Zojirushi NW-QAC10 5.5-Cup Flat-Top Induction Cooker & Warmer with Custom Non-Stick Cooking Pan - Black | Perfect for Home Cooking, Office Lunch & Buffet Serving | Easy Clean Double Coating Design

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!