Zojirushi NP-HTC Rice Cooker Review
Rice cooking technology has evolved quite a bit
since the first rice cooker was introduced in the 1940’s. First there were
the on and off rice cookers – basic rice cookers with one start button that
started heating and turned off once the water had dissipated. Then there
were fuzzy logic rice cookers. These models had the ability to adjust the
heating level based on both internal and external temperature factors, as
well as rice style and water level. Then there were induction heating (IH)
systems – these were the most advanced rice cookers available, able to
adjust temperature on a level by level (rice by rice) basis in order to
achieve perfect rice every time.
The final step in the rice cooker evolution thus
far is the IH pressure rice cooker – an appliance so advanced that it can
actually surround each individual grain with perfectly uniform heating to
ensure each and every piece of rice gets the perfect heating amount. It is
with that technology in mind that Zojirushi created the Zojirushi NP-HTC
Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker.
Zojirushi NP-HTC Induction Heating Pressure
Rice Cooker Features
·
Complete induction heating pressure
cooking system.
·
Three different pressure levels
depending on rice style and selections.
·
Menu settings for virtually every style
of rice.
·
Both keep warm and extended keep warm
features.
·
Vacuum insulated rice cooking pan.
·
Detachable and washable lid.
·
Bright LCD panel with clock.
·
Delay timer.
Pros
You would be hard pressed to find a rice cooker
that uses a more advanced heating system or a friendlier button menu than
the Zojirushi Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker. This model comes with
not only the technology of the IH pressure cooker system – it also has 3
separate pressure options that help you create harder or softer rice as well
as speed up or slow down cooking time. There is both a 5.5 cup and 10 cup
option, and the entire machine was built to create unbelievable tasting
rice.
Cons
The biggest con that people have pointed to with
the Zojirushi Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker is that it is extremely
expensive. Models start at as much as $400 or more, which is several hundred
more than some of the standard induction heating models available, which are
arguably comparable in terms of final product. Also, considering the price
of the model, you may have problems cooking warm cereal – something that
does not occur with other top of the line rice cookers. It is also slower
than one would expect for a pressure cooker.
Overall Impressions
Reviewing such an expensive appliance can be
difficult. On the one hand, this rice cooker provides fantastic tasting rice
– simply some of the best flavors you will ever receive from a rice cooker.
On the other hand, the difference between the IH Pressure cooker and
standard IH models half the price is not necessarily enough to justify
doubling its price tag. If you can find one on discount or have a little
extra money to burn on a luxury, however, the Zojirushi Induction Heating
Pressure Rice Cooker is a quality system.
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