I make rice quite often and have an old Zojirushi rice cooker with a raw aluminum bowl that I bought years ago when I was in college. It has held up very well, but I decided it was time to upgrade. The Zojirushi rice cooker line is in some ways simple, but in some ways terribly complex. After much research, I think I can boil it down to a few simple choices so you know which one to choose. Having said that, this buyers guide is for buyers who want a good rice cooker, not a $29 rice cooker.

Why Zojirushi?

Well, Zojirushi and Tiger are pretty much tied for the most used rice cooker in Japan with Tiger selling slightly better. However, Tiger has not really put in much of an effort to sell their rice cookers in the United States so it’s hard to find them and even harder to price compare. The Cuckoo is a popular rice cooker in Korea that some people say is the ultimate best, but they are even harder to find in the United States. I’m assuming that you, like me, want things to be relatively easy just in case something goes wrong.

Having said that, there’s an Asian grocery store right near me where I can see all these rice cookers except the Cuckoo and where I’ve gone a few times to do research on this topic. If you have a similar store near you, you can probably find Tiger and a good assortment of Sanyo rice cookers. However, you will pay a premium if you do this. I personally wanted to order online so I could get a decent price.

I mention this basically to ease your concerns. After investigating all of these, choosing from among the Zojirushi rice cookers should not be a concern at all. There is nothing these other rice cookers offer that is of any importance aside from personal preference.

Cooking More Than Rice?

Some Sanyo rice cookers come with an egg holder tray so you can steam vegetables or cook eggs. Some other rice cookers have a stew and soup option like a crock pot. There’s even a Zojirushi cooker I don’t discuss here that allows you to bake cakes in it. But these things are just marketing tricks and after investigating I can tell you, you’d never use them. They wouldn’t work very well at those tasks if you did. I thought maybe I could get a rice cooker that would miraculously cook everything, and now I realize, that appliance doesn’t exist. Rice cookers are great, and they do some amazing things with rice, and you can even reliably add vegetables or cook steel cut oats, but that’s about the extent of it.

The Zojirushi rice cookers don’t even come with a vegetable steaming tray. Don’t sweat it. I assume you have pots and pans that steam vegetables just fine. But they don’t cook rice just fine at all, and that’s why you want a rice cooker.

Rice Cooker Size

Rice cookers come in 3-cup, 5.5-cup, and 10-cup versions. These don’t refer 8oz cups, they refer to the rice cooker cups that come with the unit. Rice cooker cups are all basically the same size (about 6oz) but that cup is important, so don’t lose it. A single model of rice cooker may come in one or all of these sizes and size has nothing to do with the features. It’s just the size.

What you’ll see in the model numbers of all brands are the numbers 5, 10, and 18. These numbers refer to 0.5, 1.0, and 1.8 liters, and correlate with the 3, 5.5, and 10 cup models.

Having said all this, the 5.5-cup (1.0 liter) sized rice cookers are great. They can make a small batch just for you, or a large batch for your family or guests. I know that the United States KitchenAid Costco culture might have you thinking you “need” the 10-cup model, but you will probably never have a need for that much rice at once and it’s reported that the larger cookers are not as effective at making small “normal sized” batches that you will be making on a day to day basis if you really get into it. I make two cup batches most of the time. Also, the 5.5-cup cookers are the perfect compact size and fit easily on the counter or the in the cupboard. Having said that, you probably know if you have 10-cup rice cooker needs. If you’re unsure, you most likely don’t and should go with a 5.5-cup size.

Induction Heating

I did a lot of research on this and found a lot of confusing explanations, but after that, I think I can give you a very good simple explanation. Regular rice cookers use a heating element to heat the rice cooker bowl. Induction heating rice cookers create a magnetic field that causes the rice cooker bowl itself to heat up so that it actually is the “heating element”. Cool, huh? This method allows for very exact temperatures and therefore better rice and more control. Only cookers with induction heating have enough control to be able to cook GABA brown rice because it requires such exact temperatures at multiple stages.

