In a Mexican kitchen, rice is usually long grain, toasted and then simmered with tomato, garlic and broth. That detail matters here, because Zojirushi is a Japanese brand and not every model has a named setting for long grain, the rice most Mexican recipes call for.
If you have already decided on Zojirushi, this page sorts out which model. The range runs from a plain one-switch pot to a pressure induction machine, and the differences are bigger than the similar names suggest. We also say where a simpler model makes more sense, and when another brand does.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. We have not used these rice cookers ourselves. Recommendations rest on Zojirushi’s stated specifications and on America’s Test Kitchen’s published review, which we read and name below.
Quick verdict: which Zojirushi rice cooker to buy
For most households the best Zojirushi rice cooker is the 5.5-cup NL-EAC10 Micom: it has a long-grain white setting and a jasmine setting, along with sushi, brown and steel-cut oats. Go to the 10-cup NL-EAC18 for big batches. One caution: America’s Test Kitchen’s outright winner, the NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy, is short of stock on Amazon as we write this, so we don’t list it, and the induction upgrade in that same review didn’t improve on it.
Five Zojirushi cookers side by side
Five of the eight, one for each kind of kitchen. Capacity is uncooked rice in Zojirushi’s smaller 180 mL rice cup, not a standard US cup. All eight are reviewed below.
| Rice cooker | Best for | Capacity (uncooked) | Long-grain menu | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Zojirushi NL-EAC10 Micom Rice Cooker, 5.5 CupsBest overall
|
Most households | 5.5 cups | Yes | View on Amazon |
Zojirushi NL-EAC18 Micom Rice Cooker, 10 CupsBest for big batches
|
Big batches | 10 cups | Yes | View on Amazon |
Zojirushi NS-TPC10 Micom Rice Cooker, 5.5 CupsBest for coating-conscious buyers
|
A pan with no PFAS, per the maker | 5.5 cups | Not listed | View on Amazon |
Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Micom Rice Cooker, 5.5 CupsBest with a steam menu
|
Rice plus steamed vegetables | 5.5 cups | Not listed | View on Amazon |
Zojirushi NHS-18 Rice Cooker and Steamer, 10 CupsSimplest pick
|
The simplest way in | 10 cups | No menu listed | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Menu lists are taken from each listing; a menu not listed may still exist, so check Zojirushi’s manual for your model.
Our picks for the best Zojirushi rice cooker, by household
Eight different models and sizes, not colors. America’s Test Kitchen tested three Zojirushi machines, and none of the three is among these picks: two are short of stock and the third already sits on our other guides. So all eight rest on Zojirushi’s listings, and we say what those reviews found about its close relatives.
1. Zojirushi NL-EAC10 Micom Rice Cooker, 5.5 Cups – Long Grain and Everything Else
For the rice Mexican kitchens use most, this is the most sensible Zojirushi. The menu, listed in Zojirushi’s listing text for this flat-top Micom line, includes long grain white alongside white, quick white, sushi, brown, GABA brown, jasmine, congee, quinoa and steel-cut oatmeal. There’s a double-coated nonstick pan and automatic keep warm, extended keep warm and reheat.
Five and a half cups uncooked, measured in the included 180 mL cup, is plenty for a family’s rice alongside dinner. Long-grain rice is often toasted in a separate pan first; do that in a skillet, not in the nonstick inner pan, then move it across with the liquid.
This is the same model as the 5.5-cup white listing on our Japanese rice cooker guide, here in black. We kept it because a Zojirushi guide for a Mexican kitchen ought to lead with a model that names long-grain rice on its menu.
