Best Sushi Rice Cooker (Get Perfectly Cooked Sushi )

If you love sushi but have never tried making it at home, a rice cooker is a great place to start. While you can cook sushi rice in a regular pot, it can be challenging, especially if you’re new to it. 

To make the process easier, we recommend using a sushi rice cooker. These specialized rice cookers are designed specifically for cooking sushi rice and often have a dedicated sushi cooking function. 

They are also usually user-friendly, versatile, and made with durable materials. Additionally, they often have a decent capacity. 

I’ve researched and tested the best rice cookers for sushi, so you can easily make restaurant-quality rice at home. 

Keep reading to learn more about the top sushi rice cookers on the market and see how they compare. Here’s a list of the rice cookers I’ll be reviewing in this article.

If you’re looking for the best rice cooker for sushi, my top pick is the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker. Keep reading to find out why I think it’s the best choice.

What Is Sushi?

Sushi is a mouthwatering Japanese dish that features small balls or rolls of vinegar-flavored cold rice served with vegetables, eggs, and seafood. 

It’s enjoyed all over the world for its tasty recipes and diverse flavors. However, when making delicious sushi, the key is to cook soft, fluffy rice that is a pleasure to eat.

Read also: Best Waffle Maker with Removable Plates

Best Sushi Rice Cooker

When searching for the best rice cooker for sushi, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Are you willing to pay a little extra for a rice cooker with a dedicated sushi rice setting? 

In this review, I’ll introduce you to my top picks for the best sushi rice cookers on the market.

Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker is a top-rated appliance for preparing sushi rice. It is equipped with advanced Fuzzy Logic technology, which allows the rice cooker to make informed decisions based on various parameters such as the weather, altitude, and type of rice being cooked. As a result, it can consistently produce perfect rice every time. 

This rice cooker is suitable for cooking a variety of dishes, including sushi rice, mixed rice, porridge, sweet rice, and brown rice. It also has a quick-cooking function for those in a hurry. 

In addition to its impressive cooking capabilities, the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 comes with a nonstick inner pot, two measuring cups, a spoon, and a spoon holder, as well as a detachable and washable lid for easy cleaning. So whether you are a beginner or an expert, this Japanese rice cooker is a great choice.

Aroma Housewares ARC-5000SB Digital Rice Cooker

The Aroma Housewares ARC-5000SB Digital Rice Cooker is a versatile and convenient kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of dishes, including rice, vegetables, and even cakes. 

It is available in 10-cup, and 20-cup (uncooked) sizes and features 12 different cooking functions, including a steamer and slow cooker. It is easy to use with a digital panel and automatic “keep warm” function, and it comes with a nonstick inner pot, measuring cup, steam tray, and spatula. 

It also has a 15-hour delay timer for added convenience. However, it may not be the best choice for preparing sushi rice due to the “keep warm” function, potentially drying out or overcooking the rice.

Zojirushi NS-TSC18 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer

The Zojirushi NS-TSC18 is a high-quality rice cooker that uses fuzzy logic technology to ensure perfect results every time. It has a keep warm function and an extended warming and reheating cycle, and its stainless steel inner coating makes it easy to clean. 

This rice cooker also has two delay time settings and an interchangeable melody and beep signal to let you know when the rice is ready. In addition, its power cord is retractable for safety, and it is very easy to use. 

Overall, the Zojirushi NS-TSC18 is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable rice cooker for preparing sushi rice.

Cuckoo Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker

The Cuckoo Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker is a durable and eco-friendly appliance that is perfect for cooking all types of rice. 

It features an X-Wall nonstick coating that ensures accurate cooking temperatures and heat distribution. With just a press of a button, you can easily prepare a wide range of dishes, including rice, leftovers, and complete meals.

This rice cooker has a large 10-cup capacity and offers 13 menu options, including options for cooking GABA rice, brown rice, glutinous rice, sushi rice, and mixed rice. It also has pressure cooking and multi-cooking functions, making it incredibly versatile.

