Precision Meets Performance: Transform Your Kitchen with the Zojirushi Commercial Rice Cooker

Large rice cooker in stainless with black trimmings

Preparing the perfect bowl of rice can require time, care, and precision, which can be a challenge for those working in busy restaurant kitchens.

Enter the Zojirushi Commercial Rice Cooker NYC-36, a culinary marvel that makes the process easy at the flip of a switch. Designed for maximum performance and durability, it is the rice cooker of choice for cooks and chefs working in kitchens today.

A trusted tool of culinary experts.

Large stainless rice cooker in a kitchen and someone is opening the lid

A 20-cup powerhouse designed to flawlessly cook and keep your rice warm until ready to serve, Zojirushi’s Commercial Rice Cooker and Warmer elevates culinary creations to improve diner satisfaction.

The “keep warm” feature maintains your rice at the perfect serving temperature, ensuring your guests have a delightful experience with every bite. This feature complements a variety of menu items and global cuisines.

Close up of the bottom front of the rice cooker with a black panel with a switch that has keep warm and cook setting with a small light bulb on the side of each setting

This commercial electric rice cooker stands the test of even the most bustling of kitchens. Crafted with a durable stainless-steel exterior, the Zojirushi Commercial Rice Cooker promises longevity and resilience. The nonstick inner cooking pan adds a touch of convenience. Engraved with a rice water measure lines, both works together to make cooking and cleaning a breeze.

Large stainless rice cooker with the lid open and a person in the background lifting out the cooking pan

Ease and versatility at your fingertips

The Zojirushi Commercial Rice Cooker & Warmer is more than an appliance; it’s a culinary ally. From crafting perfect sushi rice to preparing flavorful rice bowls, this industrial rice cooker effortlessly adapts to any demand. With it being able to prepare 40 servings at a time, it is a must-have for your restaurant or catering business.

Whether you’re running a busy restaurant or catering an event, this commercial rice cooker is the most reliable choice for any kitchen or service setting where rice is the star of the dish.

When preparing your rice in this restaurant rice cooker, you will experience ease like never before as the side condensation collector manages excess moisture efficiently.

The detachable and washable inner lid further ensure that the highest standards of cleanliness are never compromised. Furthermore, the inclusion of an extra-large rice spatula adds even more convenience to your kitchen routine.

Zojirushi’s signature quality and safety standard

Proudly bearing the ETLus and NSF certifications, the Commercial Rice Cooker ensures your commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards in keeping with Zojirushi’s long standing dedication to quality.

Raised view of the rice cooker with a person removing the transparent dew collector on the right side Explore more on YouTube and social media

Want to see it up close? Visit Zojirushi’s YouTube channel for a detailed look at the Commercial Rice Cooker & Warmer and discover more about Zojirushi’s range of commercial products.

And, if you are already using a Zojirushi commercial electric rice cooker in your restaurant or business, share your experience with us on Instagram and Facebook using #Zojirushi or #ZoFan to join our worldwide Zo family!

Do the Spring Thing

Irish coffee with clover design

Is everyone ready for Daylight Savings Time? Don’t forget it’s “spring foward” on March 10th. Even though some people say to ease into the time change by sleeping earlier by 15 minutes a day because you’re going to lose an hour, I say do it cold turkey and deal with it, ha-ha! There are only two states that do not follow DST—Arizona and Hawaii, and they both have their reasons. Arizona because it’s a desert state and nobody wants more scorching sunlight than they already have throughout the year. The exception is the Navajo Nation part of Arizona which extends into New Mexico and Utah; they wanted to be able to be on the same time schedule as the rest of their reservation, so they follow DST. Hawaii on the other hand, is so close to the equator that the amount of sunlight doesn’t vary that much throughout the year anyway. Interesting, huh?

St. Patrick’s Day is coming too, so I wanted to take a shot at brewing an Irish Coffee using my new coffee maker. Since I didn’t have any bourbon or whiskey lying around I used rum and it came out pretty good—I didn’t really put in that much anyway.

Irish coffee next to coffee maker

There are multiple recipes online so take your pick. The four leaf clover is fairly easy—it’s just a stencil that you can cut out and mount to a skewer. Almost lay it right on top of the whipped cream and sprinkle cocoa power on top. Very carefully remove your clover stencil to leave the design intact. Try not to put the whipped cream on while the coffee is too hot; it’ll melt real quick. If you make homemade whipped cream, be sure to whip it till it gets pretty thick. You can use Cool Whip from the store too, that’ll work just as good.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Irish coffee glasses in a toast

At our house one of our favorite soups is Matzo Ball Soup. The chicken broth is so homey good and I really like how the matzo meal soaks up the soup and gets all the flavor. It’s a fun kind of soup to eat I think, and perfect for Spring weather when it can still get chilly sometimes.

