Sushi Chef-Approved Rice Cooker: Top 9 Picks for Perfect Sushi Rice

Sushi is a beloved Japanese dish that has gained popularity worldwide. While the ingredients used in sushi are important, the rice used to make it is equally crucial. Sushi rice is short-grain and sticky, requiring precise cooking to achieve the perfect texture and consistency. This is where a sushi rice cooker comes in handy.

A sushi rice cooker is a specialized appliance designed specifically for cooking sushi rice perfectly. It ensures that the rice is cooked evenly and consistently every time, resulting in the best possible taste and texture for your sushi. Using high-quality sushi rice with this appliance can elevate your sushi experience to new heights.

While some may use jasmine or other types of rice for their sushi, true connoisseurs know that using the right type of rice and a dedicated sushi rice cooker is essential for achieving the best results. Additionally, using a proper rice spatula for mixing and serving will help maintain the integrity of the cooked grains.

Can You Make Sushi Rice in a Rice Cooker?

Cooking rice is an essential part of making sushi.

The quality of the rice can make or break your sushi rolls. That’s why it’s crucial to have perfectly cooked sticky rice.

But can you make sushi rice in a rice cooker?

The answer is yes! Cooking rice in a rice cooker is easy and convenient, and it can produce perfectly cooked sticky rice, which is essential for making sushi.

Different brands may require different amounts of water per cup of uncooked sticky mixed rice, so be sure to check your package directions before adding any liquid.

Once you’ve added the correct amount of water and rinsed uncooked sticky mixed rice into your pot, place it into your electric or gas-powered automatic cooking device (rice cooker).

Press the start button and let it cook until done. But, we’ll cover the exact process in a bit more detail in this post.

The Benefits of Using a Rice Cooker

There are several benefits to using a rice cooker instead of cooking on the stove:

  1. Convenience: Once you’ve added your ingredients and pressed the start button, there’s no need to watch over them as they cook like with stove-top cooking methods.
  2. Consistency: A good-quality automatic cooking appliance will produce consistently cooked results every time.
  3. Time-saving: While waiting for your perfect sushi-style sticky rice to cook, you can prepare other parts of your sushi rolls or other dishes.

Making Sushi Rice in a Rice Cooker

To make sushi rice in a rice cooker, follow the same steps as making regular rice. However, there are a few additional steps to ensure that your rice is suitable for making sushi:

  1. Add vinegar mixture: After cooking the uncooked mixed rice in the automatic appliance and while it’s still hot, add a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt. This will give your rice the perfect balance of flavor and stickiness needed for making sushi.
  2. Mix gently: Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix the vinegar mixture into the cooked sticky mixed rice gently. Be careful not to mash or overwork the grains.
  3. Cool down: Allow your cooked sticky mixed rice to cool down before using it for making sushi rolls.

Many professional chefs recommend using a rice cooker when making sushi-style sticky mixed rice. For example, Chef Masaharu Morimoto uses a rice cooker to make his signature dish – Toro Tartare with Wasabi Soy Sauce and Caviar.

He believes that using an automatic cooking device ensures consistent results every time. If you want a more in-depth discussion of how to do this then I suggest you check out my post on how to cook sushi rice

How We Tested

Testing different types of rice cookers to determine the best one for making sushi rice is no easy task. It requires a lot of patience, attention to detail, and expertise in the field of rice cookers.

At our testing facility (that’ll be my kitchen ;)), we take pride in our rigorous testing process that involves evaluating various factors to help us answer which rice cooker is the best for making sushi.

1. Technology

One of the main factors we consider during our testing process is technology.

We evaluate the technology used in each cooker and how well it works to produce high-quality rice. We look at features such as fuzzy logic technology, which allows the cooker to adjust cooking time and temperature based on the type of rice being cooked.

This ensures that each grain of rice is cooked evenly and perfectly.

2. Build Quality

Another important factor we consider during testing is build quality.

We pay close attention to how well each cooker works to produce high-quality rice. This includes evaluating its ability to achieve the perfect texture and consistency in sushi rice, as well as its overall performance when cooking medium-grain rice.

3. Touch Controls

The touch controls on each cooker are also an important factor we consider during testing. We test their responsiveness and ease of use, ensuring that they are user-friendly and intuitive for all levels of users.

4. Heat and Pressure Control

Heat and pressure control are crucial factors we evaluate these features closely, looking for cookers that offer precise heat and pressure control settings that can be adjusted according to individual preferences.

5. Ease of Cleaning

We also evaluate the design of each cooker during our testing process, looking for features that make cleaning easy and efficient. Cookers with removable parts or non-stick surfaces make cleaning up after cooking a breeze.

