Zojirushi Blog

Warm Up to Savory Soups and Grilled Meals with Zojirushi’s Multi-Functional Electric Griddles

[captio

Chanko-Nabe

Hi Zo Fans, have you met our Gourmet d’Expert® Electric Skillet line? Whether it’s a hearty soup, grilled meats, or even hot pot that you’re craving this winter, our versatile electric griddles help you cook, sauté, and steam your favorite dishes in a cinch – with delicious results every time. If you’re looking for the best electric skillet to suit your kitchen, learn more about our versatile Gourmet d’Expert® Electric Skillets in our comprehensive breakdown below. Let’s get cooking!

The Basics

There are three electric griddles that we’ll be covering in this guide today:

We’ll be going over each of these skillet’s unique features in a bit, but first, we wanted to highlight a few important cooking and safety features that all of these appliances share. With our Gourmet d’Expert® Electric Skillets, you can always expect:

  • Titanium and ceramic enhanced nonstick coated cooking surfaces. Say goodbye to burnt food or food sticking to the pan. These cooking surfaces makes cooking, and cleanup, a breeze.
  • Heat resistant body guard that protects from accidental contact with the hot surface. Safety is one of our top priorities at Zojirushi. We designed our electric griddles with heat resistant body guards that protect from accidental contact with the hot surface to ensure your safety and peace of mind
  • Detachable power cord. Disassembling your electric griddle has never been so easy. Our detachable power cords gives you the capacity to go from grill to tabletop as soon as you would like to, and also ensures a safe use of your appliance by disconnecting it from power when not in use.
  • Tempered glass. Each griddle comes with an easy-to-hold lid with a flat knob that lays the lid both flat and angled. With tempered glass, you can easily see into your skillet to monitor the cooking process.
  • Stay cool handles. Our side handles are designed to stay cool, making removal of the pan quick, easy, and safe.
  • BPA-free. All Zojirushi products are BPA-free where surfaces come into contact with food or beverage.

The Models

Now, let’s dive into each of our griddles! We’ll guide you from smallest to largest, beginning with the Gourmet d’Expert® Electric Skillet EP-PBC10.

Gourmet d’Expert® Electric Skillet EP-PBC10

This single pan, multifunctional electric skillet features a deep dish (2-¼” depth) that is great for making stews and hot pot meals right on your tabletop. You can use the 10-½” surface of this skillet to grill and sauté with variable temperature settings from Keep Warm (176°F) to 480°F. Note that the inner pot can also be removed and used right on top of your stovetop burner if you like as well. This EP-PBC10 comes in a Light Gray (-HC) color and uses a 1,300 watt heating system.

Gourmet d’Expert® Electric Skillet for Yin Yang Hot Pot EP-PFC20This electric skillet features a single base with two different cooking plates. One is a deep pan (3-⅛”) with a divider that can be used to cook up to two different hot pot soups at once, and the other is a dual surface griddle pan that is ideal for grilling meats on one side and vegetables on the other. With a diameter of 12”, this electric skillet is great for small households or larger format meals.

To turn on the grill mode, simple select “grill” and choose your temperature between Keep Warm, Med, and High. To use the cook mode for your hot pots or soups, simple select “Cook” and select your temperature between simmer to high. When you’re done enjoying your meal, you can simply remove the pans from the electric base for easy clean up. This skillet comes in a gray (-HA) color and uses a 1,300 watt heating system.

Gourmet d’Expert® Electric Skillet EP-RAC50

The EP-RAC50 Electric Skillet is a largen skillet that comes with two cooking pans, an ultra-deep dish of 8 ⅛” for soups, fondues, and sukiyaki, and a flat grilling plate for meats and vegetables. This appliance also comes with a steaming plate that can adjust to two different heights, low and high, to steam different food items.

The deep pan can be used directly on your stovetop burner, and the base of the skillet features variable temperature settings from Keep Warm (176°F) to 480°F. This appliance comes in stainless white (-XW) color and uses a 1,350-watt heating system.

