The two rice cookers in the Zojirushi np-nvc10 vs np-hbc10 comparison are excellent choices. So you can’t make a “wrong” decision here. Both have IH (induction heating) and micom “fuzzy” logic technology that is exclusive to Zojirushi rice makers. But there are some differences between the two that could sway you in one direction over the other.
Below, you will find all of the information that you need to make the best decision in the Zojirushi np-nvc10 vs np-hbc10 comparison. Click here to get a closer look at the Zojirushi np-nvc10 or click here to take a closer look at the Zojirushi np-hbc10.
If you want, you can use the table of contents below to skip ahead to the comparison chart or summary.
Induction heating
Both rice cookers have induction heating. Whereas most rice cookers have bottom mounted heating elements, these machines make the entire inner pan a heat conductor.
The Zojirushi np-nvc10 also uses pressure cooker technology which increases water absorption. Rice made with a pressure cooker tends to stay softer longer. This feature works especially well with brown rice which is notoriously hard and takes longer to cook.
Multiple rice cooking options
Both rice cookers have multiple rice cooking functions. You can cook white, mixed, sushi, sweet, porridge, brown, and GABA brown rice. The GABA brown rice option works by “activating” your brown rice and increasing gama-aminobutyric acid. This amino acid is believed to have health benefits, i.e., lowering blood pressure and improving kidney function.
Scorched rice
I was surprised to learn that so many people were interested in a rice cooker that could make “crunchy” or even burnt rice. But it’s not uncommon. There are many dishes that require toasted rice, like this thai toasted rice recipe. It adds texture and flavor to the dish. Only the Zojirushi np-nvc10 comes with a scorch setting.
Click here to get more details on the Zojirushi NP-NVC10
Click here to get more details on the Zojirushi NP-HBC10
Inner pan
Both rice makers in the Zojirushi np-nvc10 vs np-hbc10 come with nonstick inner pans. The np-nvc10, however, has a platinum coating. This platinum coating changes water quality allowing for better water absorption. This helps you make better tasting rice.
Keep warm
Both machines are smart. They have the same keep warm settings. The keep warm settings can detect how many times the cooker is opened, and how much rice is left. Based on that info, the rice cooker determines how much heat is needed to keep the rice at the ideal temperature.
There is a beep that alerts you 4 times after rice cooking completion to fluff rice. The keep warm setting automatically turns on after the cooking finish and will stay on for up to 12 hours. There is also an extended keep warm setting that reduces the temp to prevent drying and yellowing; it’s best to use this setting if you plan on keeping your rice warm for long periods of time.
Umami setting
Only the Zojirushi np-nvc10 has the Umami setting. In Japan, Umami is considered to be the “5th flavor”, it means “good flavor” or “deliciousness”. This setting soaks the water for longer than normal. This extended time means that more sugar contained in the rice is released into the water. When the rice is cooked, that sugar in the water reattaches itself to the surface of the rice. This makes the rice sweeter.
Accessories
The Zojirushi np-nvc10 comes with a spatula, spatula holder, and two measuring cups (regular and rinse free). The np-hbc10 comes with just one regular measuring cup.
Price
The Zojirsuhi brand makes high-end rice cookers. This quality is reflected in the price. You can click here to see the price for the Zojirushi np-nvc10 or you can click here to see the price on the Zojirushi np-hbc10.
Comparison Chart
 Zojirushi np-nvc10 rice cooker. |  Zojirsuhi np-hbc10 rice cooker. |
|
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 8.6 inches x 15.4 inches x 10.1 inches | 8 inches x 10 inches x 14 inches |
| Color: | brown | stainless steel |
| Fuzzy Logic: | yes | yes |
| Accessories: | spatula, spatula holder, 2 measuring cups (regular and rinse free) | spatula, spatula holder, measuring cup |
| Capacity: | 1 liter or 5.5 cups | 1 liter or 5.5 cups |
| Manufacturing Country: | Japan | Japan |
| Scorch Setting | yes, see above for explanation. | no |
| Pressure Induction Heating | yes | no |
| Umami Setting | yes, see above for explanation. | no |
| Materials: | stainless steel | stainless steel |
| Induction Heating | yes | yes |
| Warranty: | 1 year | 1 year |
Customer Reviews
Both machines have their fair share of positive feedback. Customers of both machines note the “night and day” difference between the Zojirushi rice makers and the basic run of the mill rice cookers. There is a huge difference in the quality between low-end and high-end rice makers. Some customers pointed out potential cons as well; for one, the cost can be restrictive to some. Also, people need to be aware that the cup that comes with your Zojirushi rice cooker is the only one you should use to measure rice.
See customer reviews for the Zojirushi NP-NVC10
See customer reviews for the Zojirushi NP-HBC10
Other Rice Cookers to Consider
The two rice cookers that you read about above are great options with a lot of features (especially the np-nvc10). However, you might want to explore a few other options that could be a better fit.
VS Zojirushi NS-TSC10
The Zojirushi ns-tsc10 is a another great rice cooker option. It comes with the neuro fuzzy logic technology. It is a 5.5 cup or 1 liter capacity machine. It is brown and the construction is mostly stainless steel. It also comes with a steamer function and the accompanying steamer tray.
Click here to see price and other details
vs Zojirushi NS-ZCC10
The Zojirushi ns-zcc10 is another 5.5 cup or 1 liter capacity machine. Unlike the other rice cookers, this model is all white. The all white exterior could mean that you have to clean it more often. It has a spherically shaped inner pot that allows for more even heat distribution. Some of the special features include a retractable cord and 2 different measuring cups (regular, rinse free) for more control over your rice.
Click here to see price and other details
Summary
The Zojirushi np-nvc10 vs np-hbc10 rice cooker comparison is one that features two very good machines. However, the Zojirushi np-nvc10 is superior. It has the Umami setting, pressure induction heating, and the platinum-coated inner pan. But that doesn’t mean that it is the right choice for you.
Maybe you will choose one of the other cookers above. In truth, all of the rice cookers listed on this page are great options. You will have to determine which cooker offers the features you want at a price that you feel comfortable paying.
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