5 Best Zojirushi Rice Cookers with a 3-Cup Capacity 2023

If you’re looking for a compact and efficient rice cooker that can prepare small servings, Zojirushi is a brand worth considering.

Zojirushi rice cookers are known for their advanced features, reliable performance, and user-friendly design.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the five best Zojirushi rice cookers with a 3-cup capacity, so you can make an informed decision when buying one.

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Product Comparison Table:

Model	Features	Pros	Cons
Zojirushi NP-GBC05XT Rice Cooker	Induction heating system, 7 menu settings, nonstick inner pot, keep warm function, LCD display, compact design	Precise and fast, advanced and premium, easy to use and clean, elegant, one-year warranty	Expensive
Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Rice Cooker	Fuzzy logic technology, 9 menu settings, nonstick inner pot, keep warm function, LCD display, compact design	Versatile and smart, easy to use and clean, sleek, durable, reliable, one-year warranty included	Longer cooking time than older models, bowl has no plastic handles
Zojirushi NL-BAC05SB Rice Cooker	Fuzzy logic technology, 8 menu settings, triple heater with the extra-large heating element, removable steam vent cap, automatic keep-warm function, LCD control panel	Affordable, fine-tunes cooking temperature and time, versatile, easy to use and clean, delightful beep signal, one-year warranty included	The Long Cook Times for Brown Rice.
Zojirushi NS-LHC05 Rice Cooker	Fuzzy logic technology, 9 menu settings, nonstick inner pot, keep warm function, LCD display, compact design	Versatile and smart, easy to use and clean, sleek, durable, and reliable.	The Inner Pot of the Rice Cooker May Develop Peeling Over Time.
Zojirushi NHS-06 Rice Cooker	The simple one-switch operation, glass lid, stay-cool handles, nonstick inner pot, compact design	Affordable, easy to use and clean, durable, reliable, compact design, ideal for small servings	No keep-warm function, no timer, or other advanced features

The 5 Best Zojirushi Rice Cookers with a 3-cup Capacity

Now that you know what to look for in a Zojirushi rice cooker, let’s review the 5 best models with a 3-cup capacity.

1. Zojirushi NP-GBC05XT Induction Heating System Rice Cooker

This is one of the most advanced and premium Zojirushi rice cookers with a 3-cup capacity. It has an induction heating (IH) system that uses magnetic fields to heat the entire inner pot evenly. It allows for precise temperature control and faster cooking.

It has 7 menu settings that let you cook different types of rice and grains, such as white rice, brown rice, sushi rice, GABA brown rice, etc. It also has a keep warm function that keeps your rice warm and fresh for up to 12 hours after cooking. It also has an extended keep warm function that keeps your rice at a lower temperature for longer periods.

It has a nonstick inner pot that is easy to clean and preserves the flavor and quality of your rice. It has a detachable lid that prevents steam and condensation from dripping onto your countertop or table.

It comes with accessories such as a measuring cup, a rice spatula, and a spatula holder. It has an LCD display that shows you the current status and settings of your rice cooker. It also has a beep signal when your rice is done.

It has a compact and elegant design that saves space on your countertop and storage. It has a dark brown and stainless steel color scheme that matches your kitchen decor. It has a retractable cord that prevents tangling and clutter.

2. Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker

If you are looking for a versatile and smart rice cooker that can cook different types of rice and grains with ease, you may want to check out the Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker.

This rice cooker has a 3-cup capacity, which is ideal for small families or individuals who don’t need to cook large batches of rice at once. It also has a compact and sleek design that saves space on your countertop and storage.

This Rice Cooker uses advanced fuzzy logic technology that adjusts the cooking time and temperature according to the type and amount of rice you are cooking. It ensures that your rice comes out fluffy and delicious every time.

It has 9 menu settings that let you cook different types of rice and grains, such as white rice, brown rice, sushi rice, quinoa, oatmeal, etc. It also has a keep warm function that keeps your rice warm and fresh for up to 12 hours after cooking.

