Why Are Japanese Rice Cookers So Expensive? (Are Worth Buying?)

The Japanese rice cookers are lovely to behold. But does this justify their hefty price tag? Why do the Japanese rice cookers cost so much? 

Compared to standard rice cookers, how costly Japanese rice cookers are will make anyone want to investigate the differences both appliances have. The Japanese cookers even cost more than twice as much as the regular ones. 

In this article, we will discuss the reasons why Japanese rice cookers are so expensive. So, read for more details.

Reasons Why Do Japanese Rice Cookers Cost So Much

Japanese rice cookers are pricey for several reasons. Here is a rundown of those reasons before we discuss each one of them further. 

• Versatility
• Quality of material
• Advanced features
• Safety-first approach

All these are the reasons Japanese rice cookers are so costly. Now, let’s discuss each point in detail. 

1. Japanese rice cookers are versatile

The Japanese rice cookers can cook food items and meals other basic rice cookers can’t. So, if it costs more, that’s because it can handle more cooking tasks. 

This rice cooker boasts a grain button that does so many wonders. With the push of a button, you can use this rice cooker to prepare brown rice, white rice, sushi rice, and even quinoa. 

The porridge features on the Japanese rice cookers make preparing steel-cut-oat a breeze. And that’s not all. In the Asian continent, this rice cooker makes preparing a range of meals possible. 

So, in the Asian part of the world, such as Japan, people don’t only use the Japanese rice cooker for rice cooking. They use it to prepare onions soup, bake cakes, prepare meat burn, boil chicken legs, and even roast pork meat. 

Now, you can see how versatile the Japanese rice cooker is and how easy it will make your cooking activities. Now, does this rice cooker have the capacity to handle extended use or cook various meals? Keep reading to find out. 

A Handy Tip: Another thing that makes the Japanese rice cooker so special is that the inner bowl isn’t joined to the rice cooker or engine itself. 

So, you can remove and wash it thoroughly whenever you finish cooking.  

2. Japanese cookers are made of high-end materials

A product’s quality is a function of price. Thus, an appliance built with top-quality materials will have a massive price tag. 

The Japanese rice cookers come designed with quality steel and aluminum material, making them sturdier. 

The aluminum and steel material also indicates the Japanese rice cooker would last longer. Thus, you won’t be adding a rice cooker to your budget anytime soon. 

So, the aluminum and steel material makes the Japanese rice cooker super solid and durable, but at the same time, pricey. 

However, when you compare how long your Japanese rice cooker would last to the durability of the basic ones, you’ll understand why splashing the cash on the Japanese rice cooker could be a wise decision. 

The aluminum and steel material makes this rice cooker super resistant to damage from an impact. Additionally, it makes them resistant to heat and temperature changes that could damage a rice cooker. 

Now, you may be wondering what part of the Japanese rice cooker is steel and what part is aluminum. The inner part boasts non-stick aluminum, while the outer part is steel. 

3. Japanese rice cookers boasts advanced features

The Japanese people are far ahead, technology-wise. They boast researchers who are ready to get results at all costs. 

You can see the technological advancement Japan has attained in its rice cookers. These cookers feature advanced technology that would make your cooking consistent. 

In other words, you can cook a range of meals in them and still achieve consistency. Their versatility and ability to prepare diverse meals make them must-haves.  

A microchip in the Japanese rice cooker makes cooking a breeze. With this advanced technology, you will never have to bother about overcooking or undercooking your rice. Everything will turn out perfectly. 

4. Advanced safety features

Japanese rice cookers make cooking rice in a rice cooker a breeze. They also ensure there is no casualty while doing so. 

Rest assured that you won’t experience any overheating issues with these rice cookers. They also come designed with timers that ensure you don’t overcook your food. 

So, you can decide for how long you want your rice or any food to cook in your Japanese rice cooker and turn your attention to something else without worrying.

Once it gets to the set time, an automatic shut-off will turn off the appliance, so you don’t overcook your rice or rake up more electricity bills. 

Is It Worth Buying a Japanese Rice Cooker?

Yes, it is wise to spend your money on a Japanese cooker. The rice cooker is more expensive than a standard rice cooker. But many of the features it possesses the standard rice cooker may lack. 

For the record, the Japanese rice cooker boasts advanced safety features, is versatile, and is made of high-end materials. It is also more durable and cooks the best rice you can get from a rice cooker. 

