Zojirushi NS-YAC10 Umami Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer Review

​There are five flavors on the Japanese palette. The first four are sweetness, sourness, bitterness, and saltiness, while the Japanese word "Umami" refers to the fifth flavor dimension: savory. Therefore, it's not too surprising that Zojirushi, the famous Japanese rice cooker company, had thought to include this special setting in their highly popular Zojirushi NS-YAC10 Umami Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer.

This appliance is a workhorse in the kitchen and will help you cook restaurant quality Umami rice as well as a wide range of rice varieties to boot.

However, I would like to point out that the Zojirushi NS-YAC10 isn't the only rice cooker from the company that's able to handle specialty rice types.

Zojirushi NS-YAC10 vs. Zojirushi NP-NVC10 Rice Cookers

Both the Zojirushi NS-YAC10 and Zojirushi NP-NVC10 are 5.5-cup rice cookers that can cook Umami, as well as many different types of rice, perfectly. While there are a few overlapping similarities, they come with vastly different price points.

To help you decide which of the two would fit your needs, take a look at the comparison table below to see how the Zojirushi NS-YAC10 stacks up against its equally popular counterpart, the Zojirushi NP-NVC10 rice cooker.

Zojirushi NP-NVC10

Smarter rice cooker but comes with a higher price tag

5.5-cup capacity

Pressure Induction Heating & Artificial Intelligence Technology

  • Platinum infused non-stick coating
  • Regular white rice
  • Softer white rice
  • Harder white rice
  • Umami
  • Quick cooking
  • Mixed rice
  • Sushi rice
  • Porridge
  • Sweet Rice
  • Brown rice
  • GABA brown rice
  • Steam-reduce
  • Scorch
  • Rinse-free rice
  • Slow cook
  • Detachable cord

Read the review

Zojirushi NS-YAC10

Value-for-money - Currently reviewing this model

5.5-cup capacity

MICOM Fuzzy Logic Technology

  • Regular non-stick interior
  • Regular white rice
  • Umami
  • Quick cooking
  • Mixed rice
  • Sushi rice
  • Porridge
  • Sweet Rice
  • Brown rice
  • GABA brown rice
  • Rinse-free rice
  • Slow cook
  • Detachable cord
  • ​Softer white rice
  • Harder white rice
  • Steam-reduce
  • Scorch

Currently reviewing this model

As you can see from the chart above, both Zojirushi rice cookers are able to cook many different types of rice. However, if you're looking for an appliance that's more specialized in the sense that it has "Pressure Induction Heating" and "Artificial Intelligence" capabilities, plus the ability to cook softer and harder white rice, and comes with steam-reduce and scorch functions, then you would of course pick the Zojirushi NP-NVC10.

That being said, the Zojirushi NP-NVC10 doesn't come cheap. It's one of the more higher-end models from the company and although it does an excellent job, it may be out of the price range for some shoppers.

So, this brings us back to the Zojirushi NS-YAC10 rice cooker. Where it wins out over the Zojirushi NP-NVC10 is its ability to slow cook. It also has a detachable cord while the Zojirushi NP-NVC10 does not. No doubt, the NS-YAC10 cannot cook softer or harder white rice. However, it still makes a beautiful bowl of regular white rice and will be perfect for everyday use.

At the end of the day, both appliances are excellent and the question of which to buy ultimately boils down to your specific cooking needs. If you can live without the bells and whistles of the more expensive model, you can rest assured you're not losing out too much and will still be getting great value from the Zojirushi NS-YAC10.​

Let's take a closer look at the Zojirushi NS-YAC10 rice cooker so you can make an even more informed purchasing decision.​

Computerized Micom Cooking

The Micom cooking technology in the Zojirushi NS-YAC10 cooker ensures each batch of rice will turn out perfectly. The microcomputer chip placed directly under the cooking pan senses the weight, temperature, and water content of the rice and makes precision adjustments to ensure that the rice is cooked exactly as desired.