This rice cooker also has an auto-clean feature to make cleaning a breeze. Overall, the Cuckoo Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker is a reliable and convenient choice for any kitchen.

Instant Pot Duo Nova Pressure Cooker

The Instant Pot sushi rice cooker is a versatile appliance that offers seven different cooking functions in one. It can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute pan, food warmer, and yogurt maker, and it is available in four different sizes to suit the needs of different households. 

The stainless steel cooking pot is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, and the LCD screen displays a progress indicator to keep you updated on the status of your dish. 

While some customers have complained about the steamer nozzle leaking, it is a pressure release valve designed to emit steam. Keep in mind that this is not a dedicated rice cooker, so it may not offer all of the functionality of a specialized rice cooker.

Zojirushi NP-HCC18XH Induction Rice Cooker

The Zojirushi NP cooker is a high-quality appliance that is capable of cooking up to 10 cups of uncooked rice using an induction heating system. This advanced heating method uses a magnetic field to create an electrical current in the nonstick cooking pot, resulting in more accurate heat distribution. 

With this rice cooker, you can make a wide range of rice types, including white rice, jasmine rice, mixed rice, sushi rice, porridge, sweet rice, brown rice, GABA brown rice, and germinated brown rice. 

The orange LCD control panel is easy to read and features a clock, timer, and delay timing function, and the exterior of the rice cooker is coated to prevent dirt and grime from accumulating. 

The triple heater feature ensures consistent heating, and the automatic and extended keep-warm functions keep the rice at the optimal serving temperature. 

The interior lid is made of removable and washable stainless steel, making it easy to clean. Overall, the Zojirushi NP-HCC18XH Induction Heating System is a top-quality rice cooker that is worth investing in.

Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker

The Hamilton Beach digital programmable rice cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance that is capable of cooking more than just rice. With an 8-cup capacity and pre-programmed settings for rice, whole grains, hot cereal, and steaming, it can help you prepare a variety of dishes. 

It also comes with a steam basket and rice rinser, making it easy to rinse rice before cooking. This rice cooker is known for its ability to cook white rice quickly, and it also has modes for delayed cooking and brown rice. 

However, the brown rice results may not be as satisfactory as those from other higher-end models. Nevertheless, despite its low cost, the Hamilton Beach rice cooker is a reliable and functional choice for home cooks.

Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Pressure

The Ninja Foodi Pot 9-in-1 cooker is a versatile appliance that can pressure cook, air fry, crisp, slow cook, steam, sear, roast, crisp, and broil, allowing you to create complete meals with just one pot. 

It has a 6.5-quart capacity and comes with a crisping lid, pressure lid, ceramic-coated inner pot, a 4-quart nonstick crisping basket, and a stainless steel rack, making it easy to prepare faster and healthier meals. 

However, it does not have a specific setting for cooking sushi rice. The Instant Pot is also reversible, adding to its convenience and flexibility.

Toshiba Rice Cooker with Fuzzy Logic

The Toshiba Digital Programmable Rice Cooker is a high-tech appliance that uses fuzzy logic technology and a triple heating system to ensure perfectly cooked rice every time. 

It has a LED digital display panel for easy operation and a 24-hour delay timer for convenient meal planning. In addition, this rice cooker is equipped with 3D cooking technology and a 6-step process to ensure perfect rice. 

It has 7 pre-programmed settings for cooking various types of rice, including white, brown, mixed, Japanese short and medium-grain, oatmeal, and porridge. 

It has a capacity of 12 cups of cooked rice and includes a quick rice feature that reduces cooking time to 30 minutes. It also has two delay time options and a removable steam vent to prevent messes.

IMUSA USA GAU-00011 Electric Nonstick Rice Cooker

IMUSA USA GAU-00011 Electric Nonstick Rice Cooker is an affordable and efficient appliance that is perfect for busy individuals who are just starting out in the kitchen. 