Japanese inventors made this rice cooker so it can’t overcook or undercook your rice. 

However, if you cook rice a lot, the Japanese cooker would be a great choice. It is designed of quality materials that will serve you for many years to come. 

On the other hand, if you don’t intend to cook rice now and then, you should be fine with the standard rice cooker. 

How Does a Rice Cooker Work?

The rice cooker uses the water to rice ratio. That is 1:2, where water is in ratio 1, and the uncooked rice is 2. 

You can measure the uncooked rice and put it in the insert. Measurement could be with a cup or by weight. Once the rice is placed in the insert, hit the “start” button.    

The rice cooker will automatically set the appropriate time it would take to cook whatever you have in the insert. 

So, now that you have pressed the “start” button,” the heating element, which the thermocouple powers, will start heating the insert until the water starts boiling and the steam starts cooking the rice. 

A sensor in the rice cookers will notify the thermostat to change back to warm until the steaming process ends. However, once the rice has absorbed all the water in the insert, the thermostat would stop.  

You don’t have to guess how long your rice will cook. Just add the appropriate water to rice ratio, and you’re good to go. 

Do Expensive Rice Cookers Make a Difference?

Yes, they do. The high-end rice cookers are versatile and have settings for cooking a range of rice and grains. The Japanese rice cooker can even cook porridge. 

The standard and cheap rice cookers can only handle the single and expected task of cooking only white rice satisfactorily and probably, a few additional tasks.

So, the expensive rice cookers are a worthwhile investment. Besides being versatile, these high-end rice cookers have advanced features that make cooking easier and quicker. 

You’ll also be sure of eating healthier and well-prepared rice, grains, and even porridge. Additionally, they are also durable, as they can withstand constant use. 

So, if you’re a regular rice eater, which means you have to use your rice cooker regularly and for extended periods, investing in an expensive rice cooker is a wise decision. 

Why Are Cuckoo Rice Cookers So Expensive?

The Cuckoo rice cookers have been one of the preferred choices for many rice cookers for decades. These rice cookers are produced in South Korea, and they appear a level above the Japanese rice cookers in many areas. 

In South Korea, these rice cookers are the top-selling brand. They have also found a place in many people’s hearts and kitchens across the globe. 

Now, what makes these Cuckoo rice cookers more expensive than the already costly Japanese rice cookers? It is simple. They boast extra features missing in the Japanese rice cookers. 

It would interest you to know that the Cuckoo rice cookers can cook the weirdest grains satisfactorily. Most of them are self-cleaning and boasts multiple settings that make cooking a range of foods possible. 

The materials used in building the Cuckoo rice cooker are another highlighted feature. They make the cooker sturdier and long-lasting. 

How Frequently Should I Replace My Japanese Rice Cooker?

If well-maintained and moved carefully, your Japanese rice cooker could serve you for at least 15 years or more. The major factor is how you maintain it over the years. 

So, after two decades, you can start planning on replacing your Japanese rice cookers. That is how durable they are. 

Things To Look For When Buying A Rice Cooker

We don’t recommend you buy a rice cooker because others buy it. Your choice of rice cooker could be different from someone else’s. 

So, here are the factors to consider before splashing the cash on a rice cooker. 

• Quick cook function to spend less time preparing rice. 
• Consider the rice cooker’s cooking capacity. Does it suit your family’s needs?
• Do you prefer consuming your rice warmly? Consider choosing a rice cooker with reheating function.
• Do you want a rice cooker you can wash in the dishwasher? Consider choosing one whose parts are dishwasher safe.
• Is the inner pot non-stick? If yes, then go for it. 
• Is the outer material stainless steel? If yes, chances are it will last long. 
• Is the rice cooker versatile? Can it prepare other grains and even different types of foods? If yes, then it is a wise choice. Such rice cookers are usually expensive but worthwhile. 
• Light indicators and digital controls are features to consider too. 

Conclusion: Why are Japanese rice cookers so expensive?

The reason is that they are top-quality appliances. These rice cookers are made of top-quality materials, so they are long-lasting. They will also enable you to prepare a wide range of meals easily. 

So, is it worth purchasing a Japanese rice cooker? Yes, it is, especially if you regularly prepare rice for your family. This rice cooker can cook a range of foods, making it a wise choice. 

However, the Cuckoo rice cookers are a level of Japanese rice cookers, and they boast extra features.