Hitachi Rice Cookers

It is possible that rice is eaten and cherished nowhere in the world more than in Japan, and for this reason Japanese rice cookers tend to carry a little bit of prestige by default. Combine that with a general trust of Japanese products and their high quality, then Japanese rice cookers become a very comfortable purchase. Perhaps the most prestigious Japanese maker is Zojirushi, who provide superior quality but at higher prices. A more affordabel Japanese option is Hitachi rice cookers, which are made for a variety of budgets.

This Hitachi RD4056P is a 5.6 cup rice cooker. Keep in mind that those are not American cups, but international cups so this may be smaller than you expect. This unit features an automatic "warming" cycle after the rice stops cooking, and it will last until you unplug the cord. A bell alerts you when the rice is finished. This cooker really is simple to se, and also functions as a steamer. It does not have a lot of bells and whistles, but like most Japanese products it is very durable.

These days it is actually very difficult to find Hitachi rice cookers outside of Japan, but if you happen to find one they are a good option. However, Zojirushi and Panasonic are great options for some Japanese authenticity.