A size 3 cups rice cooker is a great option for singles and couples. It makes about 6 bowls of rice.
| Size 3 – 3.5 (cups) | Size 5 – 5.5 (cups) | Size 8 -10 (cups) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Person Couple | Family of 3 – 5 | Family of 6 + |
| 6 – 9 rice bowls | 10 – 15 rice bowls | 16 – 23 rice bowls |
It is compact, light, and easy to carry and transport. It does not take a lot of space in the kitchen.
There are 5 Japanese brand rice cookers with 3 cups capacity.
| Zojirushi NP-GBC05XT  | Zojirushi NS-LHC05  | Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB  | Zojirushi NL-BAC05SB  | Toshiba TRCS02  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | IH | Micom | Micom | Micom | Micom |
| List Price (USD)* | $330 | $185 | $184.50 | $172 | $89.15 |
| Keep warm time (Max.) | 12 hours + | 12 hours | 12 hours | 12 hours | 24 hours |
| Easy cleaning** | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Delay Timer Setting | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Rice cook time (Approx.) | 40-50 min | 50-60 min | 50-60 min | 51-60 min | N/A |
| Quick cook time (Approx.) | 24-35 min | 27-39 min | 27-39 min | 25-40 min | N/A |
| Built-in retractable power cord | ✅ | ✅ | |||
| Slow cooking | ✅ | ||||
| Sushi rice | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Mixed rice | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| Porridge | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| Quinoa | ✅ | ||||
| Brown rice | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| GABA brown rice | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| Multi-grain rice | ✅ | ||||
| Jasmine rice | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| Steel cut oatmeal | ✅ | ✅ | |||
| Cake | ✅ | ✅ |
** The definition of the easy cleaning is both the steam vent cap and the inner lid are detachable.
BEST OVERALL – Zojirushi NP-GBC05XT Induction Heating System Rice Cooker and Warmer
If you are looking for a small Japanese brand rice cooker that is made in Japan, this Zojirushi model fits your needs perfectly. The heating type of this rice cooker is IH (Induction Heating) and it can cook the best tasting rice! (The type of the rice cooker is explained in this article.)
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!
Click below link for more details!
BEST SMALL MICOM RICE COOKER
Zojirushi NS-LHC05 Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer
This model comes with the advanced fuzzy logic technology. What is the advanced “Fuzzy Logic” technology? Read this article for more details!
The heat source is at the bottom of the rice cooker for the micom (microcomputer) rice cookers, however, this model has the triple heater (bottom, side, and lid) to generate heat all around for even heating.
Click below link for more details!
Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer
This model looks very similar to the above model (NS-LHC05). It has the same feature such as the advanced fuzzy logic, the built-in retractable power cord, and the heating source.
The difference between the two models is:
| NS-LHC05 | NS-LGC05XB | |
| Cooking option | Porridge | Steam cut oatmeal |
A price point is also similar in these 2 models.
Click below link for more details!
BEST MULTI-FUNCTIONAL RICE COOKER – Zojirushi NL-BAC05SB Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer
This multi-functional micom rice cooker can not only cook rice but also bake cake and cook quinoa!
The modern and sleek look will complement the sophisticated kitchen design.
This model also comes with the advanced fuzzy logic technology and the triple heater!
2.5 mm thick inner pan keeps the high temperature for a longer period of time.
Click below link for more details!
BEST VALUE – Toshiba 3 cups TRCS02 Mini Multi-functional Rice Cooker
This rice cooker can cook not only different kinds of rice, soup, and the dishes, but also bake cake too!
The design is sleek and modern and the white color is a safe and neutral color that works well with any kitchen color.
It is the most affordable option but comes with all the standard features such as the delay timer, the keep warm option, and easy to clean option (both inner lid and vent cap are detachable)!
This is the best value multi-functional small rice cooker!
Click below link for more details!
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