It has a nonstick inner pot that is easy to clean and preserves the flavor and quality of your rice. It has a detachable lid that prevents steam and condensation from dripping onto your countertop or table. It has an easy-to-read LCD display that shows you the current status and settings of your rice cooker. It also has a beep signal when your rice is done.

It’s worth noting that the Zojirushi Rice Cooker with a 3-cup capacity also comes with a one-year warranty, providing peace of mind and protection against any defects or issues that may arise during the first year of use.

3. Zojirushi NL-BAC05SB Micom Rice Cooker

The Zojirushi NL-BAC05SB Rice Cooker is a top contender for those who desire advanced features at an affordable price. Employing advanced fuzzy logic technology, this rice cooker fine-tunes cooking temperature and time to the type and quantity of rice being cooked, resulting in consistently fluffy and delectable rice.

With eight menu settings, including white rice, brown rice, sushi rice, long-grain white rice, quinoa, and a cake setting, you can cook a variety of grains and even bake cakes with ease. A steel-cut oatmeal setting ensures that your oatmeal doesn’t boil over, while a quick-cooking option allows you to prepare rice in a jiffy.

The Zojirushi Rice Cooker features a triple heater with an extra-large heating element that warms rice from the top, bottom, and sides. The removable steam vent cap makes high-temperature cooking a breeze, while the automatic keep-warm function keeps rice fresh and warm for up to 12 hours after cooking. 

The LCD control panel is simple to use and displays the rice cooker’s status and settings. The beep signal and interchangeable melody that play when the rice is ready are delightful additions to this high-quality appliance.

With all these features, the Zojirushi NL-BAC05SB Rice Cooker is a fantastic addition to any kitchen.

4. Zojirushi NS-LHC05 Micom Rice Cooker

If you’re looking for a rice cooker that is perfect for small households, the Zojirushi NS-LHC05 Micom Rice Cooker is an excellent choice. This rice cooker has a 3-cup capacity, making it ideal for cooking rice for up to three people.

One of the unique features of this rice cooker is its micro computerized fuzzy logic technology, which allows the cooker to make adjustments based on the temperature and cooking time. This ensures that the rice is cooked perfectly every time, with no undercooked or overcooked grains.

The NS-LHC05 Micom Rice Cooker has a range of menu settings to choose from, including white/sushi, mixed, porridge, sweet, brown, and quick cooking. The triple heater, located at the bottom, side, and lid, generates heat evenly throughout the cooking process, making sure the rice is cooked perfectly.

Another great feature is the detachable and washable inner lid, which makes cleaning the rice cooker a breeze. The retractable cord makes it easy to store when not in use, and the interchangeable melody and beep signals are a nice touch.

The rice cooker also has automatic keep warm and reheating cycles, which keep the rice warm and fresh for hours after it’s done cooking.

5. Zojirushi NHS-06 3-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker

This is one of the most simple and traditional Zojirushi rice cookers with a 3-cup capacity. It has a conventional heating system that uses a heating plate at the bottom of the pot to cook the rice.

It has one menu setting that lets you cook white rice only. It does not have a keep warm function or any other functions. It has a single switch that turns on and off the rice cooker.

It has a nonstick inner pot that is easy to clean and preserves the flavor and quality of your rice. It has a glass lid that lets you see the progress of your rice cooking. It has an easy-to-clean exterior that resists stains and fingerprints.

It comes with accessories such as a measuring cup and a rice spatula. It does not have an LCD display or a beep signal. It has an indicator light that shows you when the rice is cooking.

It has a compact and classic design that saves space on your countertop and storage. It has a silver color scheme that matches your kitchen decor. It does not have a retractable cord.

It has a durable and reliable performance that lasts for years. It has a one-year warranty from Zojirushi.

How to Choose the Best Zojirushi Rice Cooker for Your Needs

There are three main factors to consider when choosing a Zojirushi rice cooker:

Size and Capacity

The size and capacity of a rice cooker are measured by the number of cups of uncooked rice it can hold. For example, a 3-cup rice cooker can cook up to 3 cups of uncooked rice, which yields about 6 cups of cooked rice.