What do you think of our Zojirushi Electric Products? Did you find an electric griddle or electric skillet you’d love to add to your kitchen? If you’re feeling inspired, check out our electric griddle recipes on our website. If you already have a Zojirushi Gourmet d’Expert® Electric Skillet, share your thoughts, comments, and questions with us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan

Everything You Need to Know About Zojirushi Water Boilers

When it comes to brewing great-tasting tea and coffee, every drop counts. That’s why we’ve designed our Zojirushi water boilers for maximum efficiency and convenience so that you can have the hot water you need at the touch of a button. If you’re looking for a water boiler to add to your home or office, or want to know more about our lineup, look no further! In today’s guide, we’ll go through all of our water boiler models and their functions – from Café Drip Mode to Quick Temp Modes – to help you choose the best hot water heater for you.

The Basics

First, let’s go through some basics so that you can understand how our hot water heaters are labeled and categorized:

  • There are three main categories of our water boilers: the Vacuum-Electric Hybrid (VE Hybrid), Micom, and our Commercial size water boiler. We will go through each of these models in detail below.
  • You will notice that each product will have a number at the end of it. This denotes the water boiler capacity: 30 stands for 3 liters, 40 is for 4 liters, 50 for 5 liters, and so on. If you are looking for a smaller capacity hot water dispenser, you may want to look for a product ending in “30,” if you’re looking for something large, take a look at our products ending in “50.”

The Features

Now we’d like to show you all of the features that make our water boilers uniquely Zojirushi. All of our hot water heaters will include the below, no matter the model:

  • Micom Technology: a computerized technology that keeps water at a select temperature for as long as it is plugged in.
  • Safety Auto Shut-off: A function that prevents overheating when no more water is inside or when the lid is open.
  • Descaling Mode: This important function will help you keep your water boiler sparkling clean, free of mineral accumulation. Just make sure you use it often with citric acid.
  • Unique dispense mechanism: All our hot water heaters do not require lifting or pouring – just a one-touch or pump dispense!
  • Other features include:
    • Reboil mode
    • Dechlorinate Mode
    • Convenient lock/unlock feature prevents accidental dispensing
    • Sturdy fold-down handle for easy transport

That’s a lot of great features, right? Now, let’s get into the different models to see which hot water dispenser is best for you.

The Models

First, we’d like to introduce you to the Vacuum-Electric Hybrid (VE Hybrid). VE Hybrid models use less electricity to keep water warm and feature quick temp modes to reduce heating times and electricity. There are currently two VE models in our lineup:

VE Hybrid Water Boiler & Warmer CV-JAC40/50

What makes this model unique is all of it’s features! It has 4 Quick Temp modes and four Keep Warm settings: 160°F, 175°F, 195°F, 208°F, a 930-Watt high powered heating element along with its energy-saving timer function that lets you time your hot water out from 6-16 hours out (that’s more than half a day!). Lastly, note that this model has an easy-to-clean nonstick coated stainless steel interior, and comes in a classy Stainless Black color.

VE Hybrid Water Boiler & Warmer CV-DCC40/50

This model also has four Keep Warm settings (160°F, 175°F, 195°F, 208°F), but three quick temp modes: 160°F, 175°F, or 195°F. The energy-saving timer function can be set from 6-10 hours, and the exterior is stainless steel, with a non-stick interior. This model comes in a Stainless Dark Brown color.

Next up are our Micom models.

Micom Water Boiler & Warmer CD-NAC40/50

  • Comes in a Metallic Black color, which can be paired with the Metallic Black Umami® Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-GAC10/18 for a complete set. Comes in 4L or 5L sizes, so it is ideal for larger households.

Panorama Window® Micom Water Boiler and Warmer CD-LFC30/40/50

  • This water boiler comes with a unique Panorama Window® which gives you a wider window to view your water levels. It also has a Café Drip mode for slower dispensing, which is especially useful for coffee. Available in three sizes, it comes n a clean white color that will brighten up any space.

Micom Water Boiler & Warmer CD-WCC30/40

  • The model comes in either a 3L or 4L size, so it is ideal for both small and medium-sized households. Comes in a Stainless Gray and also features the convenient Café Drip mode.

Micom Water Boiler & Warmer CD-WHC40

  • This model comes in a Stainless Gray color and features a rust-resistant stainless steel interior. The energy-saving timer function can be set from 6-10 hours, and the Quick Temp modes will keep water warm without needing to reach a boiling point.

Micom Super Boiler CW-PZC22/30

  • The Super Boiler is a classic and is ideal for smaller households with its 2L and 3L size. It is simple, with just one temperature setting of 208°F, and comes in a White Ballerina design.