The Models

The choice you have is pretty easy. There are four models of rice cooker that you have to choose from, and 3 of those models are almost exactly the same, they are the induction heating models. The fourth is not an induction heating model and is the one to choose if you’re on a budget, but don’t worry, it’s still a great rice cooker. The differences between the different models are very minor, but I’ll make them clear and why you would choose a certain model.

The Pressure Rice Cookers:
NP-HTC10 & NP-HTC18

(Pressure, Induction Heating, GABA Brown Rice)

If you want to do nothing with your rice cooker other than make rice and you want the absolute perfection in rice, this is the cooker for you. This model is basically the same as the others, but it is sealed so that steam doesn’t escape below a certain pressure and this added pressure cooks the rice slightly more effectively.

Having said, it’s a minor difference and not one normal people need to worry about. In Japan, among induction heating rice cooker users about half of them use a pressure model and half of them use a regular induction heating model. These models will not cook steel cut oatmeal correctly, so if you’re looking forward to that then these aren’t right for you. If you want just rice and absolutely the ultimate perfect rice, then definitely do get one of these.

You will pay at least a $100 premium for these cookers compared to the non-pressure cookers.

The Full Featured Rice Cookers:
NP-GBC05, NP-HBC10 & NP-HBC18

(Induction Heating, GABA Brown Rice)

The NP-HBC10 is the model I personally chose. Like the pressure cookers, these models can cook GABA brown rice. Long story short, this rice cooker supports a method of cooking regular brown rice that activates it causing natural elements to be created in the rice that are very healthy. It takes longer to do, but it’s nice to have the option.

These models look the same and act the same as the pressure cooker models but without the pressure and that’s about the only difference. This allows them to also cook the steel cut oatmeal. They are also at least $100 cheaper than the pressure cookers, so for most people, this is very attractive.

The Quirky Alternative Rice Cookers:
NP-KAC10 & NP-KAC18

(Induction Heating, Removable Power Cord)

This is just a slightly cheaper version of the “full featured” rice cookers above. It looses the stainless steel outer wrap, the ability to cook GABA brown rice, and some other very minor features that you won’t use anyway. But it adds a nice touch: a removable power cord. It would be nice to remove the power cord and keep it inside the cooker when not in use, so I’m surprised the other models don’t also have this.

If you don’t care about GABA brown rice, this is the model for you. You won’t save that much money, though, over the higher “full featured” models.

The Neuro Fuzzy Rice Coooker:
NS-ZCC10 & NS-ZCC18

(Save Money)

This is the only non-induction heating rice cooker I’m talking about here. I just mention it because if you’re not quite ready to invest in an induction heating model you can save about $100 with this one. Is induction heating really a big deal? Well, yes it is. Over 50% of Japanese rice cooker owners use an induction heating rice cooker. This model also won’t cook GABA brown rice. But if you’re new to the idea of rice cookers, this model is still going to cook better rice than you’ve ever had before and make you pretty happy.

Conclusion

If you’re buying a rice cooker in the United States and you’re at least somewhat serious about it, the four models above represent your best choices. I spent days compiling this information and worrying if I would choose the best rice cooker for me, but now I’m not at all concerned. Zojirushi makes a great product and the company has a good reputation for quality.

This page was used to provide the statistics used in this buying guide.

Last night I watched a great movie: Food, Inc. I highly recommend you watch this movie and see how your meat is really produced. It’s kind of horrifying. I’m the kind of person who likes to eat meat and realizes that cows are kind of nature’s meat producers. But I respect that, and want them to live happy comfortable lives until they are made into food. I have no intention of becoming a vegetarian. I don’t even think cows probably mind being made into food that much.

But when you see this movie, you will never want to eat non-organic natural meat again. Even if you don’t care about how horribly these animals are treated, although I don’t see how you couldn’t, you will care about the unsanitary conditions. Do you really want to eat chicken and cow meat from animals that have been standing in inches deep poop? Do you really want to eat chickens that live in horrible conditions where dead chickens need to be removed each day because so many can’t even live in the conditions. When the animals go to slaughter they are covered with poop and have so many more diseases then they ever have in the past.

You will see how most all, the humans are abused by the big meat companies. The farmers, ranchers, and other workers, are put into positions where they can’t afford to say no or have a conscience.