Why we like it
- Long-grain white setting named on the menu
- Double-coated nonstick pan
- Keep warm, extended keep warm and reheat
Key specifications
| Model | NL-EAC10BA |
|---|---|
| Capacity (uncooked) | 5.5 cups |
| Heating | Micom fuzzy logic |
| Power | Not stated |
| Long-grain menu | Yes |
| Other menus (per listing) | White, quick white, sushi, brown, GABA brown, jasmine, congee, quinoa, oatmeal, cake |
| Timer or keep warm | Keep warm, extended, reheat |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a family of three to five who cook long-grain rice often and sometimes brown rice or oats.
Skip it if you cook only for one or two. A 3-cup model takes less counter space, and America’s Test Kitchen recommended the NL-BAC05 for small batches when it’s in stock.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Right menu for Mexican rice
- A good family size
- Flat top with an integrated panel
Cons
- Menu needs learning
- Doesn’t have induction heating
- No independent test of this model we read
2. Zojirushi NL-EAC18 Micom Rice Cooker, 10 Cups – The Same Menu for a Crowd
Everything above in the larger pot. Ten cups uncooked, measured in Zojirushi’s cup, is the size for a party or a big family with leftovers planned, and the long grain white setting stays on the menu.
A big pot is only worth having if you use it. America’s Test Kitchen found batch size made a real difference on some machines it tried, including one Zojirushi, so match the machine to the amounts you actually cook.
We read no independent test of this model. The listing gives the same self-standing spatula and measuring cup as its smaller sibling.
Why we like it
- Long-grain setting at party size
- Double-coated nonstick pan
- Includes a self-standing spatula
Key specifications
| Model | NL-EAC18BA |
|---|---|
| Capacity (uncooked) | 10 cups |
| Heating | Micom fuzzy logic |
| Power | Not stated |
| Long-grain menu | Yes |
| Other menus (per listing) | White, quick white, sushi, brown, GABA brown, jasmine, congee, quinoa, oatmeal, cake |
| Timer or keep warm | Keep warm, extended, reheat |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone feeding a crowd regularly, like a big family or anyone who batch-cooks rice for the week.
Skip it if you usually cook two cups. It takes more counter space, and a smaller model is a better fit.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Big capacity
- Same menu as the 5.5-cup
- Easy-to-clean pan
Cons
- Large footprint
- No independent test we read
- Overkill for small households
3. Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Micom Rice Cooker, 5.5 Cups – A Steam Setting and a Clear Panel
The NS-TSC10 is a long-running Micom model with a clear-coated stainless exterior, two delay time settings, a retractable cord and a steam menu. Zojirushi rates it at 120 volts and 610 watts.
The steam setting is its distinguishing feature: you can steam vegetables, or even reheat tamales, in the same machine. The listing does not name a long-grain menu, so if that’s most of what you cook, the NL-EAC models are the better fit.
We read no independent test of this model.
Why we like it
- Steam menu
- Two delay timer settings
- Retractable cord keeps the counter tidy
Key specifications
| Model | NS-TSC10 |
|---|---|
| Capacity (uncooked) | 5.5 cups |
| Heating | Micom fuzzy logic |
| Power | 610 W |
| Long-grain menu | Not listed |
| Other menus (per listing) | Steam; see manual for full list |
| Timer or keep warm | Keep warm, extended, reheat, 2 delay |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants rice and steamed vegetables out of one machine and doesn’t mind choosing by hand for long grain.
Skip it if long-grain rice is your main use. Pick a model that names that setting.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Doubles as a steamer
- Easy-clean exterior
- Well-known model
Cons
- No long-grain menu listed
- Takes more room than a 3-cup
- No independent test we read
4. Zojirushi NS-TPC10 Micom Rice Cooker, 5.5 Cups – A Pan Free of PFAS, per the Maker
This model is for buyers who want to avoid PTFE. Zojirushi states it is free of PFAS, including PTFE and PFOA, and BPA on all areas that touch food or beverages. That is the maker’s statement; we are not making a health claim about it.
The menu covers white and sushi, quick cooking, mixed, porridge, sweet, brown, cake and steam, with an LCD panel, clock and delay timer. Long grain isn’t listed by name. America’s Test Kitchen noted that long-grain rice on its winning Zojirushi ran on the mixed setting, so the mixed menu may be the one to try here too, but check the manual.