Lastly, we have our commercial water boiler, which is ideal for restaurants, office, or tea houses:

“Commercial” Water Boiler & Warmer CD-LTC50

  • This model has a 5 liter capacity (169oz.), which serves up to 21 cups. There are three keep warm settings, 208°F , 195°F or 175°F, and two QUICK TEMP settings: 195°F or 175°F. The commercial water boiler has a 7-hour delay timer, so you can set your water up to boil the night before, and like all models, has an automatic lock for safety.

The Zojirushi Difference

At Zojirushi, we’re committed to delivering thoughtfully designed appliances that fit perfectly into your everyday needs. For example, all of our Zojirushi water boilers are equipped with a descaling mode, which makes it easier to clean and maintain your water boiler at the touch of a button.

Many of our water boilers also have an easy-to-hear indicator sound, which you can set to fun melodies or beeps that ring when the water is at a boil or is at a low water level. Best of all, Zojirushi water boilers can be set from 6-16 hours, extending the time for your convenience.

Now that you’ve met all of our Zojirushi Water Boilers & Warmers, let us know what you think! Did you learn anything new about our hot water heaters? If you already have a Zojirushi hot water dispenser, make sure to share your thoughts, comments, and questions with us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan

Rice Cookers Comparison: Choosing the Best Rice Cooker For You

Zojirushi Rice Cookers LineupAt Zojirushi, we’re a little obsessed with rice, and the month of September is our favorite month as we celebrate National Rice Month. We’ve been in the rice cooker business for close to half a century and test thousands of pounds of rice every year to ensure the best performing rice cookers for every household.

With a whopping 19 different models for purchase today, you may be wondering what the difference is between all of our rice cookers, and how to choose the right rice cooker for you and your family. Not to worry, because today we will be diving into certain features and specifications to help you understand each model better. Whether you’re new to rice, or a seasoned pro, we will help you choose the best rice cooker so that you can enjoy a perfect batch of rice every time!

Let’s dive in and meet the lineup.

Zojirushi Rice Cookers

The four main Zojirushi rice cooker types are as follows, from most simple to most advanced:

CONVENTIONAL

Zojirushi Conventional Rice Cookers

Zojirushi’s Conventional electric rice cooker is ideal for beginners who want to make perfect rice at home. It’s our recommended choice for those who want a simple, reliable, and easy-to-use cooker with just one switch. Most models (all except NHS-06) feature an automatic keep warm, and some models (NHS-10/18) come with a handy steaming basket that allows steaming of proteins and vegetables while cooking rice below. Soaking and steaming time before and after cooking rice is highly recommended for perfect results. Browse our selection of conventional rice cookers here.

MICOM

Zojirushi Micom Rice Cookers

With a microcomputer chip, the “MICOM” rice cooker models are technologically advanced than the conventional models and come with menu settings for cooking different types of rice and grains. Some models can even “think” to adjust cooking times and temperatures according to the thermal sensor’s calculations. And, unlike the conventional models, soaking and steaming time before and after cooking rice is automatically programmed, so once you press start, it does everything on its own until the rice is ready to eat. This is our largest category of rice cookers, clocking in at 12 models. The main considerations when choosing which Micom rice cooker you’d like to purchase is by thinking about the capacity, preferred aesthetic, and available menu settings and features. See below for more on capacity, features, and aesthetics.

Browse our selection of MICOM rice cookers here.

INDUCTION HEATING (IH) + MICOM

Zojirushi Induction Heating and Micom Rice Cookers

The IH rice cooker utilizes induction heating technology to make rice that is overall more delicious. How? Without a heating plate that takes time to heat and then to cool down (think an electric stove), IH is a more responsive heating method, getting the cooking pan hot quickly and cooling down faster, making temperature adjustments during cooking more precise. Note that all IH models are also MICOM models, just with an additional heating technology feature.

Browse our selection of IH + MICOM rice cookers here.

PRESSURE + IH + MICOM

Zojirushi Pressure, Induction Heating, AND Micom Rice Cookers

The PRESSURE + IH + MICOM is our most advanced line of rice cookers yet. With the power of Micom, IH, and Pressure cooking all in one, these rice cookers combine automatic pressure, high heat, artificial intelligence (yes, you heard that right!), IH technology, and a more refined selection of menu settings to get perfect results over and over.