What to Look for in Best Rice Cookers for Sushi

A high-quality sushi rice cooker is an essential tool for anyone who loves to make sushi at home. The right rice cooker can help you achieve the perfect texture and consistency of rice, which is crucial for making great sushi.

So, when shopping for a sushi rice cooker, there are several key features to look for that will ensure that you get the best possible results.

High-Quality Inner Pot

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a sushi rice cooker is the quality of its inner pot. A good inner pot should be made of non-stick materials, such as ceramic or Teflon, to prevent the rice from sticking and burning. This will help ensure that your rice comes out perfectly cooked every time.

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Sushi Setting

Another important feature to look for in a sushi rice cooker is a “sushi” setting. This setting is specifically designed to cook rice to the perfect texture and consistency for making sushi. With this setting, you can be sure that your rice will turn out just right every time.

Timer Function

A timer function is another essential feature of a good sushi rice cooker. With this function, you can set the cooking time precisely and ensure that your rice is ready when you need it. This is especially useful if you have guests coming over or if you need to coordinate your cooking with other dishes.

Size

The size of your sushi rice cooker is also an important consideration. If you plan on making sushi regularly or for a large group, a larger capacity cooker may be more suitable. However, if you only make sushi occasionally or for yourself and one other person, a smaller capacity model may be sufficient.

Quality Rice

Finally, it’s important to choose a sushi rice cooker that can handle different types of quality rice and has settings for different types of grains. Quality rice is essential for making great sushi, so having a versatile machine that can handle different varieties will give you more options when it comes to experimenting with different types of sushi.

Top Picks:

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Zojirushi NS-ZCC10: The Top Pick for Sushi Rice Cookers

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 is our top pick for many reasons. This grain cooker has advanced cooking settings and options that make it easy to achieve perfect results every time. With a 5.5-cup capacity, this kitchen appliance is perfect for small families or individuals who want to enjoy delicious sushi rice at home.

One of the standout features of the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 is its “Neuro Fuzzy Logic” technology. This system allows the machine to adjust its cooking temperature and time based on the type of rice being cooked, ensuring perfectly cooked grains every time. Additionally, this rice cooker has multiple menu settings that allow you to cook different types of rice, including white/sushi, mixed, porridge, sweet, brown, and quick-cooking.

The inner cooking pan of the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 is designed to ensure even cooking and perfect results every time. It is made from high-quality nonstick material that makes cleaning up after cooking a breeze. Additionally, this rice cooker has a retractable cord that makes storage easy and convenient.

Aroma ARC-5000 Pro Plus Rice Cooker with Sushi Setting: A Versatile Kitchen Appliance

If you’re looking for a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook different types of grains and dishes in addition to sushi rice, then the Aroma ARC-5000 Pro Plus Rice Cooker with Sushi Setting is an excellent choice. This machine has a 20-cup capacity and can cook everything from soup to quinoa with ease.

One of the standout features of this grain cooker is its “Sauté-Then-Simmer” function which allows you to sauté vegetables or meat before adding your liquid ingredients for soups or stews. Additionally, it has multiple cooking options, including slow cook, steam, and rice cooking. The Aroma ARC-5000 also has a “Quick Rice” function that can cook rice in just 15 minutes.

The inner cooking pan of the Aroma ARC-5000 is made from high-quality stainless steel that ensures even cooking and perfect results every time. It also has a nonstick coating that makes cleaning up after cooking easy and convenient.

Tiger JKT-J10U-K IH Rice Cooker with Slow Cooker and Bread Maker: Perfect for Multi-Purpose Cooking

If you want a machine that can do more than just cook rice, then the Tiger JKT-J10U-K IH Rice Cooker with Slow Cooker and Bread Maker is an excellent choice. This grain cooker has multiple cooking options and settings that make it perfect for those who love to experiment in the kitchen.

With a 5.5-cup capacity, this machine can cook everything from soup to bread with ease. It has multiple menu settings, including plain rice, mixed rice, porridge, sweet rice, brown rice, and sushi rice. Additionally, it has a slow cooker function that allows you to cook stews or soups at low temperatures for extended periods of time.

The inner cooking pan of the Tiger JKT-J10U-K is made from high-quality stainless steel that ensures even cooking and perfect results every time. It also has a nonstick coating that makes cleaning up after cooking easy and convenient.

Cooking Times: Perfectly Cooked Sushi Rice in No Time

With these grain cookers, you can enjoy perfectly cooked sushi rice in no time at all. Cooking times range from 20 to 45 minutes depending on the machine being used. Additionally, each machine has different features and options that make it easy to achieve perfect results every time.

Other Good Rice Cookers: Cuckoo rice cooker, Toshiba TRCS, Hamilton Beach

Having the right rice cooker is essential. While we have discussed some of the best rice cookers for sushi in a previous section, there are other rice cookers worth considering as well. In this section, we will take a closer look at three other good rice cookers that can help you create perfect sushi rice every time.

