I have the black and decker kind and it works fine enough. I'm saving up for a Zojirushi personally, but if you're on a tight budget and want a rice cooker, go for the Black and Decker.

I have the more traditional one and I prefer it over the black and decker one because the lid was a pain to clean. I always seemed to have starch speckles all over the top from where the steam was coming up through. I got mine at Sam's Club for 30.00 or so it was not that much more than the 20.00 black and decker

I have the Black & Decker (because that's the only kind they sell around here).

Personally, I'd like to have a Zojirushi, but there's nothing wrong with the B&D, it works just fine and is easy to use. Clean up is also easy because the inner bowl the rice cooks in comes out and I think its all dishwasher safe. And, while not pictured, it does come with a rice paddle and measuring cup.

I have a Black and Decker: the lid is impossible to clean well, and there are starch speckles all over everything else it was near (my toaster, my jar opener, etc). They wipe off for the most part, but it's still a pain.

It is quick and the rice tastes good though :)

I've never used the other kind, so I can't say anything towards those.

If you can afford it, I highly recommend the Zojirushi 3-cup maker (tho it is very pricy--mine was a housewarming gift from Mom). The rice comes out perfect every time (except for brown rice. That has to be cooked twice but once its done its great!)

I have a simple rice cooker (brand is "National") which I use regularly. I found it at a thrift store. It does a wonderful job cooking brown rice for me and cost me only $4 plus tax. I also have another one that's a Zojirushi that keeps the rice heated. I found it at a thrift store for $9 plus tax.


It depends on your budget as well as what you want out of a rice cooker. I am all about simplicity.


Edited at 2008-05-18 01:14 am (UTC)

I bought my black and decker when my other very old rice pot broke. I find it sends starch everywhere through the lid and my unit gets way too hot and any rice that touches the insert burns (or just browns horribly if I'm lucky.)

My old rice pot was made in a similar way (and it made perfect rice) as the B & D one, but I haven't found the quality or that particular model to be same.

The difference between the two is 'fuzzy logic'.

There's an article here which may help clarify it better:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2003/12/10/FDGNB3FHP81.DTL

Or check out good old wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice_cooker

We have a Zojirushi 5-cup model, and we swear by it. Does 1 cup just as well as 5, so perfect for two or for entertaining or preparing ahead.

Fuzzy Logic Rice cookers also have additional settings for porridges (to include oatmeal!) and speciality rices -- and will generally let you set WHEN you want your rice to be ready, versus having to watch it.

thanks everyone! seems like i am leaning towards the zojirushi! seems a bit pricey but worth it in the long run. :D

they work the same