REVIEW: Zojirushi NP-GBC05XT Induction Heating System Rice Cooker and Warmer, 0.54 L, Stainless Dark Brown

Review

Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Made in Japan
✅ Size – 3 cups
✅ Superior induction heating (IH) technology
✅ Detachable inner lid set and the steam vent cap for easy cleaning
✅ Delay timer setting
✅ 12 hours keep warm option
✅ Carrying handle for easy transport
✅ GABA brown rice cooking option
No steam/slow cooking option
Not suitable for larger family

Product Summary

Zojirushi NP-GBC05XT IH Rice Cooker is perfect for singles, couples and a family of 3. It is light weight and compact for the IH rice cooker as one of the cons of the IH rice cookers is the heavy weight. It is made in Japan and Zojirushi is one of the most popular brand for the rice cooker in Japan. The company was founded in 1918 and it has obtained top market share in the industry.

It is not as pricey as other IH rice cookers which cost more than $300. The timer function is great for a busy household (you can set the timer in the morning and it will be ready by the time you get home!). The accessories include the rice scooper holder which can be attached to the rice cooker. It is a nice added bonus!

Are you interested in the small size (3 cups) rice cooker? Click below for more details!

Customer Reviews

Good/Positive Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews

The art of rice: one of the very best
Excellent! Improves quality of life!
Excellent rice cooker – has greatly improved my diet!
Best Rice Maker Ever.
totally worth the investment
Absolutely amazing machine and excellent quality.
Top of the line best ever rice cooker. The induction is superior and efficient

Source: www.amazon.com

Bad/Negative Reviews

Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews

 The coating flakes off the bowl.
– The inner pot’s coating is super easy to scuff and scratch
– Not fit for international use only works with 110v

Source: www.amazon.com

The peeling inner pot is not uncommon as the fluorine coating could peel easily. Read the below article for more details on how to preserve the inner pot for a longer time!

This voltage of this rice cooker is 120v. It can be used in the United States and Canada. Note that the transformer will be required to be used in other countries.

CountryVoltage
Japan100 v
USA120 v
Canada120 v
The Standard Voltage by County

Product Details

Brand: Zojirushi
Type: IH (Induction Heating)
Model Number: NP-GBC05XT
Size: 3 cups
Product Dimensions: 7.5″D x 11.87″W x 9.12″H
Voltage:
120 Volts
Weight:
Approx. 3.3 kg (8 lbs)
Country of Origin: Japan
Date First Available: May 26, 2014
List price*: $285.00
*At the time of publication. List price is the suggested retail price (USD) of a product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller.

Cooking options

Rice cook time:Approx. 40 – 50 min
Quick cook time: Approx. 24 – 35 min
Keep warm time: 12 hours +
Cooking options: white/mixed
sushi
porridge
brown
GABA brown

Accessories

Rice scooper, rice scooper holder, measuring cup

Image Credit: http://www.amazon.com

Cleaning Instructions

The steam vent cap and the inner lid set are detachable for easy cleaning.

Replacement Parts

Instructions Manual

Warranty Information

Parts and Labor: 1 year
Eligible Country: U.S.A. and Canada

Is Zojirushi good rice cooker brand?

You have started searching for Japanese rice cookers and wondered:

  • There are too many options to choose from!
  • Which brand is best for my needs..? Tiger, Toshiba, Panasonic, Zojirushi..?
  • I have decided on Zojirushi rice cooker but is Zojirushi a good rice cooker brand?

Zojirushi is one of the best Japanese rice cooker brands. Here are why:

  1. Holds the top market share in Japan.
  2. Is a well-established company which celebrates 105-year anniversary in 2023.
  3. A top class knowledge and expertise in the heat insulation technology.
  4. Has been developing the top-of-the-line rice cookers in pursuit of the cutting-edge technology over many years.
  5. Has been creating and assembling 130 models of rice cookers in Osaka, Japan under the strict quality standards by craftsman.

Company History

The Zojirushi rice cookers hold the top market share in Japan.1 The Zojirushi corporation (it started as Ichikawa Brothers Trading Company) was founded in 1918 in Osaka, Japan.

The company’s philosophy is “Creating a Quality of Life” and their slogan is “Inspirations from everyday life“. Their detailed attentions to their products come from their slogan.

You might have wondered why their company logo is the cute elephant. “ZO” means elephant in Japanese, which symbolizes strength, intelligence and familiarity.2

Product Line

The company released its first electronic rice jar in 1974 and released its first micom (microcomputer) rice cooker in 1979.

They also produce the variety of electronic kitchen tools, the heat insulation water bottles, bento/lunch jars, and the home appliances such as the humidifiers, the futon dryers, and the air purifiers.

The company’s first released product was a glass-lined vacuum bottle. This bottle for home use was created using vacuum insulation which was the breakthrough technology at the time. 2

Made in Japan – High Quality Rice Cookers

The Zojirushi has been developing the top-of-the-line rice cookers in pursuit of the cutting-edge technology over many years. It is needless to say they are the leading company in the industry.

Their passion and pursuit of developing the top-of-the-line products does not just end in relying on the machines. They also excel in creating and assembling the product by hand as well. Japan is know for its craftmanship and 130 models of rice cookers are made in Osaka, Japan. Their products are developed under the strict quality standards and their top-of-the-line model “Nanbu Iron Kiwame Hagama” is assembled by hand by 46 skilled craftsmen.3

Image Credit: 日本経済新聞 (http://nikkei.com)

The Zojirushi rice cookers might not be the most stylish and the instagrammable design and the company is well aware of these feedbacks, however, their passion and focus is to produce the best rice cooker which can cook the best tasting rice. I think this story defines their brand, company’s focus, and strengths.

This is one of many reasons why Zojirushi brand is trusted, admired, and loved by both new and repeated customers internationally over many years.

References:
1https://www.itmedia.co.jp/business/spv/2108/16/news002.html
2 https://www.zojirushi.com/zojirushi/about.html
3
https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXLASHD22H1N_S6A120C1AA2P00

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