Matzo ball soup in food jar

I still had my food jars out from last month so I decided to fill them up to see what it looked like. The matzo balls look so good popping up, don’t they? Try it and bring some to work for lunch next time.

Matzo ball soup in food jar

For those who are interested, this is a traditional Jewish soup that is often served during the holiday of Passover, which commemorates the Biblical story of the Israelite’s escape from slavery in Egypt. During this major Jewish holiday that lasts a week, leavened foods like pasta, bread or cookies are abstained and matzo meal is substituted as kosher. Fun fact: did you know the famous hot dog eating champion Joey Chestnut once ate 78 matzo balls, each weighing 3.5 ounces (99 grams) in a span of 8 minutes, for charity? Wow! And yeah, he holds the world record.

The last time I tried a steamed fish dish was when I reviewed my Zojirushi NL-GAC 10/18 Rice Cooker and used the steamer basket to make a Chinese style black cod. It was such a success that I took another crack at it, this time using fresh salmon. Fish is always a good Spring food because it’s so light tasting.

foil salmon ingredients uncooked

If you want to try this, here’s a valuable lesson I learned about Zojirushi rice cookers. When I did the black cod I cooked 2 cups of rice and was able to steam the rice and the fish at the same time, all in the rice cooker. Fantastic all-in-one convenience right? The total cooking time was 30 minutes, which was perfect for the fish. For the salmon I made a mistake and cooked 3 cups of rice, which immediately set the cooking time to 49 minutes. Duh! The cooker is smart enough to recognize it needs the extra time to cook 3 cups vs. 2 cups. I wasn’t smart enough to realize that until I switched it on! That was too long; I didn’t want a tough piece of salmon.

No big deal—I still wanted 3 cups of rice so I made it separately and still used the steamer function to do the fish. 30 minutes and it came out perfect.

foil salmon all cooked

Steaming in foil is a great way to prepare fish and it’s easy as heck. Think about it—you’ve already got the rice cooker out anyway. Less things to wash.

foil salmon with rice cooker, two bowls of rice with peasLooks like Spring? If you want to try more foil packet recipes here’s a Mushroom and Tofu one from Zojirushi for you.

Hey, before i go, just in case you missed my Shamrock Bread from last year, check it out! It’s easy and fun and you can pair it with the Irish Coffee.

green shamrock embedded in slice of white bread

Products used in this post: Umami® Micom Rice Cooker NL-GAC10/18, Dome Brew Programmable Coffee Maker EC-ESC120, Stainless Steel Food Jars SW-KA40 and SW-KA52H

Please note that these recipes were not tested by Zojirushi America.

All images by Bert Tanimoto ©2024

From Then to Now: Celebrating Zojirushi’s Innovative Carafe Designs

Take a stroll down memory lane with us today, all the way back to where Zojirushi’s innovation in thermal carafes began. Thermal carafes—or “Pots” as they are affectionately known in Japan— weren’t just vessels for pouring drinks; they were statements of ingenuity and style that have left a lasting impression. Let’s peek into how these carafes have shaped our warm sips and cool refreshments through the years.

Three vintage carafes lined up in red, green, and white with a package box on the right.

The Clock Pot: Timing Your Brew to Perfection – 1983

Remember the Clock Pot? Launched in 1983, this industry-first carafe with a built-in digital clock was the talk of the town. Using integrated circuit technology (also known as the microchip), we saw the rise of digital clocks that were both durable and affordable and could be incorporated right into the thermal carafes. The Clock Pot had three display options in the digital clock: month/date, hour/minute, and seconds. This stylish carafe met the era’s love for digital with gusto. Available in red, green, and white, it was a chic addition to any space. This kind of clever thinking continues to inspire Zojirushi’s designs today—blending practicality with a touch of fun.

Vintage catalog page in Japanese with a large yellow carafe pouring into instant noodles
The Ramen Pot: Keeping It Hot – 1985

The Ramen Pot had unparalleled heat retention power among 1-liter carafes of its time. This allowed instant foods such as cup noodles to be enjoyed quickly and without hassle. Additionally, this carafe featured a vacuum glass liner, which provides premium heat retention to the carafe’s contents – and this technology is still utilized today in our carafes.

Back then, the ramen pot was lightweight and thus easy to carry. The body of the pot was made of resin, and it was 170g lighter than the standard 1-liter pots of the time. The stable flask-shaped form and pop coloring gave it a casual feel and a very fresh appearance.