The Fifth Flavor Dimension

Umami rice is a favorite delicacy in the Japanese diet. Preparing Umami rice involves soaking the rice for longer before cooking and applying more steam during the cooking process. The result is a richer aroma and flavor, and a slightly sticky texture that, until now, would only usually be found in the best Japanese restaurants. However, with the Zojirushi NS-YAC10, you'll get to experience the world-class Umami rice from home.

Zojirushi NS-YAC10 Review - The Micom fuzzy logic rice cooker cooks Umami, plain white rice, brown rice, GABA brown rice, mixed rice, sushi and porridge perfectly.

The Micom fuzzy logic rice cooker cooks Umami, plain white rice, brown rice, GABA brown rice, mixed rice, sushi and porridge perfectly.

Simple Push Button Programing

With the push of a button, you can program a wide range of menu settings. Because different types of rice varieties require different cooking times, temperatures, and heat, this rice cooker offers different settings for white rice, brown rice, mixed rice, sushi rice, sweet rice, and GABA brown rice. The cooker can also be used to make other meals: there are settings for porridge and slow cooked casseroles, soups, or pot roasts.

When time is of the essence, the quick cook and rinse-free functions can speed up the process. Automatic keep warm will in turn kick in for those times when the rice is ready before you are. You can even set the rice cooker to delay mode when you want your rice ready at a particular time.

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Highest Quality Materials and Workmanship

Zojirushi is among the most popular rice cookers in Japan. Because the Japanese really know the difference between good and bad rice, you know you're buying the best possible rice cooker when even the Japanese themselves are raving about this appliance. Furthermore, the rice cooker exterior is made from safe, high-quality plastic and the cooking pot is non-stick metal, which makes cleaning up a snap.

It also looks really sleek and plays a cute little melody when you hit the "Start" button!​

Zojirushi NS-YAC10 Umami Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer Package Details and Accessories

The Zojirushi NS-YAC10 will be ready to start making restaurant quality rice and other recipes from the moment it's delivered. The package includes:

  • The rice cooker unit
  • Lift out cooking pan
  • Rice measuring cup
  • Non-stick rice paddle
Zojirushi NS-YAC10 Review - Zojirushi NS-YAC10 Umami Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer (Pearl White, 5.5 Cup Capacity) Bundle with Tools and Two Cookbooks

There's also a bundle package available that comes with two cookbooks and a couple of rice cooking accessories.

Dimensions

The Zojirushi NS-YAC10 rice cooker measures 15 x 10.1 x 9.2 inches and weighs 7.2 pounds.

Pros

  • The silky texture and rich flavor of the Umami rice is bound to impress when you host an intimate dinner party.
  • The keep warm function is really handy. You can put your rice in to cook in the morning and it will be light, fluffy, and exactly the right temperature when you return home from work and want to sit down to a nice dinner.
  • The 5.5-cup capacity will provide generous servings for 3 to 5 people. There's also a 10-cup version available if you need something with a larger capacity.
  • Do you love the comfort of winter soups, casseroles, and pot roasts? If so, there's no need to dust off your old slow cooker since the Zojirushi NS-YAC10 will intelligently apply its expert micom technology in the slow cooking setting to help you produce these mouthwatering dishes.
  • You can set up a batch of delicious, creamy porridge on delay mode so that your breakfast is ready when you wake up in the morning. The porridge setting also works really well for steel cut oats.

Cons

  • It has a detachable power cord, rather than a fixed one that retracts. Some customers have found this cord difficult to bend or tuck out of the way, restricting where they can place the appliance on the counter.

Consumer Ratings

Amazon Customer Reviews: Click Here


The Zojirushi NS-YAC10 rice cooker is a very popular unit and seems to be a hit with rice lovers. With so many overwhelming positive reviews from past purchasers at many independent review sites and cooking forums, you know you're buying a product that's tried and true. Customers have also raved about how quickly and easily they're able to whip up some of the most delicious rice they've ever tasted with this handy kitchen appliance.


Zojirushi NS-YAC10 Umami Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer Price

Today's Price: Click Here


Summary

The Zojirushi NS-YAC10 is perfect for families of 3 to 5 people who enjoy the best things in life. You'll be able to put restaurant quality Umami rice, a wide range of rice varieties, porridge, and delicious casseroles on your table with this high-end rice cooker.

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