It is common to worry about the materials of a rice cooker insert if you are a health freak or normally conscious. Perhaps you’re contemplating purchasing a Zojirushi rice cooker but don’t know the insert material.
So, you’re asking about the Zojirushi rice cooker insert is made of what material?
Two types of rice cookers are available from Zojirushi. Pressure induction heating cookers are made from aluminum and stainless steel clad material with iron-coated, platinum-infused coatings. On the other hand, generic cookers are made from aluminum and stainless steel clad with PTFE (Teflon) nonstick coating. When it comes as a fume, PTFE (Teflon) coating can be dangerous for humans.
An extensive discussion of the insert materials of Zojirushi rice cookers can be found in the article. Keep reading to learn about the best insert alternatives.
Zojirushi Rice Cooker Insert Is Made of What Material
The insert (inner pan) material of a rice cooker is crucial for the quality of the final outcome since it holds the rice and the water during cooking. Also, the insert materials affect the cooking time, temperature, and evenness of cooking.
Insert material is a concern for Zojirushi rice cooker users too. So let’s find out what material the Zojirushi rice cooker is made of.
First, let’s take a brief look at the material, followed by a more detailed analysis with appropriate advantages and disadvantages.
| Rice Cooker Category and models | Coating | Material |
| Pressure Induction Heating cookers (NW-JEC10/18, NP-NWC10/18) | Iron coated- Platinum infused coating | Aluminum and Stainless steel clad |
| Generic cookers (NL-AAC10/18,NL-GAC10/18,NS-ZCC10/18,NHS-06/10/18,NS-LHC05, etc) | PTFE (Teflon) non-stick coating | Aluminum and Stainless steel clad |
Well, it’s time to discuss the insert material and coating in a detailed manner so that you can know what is better and what is bad.
Insert of The Zojirushi Pressure Induction Heating Cooker:
The pressure induction heating rice cooker is a high-end model designed by Zojirushi. This rice cooker uses a combination of pressure and induction heating to cook rice quickly and evenly.
Rice is more thoroughly and evenly cooked using induction heating technology than with traditional methods. It is possible to achieve more consistent results by using induction heating technology.
The material of the pressure induction heating cooker is aluminum and stainless steel clad. This combination of materials allows for both efficient heat distribution and durability. The heat is evenly distributed throughout the pot because aluminum is an excellent heat conductor.
However, aluminum is less durable than other materials and can be scratched or dented.
So, the pressure induction heating model of the Zojirushi rice cooker is iron-coated and also platinum-infused. This dual coating is efficient for heat distribution and retention along with scratch resistance and durability.
The platinum particles alkalize the cooking water. Rice grains absorb water more easily when alkaline water breaks down proteins on their surface. This enhances gelatinization and brings out the sweetness of rice. Better gelatinized rice eradicates the problem of rice bubbling like soap.
Also, it reduces friction and prevents the rice from sticking to the pot, which improves the texture and taste of the rice. On the other hand, a simple iron coating is more prone to rust than other materials.
Insert of The Zojirushi Generic Cookers:
Now, we’ll talk about regular cookers that are more budget-friendly and targeted at mass users. The material of insert for this category is aluminum and stainless steel clad. Moreover, they have been coated with PTFE nonstick coatings.
Actually, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is also known as Teflon. In addition to being nonreactive and hydrophobic, PTFE has a low coefficient of friction, as well as being good at insulating. It is most commonly used to coat nonstick cookware.
Despite its excellent non-stick properties, it is toxic to ingest and inhale. Normally it’s not toxic but when it gets heated to a high temperature of over 260℃ (500 ℉), Teflon releases toxic fumes.
During such extreme temperature operations, the Teflon coatings of nonstick cookware begin to deteriorate. Then they can discharge harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. Breathing in these vapors might result in an ailment referred to as polymer fume fever or the Teflon flu.
But, a rice cooker only operates at the melting point of water, which is 100 °C or 212 °F. So, they are safe for use in cookware.
Many people are scared that it may contain cancer properties. But the American Cancer Society says that currently, there is no evidence to suggest that using cookware coated with Teflon (or other non-stick surfaces) poses any known risks to human health.
