I do a lot of research prior to choose the Zojirushi rice cooker and luckily for I by the time I be ready to purchase the company have come out with this model ns-vgc05 which be very compact and perfect for one person or even two . it do a amazing job of cook the rice to perfection . the instruction be easy to follow especially for be a novice . I be anxious to try the different setting for different rice and cake . I call the company to find out about the build in clock . the instruction do not explain whether you have to have the unit plug in to recharge the clock . the answer be that you do not have to have it plug in . it be a lithium battery that have a 5-6 year life and then you would call the company directly to have it replace . the clean up be really easy again by follow the instruction . I highly recommend this product . it be definitely worth the money pay !!!