if you -lrb- really -rrb- like you rice , and you be patient , then this be the machine for you . if you be look to make quick meal , and do not really care what be on you plate , then stick with Uncle Ben . there be two turn off 's for the user that need to watch the clock , and who need something quick : the countdown timer do not kick in until the final 10 min -lrb- or so -rrb- ; white rice take about 45 min to cook . if there be time for preperation , the timer function be great . after the rice be rinse , per the instruction -lrb- which should actually be read before use -rrb- , you throw it in the bowl , add water to the proper level , and set it for the time it should be ready to use . of course , if the computer can figure out the exact `` end time '' , why can not it give a rough `` countdown time '' ? but , what be you go to do ? the rice will also last for 4 or 5 hour without get gross in `` warm mode '' . conclusion : be someone that use the machine about 4 time a week , it work great for I , and I would buy another one if the current unit fall off the counter , and break ! I have also find that the family will grab a bowl of warm rice , rather than head for the potato chip . if you plan on cooking rice once every few month , you might want to check out the $ 40 unit without all the computer control .