You also see that Monsanto is a heartless cruel company that abuses humans and farmers. The company must be run by Satan himself. Their lawyers are ruthless and go after the little guy as a business model. Anyone who tries to run an honest business is a threat to Monsanto and they will sue them just because they know they will run out of money and eventually settle, even if they are right. In the end the farmers are destroyed emotionally and financially.

But the best part of this movie is the happy ending. They show how just making the choice to buy organic and locally grown seasonal foods you can really make a difference. You can make all the difference. For me, a single guy, that’s not a problem. After seeing this movie I have no problem paying even twice as much for organic food, although it’s normally not that much. I understand that families can’t always make the choice, and it’s okay, the rest of us will help bring the prices down. The movie even shows how Walmart no longer carries anything but organic milk because people want that, and you know how Walmart is with prices.

Buy or watch the movie on demand at Amazon: Food, Inc.

Today I watched The Hurt Locker and I really liked it. It was really and interesting take on a war movie. It was both intense and gentle at the same time. You come away from the movie a better person than when you went in.

Watch it on demand at Amazon: The Hurt Locker

American on Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot is the first biography I have read in a long time. It’s a good one because Craig Ferguson’s life has actually been interesting. I think he’s a true born alcoholic and in certain ways I could really relate to his story.

One thing I noticed is that the book seems to be written either by Craig himself or a really good ghostwriter. The book feels like it was written by someone who isn’t an author, although it’s not at all bad, just refreshingly real. I would imagine that since Craig has done so much writing they didn’t have to have too much oversight on the book.

American on Purpose stays interesting most of the way through. For some reason stories about people’s alcoholism experiences are always interesting and kind of amazing. He really makes it clear how much of an alcoholic’s life is lost to them, both through actual memory loss and through focusing on alcohol.

The book starts to lose steam in the end. Of course, you’re happy for Craig that he stopped drinking and found success, but it’s not interesting in itself. Also he seems to be sucking up to David Letterman and almost begging to take over for him when he decides to retire. Craig has definitely entered the bubble of Hollywood, but really, by the time you’ve read through the book you realize it’s okay that he’s happy and successful now. Even though he may have lost some perspective, he’s earned his way to a point where he should be allowed to do so.

The thing about alcoholics’ stories is that they apply to non-alcoholics too. Drinking so much that you throw up or wet the bed or can’t remember things is not fun even once. When done in repetition it literally gets to the point where you need to stop drinking or stop living. You realize you’ve already stopped living pretty much anyway.

It’s a good book and I think it would keep any reader interested.

Buy at Amazon: American on Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot

Here’s the back story behind my discovery of Seventh Generation Chlorine Free Bleach.

Back Story

We recently moved to a new place with a really great washer and dryer. But the problem was, the old tenants must have washed something really dirty in the washer and my whites were coming out less than sparkling. I had never been a big user of bleach, but I needed it now. So I went to Costco and bought two big bottles of bleach. It worked wonders, it brightened the clothes and cleaned the washer itself, but the problem was I really didn’t feel good about it. First, it’s so toxic I didn’t want to get a drop on my skin and I noticed even after transferring the wash into the dryer my hands would get a little dry. Second, and more importantly, I have a dog, and I didn’t want even a drop of the bleach to get on the floor just in case he would lick it or step in it. I became a little paranoid about using the bleach because the risk was just so high.

I have been a fan of Seventh Generation products for a long time and have already been using their laundry detergent, fabric softener, and dishwashing liquid, and dishwasher pacs for a few years. One day it just occurred to me, “I wonder if Seventh Generation makes a ’safe’ bleach?”. Well, it turns out they do!

The Results

Well this bleach is awesome, it get my brights bright enough, so that’s not an issue, but more importantly, it puts my mind at ease. Guess what it says on the bottle? “Non toxic” Yes, can you believe it? This is bleach we’re talking about. You can actually get it on your skin and not have to even worry about it. It’s basically hydrogen peroxide, which as they say degrades into oxygen and water.

Guess what else the label says? If you accidentally drink some, drink a glass of water. That’s it. No poison control or anything like that.

