A Great Little Machine
January 6, 2009
I received this machine 10 days ago and I'm completely satisfied with it. Every batch of rice is perfect, and it's a snap to clean. The timer is a terrific feature. One note though: some reviewers have warned that the white rice capacity is only 2 cups. This isn't the case. The same scale on the bowl is used for both white rice and "mixed" rice. The scale is misleadingly labeled. The manual states that the white rice capacity is 3 cups, while the "mixed" rice capacity is 2 cups. Don't let this confusion hold you back.
Great rice cooker, no complaints!
December 29, 2008
Recently remarried, my new spouse and I each had rice pots and could not agree on how to consolidate duplicate small appliances into our small kitchen. For example, we each had a rice pot, and did not have room or need for both.
My husband found the Zojirushi LAC05 and we were able to solve our multi rice pot delimna by replacing both pots with this new one. Although I was initially skeptical, it turned out to be a really good choice!
The LAC05 does not spit or spatter at all - it is completely self contained and has only a steam release. The internal cooking bowl is engaraved with cooking measurements, and is coated; washes up easily with no sticking. Clean the outside with damp cloth. It has a small, contained footprint - it is compact and has no external dust catchers. It also sings - plays different tunes for start up and !ready now, come eat!. Has a warmer that also lets you know it is STILL on.
It has different settings for white, brown, mixed rices, also does porridge (e.g. oatmeal.) We sometimes cook lentils or seaweed with our rice and it handles all that on the "mixed" setting.
The Zojirushi LAC05 model makes 3 cups and it is fine for the two of us. For a few $$ more you can get a 5.5 cup size (I assume you can make less than a full pot).
Only drawback at all (if it is one) is that it is not fast. Different rices take different times of course, but the point is, this cooker takes about the same time as stovetop, does not reduce cooking time. But with the preset timer options, time is not a factor if you can plan ahead.
I would recommend this product to anyone! It is far superior to any of the other rice cookers that either of us have used over the years. You may think the price is a bit steep for a rice cooker, but do not be detered, it is worth the price many times over in convenience, reduced clean up and perfect rice every time!
I'll Never go Hungry Again...
December 24, 2008
This thing is incredible. Don't waste your time with other rice cookers that will just make ok rice then you won't use anymore. It's amazing how evenly this thing cooks the rice. There's no bottom layer of burnt crispy rice crust like you get with cheap rice cookers. I wasn't a big rice eater till I found this gem.
Fantasic rice cooker!
December 22, 2008
Great rice cooker. Even cooking and perfectly done every time [brown and white rice]. When programming however there is some confusion as to whether or not the time entered is the time it starts cooking RATHER than the time the rice with be finished. KEY POINT!
Small footprint and convenient size for 2 -3 adults.
good oatmeal maker
December 16, 2008
This rice cooker makes steel-cut oats perfectly on the porridge setting. The measuring marks for porridge are geared to rice, which is unfortunate, but 1 cup oats to 2.5 cups of water is just right. Makes 3 servings, which can be reheated in the microwave. Easy to use, easy to clean, and seems to be well made. Much better than stirring for a 1/2 hour when you're groggy.