The size and capacity of a rice cooker depend on how much rice you usually cook and how many people you serve. If you only cook for yourself or a couple of people, a 3-cup rice cooker may be enough. But if you have a larger family or often host guests, you may want to opt for a bigger size.

Another thing to consider is the space you have on your countertop and in your cabinet. A smaller rice cooker will take up less room and be easier to store. A larger rice cooker may require more space and be heavier to move around.

Zojirushi offers a range of sizes and capacities for their rice cookers, from 1 cup to 10 cups. In this article, we will focus on the 3-cup models, which are ideal for small households or individuals.

Features and Functions

Zojirushi rice cookers are known for their advanced features and functions that make cooking rice easier and more convenient. Some of the features and functions you may want to look for in a Zojirushi rice cooker are:

• Fuzzy logic: This is a technology that allows the rice cooker to adjust the cooking time and temperature according to the type and amount of rice, the water level, and the ambient conditions. This ensures that the rice is cooked perfectly every time, regardless of human error or external factors.
• Induction heating: This is a technology that uses magnetic fields to generate heat directly in the inner pot, rather than through a heating element. This results in faster and more even cooking, as well as better heat retention and energy efficiency.
• Keep warm: This is a function that keeps the rice warm and fresh for up to 12 hours after cooking, without drying out or burning. This is useful if you want to prepare the rice ahead of time or serve it later.
• Delay timer: This is a function that allows you to set the rice cooker to start cooking at a later time, up to 24 hours in advance. This is convenient if you want to have the rice ready when you come home from work or wake up in the morning.
• Menu settings: These are preset options that let you choose the type and texture of rice you want to cook, such as white, brown, sushi, porridge, etc. Some Zojirushi rice cookers also have menu settings for other grains or foods, such as quinoa, oatmeal, cake, etc.

Not all Zojirushi rice cookers have all these features and functions. Some models may have more or less options than others. Depending on your needs and preferences, you may want to choose a model that has the features and functions that suit you best.

Design and Durability

Zojirushi rice cookers are not only functional but also stylish and durable. They have sleek and modern designs that fit any kitchen decor. They also have sturdy and high-quality materials that ensure long-lasting performance.

Some of the design and durability aspects to consider in a Zojirushi rice cooker are:

• Nonstick inner pot: This is a coating that prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom or sides of the pot, making it easier to scoop out and clean. Most Zojirushi rice cookers have nonstick inner pots made of aluminum or stainless steel.
• Detachable lid: This is a feature that allows you to remove the lid from the body of the rice cooker, making it easier to wash and dry. Some Zojirushi rice cookers have detachable lids that are also washable in the dishwasher.
• Easy-to-clean exterior: This is a surface that resists stains and fingerprints, making it easier to wipe down with a damp cloth. Some Zojirushi rice cookers have easy-to-clean exteriors made of plastic or stainless steel.
• Accessories: These are items that come with the rice cooker, such as a measuring cup, spatula, spatula holder, steaming basket, etc. These accessories help you measure, cook, serve, and store your rice more conveniently.

Zojirushi rice cookers are designed to last for years with proper care and maintenance. They also come with warranties that cover any defects or malfunctions within a certain period of time.

Conclusion:

After reviewing the five best Zojirushi rice cookers with a 3-cup capacity, it is clear that Zojirushi is a reliable and reputable brand that offers advanced features, reliable performance, and user-friendly designs.

Although these rice cookers may seem expensive, their features justify the cost, making them an excellent investment for anyone who loves rice and wants to prepare it efficiently and conveniently.

We reviewed the five best Zojirushi rice cookers with a 3-cup capacity and found that the Zojirushi NP-GBC05XT Rice Cooker is the most advanced and premium choice, while the Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Rice Cooker is a versatile and smart.

The Zojirushi NL-BAC05SB Micom Rice Cooker is a great choice for those who desire advanced features at an affordable price. All models come with a one-year warranty, are easy to use and clean, and have a compact and sleek design.