How to Minimize the Risk of PTFE Coating When Cooking:
However, there are some safety precautions you can take to reduce health risks.
- An empty pan should never be preheated since it can reach high temperatures within minutes.
- To minimize the buildup of fumes while cooking, consider turning on your exhaust fan or opening windows for proper ventilation.
- Always use a plastic spatula to fluff the rice, as harsh metal spatulas will damage the coating layer
- If you still find the nonstick coating peeling off, replace the inner pans according to your Zojirushi rice cooker model.
Today’s PTFE products do not contain PFOA, a chemical that causes thyroid disorders, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, and testicular cancer. However, if you’re still in doubt, you should try some non-Teflon coating rick cookers.
Rice Cookers Alternatives With Non-Teflon Coating
Rice cookers with non-Teflon coatings can be a good alternative to traditional Teflon-coated rice cookers. If you don’t want to take any health risks, you can try these substitutes.
In fact, these coatings are free from harmful chemicals that are present in Teflon when it breaks down. Also, it does not affect the quality or taste of the rice. Here are some amazing alternatives to Teflon coating rice cookers.
Ceramic:
Ceramic cookware is a great alternative to Zojirushi Teflon coating. While the product boasts impressive nonstick qualities, its coating can be prone to scratches. In fact, Ceramic cookware is highly desirable due to its inert nature, which ensures that no toxic chemicals are released during cooking.
A ceramic non-toxic cookware pan is usually free of heavy metals, polymers, coatings, and dyes, and it can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher or with warm soapy water. The cleaning of ceramic cookware is easier than that of cast iron.
Stainless Steel:
It is very durable, scratch-resistant, and dishwasher-safe, ensuring effortless cleaning. When it comes to a rice cooker insert, stainless steel pots are often the preferred choice due to their durability and slower corrosion rate compared to other types of cookware.
Stoneware:
The stoneware rice cooker has been a popular choice in cookware. With seasoning, it becomes non-stick and boasts even heat distribution. Also, it can withstand high temperatures and is scratch-resistant. It’s non-toxic and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
Rice Cooker Inner Pan Maintenance And Care
Keep in mind that maintenance is key. When you take care of your Zojirushi rice cooker insert, you will reduce the chances of damage. So, let’s find out how you can care for it.
- Make sure to wash your insert after every use. This will result in more tasty meals and less chaos, as well as simplify the rice cooker cleaning process.
- Using metal utensils on nonstick cookware can cause scuffing and scratching, which can shorten the lifespan of the surface. Always use a non-abrasive sponge to clean the pan.
- Use a sponge and soapy water to clean your pan instead of using steel wool. If the rice pieces are particularly stuck, it’s recommended to let the pot soak for approximately twenty minutes.
- Don’t overcook the rice. You can prevent sticky, crusty rice cooker mess by using good cooking methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Which is better ceramic or Teflon coating?
Considering the durability, ceramic coating is better than Teflon. Ceramic coating lasts more than two years. On the other hand, Teflon coating stays for 3-4 months. However, Teflon coating is a cheaper option than ceramic coating.
Does the Zojirushi rice cooker insert peel?
Zojirushi rice cooker with PTFE(Teflon) non-stick coating insert can peel over time. Usually, Zojirushi rice cooker inserts are made of durable and peel-resistant materials, such as non-stick-coated aluminum or stainless steel. However, If the rice cooker insert is not handled or cleaned properly, it can lead to peeling.
Is aluminum rice cooker safe?
Normally as a material, aluminum is considered safe for rice cookers. Food can be poisoned by aluminum if it is used as a coating. However, make sure the aluminum surface is not damaged or scratched, as this can cause aluminum to leach into the food, which can be harmful in large amounts.
Is Teflon coating plastic?
Yes, Teflon is a kind of plastic that spray onto different objects. That spray needs to be baked to produce a surface that is resistant to sticking, water, corrosion, and chemical reactions later. But more than plastic Teflon is a chemical coating.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you’ve got to know about the Zojirushi rice cooker insert is made of what material. Since the rice cooker is an essential appliance in daily households, it’s a requirement to know the material of the inner pan.
There are two types of Zojirushi rice cookers, each with a different coating. Depending on your preferences, you should choose one. If you find that one disturbing, you should go for another one.
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