Its 10-cup size, the NS-TPC18, is further down. We read no independent test of this new pan or how it holds up, so we can’t say whether it releases rice as well as the older coating.
Why we like it
- Maker states no PFAS on food-contact areas
- Steam and cake menus
- LCD, clock and delay timer
Key specifications
| Model | NS-TPC10XT |
|---|---|
| Capacity (uncooked) | 5.5 cups |
| Heating | Micom fuzzy logic |
| Power | Not stated |
| Long-grain menu | Not listed |
| Other menus (per listing) | White/sushi, quick, mixed, porridge, sweet, brown, cake, steam |
| Timer or keep warm | Delay timer |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a buyer who wants a Zojirushi without a PTFE coating and accepts a shorter menu.
Skip it if you want proven long-term release from the pan. This coating is too new for any test we read to have covered it.
Pros and cons
Pros
- PFAS-free statement from the maker
- Stainless exterior
- Steam menu
Cons
- No long-grain menu named
- No independent test we read
- Pan durability unknown
5. Zojirushi NS-TPC18 Micom Rice Cooker, 10 Cups – The PFAS-Free Pan at Family Size
This is the 10-cup size of the NS-TPC10 above. Zojirushi makes the same statement for it: free of PFAS, including PTFE and PFOA, and BPA on all areas that touch food or beverages. That is the maker’s claim, and we make no health claim about it.
The menu is the same too: white and sushi, quick cooking, mixed, porridge, sweet, brown, cake and steam, with an LCD panel, a clock and a delay timer. Long grain isn’t named, so try the mixed setting and check the manual, as America’s Test Kitchen found long-grain rice ran on the mixed setting of the different Zojirushi it tested.
We read no independent test of this model or of how the new pan holds up over time, so the pick rests on Zojirushi’s listing.
Why we like it
- Maker states no PFAS on food-contact areas
- Steam and cake menus
- LCD panel, clock and delay timer
Key specifications
| Model | NS-TPC18XT |
|---|---|
| Capacity (uncooked) | 10 cups |
| Heating | Micom fuzzy logic |
| Power | Not stated |
| Long-grain menu | Not listed |
| Other menus (per listing) | White/sushi, quick, mixed, porridge, sweet, brown, cake, steam |
| Timer or keep warm | Delay timer |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a large household that wants to avoid PTFE and accepts a menu without a named long-grain setting.
Skip it if long-grain rice is what you make most. Pick the NL-EAC18.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Family-size capacity
- Clear maker statement on the coating
- Stainless exterior
Cons
- No long-grain menu named
- Big on the counter
- No independent test we read
6. Zojirushi NS-WAC18 Micom Rice Cooker, 10 Cups – A White Micom With a Detachable Cord
The NS-WAC18 is a simpler Micom in a white body with an LCD panel, a clock and a detachable cord. The listing gives settings for white and mixed, sushi, porridge, sweet, rinse-free and brown rice, along with keep warm and a delay timer.
Mixed is the one to note: America’s Test Kitchen found long-grain white cooked on the mixed setting of its winning Zojirushi, so that may be worth trying here too, though it tested a different model and Zojirushi’s manual is the place to check.
We read no independent test of this model. If you are after a smaller size, a few of Zojirushi’s 3-cup models are covered on our other rice cooker pages.
Why we like it
- Timer and keep warm
- LCD panel with a clock
- Detachable cord makes it easy to store
Key specifications
| Model | NS-WAC18-WD |
|---|---|
| Capacity (uncooked) | 10 cups |
| Heating | Micom fuzzy logic |
| Power | Not stated |
| Long-grain menu | Not listed; mixed menu available |
| Other menus (per listing) | White/mixed, sushi, porridge, sweet, rinse-free, brown |
| Timer or keep warm | Keep warm, delay timer |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a large household that wants a computer-controlled cooker with a timer but doesn’t need oats or quinoa settings.