The big differentiator here is the application of pressure (similar to pressure cooking) at various stages during cooking. The pressure will help turn beta starch into alpha starch, making rice softer, more delicious, and easier to digest.

Browse our selection of PRESSURE + IH + MICOM rice cookers here.

Further Rice Cooker Considerations

More considerations for cooking rice

After choosing the rice cooker with the capabilities you’re looking for, it’s time to consider capacity, features, and colors.

CAPACITY

Cooking Capacity

If you are living in a smaller household, a 3-cup rice cooker may be ideal. These appliances can even cook as little as 0.5 cup of uncooked rice, which will yield 1.25 cups of cooked rice, a perfect portion for a single meal.

For medium to large households, we recommend buying a 5- to 6-cup capacity rice cooker. For larger households who expect to eat rice often or with every meal, we suggest a 10-cup capacity rice cooker.

Note that the rice cooker “cup” capacities are based on the provided rice measuring cup, which is roughly 3/4 of a US standard measuring cup, and the max amount is for cooking short or medium grain white rice. Other grains such as brown rice require more water and expand more during cooking, making the max cooking capacity smaller.

Rice cooking features

FEATURES

Next, let’s look at rice cooker features. Here are some of the features our customers find useful.

Delay Timer
Allows you to set the completion time in advance, so the cooker can be set up in the morning for fresh rice at dinner or set up at night for oatmeal in the morning.

Steaming capabilities

Steamer Accessory
Allows the cooker to double as a steamer. Most can steam while cooking rice below.

Extended Keep Warm
When keeping rice warm for an extended period of time, use extended keep warm to keep rice warm at a lower temperature. This helps prevent the rice from becoming dry. “Reheat” the rice when it’s time to eat!

COLOR
Aesthetics are always important, and that’s why our rice cookers come in various styles and colors. All stainless steel models have a clear coating to minimize stains and fingerprints. Black designs are streamlined and sleek. White is always popular, and we continue to offer the floral patterns for those who prefer that nostalgic look.

To find out which models come in the capacities, features and colors important to you, visit this page and use the filter at the upper left corner.

Now that you’ve met all of our Zojirushi rice cookers, which one are you most excited to add to your kitchen? Did you learn anything new about rice cooking technology? Once you purchase your Zojirushi rice cooker, be sure to check out our website for a huge selection of rice recipes and rice cooker recipes. Share your thoughts, comments, and questions with us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan

Plan the Perfect Picnic with Zojirushi’s Insulated Food Jars

Whether it’s a lunch break, family outing, or a picnic in the park with friends, August is the perfect time of year to enjoy the great outdoors. In fact, August is National Picnic Month! If you’re looking to kick off your next outdoor adventure, don’t forget to take a delicious lunch or bento to reenergize yourself throughout your day. Not sure what to pack? We’ve got you covered. Today, we’ll be sharing some healthy, fresh, and fun recipes that you can pack in Stainless Steel Food Jars. Let’s get to it!

Get to Know the Stainless Steel Food Jar SW-EAE35/50

Have you met our Stainless Steel Food Jar SW-EAE35/50? Our compact vacuum insulated food vessels keep foods or beverages hot or cold for hours, and with a tight-fitted lid with gasket which minimizes leaks and maximizes temperature retention. Available in five unique colors and in 12 oz. and 17 oz. sizes, they’re the perfect companions for drinks, snacks, and meals on the go!

With our Zojirushi food jars, you can place food or drink right in the jar, pack it, and forget it until you’re ready to enjoy! The 2-1/2-inch wide opening allows you to eat directly out of the jar, saving the need for extra plate ware, and also makes it easy to clean when you’re finished. As always, all surfaces that come in contact with food are made of BPA-free plastic and stainless steel. Learn more by watching our short product video.

Healthy, Portable Picnic Dishes

Now that you’ve gotten to know our Stainless Steel Food Jar SW-EAE35/50, let’s dive into some seasonal beverages and foods that you can prep for your next outdoor adventure.

Drinks

Did you know that our vacuum-insulated food jars can double as drink holders, too? Yes! We use the same vacuum insulated technology to keep drinks cold for hours, and our non-spill design will make sure that your drinks won’t leak. Win-win.

