---
title: "Zojirushi NL-EAC18 vs. NS-ZCC10 vs. NS-TSC10: 3-Way Micom Comparison | RiceHearth"
description: "Zojirushi NL-EAC18 vs. NS-ZCC10 vs. NS-TSC10 side-by-side comparison of Zojirushi's three core Micom rice cookers by wattage, menus, handles, and origin."
canonical: "https://ricehearth.com/comparisons/zojirushi-nl-eac18-vs-ns-zcc10-vs-ns-tsc10/"
author: "Mom of two boys, cooking rice for over 30 years"
disclosure: "Reader-supported: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases."
---

# Zojirushi NL-EAC18 vs. NS-ZCC10 vs. NS-TSC10: Which Micom Wins?

Comparing the Zojirushi NL-EAC18 vs. NS-ZCC10 vs. NS-TSC10 comes down to how the cooker lives in my kitchen: I chose the [Zojirushi NL-EAC10 / NL-EAC18BA](/reviews/zojirushi-nl-eac18/) because mine stays on the counter and I wanted the 11-menu panel (including Jasmine, Quinoa, GABA Brown, Congee, Sushi, and Cake) in a matte-black body. If I needed Made-in-Japan assembly, a carry handle, and a retractable cord, I would pick the [NS-ZCC10 / NS-ZCC18](/reviews/zojirushi-ns-zcc10/). If I wanted an included drop-in steaming basket, I would look at the [NS-TSC10 / NS-TSC18](/reviews/zojirushi-ns-tsc10/).

![Matte-black Zojirushi NL-EAC18 next to white Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy on a wooden counter](/images/editorial/zojirushi-nl-eac18-vs-ns-zcc10.webp)
*Left: My flat-top matte-black Zojirushi NL-EAC18BA. Right: The classic white Made-in-Japan Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy.*

## 3-Way Specification & Hardware Matrix

Every number below comes from Zojirushi America's manuals (`nleac`, `nszcc`, and `nstsc`).

| Feature | Zojirushi NL-EAC10 (5.5-Cup) & NL-EAC18BA (10-Cup) | Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 (5.5-Cup) & NS-ZCC18 (10-Cup) | Zojirushi NS-TSC10 (5.5-Cup) & NS-TSC18 (10-Cup) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Photo** |  |  |  |
| **5.5-Cup Size & Power** | **NL-EAC10 (5.5-Cup):** 663W | **NS-ZCC10 (5.5-Cup):** 680W | **NS-TSC10 (5.5-Cup):** 610W |
| **10-Cup Size & Power** | **NL-EAC18BA (10-Cup):** 901W | **NS-ZCC18 (10-Cup):** 1,000W | **NS-TSC18 (10-Cup):** 820W |
| **Made In** | China | **Japan** | China |
| **Exterior Finish** | Matte-rough black (*zaratsuita*) or white flat-top | Glossy white (*tsurutsuru*) classic body | Clear-coated stainless gray |
| **Lid-Release Button** | On top flat panel | Front latch button | Front latch button |
| **Top Carry Handle** | **No** (4 feet on bottom for lifting) | **Yes** (Fold-down handle) | **Yes** (Fold-down handle) |
| **Power Cord Type** | Detachable | Retractable reel | Retractable reel |
| **Total Menu Settings** | **11 Settings** | 10 Settings | 8 Settings |
| **Jasmine & Quinoa Presets?** | **Yes (Both included)** | No | No |
| **GABA Brown & Steel Cut Oats?** | **Yes (Both included)** | No (Has Semi-Brown & Rinse-Free) | No |
| **Cake Setting?** | **Yes** | No | **Yes** |
| **Included Steaming Basket?** | No | No | **Yes (BPA-free basket + Steam timer)** |
| **Stay-Cool Inner Pan Handles?** | No | **Yes** | No |
| **Check Price** | [Check NL-EAC Price ->](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Zojirushi+NL-EAC18BA+10+Cup+Micom+Rice+Cooker+Black&tag=ricehearth-20) | [Check NS-ZCC Price ->](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00007J5U7?tag=ricehearth-20) | [Check NS-TSC Price ->](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0074CDG6C?tag=ricehearth-20) |

