This is a review from a family for whom rice is a staple food (rice is cooked in the house every day). The only variety used though is white rice (long grain). We bought this about 6 months ago - wanted to gain some experience before posting a review about it. During this time this cooker has been used about 180 times (once a day). There are different methods of cooking rice: a) microwave, b) pressure cooker, c) boiling rice in a vessel in an electric/gas countertop oven. The key to getting rice cooked in the consistency desired (the family prefers fluffy) is the ratio of water to rice, regardless of method used. This holds true for the Sanyo electric cooker also. This optimum water/rice ratio varies with the variety of rice used (even among the long grain white rice varieties). The marked measurements in the cooker are a guide only - and will not get the desired result all the time. Keeping this in mind, I will start with my biggest gripe:
a) I fail to understand what all the fuzzy logic, micro computerized technology does to improve the process of rice cooking. This was evidenced by the fact that the cooked rice was no different from the earlier $15 B$D rice cooker it replaced. There is a timer - which turns off based on some preset logic, but this logic certainly is NOT based on cooked rice quality and consistency. Until technology reaches that level all this micro computer fuzzy logic mumbo jumbo is more marketing hype than reality.
b) Looks good: From the design aspect, it does look good, somewhat futuristic looking.
c) Easy to clean and maintain: some thought has gone into the component design, they are easy to clean and maintain.
d) The non-stick coating seems to be more scratch resistant than conventional. Again comparing with the B&D cooker this replaces, this is performing much better - we did not try scratching this with a knife to check this as one poster claimed - this is just everyday use.
e) Added feature of the steamer is quite helpful when steaming vegetables in addition to cooking rice is desired.
f) Price/Value: This rice cooker is expensive at $110. However, I wouldnt complain too much, if the inherent value of product compensates for it. As mentioned earlier, aside from aesthetics, general improvements there is no revolutionary advantage to this product over cheaper products. My main problem with the B&D cheapo cooker was longevity. It crapped out after 1 year. Given the price differential the Sanyo enjoys over that - almost 6 times, then the Sanyo cooker should last about 6 years. I am not ready to attest to this yet, as I am only 6 months into my ownership. If me, cooker, Amazon are still around, I will come back and update.
Bottomline: Works well, but pricey, I would be hesitant to recommend for the occasional rice eater.
Update (Nov 2007): One year now - absolutely no issues with once a day use so far. No scratches on the non-stick coating (we strictly use the spatula provided), easy to clean, and consistent cooked rice quality.
Update (Jan 2009): Two plus years now and still going strong. The non-stick coating has started to come off in places.
