to cook flawless rice all the time.
This system comprises 3 heaters (side, bottom, and lid), and this gives even heating all around for perfect cooking.
On the controls is a large, easy-to-read orange LCD screen plus a few buttons. These help you select from the multi-menu cooking functions that include sushi and healthy brown rice options. You also get timer and clock functions, all of which show up on the screen.
Other features include automatic keep warm, an easy-to-clean clear-coated stainless-steel exterior and interchangeable melody and beep signals. However, the cooker is relatively expensive.
Pros:
- High tech induction heating system gives precise temperature adjustments
- Triple heater design for even cooking
- Large and easy-to-read orange LCD screen
- Timer and clock functions
- Automatic keep warm
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- High electrical rating will result in higher power bills
4. Aroma Housewares ARC-5000SB – Affordable Sushi Rice Cooker
Photo: Aroma Housewares
- Electrical Rating: 120 volts/ 600 watts
- Capacity: 10 cups uncooked
- Cooking Settings: 10
- Inner Pan: Nonstick
- Exterior: Stainless Steel
If you are on a tight budget, this sushi rice cooker from Aroma Housewares is an affordable piece that you should consider. Despite this, it is still well-equipped, featuring 10 cooking settings that include sushi, white, brown and quick rice, just to mention a few.
The cooker also has a large 10-cup capacity, which makes it ideal for large families, while a steaming function lets you prepare nutrient-rich meals above the cooking rice.
More features include a 15-hour delay timer for extending the cooking time, automatic keep-warm, and the inclusion of a steam tray, measuring cup and spatula as accessories. However, a spatula holder is not included.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Multiple cooking settings (10)
- Large 10-cup capacity
- Steaming function for preparing nutrient-rich food above the rice
- 15-hour delay timer for flexible cooking
Cons:
- Spatula holder not included
5. Zojirushi NS-TSC18 – Intelligent Rice Cooker for Sushi
Photo: Zojirushi
- Electrical Rating: 120 volts/ 820 watts
- Capacity: 10 cups uncooked
- Cooking Settings: 8
- Inner Pan: Nonstick
- Exterior: Clear-Coated Stainless Steel
Aided by a microcomputer, Zojirushi’s NS-TSC18 features fuzzy logic technology, in which the smart system does all the thinking for you. It adjusts the cooking times and temperatures accordingly, depending on the type of rice that you are cooking.
This technology is coupled with 8 cooking settings (white/sushi, mixed, porridge, cake, sweet, brown, steam and quick), enabling you to prepare a wide variety of meals.
You also get a delay timer with 2 settings while an easy-to-use LCD control panel lets you make any adjustment quite easily. However, this screen is not colored or backlit, making usage a bit difficult in the dark.
Pros:
- Microcomputer fuzzy logic technology for adjusting the cooking time and temperature
- Multiple cooking settings (8)
- Delay timer with 2 settings for manually adjusting the cooking time
- Easy-to-use LCD control panel
Cons:
- The LCD display is not backlit
6. Cuckoo CRP-P0609S – Best Multi-Menu Sushi Rice Cooker
Photo: Cuckoo
- Electrical Rating: 120 volts/ 890 watts
- Capacity: 6 cups uncooked
- Cooking Settings: 13
- Inner Pan: Nonstick
Cuckoo’s CRP-P0609S is quite unique because it has a whopping 13 cooking settings, which let you prepare a wide variety of meals, while an intelligent cooking algorithm makes all the necessary adjustments so that you get perfectly cooked rice throughout.
With all these, controls are done either via buttons or by using smart voice navigation with 3 built-in languages (English, Korean and Chinese). This makes the cooker’s use very easy and intuitive.
Other features include a double layer soft steam cap that prevents messy overflows, a self-cleaning function for easy maintenance, multiple safety features and an X-wall diamond-coated aluminum inner pot that is highly durable and gives excellent heat conductivity.
A rice scooper, steam plate, and measuring cup are also included as accessories, but you get no scooper holder.
Pros:
- 13 cooking functions
- Intelligent cooking algorithm for perfecting the cooking
- Smart voice navigation in three languages (English, Korean and Chinese)
- Double layer soft steam cap for effective steam release
- Self-cleaning steam function
Cons:
- Scooper holder not included
7. Cuckoo CR-0631F – Self-Cleaning Sushi Rice Cooker
Photo: Cuckoo
- Electrical Rating: 120 volts/ 580 watts
- Capacity: 6 cups uncooked
- Cooking Settings: 5
- Inner Pan: Nonstick
The auto steam function in this sushi rice cooker makes it very easy to clean because it blows out steam into the interior cooking pan after use.
Additionally, this inner pan is covered in a non-stick surface, which further simplifies the cleaning process.
Other features include a large and easy to read LCD screen, rice scooper and measuring cup accessories, preset timer and clock, fuzzy logic smart cooking and a detachable cover for easy cleaning.
However, the cooker does not have a steaming tray for preparing nutritious meals above your rice and has a relatively low 6 cup capacity.
Pros:
- Auto stem function for self-cleaning
- Easy-to-clean non-stick surface
- Large and easy-to-read LCD screen
- Preset clock and timer
- Fuzzy logic smart cooking algorithms
Cons:
- No steaming tray
- Relatively low 6 cup capacity
8. Zojirushi NP-NVC10 – Good Sushi Rice Cooker
Photo: Zojirushi
- Electrical Rating: 120 volts/ 1,240 watts
- Capacity: 5.5 cups uncooked
- Cooking Settings: 10
- Inner Pan: Nonstick
- Exterior: Stainless Steel
Though very costly, this sushi rice cooker is powered by an induction heating system, which unlike a heating element, it transforms the entire inner pan into a heat conductor. This results in precise heat adjustments and even cooking temperatures all around.
