| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Compact and light weight ✅ Simple and easy operations ✅ Advanced Fuzzy Logic Technology ✅ Long-lasting durability ✅ Steam and soup cooking options ✅ Affordable price | No beeping sound. No delay timer option. Shorter keep warm hours (5 hours). Inner lid set is not detachable for cleaning. |
Real User Reviews
Review: Size and Design
The 5-cup size of this model makes it an ideal choice for a family of four. Additionally, its compact and lightweight design allows it to fit seamlessly in your kitchen without taking up too much space, making it easy to carry and store in a kitchen cabinet when not in use.
Review: Menu display buttons
This rice cooker features a simplified menu display that is easy to operate. The large menu buttons are user-friendly and the red light indicates which menu option has been selected. This model does not emit a beeping sound when the rice is finished cooking. However, the red light on the Keep Warm button will turn on to signal that the rice is ready to be served.
Review: Cleaning
It is recommended to detach and clean the inner vent cap after each use of the rice cooker to ensure proper hygiene. While the inner plate is not detachable, any residue can be wiped off using a cloth.
After each use, it is important to clean the gaps around the inner pot of the rice cooker, as they can collect residue and dried rice. To clean these gaps, simply use a cloth to wipe away any debris.
Review: Cooked Rice and Fuzzy Logic Technology
I used BOTAN brand rice, which is known for its ability to produce Japanese-style sticky rice. BOTAN brand rice can be found at many local retailers, including Walmart and Asian grocery stores.
For this particular cooking, I used 3 cups of rice and the built-in fuzzy logic technology in the rice cooker ensured that the rice was cooked to perfection. This technology is designed to adjust the cooking time and temperature automatically to achieve the ideal texture and flavor of the rice, ensuring consistent results every time!
The advanced technology in this model includes fuzzy logic, which enables it to perform the same detailed work that previously required human intuition and experience. With fuzzy logic, the rice cooker can make fine adjustments to the cooking temperature and heating time, resulting in perfectly cooked rice every time.
For those interested in learning more about this technology, I recommend reading an informative article that explains the details of fuzzy logic. When using this rice cooker, each rice grain is cooked perfectly and has a fluffy texture!
Review: Keep Warm function
The maximum time of the keep warm function is 5 hours, however, I do not recommend to leave the leftover rice in the rice cooker for 5 hours as the rice hardens a bit and gets dried out in some spots (as shown below).
It’s important to note that while the maximum time for the keep warm function is 5 hours, it’s not recommended to leave leftover rice in the rice cooker for that entire duration. Doing so may cause the rice to harden in some spots and become dried out, as shown below.
To keep the rice fresh, I recommend removing any leftover rice from the cooker and storing it in an airtight container in the freezer. Freezing the rice is an effective way to maintain its freshness for an extended period.
While this model doesn’t have a delay timer function, it is an excellent choice for those looking for a reasonably priced and user-friendly rice cooker. The model’s simple design and easy operation make it a great option for anyone seeking a reliable and efficient rice cooker.
Customer Reviews
Good/Positive Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
– Trusty, still works after five years.
– GREAT VALUE FOR HIGH END RICE COOKER
– Unbelievable easy to use and food soooo good to eat.
– Worth every penny value and the size is great for family of 5
– Cooks Basmati Rice better then I could ever achieve on cooktop.
Source: www.amazon.com
Bad/Negative Reviews
⭐
– Rice cooker does not keep the rice in a acceptable consistency for more than a day.
– Cooks well initially, then overcooks on warm mode.
Source: www.amazon.com
It’s important to note that the maximum time for the keep warm function is 5 hours, but leaving leftover rice in the rice cooker for the entire duration may cause it to harden in some spots and become dried out. To keep the rice fresh, I recommend removing any leftover rice from the cooker and storing it in an airtight container in the freezer. Freezing the rice is an effective way to maintain its freshness for an extended period.
Summary
If you are searching for a reliable, affordable, and high-quality rice cooker that delivers consistently perfect results every time, the Panasonic rice cooker is an excellent option to consider. This advanced rice cooker is designed with precision and performance in mind, and offers a variety of features that make it a top choice for home chefs and rice enthusiasts alike.
