Update 30 November 2011 : DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT . as of 8 month ago , the nonstick coating on the rice cooker pot start come loose . I think nothing of it , because it be minor scratch . over time , the nonstick start flake off into the food , so I start to get nervous . I call the part people , who inform I that the part be no longer there , and be discontinue . funny how the rice cooker be still be sell at full price . in other word , after about two year , you 'll start lose the nonstick , and you will not be able to replace it . in other word , this thing have last I all of three year flat , and I can not replace something that should be a relatively simple thing to replace . what be worse be that Sanyo 's customer service be nonexistent . I can not find the number to call they customer service directly . thing be not be build like they use to be . I should have spend the tiny bit extra , and buy the Zojirushi . that be what I 'll be do next . thanks for the horrible customer service , Sanyo . I 'll never be buy from you again . other annoyance : I make brown rice all the time . the cooker always default back to white rice , rather than remember my last choice . it also take a extra 30 minute longer than rice should take . brown rice take close to 90 minute , not 45 , like I be use to . White rice take at least 45 minute . over time , the sensor must be go wonky , because in spite of my measure perfectly each time , the cooker err on the side of mushy . the number on the inside be write in ink , and not stamp into the pot . this mean that the number rub off . where do they go ? Into my food , clearly . I be very careful with my rice cooker , because it cost a fortune , and the thing be use literally every day . I only wash it with mild dish soap , and a soft sponge . it never go in the dish washer , because we have no dish washer . so now , the simple task of measure my rice be a huge pain , because I have to squint to see the number 's impression . the lid that fit over top of the pot , and as a liner to the lid of the cooker start to get gross look over the course of 3 month or so . again , they be never place in the dish washer . the entire machine be shoddily make , and I be furious at be stupid enough to spend that kind of money .