The cooker has 10 cooking settings, which include a scorch setting that toasts the rice into a crispy golden-brown form. You also get an Umami setting, which is considered as the 5’th flavor and of course, a sushi setting.
More features include an easy-to-read LCD control panel with timer and keep warm settings and fuzzy logic technology to control the cooking process for consistent results all the time.
However, with a 1,240-watt power rating, this unit does consume a lot of energy. This means you should expect high power bills.
Pros:
- Induction heating system gives even cooking temperatures all around
- 10 cooking settings, including scorch and umami settings
- Easy-to-read LCD control panel
- Keep warm settings
Cons:
- Expensive
- High power rating translates to high power bills when in use
Photo: Cuckoo
- Electrical Rating: 120 volts/ 1,150 watts
- Capacity: 10 cups uncooked
- Cooking Settings: 11
- Inner Pan: Nonstick
Cuckoo as a brand has prioritized voice navigation in their rice cookers, and with this CRP-P1009SB, you get 3 navigational languages (English, Chinese and Korean). This results in intuitive use when scrolling through the options.
Other than this, the cooker is equipped with 11 cooking settings that make it very versatile, while a self-cleaning steam function cleans and sanitizes the interior after use to simplify the maintenance process.
More features include a water drainage system for collecting excess vapor to maintain the taste of your rice, a 2-layer soft steam cap that releases steam safely and quietly, and tons of safety features to protect you and the cooker from damage.
On the downside, this piece has a relatively high power rating, which implies you should expect high power bills, and it lacks a spatula holder among its accessories.
Pros:
- 3 navigational languages for easy use
- 11 cooking settings make the unit very versatile
- Self-cleaning steam function for easy maintenance
- Water drainage system for collecting excess water vapor
Cons:
- Relatively high power rating. This means you should expect high power bills
- Spatula holder not included
10. Cuckoo CRP-G1015F – Sushi Rice Cooker with an Aluminum Inner Pot
Photo: Cuckoo
- Electrical Rating: 120 volts/ 1,100 watts
- Capacity: 10 cups uncooked
- Cooking Settings: 11
- Inner Pan: Nonstick
Rounding up this list is Cuckoo’s CRP-G1015F, which is fitted with an aluminum inner pot. Aluminum helps to maximize heat conduction for efficient cooking.
The aluminum is covered in an X-wall black coat, thereby providing excellent nonstick technology.
Also included are 12 safety features, which include a soft steam cap, malfunction indicator, circuit board fuse, etc., and these protect you from accidents as well as the cooker from damages.
Other features include a 10-cup capacity, an easy-to-use LCD control panel with cooking graphics and fuzzy logic cooking algorithms for perfected cooking.
However, you don’t get a spatula holder, but a spatula, measuring cup, and steam plate are included as accessories.
Pros:
- Highly conductive aluminum inner pot
- Superior X-wall nonstick black coat
- 12 safety features for protecting you and the machine
- Large 10-cup capacity
Cons:
- Spatula holder not included
How to Buy the Best Rice Cooker for Sushi
Photo: Zojirushi
1. Electrical Rating
When selecting the best sushi rice cooker, it is important to consider the electrical rating because of two reasons.
First, the voltage section shows whether the unit is compatible with the electrical grid in your area. In America, power is supplied at 110-120 volts and therefore, ensure the sushi rice cooker you buy operates at this range (if you live in the US).
Second, the watts section shows the power consumption. The higher the watt rating, the more the power that the cooker consumes. In the end, this will result in higher power bills.
However, since not all units have the same size, for the large 10-cup varieties, most energy-efficient cookers range at 1000 – 1100 watts. For 5.5-cup cookers, a rating of 700 – 1000 watts is ideal while for the smaller 3-cup option, 300 – 500 watts is ideal.
2. Capacity
Ultimately, the larger the rice cooker, the better. This is because the small ones are limited to preparing food for one person or a small family, but the large ones cover all.
Measured in cups (uncooked), 10-cup cookers are better to buy, even though they may be costlier. However, if you are on a tight budget, consider the portion of rice that you want to prepare, then buy a matching size.
3. Sushi Cooking Function
Even though all the rice cookers reviewed above contain a sushi cooking function, some give you the option of preparing soft or hard sushi rice. Basically, with these customizations, you are able to prepare different variations of sushi to see which one works for you.
4. Nonstick Inner Pan
Another crucial component to check is the inner pan. Regardless of the material used to build it, ensure that the unit you buy is fitted with a nonstick inner pan. This will make it easy to clean and also reduce wastage in the form of stuck rice.
5. Stay Cool Exterior
With the heating and cooking going on inside, it is also bound to get hot on the outside. A hot exterior may burn you if you accidentally touch the cooker.
However, with a stay-cool exterior, or even stay cool handles, your hands will be protected from this heat and therefore, you can make further settings adjustment or carry it with ease around your kitchen.
6. Accessories
Accessories are always an added plus. In this case, check for a rice spatula and measuring cup. These must come as standard.
From there, other additions such as a spatula holder comes in very handy for supporting the rice spatula when not in use.
A steaming basket is also ideal for preparing nutritious meals above the cooking rice, thereby saving on time and money.
As a general rule of thumb, the more the accessories, the better.
7. Budget
Lastly, do not overburden by yourself by buying the most expensive sushi rice cooker if you are tight on cash. The affordable ones are not all poor quality, and you can use them too.
Ideally, you should list the features that you want in a sushi rice cooker first, then identify the products that match your description. Once identified, pick the one that you are comfortable buying from that list.
Conclusion
As you can see, picking a sushi rice cooker requires you to know and understand most of the technical terms involved in the unit’s setup. This article lists all of these and at the end of it all, you should have an easier time picking the best sushi rice cooker that fits your description.