Zojirushi NP-GBC05-XT Induction Heating Rice Cooker and Warmer Review
Singles or couples living with no children don't need bulky kitchen appliances that make more food than they could ever eat. They shouldn't have to put up with flimsy little gizmos that don't do the best job, either. The Zojirushi NP-GBC05-XT rice cooker has all the best features of a high-end induction cooker in a smaller size, which makes it perfect for singles or a couple.
With this rice cooker, you no longer have to sacrifice quality because you want less quantity. You'll now be able to cook anywhere between half a cup and three cups of restaurant quality rice easily.
A Range of Convenient Menu Settings
The Zojirushi NP-GBC05-XT rice cooker gives you the freedom to create a wide range of meals with the specialized menu settings. It has settings for white rice, mixed rice, brown rice, GABA brown rice, and even sushi rice. For days when you're in a hurry, there are also quick and rinse-free functions.
Zojirushi NP-GBC05-XT vs. Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT Rice Cookers
If you're not specifically looking to cook GABA brown rice and can do with away with the "rinse-free rice" feature that comes with the Zojirushi NP-GBC05-XT, then you may want to consider the cheaper Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT model instead.
Both the Zojirushi NP-GBC05-XT and Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT are 3-cup rice cookers and while they share many similarities, they come with different price points. (Read the Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT review or see the comparison chart below.)
Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT Rice Cooker
Value-for-money
- 3-cup capacity
- Micom technology
- Automatic keep warm
- Retractable cord
- Quick cooking
- Regular white rice
- Mixed rice
- Sushi rice
- Porridge
- Brown rice
- GABA brown rice
- Rinse-free rice
Zojirushi NP-GBC05-XT Rice Cooker
Currently reviewing this model
- 3-cup capacity
- Induction heating technology
- Automatic keep warm
- Detachable cord
- Quick cooking
- Regular white rice
- Mixed rice
- Sushi rice
- Porridge
- Brown rice
- GABA brown rice
- Rinse-free rice
As you can see from the table above, the only major differences between both units is that they're powered by different technologies (Micom for the Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT and Induction Heating for the Zojirushi NP-GBC05-XT), and that the Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT rice cooker doesn't cook GABA brown rice or rinse-free rice.
While both rice cookers will do an excellent job and you won't go wrong with any of them, the question of which to purchase ultimately boils down to your budget and how much you value induction heating over Micom technology.
Let's take a closer look at what exactly the Zojirushi NP-GBC05-XT rice cooker has to offer so you can make a more informed purchasing decision.
The Power of Induction
Despite its compact size, this rice cooker has a powerful 700-watt induction heating system. Elements in the bottom, sides, and lid of the cooker heat the pan uniformly, ensuring a more even result than cookers that only heat up from a bottom element. The end result is rice that's soft, fluffy, and flavorful.
The Rice Cooker Is Ready When You Are
You don't always know exactly when you'll be ready to eat and Zojirushi takes this into account. You can choose one of the two delay functions to set up rice or porridge to be ready when you want it and, if you're running a bit late, the automatic keep warm feature will hold it at just the right temperature until you're ready to sit down for your meal.
No Sweat Cleaning
You're less likely to bother making yourself a delicious meal from scratch if the washing up's a hassle. But don't reach for a microwave dinner just yet because this machine is a breeze to clean! The lift out pot and detachable stainless steel inner lid can be cleaned quickly and easily in your sink. With its clear coated exterior, the unit itself is easy to wipe down while you're packing up your countertop.
Zojirushi NP-GBC05-XT Induction Heating System Rice Cooker and Warmer Package Details and Accessories
The Zojirushi NP-GBC05-XT will be ready to start making delicious rice the moment it's delivered. The package contains:
- The rice cooker unit
- Inner cooking pan with handle
- Detachable inner lid
- Rice spatula and handle
- Measuring cups
This 3-cup rice cooker handles a wide variety of rice types. From white rice to GABA brown rice and sushi, the appliance can cook them all perfectly.
Dimensions
The rice cooker measures 11.8 x 9.1 x 7.5 inches and weighs 8 pounds.
Pros
- Only looking for a quick meal for one? No trouble at all! You can cook as little as half a cup of rice or porridge with this machine.
- Fancy some hot porridge for breakfast? Then use the brown rice menu setting and set the delay timer so it's ready when you wake up.
- If you're living in an apartment with limited kitchen space, this cooker is ideal. It takes up minimum space and can be stored easily in a cupboard or kept unobtrusively on the counter for daily use.
- It makes a wonderful gift for young people starting out on their own. As an added benefit, this cooker will make sure they eat well.
- The biggest pro, of course, is that it makes perfect rice! Even specialty health varieties like GABA brown rice, which can be tricky to get right, come out soft and fluffy.
Cons
- The power cord is fairly bulky and can restrict where you put the rice cooker. This is because the cord won't bend or tuck out of the way easily. However, the cord is detachable for easy storage when you're done cooking.
Consumer Ratings
Amazon Customer Reviews: Click Here
The Zojirushi NP-GBC05-XT rice cooker has so far been a hit with consumers. Past purchasers love the compact size and the fantastic results the appliance produces. Users with an "empty nest," single professionals, and young couples starting out appear to be the most frequent buyers of this unit.
Zojirushi NP-GBC05-XT Induction Heating System Rice Cooker and Warmer Price
Today's Price: Click Here
Summary
The Zojirushi NP-GBC05-XT is ideal for singles or couples who love great food. You can use the specialized functions to cook a wide range of rice varieties and you have total control over what time you wish to have your meals. If you're looking for a machine with the latest in induction heating technology and all the convenience and versatility of larger models in a more compact package, this one is well worth checking out.