It is available in three different sizes: 3 cups, 5 cups, and 8 cups (uncooked), and it comes with a spoon and measuring cup. This rice cooker is capable of cooking a variety of rice types as well as vegetables and steel-cut oats. 

It is known for its simplicity and quick cooking times, making it an ideal choice for those with busy schedules. Despite its low price, this rice cooker has received high marks for its versatility and is a great option for beginners.

Buyer’s Guide

When considering what to look for in a sushi rice cooker, it is important to consider the following factors: fuzzy logic, types of inner pots, usability, capacity, versatility, size, and cost.

Fuzzy Logic 

Fuzzy Logic refers to mathematical programming that allows machines to make practical decisions and react to scenarios more intelligently. In the context of rice cookers, this means that the cooker will be able to adjust cooking temperature and other factors more intelligently, resulting in better-cooked rice with less effort on the user’s part.

The type of inner pot

The type of inner pot used in the rice cooker is also an important factor to consider. Nonstick pots are easier to clean but may have safety risks due to chemical coatings and are not as durable or able to withstand high heat.

On the other hand, stainless steel pots are more durable and safe but require more attention and maintenance before and after cooking and may be more difficult to clean. Therefore, it may be helpful to have both a nonstick and a stainless steel pot to have the best of both worlds.

Usability, capacity, and size

Usability, capacity, and size are all important factors to consider when determining how the rice cooker will fit into your cooking routine. The capacity of the rice cooker should be sufficient to meet the needs of your household, and the size should be appropriate for the space in your kitchen.

It is also helpful to consider the versatility of the rice cooker and whether it can be used to cook other types of food beyond just rice.

Cost

Finally, the cost of the rice cooker should be taken into consideration. Higher-quality rice cookers may come at a higher price, but if you plan on using the cooker frequently, it may be worth investing in a more expensive model.

On the other hand, if you only plan on using the cooker occasionally, it may be more cost-effective to go with a cheaper model.

How To Make Sushi Rice In A Sushi Rice Cooker

Making sushi rice in a sushi rice cooker is easy and convenient. Here is a general recipe that you can follow:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups short-grain sushi rice
• 2 cups water
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and dirt from the rice.
2. Add the rice and water to the rice cooker and turn it on. Different rice cookers have different cooking times, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific model you are using.
3. While the rice is cooking, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl.
4. Once the rice is done cooking, transfer it to a large bowl and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Slowly pour the vinegar mixture over the rice, using a spatula or wooden spoon to fold it in gently. Be careful not to mash or break the grains of rice.
6. Let the rice sit for about 10 minutes to allow it to absorb the vinegar mixture and cool.
7. After the rice has cooled, it is ready to be used to make sushi rolls or other dishes. Enjoy!

Note: It is important to use short-grain sushi rice for this recipe. Other types of rice will not have the right consistency and flavor for sushi.

Conclusion

You may be hesitant about purchasing a rice cooker specifically for sushi, but let us assure you that it is a worthwhile investment. 

Consider the convenience and improved results you experienced when you first upgraded from cooking rice on the stovetop to using a rice cooker. 

If you want to enjoy delicious sushi rice and other dishes without the hassle of cooking on the stove, consider investing in a high-quality rice cooker like the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Rice Sticky?

Rice becomes sticky when it is cooked with a higher ratio of water to rice. This is because the rice absorbs the water and swells, causing the grains to stick together. 

Short-grain rice, such as sushi rice or glutinous rice, is more likely to become sticky than long-grain rice because the grains are shorter and have more starch, which makes them more likely to stick together.

What Type of Rice do you need for sushi?

For sushi, you will need to use Japanese short-grain rice, also known as “sushi rice.” This type of rice is stickier than other types of rice, which helps it hold together when used in sushi rolls. 

After the rice is cooked, you will need to mix it with a vinegar-sugar-salt mixture to give it the characteristic flavor and sticky texture of sushi rice.