Cuckoo Rice Cooker

The Cuckoo rice cooker is a popular choice among Korean households and is known for its high-quality performance and durability. This digital rice cooker features multiple cooking functions including white rice, brown rice, mixed/brown GABA (germinated brown), porridge, and steam. It also has a steam tray for steaming vegetables or meat while cooking the rice.

One of the standout features of the Cuckoo rice cooker is its digital display which allows you to easily select your desired cooking function and monitor the progress of your dish. The inner pot is made from non-stick material which makes cleaning up after use quick and easy.

Toshiba TRCS Rice Cooker

The Toshiba TRCS is another versatile option mixed, porridge/soup, brown GABA (germinated brown), rinse-free and quick-cooking.

One key feature of this model is its ability to automatically adjust the temperature and time based on the type of grain being cooked. This ensures that each batch of cooked grains comes out perfectly every time.

Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker

If you’re on a budget but still want a reliable option for making delicious sushi rice at home, then consider purchasing the Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker. This affordable option can cook up to 14 cups of rice and features a steam basket for cooking vegetables or fish.

While it may not have as many cooking functions as other models, the Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker is still a great option for those who want to cook basic white or brown rice. It also has an automatic keep-warm function which can keep your rice warm for hours after it’s been cooked.

Choosing the Right Rice Cooker

When choosing the right rice cooker for sushi, it’s important to consider the type of rice you’ll be using. Look for a cooker with a specific sushi rice setting or one that can cook short-grain rice well. The best rice cookers will also have multiple cooking functions and a steamer tray to allow you to cook other dishes at the same time.

In addition, consider the size of your household and how much cooked rice you typically consume in one sitting. A 10-cup capacity model may be more suitable for larger families while smaller households may only need a 3-5 cup capacity model.

Best Small Sushi Rice Cooker: Zojirushi NSLGCXB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer

Zojirushi NSLGCXB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer: The Best Small Sushi Rice Cooker

If you’re looking for the best small sushi rice cooker on the market, look no further than the Zojirushi NSLGCXB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer. This mini rice cooker is equipped with advanced features that make it stand out from other small rice cookers like the Chaceef Mini Rice Cooker.

Micom Technology for Precise Temperature Control

One of the key features of the Zojirushi NSLGCXB is its micom technology. This allows for precise temperature control and even cooking of short grain rice, which is perfect for sushi. Unlike traditional rice cookers that use a simple on/off switch to control cooking, micom technology uses microcomputers to adjust cooking time and temperature based on the type of rice being cooked.

Nonstick Inner Pot for Easy Cleaning

Another advantage of the Zojirushi NSLGCXB over other small rice cookers like the Chaceef Mini Rice Cooker is its nonstick inner pot. This makes cleaning up a breeze since you don’t have to worry about scrubbing stuck-on rice off the bottom of the pot.

Extended Keep Warm Feature

The extended keep warm feature of this micom rice cooker ensures that your sushi rice stays at the perfect temperature without overcooking or drying out. Other slow cookers may have a “warm” setting, but it’s often not enough to keep food warm without continuing to cook it.

Convenient Features

In addition to its advanced technology, there are several convenient features that make this mini rice cooker an excellent choice for sushi lovers. For example, there’s a spatula holder built into the side of the unit so you don’t have to worry about finding a place to set your utensils while you’re cooking. The inner lid is also removable for easy cleaning, which is a nice touch.

Great Value for Its Low Price

Despite all of its advanced features, the Zojirushi NSLGCXB is surprisingly affordable. It’s a great value for its low price, especially when you consider how much easier it makes cooking sushi rice compared to other traditional rice cookers.

Budget Picks: Reishunger RK Rice Cooker and Steamer, Hamilton Beach Rice and Hot Cereal Cooker

Reishunger RK Rice Cooker and Steamer

The Reishunger RK Rice Cooker and Steamer is an excellent option for small families or individuals. This rice cooker can cook up to six cups of rice at once, making it perfect for those who don’t need a larger capacity. One of the best things about this rice cooker is that it comes with a rice measuring cup included, which makes it easy to measure the right amount of rice for your meal.

The Reishunger RK Rice Cooker and Steamer has a simple design that is easy to use. It has a one-touch operation that allows you to start cooking your rice with just the press of a button. The rice cooker also has a keep-warm function that will keep your cooked rice warm until you’re ready to serve.

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One thing that sets the Reishunger RK Rice Cooker and Steamer apart from other budget-friendly options is its ability to steam food. This rice cooker comes with a steaming basket that allows you to steam vegetables while your rice cooks below. This feature makes it easy to prepare healthy meals without having to use multiple pots or pans.

