Which rice cooker in Australia is best for you? Cuckoo, Tiger or Zojirushi?

Which rice cooker available in Australia is the best option for you?

The quick answer is: The most expensive rice cooker may not be the best one for you. Your choice should be based on your needs and budget. The brand, country of origin, price, size, materials, and heating system are all factors to consider.

However, one reassuring aspect is that every rice cooker sold in Australia is required to be SAA-approved, ensuring that safety standards are met.

1. Tiger vs Zojirushi Vs Cuckoo

There are many rice cooker brands, and it can be confusing for customers to choose one. Tiger, Zojirushi and Cuckoo are three major brands made in Japan and Korea.

Tiger is one of my favourite brands, and it has been in the market for over fifty years. Their rice cookers are renowned for their durability. One consistent feature of Tiger is their insistence on products being made in Japan. Tiger also prioritises keeping its production close to its Research and Development (R&D) departments in Japan. This proximity greatly enhances quality control. While this ensures quality, a downside is that supply can sometimes be hindered because production capacity in Japan is not limitless.

Zojirushi has always ranked high in the international market, but, unfortunately, it was absent in Australia for half a century. Only recently has Zojirushi recognised the rising demand for their products in Australia.

Although it is a Japanese brand, not all Zojirushi products are made there; in fact, many of their products are made in Thailand and China. We can confirm that the current model available in Australia is made in Japan. Zojirushi technology is its attention to detail, ensuring that each type of rice is cooked perfectly. They achieve this without utilising pressure and induction technology, which I will explain later in this article.

It is evident that the Japanese approach places quality over quantity. When it comes to rice cookers made in Japan, both Zojirushi and Tiger stand out for their excellence.

Cuckoo is a popular choice according to customer feedback. Its key advantage is the flexibility it offers, allowing users to customise various settings, including the temperature of warm keeping (for some models). 

On the flip side, navigating the interface of Cuckoo rice cookers can be complex, especially for those accustomed to the standard interfaces of other rice cookers available on the market. Additionally, Cuckoo tends to produce stickier rice, which some customers have issues with — a topic I will explore further in Section 5.

2. What factors should you consider?

When choosing a rice cooker for yourself, the first thing you need to consider is the price range. There are people who just want a top model for around $1000. That product will undoubtedly be the best. However, a rice cooker that costs about $400 can be just as effective as the more expensive models.

Size is the next factor to consider. There are 3-cup, 5-cup, 6-cup and 10-cup options (see footnote regarding capacity) available. A cup refers to 150ml to 180ml of uncooked rice, which is equivalent to two small bowls of rice that you normally see in Japanese and Korean restaurants. You can then choose the material of the inner pot.

Today, non-stick inner pots are very durable and made with safe materials. Zojirushi uses a non-stick inner pot, and feedback has been very positive in their American market. As for the competitors, Cuckoo offers the reputable XWall series, and Tiger has ceramic coatings with up to 8 layers. While, ceramic nonstick layers are more common in cookware, they are still rare in inner pots for rice cookers.

For customers who do not want non-stick surfaces, the Buffalo and Hoper Layer stainless steel rice cookers are good alternatives. It is worth mentioning that all stainless steel rice cookers are made in China. Stainless steel rice cookers also have a few limitations you should be aware of. 

Buffalo has been in the stainless steel rice cooker market for many years. However, they no longer produce their 6-cup version, which has left a gap in this popular size. Luckily, Hoper Layer now offers a 6-cup model to meet this need.

3. What types should you consider?

We can help you navigate the different types of rice cookers so that you can find the one you need more easily.

On the left side of our website, we have included a filter for your convenience. Under the heating system category, you will find four principal options: base heat, pressure cooking, IH induction, and twin pressure.

Both Tiger and Cuckoo offer a range of rice cookers equipped with base heat, IH induction, and pressure cooking capabilities. Zojirushi, on the other hand, provides models with base heat and IH induction. Cuckoo has recently introduced a new technology called twin pressure, further expanding the choices available to you.

• Base heat: This is the traditional type of heating from the base.
• Pressure cooking: This uses a high temperature and cooks rice more efficiently, especially brown rice.
• IH Induction: This allows rice to be heated from all sides. Heat will not be concentrated at the bottom.
• Twin Pressure: This feature provides the option to cook with or without pressure, unlike typical pressure cookers that only offer a pressure mode. The latest white models also allow the lid to be opened during non-pressure cooking, adding convenience and flexibility.