One of the standout features of this rice cooker is its advanced “fuzzy logic” technology, which automatically adjusts the cooking time and temperature based on the type and quantity of rice being cooked. This helps to ensure perfectly cooked rice every time, with a fluffy and light texture that’s sure to impress. The rice cooker also offers a 10-cup capacity, making it ideal for larger families or those who frequently cook rice in bulk.
In addition to its outstanding rice cooking capabilities, this model also offers a variety of other useful features. These include a steaming basket for cooking vegetables and other foods, a non-stick inner pot for easy cleaning. The rice cooker also comes with a measuring cup and rice scoop for added convenience!
With its durable construction (I use this rice cooker for over 10 years and it is still working strong!), thoughtful design, and advanced features, this rice cooker is a standout rice cooker that delivers exceptional performance and value. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or just enjoy having perfectly cooked rice on hand, this rice cooker is an excellent investment that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Comparison Table | Top 3 Best Japanese Rice Cookers under $ 100
| Toshiba TRCS02  | Panasonic SR-DF101 SR-DF181  | TIGER JBV-A10U JBV-A18U  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| List Price (USD)* | $89.99 | $99.95 (5 cups) $97.48 (10 cups) | $94.99 (5.5 cups) $99.99 (10 cups) |
| Size | 3 cups | 5 cups 10 cups | 5.5 cups 10 cups |
| Keep warm time (Max.) | 24 hours | 5 hours | 12 hours |
| Easy cleaning** | ✅ | ||
| Delay Timer Setting | ✅ | ||
| Rice cook time (Approx.) | N/A | 38 min (5 cups) | 22-37 min (5.5 cups) 23-41 min (10 cups) |
| Quick cook time (Approx.) | N/A | 30 min (5 cups) | |
| Steam cooking | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Slow cooking | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Sushi rice | |||
| Mixed rice | ✅ | ||
| Porridge | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Sweet rice | |||
| Brown rice | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| GABA brown rice | |||
| Multi-grain rice | ✅ | ||
| Jasmine rice | |||
| Quinoa | |||
| Soups | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Curry | |||
| Cake | ✅ | ||
| Hot cereals |
Product Details
Brand: Panasonic
Model Number: SR-DF101 (5 cups), SR-DF181 (10 cups)
Type: Micom (microcomputer) rice cooker
Size: 5 cups, 10 cups
Voltage: 120 Volts
Wattage: 750 watts
Weight: 5.5 lbs (5 cups), 7.5 lbs (10 cups)
Dimensions: 10.2 x 13.9 x 7.8 inches (5 cups), 10.2 x 13.9 x 9.6 inches (10 cups)
Country of Origin: China
Data First Available: June 3, 2012
List price*: $99.95 (5 cups), $97.48 (10 cups)
*As of 2023-02-21. List price (USD) is the suggested retail price of a product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller.
Cooking Options
| Rice (white) cook time: | Approx. 38 min |
| Quick cook time: | Approx. 30 min |
| Keep warm time: | Up to 5 hours |
| Cooking options: | Quick Cook Steam White Rice Brown Rice Porridge Soup |
Accessories
Rice scooper, Measuring cup, Steaming basket
Cleaning Instructions
The moisturizing cup comes off for cleaning.
Replacement Parts
Instructions Manual
The limited warranty info is listed on the page 13.
Warranty Information
Parts and Labor: 1 year
Eligible Country: U.S.A. and Puerto Rico
Is Panasonic good rice cooker brand?
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the number of options when searching for a Japanese rice cooker?
With so many brands to choose from, such as Tiger, Toshiba, Panasonic, and Zojirushi, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your needs.
If you are considering a Panasonic rice cooker, you can rest assured that it is a high-quality and reliable brand. Here’s why:
Panasonic, founded in 1918 as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., has a rich history of developing high-quality rice cookers.
Their first automatic electric rice cooker was introduced in 1956, and they later released their first Induction Heating rice cooker in 1988.
Today, Panasonic continues to innovate with a scientific and logical approach to achieve the best-tasting rice possible. The company has even formed a professional rice cooker science group called “Panasonic Cooking @Lab Rice Cooker Team” to further their research and development.*1
For many years, Panasonic has been dedicated to developing cutting-edge technology in order to produce top-of-the-line rice cookers.
Reference:
*1炊飯科学のプロ「Panasonic Cooking @Lab 炊飯部」
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