Skip it if you want a menu that names long grain. The NL-EAC18 does.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Practical everyday menus
- Easy-to-read panel
- Thick inner pan, per Zojirushi
Cons
- No long-grain menu listed
- Large footprint
- No independent test we read
7. Zojirushi NHS-18 Rice Cooker and Steamer, 10 Cups – No Menus, Few Decisions
This is Zojirushi without the computer. The listing describes a plain cooker: it cooks and keeps warm, it uses 600 watts, and it can steam seafood, vegetables and custards. The listing gives 9 1/4 inches high to the lid knob and 13 inches across, including handles.
A basic pot like this lists no brown rice cycle or timer, so it’s a good match for plain white rice and not for a varied menu. It’s also the one to look at if you worry about panels and programs failing. Our budget rice cooker guide has its 3-cup sibling.
We read no independent test of this model. America’s Test Kitchen’s verdicts on simple cookers from other brands were mixed, with some scorching on the bottom, so keep expectations modest and watch how your first batches come out.
Why we like it
- Very simple to use
- Steams as well as cooks rice
- One-year warranty, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | NHS-18 |
|---|---|
| Capacity (uncooked) | 10 cups |
| Heating | Conventional |
| Power | 600 W |
| Long-grain menu | No menu |
| Other menus (per listing) | None listed |
| Timer or keep warm | Keep warm; no timer listed |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants Zojirushi’s name on a basic pot, cooks mainly white rice and has no use for a menu.
Skip it if you want precise brown rice or a delay timer. The Micom models do that, and this one doesn’t.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Nothing to figure out
- Doubles as a steamer
- Large capacity
Cons
- No timer or menus
- No independent test we read
- Plain finish and tools
8. Zojirushi NW-JEC18 Pressure Induction Rice Cooker, 10 Cups – The Top of the Range
Zojirushi’s listing describes pressure cooking and steaming that it says produce sticky, plump rice, with the machine automatically choosing from three pressure levels by menu, and AI that it says learns and adjusts the cycle. It’s made in Japan, and the 10-cup size suits a large household.
Sticky and plump is the giveaway. Those are qualities you may want for short-grain rice. For the fluffy, separate grains of Mexican rice, there’s little reason to pay for pressure. America’s Test Kitchen didn’t test this model, but it did find that pressure on a Cuckoo machine overcooked long-grain rice, which is a reason for caution, not a verdict on this one.
Our Japanese rice cooker guide has the 5.5-cup size of this model.
Why we like it
- Pressure and induction, made in Japan
- Automatic pressure levels by menu, per Zojirushi
- AI adjusts the cycle, per Zojirushi
Key specifications
| Model | NW-JEC18BA |
|---|---|
| Capacity (uncooked) | 10 cups |
| Heating | Pressure induction |
| Power | Not stated |
| Long-grain menu | Not stated on this listing |
| Other menus (per listing) | Not stated on this listing |
| Timer or keep warm | Not stated on this listing |
| Made in | Japan |
Why we recommend it
It suits a large household where short-grain Japanese rice is the daily staple, and where the buyer wants the top model.
Skip it if you mostly cook long-grain rice. Our suggested Micom models name that setting, and they cost far less.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Most advanced heating in the range
- Made in Japan
- Large capacity
Cons
- Pressure aims at sticky rice
- Listing gives little menu detail
- No independent test of this model we read
Where Zojirushi falls short, and who to look at instead
Price against results. America’s Test Kitchen’s Budget Winner, the Toshiba 6-Cup Rice Cooker with Fuzzy Logic, was Highly Recommended and made evenly cooked rice in every test, lacking only the stay-cool bowl handles of the winning Zojirushi. If you just want good rice, start there. The KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker was also Highly Recommended, with a built-in scale and water reservoir.