All rice cookers fall into the these categories: 

• Base heat
• Base heat with pressure
• IH induction with pressure
• IH induction
• Twin Pressure

If you choose a pressure rice cooker, it is important that you carefully follow the instructions for a pressure rice cooker. During the cooking process, pressure will be released from the top. It is also necessary to change the gasket periodically. Most pressure rice cookers cannot be opened while cooking, except for the latest model of Cuckoo twin pressure rice cooker.

This model comes with a feature called "open cooking." Do not get too fascinated by the name—it simply means you can choose between pressure cooking mode and non-pressure cooking mode. With the non-pressure mode, you can open the lid during cooking. While this is a definite improvement over standard pressure rice cookers that only offer pressure cooking, the twin pressure model comes with a high price tag.

Do you really need a pressure rice cooker, or even a twin pressure model? It depends. While pressure cookers have their advantages, they require more maintenance compared to base-heated models. In my opinion, a standard multi-function rice cooker is versatile enough to meet most needs.

You may be curious to know my personal preference. Induction rice cookers without pressure are my favourite. They cook rice better without the troubles of using pressure. Tiger and Zojirushi each offer one model of induction-only rice cookers in Australia. The price of a Tiger induction rice cooker clearly offers more price competitiveness.

4. What about buying internationally?

Fans who seek high-end rice cookers often look at the international market. In the past, many people bought from overseas when Zojirushi rice cookers were still not available in Australia, but warranties are not always included in such purchases. Reviews occasionally mention damage to Zojirushi rice cookers upon delivery, and this kind of damage is not covered by warranty.

As all rice cookers in Australia must be approved by SAA safety certificates, we cannot recommend any overseas model because we cannot guarantee its safety. Check with the retailer to see if the model is suitable for Australia. You assume all risks when you use a rice cooker without SAA approval.

Our recommendation is to buy locally in Australia. 

5. The most important factor: your needs

Some customers have a highly developed taste for rice and can detect subtle differences, so pressure plus IH would be a good option for them. Others are not bothered by variations in taste and just want a durable product, so they can get by with a conventional rice cooker or a multifunctional rice cooker that uses base heat. 

It is also important to understand the cooking time. Modern and multifunction rice cookers, especially induction and pressure cookers, usually take longer to cook rice. The average cooking time is 30 to 60 minutes. Although there is usually a "quick cook" setting on multifunction rice cookers, cooking time can be reduced only slightly. Note that GABA rice may require a cooking time as long as 200 minutes. 

If you prefer a short cooking time, say around 15 minutes, you should use a conventional rice cooker.

• Multifunction rice cookers
• Conventional rice cookers

Next to consider is the interface. While Japan has long been known for producing reliable rice cookers, Koreans introduced a completely new system. If you are already familiar with using a Japanese rice cooker, Zojirushi and Tiger rice cookers will be easy to use because their interface is simple and user-friendly. However, if you are open to using newer technologies and are comfortable with a more complex interface, you will find that Cuckoo rice cookers have a lot to offer. They even have a rice cooker that speaks.

When it comes to rice texture, Cuckoo and other Korean rice cookers typically produce a stickier rice, similar to what you would find in a stainless steel bowl at a Korean BBQ restaurant. Although some Cuckoo models allow users to adjust the stickiness, certain customers — especially those who favour Southeast Asian rice flavours — still find the rice too sticky even after making adjustments. On the other hand, Japanese rice cookers, which have been exported globally for over fifty years, are often a better choice for those who prefer a less sticky texture. They cater to a wider range of culinary preferences, accommodating various tastes in rice textures.

6. Customer Feedback and Comparison: Tiger, Zojirushi, Cuckoo

It is challenging to convey all the details in a single article, but I have summarised key points and the most representative customer feedback into the chart below. I hope it provides a clear and helpful overview. The star system is based on the product ratings we received.

Tiger: Customers appreciate Tiger for its durability and affordability. Many users mention that it is a family staple in Australia, often passed down through generations. The rice texture tends to be firm and well-formed, which appeals to those who prefer slightly al dente rice​.

Zojirushi: Zojirushi consistently receives praise for producing soft, fluffy, and perfectly cooked rice across different varieties like brown, white, and sushi rice. Customers are impressed with its detailed settings and ease of use, though it may have a slight learning curve. Its high quality and versatility justify the higher price​.

Cuckoo: Known for producing sticky rice, ideal for Korean-style meals, Cuckoo is favoured by those who prefer this texture. However, some users report occasional water leakage, which may be due to the need for gasket replacements. The control panel is also considered more complex to navigate. Suitable for those who embrace new technology. 

7. We have a helpful team at My Cookware Australia®

If you would like to discuss what kind of rice cooker you need, feel free to contact us at any time. We will provide you with individualised advice based on your needs. 

Remember that the most expensive option is not always the best option for you. You should get what you want based on your budget and your specific needs.

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