Naturally, the heat quality, paired with its small footprint, made it convenient for use in public offices and for coffee. This pot became indispensable for students studying for entrance exams, professionals working late, and those working hard into the night.

In the pursuit of the highest heat retention, Zojirushi developed a new high-neck medium bottle with a smaller mouth and a much longer neck. It exhibited excellent heat retention that exceeded conventional 1-liter carafes in the 80s. Today, this same dedication to maintaining the temperature of your hot foods and chilling your cold drinks persists in our products.

Three carafes in red, blue, and white
The Elephant Pot: Small Pot, Big Personality – 1982

The “Elephant” Pot was a charmer in its day. Tailored for tabletop use at the time of its release, the mainstream air pot was this “elephant style” air pot with a low spout. In 1982, Zojirushi newly developed this popular 1-liter size with increased production in red, blue, and white options. Fast forward to now, and Zojirushi’s products continue to bring that personal touch to your daily routines, offering a variety of choices to fit your unique style.

Our Enduring Craftsmanship

Zojirushi’s commitment to quality has been unwavering. The robust stainless-steel carafes of yesteryears set the stage for the resilient and stylish products we create today. We’re still all about marrying durability with designs you’ll love showing off. Every Zojirushi product is a nod to our past, blending timeless innovation and current trends. Those funky carafes of the past? They’ve evolved into today’s sleek lineup, but the essence remains the same: to make your daily life a little easier and a lot more delightful.

As we reminisce about these iconic thermal carafes, we celebrate the inventive spirit that’s been part of Zojirushi’s DNA from the get-go. Whether it’s the first sip of coffee in the morning or a comforting cup of tea at night, our carafes have been there, and we’re excited to see where they’ll go next.

Got a vintage Zojirushi carafe or a story to share? We’d love to see it and hear it! Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and let’s keep making memories, one cup at a time. #ZojirushiHistory

Redefining Rice Service: The Zojirushi Thermal Rice Warmer Delivers Superior Quality

Stainless steel color warmer on a counter in a white kitchen

Maintaining consistency in food quality is paramount in the fast-paced world of commercial kitchens. Rice, a staple in many global cuisines, requires particular attention. The Zojirushi Thermal Rice Warmer RDS-400/600 is our non-electric, eco-friendly answer for occasions requiring large amounts of perfectly cooked rice. It promises quality and efficiency in rice preparation, a hallmark of the commercial rice cooker warmer experience.

Features and Benefits

The standout feature of the Zojirushi Thermal Rice Warmer is its remarkable ability to keep rice at its ideal serving temperature for up to 6 hours, all without the need for electricity. This unique attribute not only makes the rice warmer portable and adaptable for various events but also marks it as an eco-friendly choice. Its stackable design makes it an excellent option for catering and outdoor events, where space optimization and power availability are often challenging.

Person holding the rice warmer by the two handles on the side stacking a warmer on top of the other.

Moreover, the construction of the rice warmer is meticulously engineered to resist the effects of acidity. This makes it particularly suitable for holding sushi rice, an integral component of Japanese and various fusion cuisines. The resilience of the warmer ensures that rice, even when combined with vinegar-based seasonings, remains fresh and palatable for extended periods.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

Consistent with Zojirushi’s legacy of user-friendly designs, the Thermal Rice Warmer is a model of convenience. It features a reusable and replaceable dew-collecting sponge and its holder on the lid, making maintenance straightforward and ensuring hygiene. The design’s simplicity is especially beneficial in the hustle and bustle of catering environments, allowing for hassle-free operation.

ETL Sanitation Listed

Adhering to safety and sanitation standards is crucial in commercial food service. The Zojirushi Thermal Rice Warmer proudly meets these critical requirements, being ETL Sanitation listed. This certification is not just a mark of compliance but a testament to the product’s commitment to maintaining the highest food safety standards.
Lid showing the dew collector

Versatility in Use

The versatility of the Zojirushi Thermal Rice Warmer extends beyond traditional restaurant settings. Its portability and non-electric operation make it ideal for a variety of food service scenarios, including outdoor banquets, pop-up food stations, and even in settings where traditional cooking facilities are unavailable. Want to see the rice warmer in action? Watch our product video on YouTube.

Reflection on Quality and Innovation

At Zojirushi, we understand that the tools and equipment used in food preparation play a vital role in the overall dining experience. The Thermal Rice Warmer reflects our dedication to enhancing this experience through innovative solutions. Whether elevating the dining experience at a high-end sushi bar, streamlining service at a bustling buffet, or bringing convenience to outdoor culinary events, this rice warmer is designed to meet the demanding needs of professional chefs and caterers.

