Cooking rice at home sounds simple, until you’re standing in front of your rice cooker, staring at all the settings. White rice, brown rice, jasmine, congee, quick cook, harder, softer… where do you even begin?
At Zojirushi, we know that the right setting makes all the difference. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a full house, having a handle on what each button does can help you get the perfect texture, flavor, and finish every single time. Here’s your go-to guide to understanding your Zojirushi rice cooker settings and making the most of every grain.
Start with the Basics: White Rice, Brown Rice, or Specialty Grain?
Most Zojirushi rice cookers come equipped with essential presets for white rice, brown rice, and quick cook. These are designed to align with the water absorption, cooking time, and texture expectations of each grain type.
White rice is ideal for standard short or medium grain varieties. This setting allows for a soak cycle, a high-heat cooking phase, and a gentle steam at the end to create a fluffy, even texture.
Brown rice has a tougher bran layer that needs extra time and heat to break down. Our brown rice setting takes that into account, with longer cooking cycles and higher water ratios to ensure every grain cooks through without becoming mushy.
Quick cook settings are best when time is short. This function skips the soak phase, reduces the overall cook time, and delivers rice that’s slightly firmer, making it perfect for last-minute meals or grain bowls with crunchier textures.
Get the Texture Just Right: Harder, Regular, or Softer White Rice
Once you’ve selected white rice, the next step is choosing your preferred texture. Some Zojirushi models offer three texture settings to give you more control over the final result: harder, regular, or softer.
Harder rice has a firmer bite and slightly drier texture. This option is great when you want your rice to hold up in stir-fries or cold rice salads, or if you simply prefer less moisture in your grains.
Regular rice is the most balanced texture and the default for most home cooks. It delivers soft, fluffy rice that works well with everything from grilled meats to vegetable curries and everyday meals.
Softer rice has more moisture and a tender, cohesive finish. This is ideal if you’re serving rice with rich stews or soups, or if you’re looking for extra comfort in each spoonful. It also works well for dishes where you want the rice to slightly cling together.
These texture settings control soaking time, cooking duration, and internal heat adjustments—so your rice comes out just the way you like it, with no manual guesswork.
Match the Setting to the Grain
Grain-specific programs are where Zojirushi really shines. These presets are tailored to the starch content, cooking needs, and final texture of each grain. If you’re experimenting with all types of rice recipes, these settings offer precision without the need for trial and error.
Jasmine rice is light, fragrant, and slightly sticky. Our jasmine setting preserves its delicate aroma while avoiding over-softness.
Long grain white rice, such as basmati or Carolina gold, benefits from a slightly drier cook. The long grain setting minimizes stickiness so each grain stays separate and fluffy.
Sushi rice requires a bit of stick to hold its shape. The sushi setting balances cooking time and moisture perfectly, so your rolls stay tight and your nigiri holds together.
GABA brown rice gets special treatment with a preset that activates gamma-aminobutyric acid through a pre-soak and warm hold. If you’re looking for a GABA rice cooker that enhances nutrition while keeping texture intact, Zojirushi has you covered.
Congee or Porridge in a Rice Cooker? Yes, Really.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make porridge in a rice cooker, Zojirushi makes it easy with dedicated congee and steel cut oatmeal functions. The rice cooker with congee setting extends cooking time and uses a higher water ratio to soften the grains into a silky, comforting dish. Whether it’s a savory rice porridge or a breakfast-ready oat bowl, these settings are ideal for soothing meals you can set and forget.
Steel cut oatmeal also benefits from extended cook times and steady heat, resulting in a creamy consistency without the constant stirring required on the stove.
You Can Cook More Than Just Rice with Zojirushi
Your Zojirushi isn’t just for rice. With the right setting, you can take your cooking in all kinds of directions.
Use the quinoa setting to get fluffy, evenly cooked results without constantly checking water levels.
Bake a simple sponge cake or experiment with flavors using the cake function, which uses gentle, consistent heat for a beautiful rise.
Try multi-grain blends or rice and barley combos using flexible settings. Many models give you room to customize your own ratios with confidence.
Looking for a Rice Cooker That Does It All? Meet the NL-EAC10/18
Now that you know what your rice cooker settings can do, it helps to have a model that’s built to support every grain and every preference. The Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-EAC10/18 was designed with all of this in mind.
It features settings for:
- Long grain white rice
- Jasmine rice
- Sushi rice
- Brown and GABA brown rice
- Congee
- Quinoa
- Steel cut oatmeal
- Cake
Powered by Micro Computerized Fuzzy Logic technology, the NL-EAC10/18 automatically adjusts cooking time and temperature based on the grain and setting selected. It’s available in two sizes—5.5 cups or 10 cups—depending on your household’s needs.
You’ll also find multiple keep warm modes, a reheat function, a self-cleaning cycle to help reduce odor, and a flat-top design with an easy-to-navigate LCD control panel. A detachable inner lid makes cleanup simple, and all food-contact surfaces are BPA-free. Plus, every unit comes with a spatula and rice measuring cup so you can start cooking right away.
If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of rice cooking, the NL-EAC10/18 makes it easy. Just choose your grain, pick your setting, and let Zojirushi do the rest.
The right setting makes all the difference, and the right rice cooker helps you get there. Learn more about the NL-EAC10/18 at zojirushi.com. Share your creations with us by tagging @ZojirushiAmerica on Instagram or Facebook and using #Zojirushi #ZoFan.
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