Menus. The winning NS-ZCC10 cooks long-grain white rice on the mixed setting, which you may need the manual to discover. For a Mexican kitchen, that is a real nuisance, and it’s why we prefer models that name long grain.
Upgrades that don’t pay. America’s Test Kitchen tested the 5.5-cup NW-QAC10 induction model and wrote that the upgrade didn’t improve speed or performance, reporting softer and wetter short-grain and large batches, a whirring noise and starchy water from the vent. Don’t assume the most expensive Zojirushi is the best for your rice.
Speed. Only some models list a quick setting. If rice has to be ready fast, check that menu before you buy, or use a saucepan.
How to choose a Zojirushi for the rice you cook
Your rice first. Long grain for Mexican rice and arroz blanco? Choose a model that names that setting. Sushi rice every night? Most of the range handles it, with a named sushi menu.
Size next. Zojirushi measures uncooked rice in its own 180 mL cup, which is smaller than a US cup. A 5.5-cup model suits three to five people, and a 10-cup suits a larger household or batch cooking. If you often cook one cup, get a small 3-cup model.
Heating. Conventional is a hot plate and a switch. Micom adds a chip that adjusts the cycle. Induction heats the pot itself. Pressure aims at stickier rice, and that may not be what you want.
Coating. Most use a nonstick inner pan. If you want to avoid PTFE, Zojirushi’s NS-TPC line states it is free of PFAS on food-contact areas. Use the spatula that comes in the box rather than a metal spoon.
Features you’ll actually use. A delay timer is great for coming home to hot rice. Steam is useful for vegetables and for reheating tamales. Cake settings are nice to have, but few people use them much.
How we picked these nine Zojirushi models
We read America’s Test Kitchen’s rice cooker review, published October 2025, which tested three Zojirushi models and a broad field of rivals. We then matched that against what is plain in stock and sold new on Amazon, and read Zojirushi’s listing details for each. We did not test these cookers. Two of the three machines the review covered, the NS-ZCC10 and the NL-BAC05, showed as low in stock when we checked, so we mention them without listing them. The third, the NW-QAC10 and its larger size, already sit on our other guides. So every pick here relies on Zojirushi’s stated specifications, and that is a real limit of this page.
A CPSC recall search by brand name found no Zojirushi recalls.
Zojirushi rice cooker questions, answered
Which Zojirushi rice cooker is best for long-grain rice?
Choose one with a named long-grain setting, such as the NL-EAC10 or NL-EAC18. America’s Test Kitchen praised the 3-cup NL-BAC05 for long-grain white rice as well, when it’s in stock.
What does 5.5 cups mean on a Zojirushi?
It is uncooked rice, measured in the included 180 mL cup with raw short-grain white rice, according to Zojirushi. That is less than a US cup, and other grains may vary.
Is a Zojirushi worth it over a cheaper rice cooker?
For many people, a cheaper one is enough. America’s Test Kitchen rated the Toshiba 6-Cup Highly Recommended as its Budget Winner. Zojirushi’s edge is in its menus, its keep-warm functions and its range of sizes.
Does Zojirushi make a rice cooker without nonstick coating?
The NS-TPC models are listed as free of PFAS, including PTFE and PFOA, on food-contact areas. That’s the maker’s statement. They still have an easy-release surface.
Is induction worth it on a Zojirushi?
America’s Test Kitchen didn’t think so for the NW-QAC10, writing that the upgrade didn’t improve speed or performance over its winner. We have not seen a test of the 10-cup size.
Our final pick for the best Zojirushi rice cooker
Buy the NL-EAC10 unless you know you need something else. For a wider field, see our main rice cooker guide and our Japanese rice cooker guide. For what to serve alongside your rice, our guide to charro beans and refried beans is a good next read.
And if you would rather let someone else make the rice tonight, see the menu or call to order.