Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT Review
The Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT Micom 3-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer is a great product for those who like perfectly-cooked rice. While the name might be a mouthful to say, it’s nothing compared to the mouthful of rice you'll be enjoying once you start using this rice cooker.
There are many wonderful features that this neat little appliance offers and in this review, I'll go over several of the best things about it. I’ll also talk about some additional pointers you should take note of before purchasing.
MICOM Technology And How Does It Work
The microchip in this rice cooker automatically calculates and adjusts cooking times and temperatures for different types of rice: everything from the pre-soaking of grains to the steaming of rice is taken care of for you.
The thermal sensor at the bottom of the inner pan is activated according to the cooking option you select, and its “fuzzy logic” sensors ensure that rice will cook perfectly. And because the rice cooker’s heating system provides even heating, rice at the bottom of the pan will not burn because everything cooks at the same pace. (The black and thick inner cooking pan regulates this heat, and it is easily removed for washing.)
The product is also cETLus listed, and this means it complies with safety standards in both the USA and Canada.
Types of Rice That Can Be Cooked
The types of rice that this appliance can cook include white rice, brown rice, sweet rice, mixed rice, sushi, and porridge. With just a press of a button, you get to cook a wide variety of rice, and for those days when you barely have enough time to cook, there’s a "Quick Cooking" option to help you out.
How to Use This Rice Cooker
Using this appliance really takes the guesswork out of cooking rice… The measuring lines on the inner pan provide precise indications on how much rice to pour in, and how much water to use. If you've been cooking rice for some time, you’ll know that different types of rice require different amounts of water to cook. The Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT rice cooker will help you produce soft and fragrant rice on a consistent basis.
To make your cooking life easier, the rice cooker has an easy-to-read LCD control panel, an automatic keep warm function, and an extended keep warm and reheating cycle. There’s also a delay timer (with two settings) that cooks your rice when you’re not around to press the “Start” button. This is perfect for people who need to head out of the house in the morning (i.e. to go to work), but still want to come home in the evening to rice that’s warm and not burnt.
Sleek Design and Music to The Ears
The Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT rice cooker comes programed with interchangeable melodies and beep signals to indicate when the cooking cycle has ended (see video below to hear two of the rice cooker’s melodies.)
Cooking Capacity and Storage
The 3-cup capacity is ideal for singles, couples, and small families. According to the manufacturer, the Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT rice cooker’s maximum capacity is three 6-ounce cups of raw, short-grain white rice. This means that 18oz of raw, short-grain white rice (when cooked) will yield between 36oz and 54oz of cooked rice.
The appliance comes with a built-in retractable power cord so there’s no mess when you’re done cooking and want to store the appliance away.
Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT Rice Cooker Accessories
The rice cooker comes with a measuring cup, nonstick rice spatula, spatula holder, a spherical inner cooking pan which provides even heating, and a detachable inner lid for easy cleaning.
Dimensions
The 120 volts / 450-watt rice cooker and warmer measures 11.8 x 9.1 x 7.5 inches, and weighs 7 pounds.
Pros
- MICOM technology and fuzzy logic – cooking time and temperatures are adjusted automatically
- Cooks a wide variety of rice – sushi, porridge, mixed rice, brown rice, etc.
- cETLus listed – complies with safety standards in both USA and Canada
- Regulated inner heating system ensures rice doesn’t burn
Cons
Do take note that the measuring cup that comes with all Zojirushi rice cookers are slightly smaller than normal rice cups found in the USA. The measuring cup that comes with this rice cooker follows Japanese standards – but no worries as precise measuring lines are already provided in the inner pan.
Ratings
Customer Reviews: Click Here
With a slew of positive ratings across various independent sites, cooking forums, and eCommerce sites, you'll surely have to admit that this rice cooker is indeed a popular appliance. At last count, there were more consumers heaping praises on the Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT rice cooker than complaining about it, and I think this rice cooker has stood the test of time with a lot of happy buyers.
Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT Rice Cooker Price
Current Price: Click Here
There are two different colors available for this model -- and they come with different prices. While the black Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT looks really sleek, you'll be able to save some money if you choose to purchase the stainless steel color instead. I'd have to say that the stainless steel one doesn’t look as sleek as the black one, but all-in-all, it still offers the exact same functions. It's your call on whether you want to shell out a few extra dollars for a different color.
There is also a special bundle available on Amazon that includes the Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT rice cooker and warmer, a cookbook with 250 rice recipes, silk-wrapped chopsticks, two oil and vinegar bottles, and a bamboo spatula spoon.
Summary
The Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT Micom 3-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer is a smart little rice cooker that will allow you to produce perfect rice each time you use it with minimal fuss. I think for the price you’re paying, you’re really getting your money’s worth because this is a product that's built-to-last and makes cooking rice extremely easy.
Click here for a closer look.