Zojirushi NW-QAC18 10-Cup Capacity Flat-Top Induction Cooker and Warmer with Custom Cooking Pan, Double Nonstick Coating for Easy Clean-Up (Black)

With the NW-QAC18 Induction Rice Cooker, Zojirushi continues the tradition of making the best rice cooker on the market! I have used Zojirushi rice cookers for the past twenty years and have purchased several for myself, family and friends (see photo below of sample models).Every kernel of rice is perfectly moist and tender. It may take longer to cook than other models, but the results are far superior. This version is a 10 cup cooker and cooks as little as one cup with the same perfect outcome.Pros:1) Easy to use controls.2) Intuitive programming.3) Quality build overall. This housing is new and some type of polycarbonate. My previous cookers came in stainless steel and hard plastic. We will have to report at a future date if this is an improvement.4) Able to use as a steamer. This is a new option and will need more experimenting. It may be easier and faster to use a steam basket on the stove.5) Less parts to clean. There is now a built-in vent and comes with a self-clean setting. I used this setting to remove some of the odors of manufacturing.6) The rice pot has a nonstick coating as before. We will have to see if the “double nonstick coating” performs better and lasts longer than previous models.Cons:1) There is a detachable cord. I would have preferred a retractable cord. Zojirushi Customer Service responded that an FCC safety requirement does not currently allow for a retractable cord on their IH (induction) or Pressure IH units.2) This unit is louder than previous models. Not a major factor but surprised by the slight increase in noise.3) There is a small backup battery that keeps the time and timer settings if unplugged. Older models continued to show the time when unplugged, but that is changed on this newer model. Zojirushi said that this should increase the battery life because a terminal is soldered in place and can only be changed by a factory service representative. If the battery fails, the rice cooker will still perform normally when plugged in.4) It is expensive. However, the longevity of the units justify the cost. My older units and the ones my family use are still going strong after 10+years!Here are some tips on using your rice cooker:• Wash your rice in a separate bowl to prolong the life of the nonstick rice bowl. Your unit will last much longer and will prevent the lining from scratching.• Use the measuring cup that comes with the rice cooker. This is smaller than a US measuring cup (approx. 7/8 cup) and will provide you with better cooked rice.• Keep your unit unplugged to prolong the life of your backup battery. This is not a major issue but may give you a couple more years before you have to replace a dead battery.• You can use the Warm setting to keep foods warm for family gatherings. We often use the rice cookers to keep mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy or vegetables warm so that everything is ready at the same time.Updated 8/10/24The Zojirushi still makes the best rice. After one year of regular use, here are my observations:1) The plastic housing is easy to clean, but scratches easily. This does not impact the performance of the rice cooker. However, it is disappointing aesthetically. Previously owned models were stainless steel (easily dented) and hard white plastic (this housing held up the best over time).2) The nonstick pan is improved from previous models. It feels thicker and performs well. Older models were more prone to scratching and losing some of the nonstick surface.3) The steamer basket is meh. It is just as easy to use a steam insert with a small pot and lid.4) Still recommend that Zojirushi incorporate a retractable power cord. For a premium product at a premium price, it should be included to make it simpler to use.Overall, I would still highly recommend this rice cooker. Zojirushi has proven that it makes great rice. My comments are hoping that they make the minor changes mentioned above to make it even better!

This is amazing and worth the price. It has changed my life. It's consistent on rice cooking and oatmeal, easy to clean, easy to use, and reliable. Great quality since it's made in Japan.

We recently got the Zojirushi NW-QAC18, an induction heating rice cooker, and it has been a game changer in our kitchen. The way this machine cooks rice is simply unparalleled — each batch comes out perfectly fluffy, offering a taste that we haven’t found with any other rice cooker.One of the standout features is the keep-warm function, which normally lasts for 12 hours until the post-cook timer on the LCD indicates that the rice's quality may start to degrade. However, the rice still tastes excellent even after 24 hours. Incredibly, even with the extended keep-warm setting active for up to 24 hours, the rice maintains its superb flavour for two whole days!While it does make some noise during the cooking process, due to air being sucked in from the back and exhausted at the front, this is a small trade-off for such exceptional performance. When we open the rice cooker after two days, the rice is not dry, and there’s no water dripping from the lid, thanks to its effective venting system that channels away moisture during cooking.Additionally, the NW-QAC18 includes a self-cleaning feature, which is a huge plus for maintaining the unit. It keeps the rice cooker clean and fresh with minimal effort on our part.As with other Zojirushi appliances, the NW-QAC18 is a testament to the brand's commitment to reliability and durability. If you’re in the market for a rice cooker that delivers consistently excellent results and keeps rice tasting great for days, the Zojirushi NW-QAC18 is highly recommended. It’s more than just a rice cooker; it’s a staple for any serious kitchen.

This is the best rice cooker company on the market. If you have a medium to large family 3+ I would buy the 5 cup rice cooker, but if its just you and your wife buy the three cup. It makes making dinner so much easier and it keeps the rice ready to eat for like two days. I'm asian, so I've always had this company growing up and when my mom upgraded to this rice cooker she gave the old one to my brother and he still uses it till this day, so its like 15 years old and working strong. And now I also have one too.

So far we have made white and brown basmati rice with the best taste and texture I have ever had in rice. Very pleased with this rice cooker! Living in Denver ,Colorado so altitude with this machine is no problem

The Zojirushi Induction Rice Cooker and Warmer with its 5.5 Cup Capacity has completely revolutionized my rice cooking experience. This appliance offers exceptional efficiency and reliability, consistently delivering perfectly cooked rice with minimal effort. The induction heating technology ensures even cooking and precise temperature control, resulting in fluffy and flavorful rice every time. The 5.5 cup capacity is ideal for small to medium-sized families, providing just the right amount of rice for meals without any waste. Additionally, the keep-warm function keeps rice at the optimal serving temperature for extended periods, making it convenient for busy households. The sleek and modern design adds a touch of elegance to my kitchen countertop, while the intuitive controls make operation a breeze. Overall, I highly recommend the Zojirushi Induction Rice Cooker and Warmer to anyone in search of a high-quality and reliable rice cooking solution.

It works great with medium grain calrose rice. I have kept rice on warm for 3 days and it still tastes fine. It doesn't dry out into hardened rice or turn really yellow like other rice cookers will do. Of course it tastes better when first made, but it's still pretty good after a few days if you don't get around to storing it in the fridge. It's easy to use and you don't have to reset the time for "keep warm".