this be a terrific rice cooker . I originally look at cheaper model , but be draw to this one because of the fantastic review . I would say the key positive for the Zojirushi cooker be 1 . -rrb- consistent production of high quality rice 2 . -rrb- the stay warm function 3 . -rrb- fool proof operation . I be not much of a cook , but this machine churn out perfect rice every time . also , with the 3 cup version you can make as little as one cup of rice -lrb- qualitatively , the best result have come when I have make 2 cup -lrb- uncooked -rrb- -rrb- . I have find 3 cup of uncooked rice be great for 3-4 hungry people . highly recommend machine !