Having said that, I won’t be purposely pouring it on the floor or my skin, but if I drip a drop of it on the floor and don’t see it, I don’t have to worry about my dog dying. This is the most important thing to me. I highly recommend this product.

Buy at Amazon: Seventh Generation Chlorine Free Bleach

I’m a huge fan of elaborate table ware. I’ve been looking at Christmas plates for a while now and finally settled on the Spode Christmas Tree line of plates. I also chose the Garland alternate design, because it’s more elaborate. I bought the plates today, the day after Christmas, so I could get a good price. At the end, I was trying to decide between these plates and some higher end plates with a more subtle Christmas pattern. In the end both my friend and I decided these ones were more fun and evoked the spirit of Christmas better.

I bought two of the twelve piece sets which gives me service for eight. While in most cases, the last thing I want is mugs, because I never use them, the Christmas mugs included in this set were quite good looking. And I figured that Christmas being the time for hot chocolate, Christmas mugs have the potential to be a bit more useful.

The regular pattern of the Christmas Tree series is nice too. It really just depends on how much detail you want. If you want calmer plates, get the original series.

I’m really happy with them. They look and feel very good, and they look better in person as well. The plates are actually a perfect off white color that matches the warmth of the holidays.

Buy at Amazon: Spode “Christmas Tree Garland” 12-Piece Dinnerware Set

Naomi Klein was a guest on The Rachel Maddow Show talking about her book, The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism , and how it relates the our current economic situation and the bailout.

For a bit of background, her book is about how corporate interests take advantage of crisis situations to get people to do things the otherwise wouldn’t do. For instance, after a tsunami what was once a fishing village should now become a private beach for a resort to help get us through this crisis! Oh yeah, maybe the owners of the resort are helped a little more than others, but never you mind.

Naomi notes that the bailout is the largest transfer of pulic wealth to private companies ever. She says, it does appear to be working somewhat, but the problems on Wall Street are not being solved. Basically, to follow the theme of her book, the rich are being bailed out first and foremost.

Naomi is sending a bit of a mixed message because she’s amazed at the size of the bailout and saying that we citizens are going to feel ripped off. But she also says the bailout needs to be three time as large and the money needs to be spent on more stimulative items. I can kind of see a the overlap there, but still, I think she needs to hone her point.

She also suggests in some ways that this is bad because this type of situation has led to banks being nationalized in the past. But then she says the banks need to be aligned with the needs of the people more. Wait, it’s bad for banks to not be capitalistic, but they should be more concerned with the needs of the people than profit? Which is it?

She’s a great example of a person who throws out a lot of buzz words but really isn’t able to communicate any sort of a clear message.

Amazon: The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism

Amazon today released the new Kindle DX with a 9.7 inch screen. I have to say, I wasn’t that into the Kindle at first, but this looks really nice. I may have to try it out.

For the longest time I have been waiting for Star Trek style pad devices. They are really happening now. I was reading Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban last night in bed and it sure would have been easier to read on a Kindle than with the actual book.

Amazon: Kindle DX

General Mills Count Chocula Breakfast Cereal is available online. This was my favorite. I wanted them all, but I think I usually ended up chosing this one. I remember going to a market that we sometimes went to when I was a kid. It was a local market, and we don’t really have them like this anymore with the big chains. I think we would go there because they had really good meat or something. But I remember a time where I was allowed to choose one box of cereal, and I couldn’t decide. I chose Count Chocula, then I’d run back and grab Frankenberry instead, then Booberry. I don’t remember which one I finally ended up choosing.

I wouldn’t be surprised if this scenario actually happened a number of times. But I remember that time at that specific market.

There’s something about this cereal that brings back wonderful memories of the innocence of childhood. But even at the time, there was something special about these cereals. The idea of mixing and very mildly spooky concept with a sugar cereal was so attractive to me.

Amazon: Count Chocula Breakfast Cereal

General Mills Frankenberry Breakfast Cereal is available online if you’re having a hard time finding in your area. I always had a hard time deciding between this and Count Chocula.

Amazon: Frankenberry Breakfast Cereal