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Quick verdict
Choose the Zojirushi NHS-06 Rice Cooker/Steamer 3 Cup if you want zojirushi reliability and inner pot quality in a compact 3-cup size. Choose the Black+Decker RC506 3-Cup Rice Cooker if you'd rather have lowest price in this roundup for a functional, reliable rice cooker. Overall we rank the Zojirushi NHS-06 Rice Cooker/Steamer 3 Cup higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Small Rice Cookers for One or Two People list.
Winner overall: Zojirushi NHS-06 Rice Cooker/Steamer 3 Cup
Zojirushi NHS-06 Rice Cooker/Steamer 3 Cup vs Black+Decker RC506 3-Cup Rice Cooker compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
Keep researching
- Best Small Rice Cookers for One or Two People
- Zojirushi NHS-06 Rice Cooker/Steamer 3 Cup review
- Black+Decker RC506 3-Cup Rice Cooker review
- All rice cookers
Bottom line
Choose the Zojirushi NHS-06 Rice Cooker/Steamer 3 Cup if you want zojirushi reliability and inner pot quality in a compact 3-cup size. Choose the Black+Decker RC506 3-Cup Rice Cooker if you'd rather have lowest price in this roundup for a functional, reliable rice cooker. Overall we rank the Zojirushi NHS-06 Rice Cooker/Steamer 3 Cup higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Small Rice Cookers for One or Two People list.
Zojirushi
Zojirushi reliability and inner pot quality in a compact 3-cup size
- 3-cup uncooked capacity
- Simple cook/steam/warm switch
- Nonstick inner pot
- Includes steaming basket
- Compact 7 to 8-inch footprint
- Zojirushi build quality
✓ Pros
- Lowest price in this roundup for a functional, reliable rice cooker
- Compact 3-cup size fits small kitchens and dorm setups
- Simple one-switch operation with no learning curve
✕ Cons
- Single-thermostat design cannot handle brown rice consistently
- 3-cup ceiling is too small for households of 3 or more
- Non-stick coating and switch mechanism tend to wear with in 1 to 2 years of daily use
Black+Decker
Lowest price in this roundup for a functional, reliable rice cooker
- 3-cup uncooked capacity
- Single cook/warm switch
- Nonstick removable bowl
- Tempered glass lid
- Compact, lightweight body
- Rice measuring cup and spoon included
✓ Pros
- Lowest price in this roundup for a functional, reliable rice cooker
- Compact 3-cup size fits small kitchens and dorm setups
- Simple one-switch operation with no learning curve
✕ Cons
- Single-thermostat design cannot handle brown rice consistently
- 3-cup ceiling is too small for households of 3 or more
- Non-stick coating and switch mechanism tend to wear with in 1 to 2 years of daily use
FAQ
Common questions
Which is better, the Zojirushi NHS-06 Rice Cooker/Steamer 3 Cup or the Black+Decker RC506 3-Cup Rice Cooker?
Choose the Zojirushi NHS-06 Rice Cooker/Steamer 3 Cup if you want zojirushi reliability and inner pot quality in a compact 3-cup size. Choose the Black+Decker RC506 3-Cup Rice Cooker if you'd rather have lowest price in this roundup for a functional, reliable rice cooker. Overall we rank the Zojirushi NHS-06 Rice Cooker/Steamer 3 Cup higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Small Rice Cookers for One or Two People list.
What is the difference between the Zojirushi NHS-06 Rice Cooker/Steamer 3 Cup and the Black+Decker RC506 3-Cup Rice Cooker?
The Zojirushi NHS-06 Rice Cooker/Steamer 3 Cup stands out because zojirushi reliability and inner pot quality in a compact 3-cup size, while the Black+Decker RC506 3-Cup Rice Cooker stands out because lowest price in this roundup for a functional, reliable rice cooker. The trade-offs differ too: the Zojirushi NHS-06 Rice Cooker/Steamer 3 Cup's ma in caveat is that no fuzzy logic, single-thermostat control like budget brands, and the Black+Decker RC506 3-Cup Rice Cooker's is that single-thermostat design cannot handle brown rice consistently.
Is the Zojirushi NHS-06 Rice Cooker/Steamer 3 Cup worth it over the Black+Decker RC506 3-Cup Rice Cooker?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Black+Decker RC506 3-Cup Rice Cooker instead if no fuzzy logic, single-thermostat control like budget brands is a deal-breaker for you.
Keep researching
Related guides & comparisons
Black+Decker RC506 3-Cup Rice Cooker
