Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Review: The Steaming-Basket Micom

The Zojirushi NS-TSC10 (5.5-cup, 610W, $180 to $230) and 10-cup NS-TSC18 (820W) are the Zojirushi Micom models I would pick if I wanted a drop-in BPA-free steaming basket for vegetables or dumplings, a Cake baking mode, a stainless-clad body, and a fold-down carry handle. Since I do not use a drop-in steaming basket or carry handle, I prefer the newer Zojirushi NL-EAC10 / NL-EAC18 for its higher heating power (663W / 901W) and dedicated Jasmine, Quinoa, and GABA Brown buttons.

Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Micom rice cooker series compared with Zojirushi flat-top and classic carry-handle models — The Zojirushi NS-TSC10 and NS-TSC18 include a drop-in BPA-free steaming basket, Cake mode, and a fold-down carry handle.

Overview & Specifications

Stainless-brown Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5.5-cup Micom rice cooker with carry handle and front control panel on a wooden kitchen counter

Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer (5.5-Cup)

5.5 cups uncooked (11 cooked) · Micom (Fuzzy Logic) (610W) · Removable inner lid (3 parts to wash) · Carry handle · Made in China

Why I'd pick this

Cooks who want a stainless-clad body, a fold-down carry handle, a retractable cord, and a plastic steaming basket for vegetables or dumplings.

When I'd pass on it

Buyers who cook Jasmine, Quinoa, or GABA Brown rice often and want the higher wattage and 11 grain presets on the NL-EAC10/18.

Trade-off I noticed: Lower heating power (610W on 5.5-cup; 820W on 10-cup) than both the NS-ZCC (680W/1,000W) and NL-EAC (663W/901W) lines.

Specs & How the 8 Menus Work

Note: All specs below come from Zojirushi America's NS-TSC manual (zojirushi.com/app/product/nstsc).

The NS-TSC10 measures 10-1/8" W x 14" D x 8-1/2" H and weighs 9.4 lbs (the 10-cup NS-TSC18 measures 11-1/8" x 15" x 9-7/8" and weighs 11.9 lbs). Its 8 settings are:

White/Sushi: Shared button (you fill water to either the White or Sushi lines inside the black pot).
Mixed: For seasoned Japanese takikomi gohan cooked with vegetables and broth.
Porridge: Soft rice porridge without boil-over.
Sweet: For glutinous sticky rice (mochigome).
Brown: Longer soak and cook cycle for brown rice.
Cake: Bakes sponge cakes inside the nonstick inner pot.
Steam: Boils water in the pot to steam food in the upper basket.
Quick Cooking: Shortens the pre-soak phase when you are in a hurry.

NS-TSC10 vs. NL-EAC18 vs. NS-ZCC10

Shoppers often mix up the NS-TSC10 with the NS-ZCC10 or NL-EAC18. The NS-TSC10 is Zojirushi's older China-made stainless-body Micom. Since Zojirushi released the flat-top NL-EAC10 (663W) and NL-EAC18 (901W) with 11 menus, the only two reasons to choose the NS-TSC series today are if you need a carry handle + retractable cord under $200, or you want the included steaming basket. See my 3-way Zojirushi Micom comparison for every spec side by side.

Common Questions

What is the wattage of the Zojirushi NS-TSC10 and NS-TSC18?

The 5.5-cup Zojirushi NS-TSC10 runs at 610 watts, and the 10-cup NS-TSC18 runs at 820 watts (120V). That is slightly lower power than both the NS-ZCC10 (680W) and the NL-EAC10 (663W).

Does the Zojirushi NS-TSC10 come with a steaming basket?

Yes. The NS-TSC10 and NS-TSC18 include a BPA-free plastic steaming basket and a dedicated Steam setting with an adjustable timer, which the NS-ZCC10 and NL-EAC18 do not include.

Does the Zojirushi NS-TSC10 have a carry handle and retractable cord?

Yes. Unlike the handleless flat-top NL-EAC series, the NS-TSC10 has both a fold-down carry handle and a built-in retractable power cord.

📌 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.

Written by Mom of two boys, cooking rice for over 30 years Reader-supported: I may earn a commission when you buy through my links (editorial policy & testing standards).