Sanyo ECJ-F50S Micro-Computerized 5-Cup Rice Cooker and Steamer
by Sanyo
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Category: Kitchen
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: SanyoBrand: Sanyo
Model: ECJ-F50S
Product features:
- 5-cup micro-computerized rice cooker and steamer with fuzzy-logic technology
- Multi-menu selections; LCD clock and 24-hour timer; keep-warm function
- Titanium-coated, extra-thick nonstick pot with a round bottom for even heating
- Steaming tray, measuring cup, nonstick spatula, and instructions included
- Measures 13 by 11-1/4 by 10 inches; 1-year limited warranty
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Sanyo ECJ-F50S Micro-Computerized 5-Cup Rice Cooker and Steamer
Customer Review: It would have been so easy for them to do much better!
Summary: 2 Stars
This cooker makes good rice. I don't find it especially slow--mostly because I'm used to planning ahead for my brown rice already (80 minutes rather than 60). The rice has great texture and flavour. An excellent nonstick pot means you get the rice skin in your food rather than having it stick to the pot (sufficient rinsing minimises this); in some circles the skin is a delicacy. Basically, not bad.
The product is not particularly difficult to clean day-to-day. The pot is easy. The cover is attached via an annoying rubber ball and socket: it pops on and off easily enough but looks like a hack (for example, compare to Zojirushi's NS-ZCC10, in which the pot cover snaps in and out of a sturdy latch, and won't let you close the cooker if you forget to replace the pot lid after cleaning). The Sanyo's steam vent is a finnicky little ball vent: you have to pop off its enclosure and then unscrew the two halves. Fortunately it doesn't need to be cleaned often. The Zojirushi is better in this regard.
But the electronics are pathetic. Given how easily Sanyo could have done better, I'm harsh in my criticism:
First: there is no audible notice when your rice is done. It cooks for a while and then it stops. It only counts down the last thirteen minutes (it does not know initially how long the rice will take because more rice takes longer and it has to sense how much rice there is). But this means that you can't even reliably set a kitchen timer! Not that you should have to--there's electronics in there, and it would add no complexity and little hardware to make it beep like everyone else! But no, you just have to watch the unit.
Second: there is a nice "steam" feature (this is an uncommon and welcome feature on fuzzy logic rice cookers), but it is not possible to use that with a timer. The manual helpfully advises that you time steaming by hand, which is difficult because while the machine knows when the water starts to boil, it doesn't tell you! You have to watch or listen for steam. In fairness, most of the things I steam are done when I can stick a fork in them, but the occasional exception irks. At least the "slow cook" feature lets you time things (in increments of a half hour; think all-day stew).
Third, I'm partial to 24-hour clocks, but I'm used to 12-hour clocks. This unit has neither: it mostly follows 12-hour conventions, but noon is 0:00, not 12:00. This is more logical (a numbering system that goes from 0 to 12- rather than from 1 to 13- as is the convention) but I've done double-takes a few times because 0:00 is midnight in the 24-hour world. Why Sanyo thought it a good idea to use _neither_ of the standard clock formats, but rather invent their own, is a mystery.
Fourth (only for the somewhat absent-minded): the unit does not shut off when you open the lid. When your rice is cooked the unit enters "keep warm" mode, which is great, but even when the lid is opened and the bowl removed the unit stays in that mode until I start to wonder why my kitchen feels warm. The "keep warm" light is probably more obvious if you're not as tall as I am, and I suppose some people will serve some rice, close the unit, eat, go back for more rice... at least an audible warning that the unit is still on upon lid open/close would be nice.
Fifth: The control panel resets to its default ("white rice") after each use. There's a battery backup for the clock and I leave mine plugged in anyway, so the machine could easily remember the last thing you did (I almost always cook brown rice), but it doesn't.
Sixth: of course a holster for the provided spatula wouldn't be a bad idea (most rice cookers seem to do this), but that's minor.
In summary: it makes very good rice, but Sanyo cut many stupidly trivial corners.
Description of Sanyo ECJ-F50S Micro-Computerized 5-Cup Rice Cooker and Steamer
Enjoy healthy cooking prepared easily in this mult-function unit. Making rice, soup and steaming vegetables is easy as Sanyo has incorporated the latest in micro-computerized technology in this attractive cooker. Eliminate uneven cooking with the extra thick 3.5mm titanium coated inner pot that makes sure you get no cold or undercooked areas. Since the inner pot is thick, heat distribution is more even and remains constant throughout the cooking process. This results in food prepared as you expect. Multiple rices such as white, brown, rinse-free, mixed, sweet, sprouted brown and the Korean specialty dish Dol Sot Bi Bim Bab are started simply by locating the water level marked on the inner pot for each type of rice, pouring water to the correct marking, selecting the type of rice by pushing the menu key and pushing the start button. Doesn't get much easier than that! In addition, the menu key has settings for slow cook (soups and stews), porridge, steaming and quick cooking. The multi-language instruction manual (English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese) with recipes is easily understood and guides you through the different cooking operations. A unique steaming tray is included that allows not only preparation of vegetables but incorporates the ability to steam eggs. Want your food ready after a hard day at the office? Preset your food to cook up to 24 hours ahead of time with the LCD clock/timer. Running a little late even though you have your food timed? An automatic keep warm function will make sure prepared food is kept at its optimum heat level for up to 12 hours. Easy cleanup is managed with the non-stick inner pot and removable steam vent. A retractable cord and carrying handle make it convenient to bring the food right to your dining area. A measuring cup, non-stick spatula and multi-language manual with recipes included are packaged in the carton. White color with stainless steel accents.Small Appliances
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