Thermal Rice Warmer with the lid off leaning on its side

We’d love to hear from our professional culinary community. How have our commercial rice warmers impacted your service? Share your experiences and thoughts with us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. #Zojirushi #ZoFan

Love Bites

heart shaped cookies on dish with strawberries

Chocolate chip cookies and coffee must be a match made in cookie heaven, agree? I decided to combine the best of both worlds for Valentine’s, using the Recipe of the Year from King Arthur Flour® and Zojirushi’s newest coffee maker. The King Arthur Flour company claims to have baked over 1200 cookies to perfect this chocolate chip cookie recipe, and used over 38 pounds of butter in the process.

I didn’t use that much butter, but I did use a cookie cutter and my Zojirushi Toaster Oven to bake these lovelies.cookie cutters in heart shapes

I was worried about the cookie dough spreading out into an unrecognizable blob when it baked, so I simply baked them right in the mold. All it took was greasing the sides of each cutter, then baking like any batch of cookies.

If you like your cookies on the cakey side, this recipe is for you—you can find it on their site. I like mine chewy more than cakey, so I’ve had better IMHO. But they go great with coffee, so let’s segue into my new coffee maker, shall we?Zojirushi coffee brewer

First impressions — Zojirushi didn’t mess around with the design; it’s compact as can be for a 12-cup coffee maker. Fantastic use of optimal height, width and depth in a no-nonsense, sleek, small footprint design. I was happy to see a setting for brewing small amounts of coffee, which I experimented with immediately for my first test. I used grounds that I consider to be a cut above old school 1st wave but lower than craft coffee 3rd wave. If you’re a coffee snob you’ll know what I mean, and you’re probably into a 4th wave yourself.

I brewed only 4 cups, and the coffee was delicious! I tested the Taste Tuner feature that controls the brew strength and that worked too, turning my mid-level coffee beans into a pretty rich blend. I love the sound of percolating coffee.

A few years ago I reviewed my Zojirushi Breadmaker by baking a crazy looking Rainbow Bread with it, kinda going overboard with the food coloring in the process. I decided to tone it down for this Valentine’s, but not by much — ha ha!hand rolling pink and white dough together

I just used the Homemade Course on my Breadmaker to make the dough first, then flattened it out and rolled the two colors together as tightly as I could.

The dough should look something like this when it’s rolled up.rolled dough pink and white

The Homemade Course allows you the time to do this step in between the knead and rise cycle, so when you’re done you simply put the dough back into the baking pan and start the baking cycle again. I would advise you take out the kneading blade at this point because it’s no longer kneaded (get it?). You want to minimize the hole at the bottom of your bread.

Bake according to regular White Bread instructions and the Breadmaker does the rest. Look…look into my bread…are you getting sleepy? Watch the pretty pink spirals go round and round and round. When you wake up you can eat it for breakfast; trust me, it’ll be delicious.

pink swirl bread

What do you guys have planned for Valentine’s? How about a picnic or a brisk hike in the woods; maybe you have kids who play sports like we did and you spend a lot of time following them around, sitting on cold metal bleachers while you watch them for hours. The good ‘ol days! I don’t regret them — it was fun. We didn’t have Zojirushi Food Jars back then, but I wish we did. We would have made clam chowder like here, and packed a hot soup snack.clam chowder soup in food jars

I’m not gonna lie, I was already expecting the thermal insulation to be top notch (it’s Zojirushi after all), but I didn’t expect it to blow me away like it did. We heated and packed this soup in the afternoon at around 2pm, and we had it for dinner at 6:30. It was literally too hot to eat without blowing on it to keep it from burning my tongue. Maybe it was the type of soup too—clam chowder is thick and retains heat well. We also pre-heated the food jars which also probably helped.

Are these the perfect His & Her food jars? These might be the best designed jars that Zojirushi has made yet—minimalistic yet very sleek, in muted colors for sophisticated boys and girls. Lots of features in these new food jars; a better insulated, one-piece lid that’s easier to clean, and it’s designed to relieve the pressure build-up from hot foods when you open it. I even liked the octagonal packaging. Pretty cool.blue and pink food jars shown with packaging

Well, that’s it for me this month–have a great Valentine’s everyone!

Products used in this post: Micom Toaster Oven ET-ZLC30, Home Bakery Maestro® Breadmaker BB-SSC10, Dome Brew Programmable Coffee Maker EC-ESC120, Stainless Steel Food Jars SW-KA40 and SW-KA52H

Please note that these recipes were not tested by Zojirushi America.

All images by Bert Tanimoto ©2024