Reviewer's note: Living with the NL-EAC18BA every day:
I fell in love at first sight with the black Zojirushi NL-EAC18BA design. The surface isn't slick and glossy (*tsurutsuru* / `ツルツル`), but a little rough (*zaratsuita* / `ざらついた`), so it blends into the kitchen. Having the lid-release button on top makes it very easy to use, and the black inner pot makes the water-level marks stand out clearly. I leave mine in the kitchen all the time, so the lack of a carry handle isn't a problem, and lifting it from the bottom where the four small feet sit isn't heavy.

## Which One Would I Order?

- I ordered the [NL-EAC10 or NL-EAC18BA](/reviews/zojirushi-nl-eac18/) because my cooker lives on the counter and I wanted Jasmine, Quinoa, Sushi, Brown, and Oatmeal presets in a flat-top matte-black design.
- I would pick the [NS-ZCC10 or NS-ZCC18](/reviews/zojirushi-ns-zcc10/) if I moved my cooker into a cabinet after every meal (where the carry handle and retractable cord help) or specifically wanted Made-in-Japan assembly.
- I would pick the [NS-TSC10 or NS-TSC18](/reviews/zojirushi-ns-tsc10/) if I wanted a carry handle plus a drop-in basket for steaming vegetables and dumplings.

## Common Questions

### What is the main difference between Zojirushi NL-EAC, NS-ZCC, and NS-TSC?

All three use Zojirushi's Micom (Fuzzy Logic) bottom-plate heating, but they differ in menu buttons, origin, and hardware. The NL-EAC10/18 is the newest flat-top design (663W/901W, Made in China) with 11 menus including Jasmine, Quinoa, GABA Brown, and Cake, a detachable cord, and no carry handle. The NS-ZCC10/18 (680W/1,000W) is Made in Japan with a spherical pan, stay-cool pot handles, a carry handle, and a retractable cord, but lacks Quinoa/Jasmine/Cake. The NS-TSC10/18 (610W/820W, Made in China) includes a BPA-free steaming basket and carry handle.

### Which of the three has the highest wattage?

In the 5.5-cup size: NS-ZCC10 (680W) > NL-EAC10 (663W) > NS-TSC10 (610W). In the 10-cup size: NS-ZCC18 (1,000W) > NL-EAC18 (901W) > NS-TSC18 (820W).

### Why does the Zojirushi NL-EAC18 not have a carry handle?

Zojirushi built the NL-EAC10 and NL-EAC18 with a flat-top control panel and a clean matte exterior meant to stay on the kitchen counter. If you need to lift it, four small feet on the base give your fingers clearance underneath.

## 📌 Cite This Kitchen Hardware & Measurement Reference

Primary-Source Verified (2026-10-12)
Food writers, journalists, and community moderators (Reddit `r/Cooking`, `r/ricecookers`, `r/BuyItForLife`) are welcome to reference or link to my 180 ml Japanese *go* (合) vs. 240 ml US cup conversions, detachable inner-lid audit, and manufacturer wattage tables with attribution to RiceHearth.

Explore Related Guides & Head-to-Head Comparisons:   Which Zojirushi to Buy  ·
Best 10-Cup Rice Cookers  ·
Best Small 3-Cup Cookers  ·
Best Budget Under $100  ·
Stainless Steel (Non-Toxic)  ·
NL-EAC18 vs NS-ZCC10 vs NS-TSC10  ·
Zojirushi vs Cuckoo  ·
Zojirushi vs Tiger  ·
Instant Pot vs Rice Cooker  ·
5-Step Rice Cooker Routine  ·
Fix Mushy or Hard Rice  ·
Cleaning & Keep-Warm Care  ·
Rice Grain Size & Starch Chart  ·
Japanese Rice Glossary
