I be a neophyte rice maker . the ns-lac05 be essentially foolproof . the instruction manual require careful reading and some interpretation but be quite usable . I have have no problem at all and be very happy with the cooker . one word of caution . the term `` porridge '' do NOT refer to porridge as use in English but be a japanese rice porridge . the `` porridge '' setting be usable but the timing be off for oatmeal .