Hamilton Beach Rice and Hot Cereal Cooker

Another affordable option for those on a budget is the Hamilton Beach Rice and Hot Cereal Cooker. This rice cooker can cook up to 14 cups of rice, making it ideal for larger families or meal prep. Like the Reishunger RK Rice Cooker and Steamer, this model also comes with a versatile steaming basket that can be used to steam vegetables or cook hot cereal like steel cut oats or porridge.

The Hamilton Beach Rice and Hot Cereal Cooker has several features that make it stand out from other budget-friendly options. For example, this model has an automatic keep-warm function that will keep your cooked food warm until you’re ready to serve it. It also has a delay start function that allows you to set the rice cooker to start cooking at a later time, which is perfect for those who want to have their rice ready when they come home from work.

Like the Reishunger RK Rice Cooker and Steamer, the Hamilton Beach Rice and Hot Cereal Cooker has a rice setting that ensures perfectly cooked medium grain rice every time. It also comes with a rice spoon and measuring cups for added convenience.

Upgrade Pick: Cuckoo CRPPS Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker

For sushi lovers who want a quick and efficient cooking option, the Cuckoo CRPPS Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker is the perfect upgrade pick. This electric pressure cooker has a 10-cup cooker capacity, making it ideal for cooking large batches of rice for sushi rolls. The Cuckoo rice cooker uses induction heating technology to cook rice evenly and quickly, ensuring that each grain is perfectly cooked.

Induction heating technology is a game-changer induction heating uses an electromagnetic field to heat the entire pot evenly. This means that every grain of rice is cooked perfectly, with no hot or cold spots.

The Cuckoo CRPPS Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker takes this technology one step further by using pressure cooking as well. By combining induction heating with pressure cooking, this electric pressure cooker can cook rice in just minutes while still producing fluffy and delicious results.

With its triple heater system, this pressure cooker can also be used for pressure cooking other dishes besides rice, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen. The triple heater system includes a top heater, side heater, and bottom heater which work together to ensure even heat distribution throughout the pot.

One of the standout features of the Cuckoo CRPPS Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker is its advanced cook settings. With options like GABA mode (which activates brown rice germination), turbo cook (which reduces cooking time by up to 30%), and my mode (which allows you to customize your own preferred settings), this electric pressure cooker offers unparalleled control over your cooking.

Another great feature of this electric pressure cooker is its high-quality cooking pot. Made from durable materials like stainless steel and aluminum, the Cuckoo CRP series pots are designed to last. They are also non-stick and easy to clean, making them a great option for busy households.

The Cuckoo CRPPS Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker is often compared to the Instant Pot, another popular electric pressure cooker on the market. While both appliances can be used for pressure cooking, the Cuckoo rice cooker has several advantages over the Instant Pot when it comes to cooking rice.

Firstly, the Cuckoo rice cooker uses induction heating technology which ensures even heat distribution throughout the pot. The Instant Pot, on the other hand, uses a heating plate at the bottom of the pot which can lead to uneven cooking.

Secondly, the Cuckoo rice cooker has a higher capacity than most Instant Pots. With a 10 cup cooker capacity, you can easily cook enough rice for a large family or dinner party.

Finally, the advanced cook settings on the Cuckoo rice cooker are specifically designed for cooking rice. While you can certainly use an Instant Pot to cook rice, it may not produce as consistent or delicious results as a dedicated rice cooker like the Cuckoo CRPPS Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker.

Best Rice Cooker for Sushi and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, finding the best rice cooker for sushi can be a daunting task. However, with our comprehensive guide, you are now well-equipped to make an informed decision.

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 is undoubtedly the top pick. Its advanced technology ensures that you get great-tasting sweet rice every time. The Aroma ARC-5000 Pro Plus Rice Cooker with Sushi Setting and Tiger JKT-S10U-K IH Rice Cooker with Slow Cooker and Bread Maker are also excellent options that will give you long-grain white rice that is perfect for sushi.

If you’re on a budget, the Reishunger RK Rice Cooker and Steamer or Hamilton Beach Rice and Hot Cereal Cooker are great choices that won’t break the bank. They produce grain rice that is just as good as some of the more expensive models.

For those who prefer smaller cookers, the Zojirushi NSLGCXB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer is a fantastic option. It produces sweet rice in small quantities without sacrificing quality.

Finally, if you’re looking to upgrade your cooking game, then look no further than the Cuckoo CRPPS Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker. This high-end cooker produces basmati rice that is unmatched in taste and texture.

No matter which option you choose from our list of best rice cookers for sushi, rest assured that you’ll be getting an appliance that will help elevate your sushi-making skills to new heights. With their advanced technology and ease of use, these cookers will ensure that your sushi always has perfectly cooked grains of rice.

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