  • Iced Black Tea: Classic, simple, and packed with caffeine to wake you up when you need a boost. If you want to add some sweetness to this drink, add rock sugar while the tea is hot (before you ice).
  • Iced Green Tea Mocktail: This refreshing medley of green tea, grapefruit, and mint is the perfect drink for summertime. Remember to let the tea steep for 3-4 minutes before adding ice to the drink.
  • Green Tea White Virgin Sangria: Want a fruity drink and snack all in one? Gather your favorite fruits and steep them with tea, grape juice, and cinnamon. We recommend apples, kiwi, cucumber, and lemons.

Noodles

Because our food jars are ideal for both liquids and foods, one of our favorite ways to use our Zojirushi food jars is to pack different noodle dishes. Here are two recipes that will cool you down after a hot summer hike:

  • Chilled Harusame Noodle: Refreshing, cold cellophane noodles with crunchy cucumbers and kimchi. Add in other sliced ingredients like ham to your liking.
  • Chilled Out Ramen Salad: The great thing about our food jars is that they will prevent chilled noodles from going soggy! Dress this ramen salad with Japanese mustard, sugar, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.

Dessert

Yes, you can pack dessert in your food jar too! And what’s better than indulging in a sweet treat after a hearty meal? Here are some ideas for refreshing desserts on the go:

  • Black Tea Panna Cotta: Creamy, indulgent, and chilled to perfection.
  • Mango Gelatin: You can use gelatin and hot water to make a quick chilled dessert, like this tropical medley of milk and mango. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Now that you know what you’ll be packing for your next adventure, where will you plan to go next? Let us know your thoughts by tagging Zojirushi on your photos with #zojirushi on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!

Product of the Month: Zojirushi Fresh Brew Vacuum Insulated Stainless French Press SK-XAE10

Hi Zo Fans! Are you ready to meet our product of the month? The Zojirushi Fresh Brew Vacuum Insulated Stainless French Press SK-XAE10 is the first French Press to join our Zojirushi Coffee Maker lineup, with many unique features and capabilities that we’re excited to tell you about. Made with our famous vacuum insulating technology, this sleek and easy-to-clean French Press is the perfect way to enjoy your daily coffee at home or at the office. Let’s get to it!

Why Should I Use a French Press?

If you’re wondering why you might want to use a French Press coffee maker as opposed to a drip coffee maker, here are a few of our top reasons:

  • Flavor: Since there is no paper filter being used, more of the oils from the coffee beans can make it into the French Press brew, giving your coffee a richer and more complex taste.
  • Control: When you use a French Press, you are able to have more control over the taste of your coffee by determining how hot you want your water to be, how long you want to steep your coffee grinds, and how much coffee you like to use. All of these factors will change the outcome of your coffee. You can get experimental to find out how you like your coffee best!
  • Easy and Convenient: Lastly, we love our French Press because it is a low-maintenance that you can use it anywhere, anytime. As long as you have coffee grinds and hot water, you can make delicious coffee wherever you are! Take it with you to the office, your next vacation spot, or your next camping trip!

Zojirushi French Press SK-XAE10 Specifications

Now, let’s dive into what makes our Zojirushi French Press unique. We put a lot of thought into its design to make sure that you can make delicious coffee every single time. Here’s why:

On the outside, the Zojirushi French Press features an elegant and sleek design that is BPA-free, like all Zojirushi products. You won’t have to worry about burning yourself while serving your coffee with our easy-grip, cool-touch handle, and the dribble-reducing spout will prevent spillage while serving. Our design also features a high-quality double-wall stainless steel vacuum insulated construction that can maintain heat of 162°F (72°C) for up to 2 hours, so you can sip and enjoy your coffee at your own pace.

The inside of the Zojirushi French Press coffee maker features an exclusive Taste Shield Plunger that protects coffee from becoming over-extracted and chalky, and the Half-Blocked Filter Plate and Grit Block Disk keep any over-extracted coffee and sediment from flowing out. You’ll also see a clearly marked maximum water level line, which makes filling the French Press with the right amount of water convenient and easy. 

Effortless to maintain, the Zojirushi French Press SK-XAE10’s 1 liter capacity allows you to brew up to four cups of coffee at a time and includes a coffee scoop that takes the guesswork out when brewing the perfect cup of coffee your French Press. The French Press features a lid that can be completely disassembled and its wide opening makes cleaning easy and simple.

What do you think of our new French Press? Are you a French Press fan or a Drip Coffee fan? Share your thoughts with us on social by tagging your photos on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! #Zojirushi

Back to top